Picking a Finisher

The Facebook page Diane's Stitchin in the Mitten has posted photo albums of finishing done by various folks some who will take finishing directly and some which you have to contact via a shop.  This is helpful so you can see if someone has experience in the type of finishing you want done. The first photo album is work by Angela Shaddon.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1623244944605504&id=1439608229635844

Here is finishing arranged by Barbara's Needlepoint.  The shop has great finishers on their staff.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1623521527911179&id=1439608229635844

These designs were finished by folks chosen by Bedecked and Beaddazzled in Baltimore.
https://www.facebook.com/1439608229635844/photos/pcb.1623883044541694/1623881041208561/?type=3&theater

These were finished at Chaparral and at Chapel Hill Needlepoint.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1624146631182002&id=1439608229635844

These were finished at Marlene's.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1624436884486310&id=1439608229635844

All of these were finished through shops--Needlepoint.com, Nimble Needle in Atlanta and Peacock Alley.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1625092711087394&id=1439608229635844

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 4, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Interview with Machelle Sommerville

The Needleart Nut has an interview with the new designer Machelle Sommerville.   
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2015/08/meet-machelle-somerville.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 24, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Little Treat for Needlepoint Now Subscribers

Anne Stradal of ABS Designs does a column for Needlepoint Now about keeping your stitching simple.  The November-December 2014 issue features Anne's stitching of a snowman from Machelle Sommerville.  Anne just got her design back from the finisher, made into a lovely pillow, so she posted a photograph for Machelle's fans.  It's really lovely and a nice ending touch for the column!
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-rest-of-story.html

Because Machelle works at Peacock Alley in Michigan, they usually have a nice stock of her designs.
http://www.peacockalleyneedlepoint.com/machelle-somerville---.html

If you are a fan of keeping your stitching simple, then you need to visit Anne's blog and website to see her own needlepoint designs and watch her applying her simple approach to a variety of canvases.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com

http://www.absdesignsonline.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 11, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

So What's It Like In Embellishment Class?

Since I live so far from any shop and have never taken a canvas embellishment class, I was surprised to hear that they have several formats.   Robin King hints at how she runs embellishment classes here in her blog posting about her trip to Peacock Alley in Michigan.  Looks like she does a guide for everyone in class and they go over the stitches used in class.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2014/07/teaching-at-peacock-alley-needlepoint.html

Robin promises more photos from the class once she gets home and unpacks (and crashes).  Until then, we can get more glimpses of how Robin's class went from Diane who was lucky enough to be one of The Nine.  By the way, the anti-tarnish needle minders apparently will be more widely available in case you want to polish up your needles.  (I never use mine long enough for this to be a problem but I have acid hands.)
http://www.dianestakingtimeouttoneedlepoint.com/2014/08/an-absolutely-awesome-weekend.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 4, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Christmas (and Halloween) in July

It's Christmas in July over at Stephanie's blog, where she showed off some dynamite finishing by Kim Hollifield.  I loved beaded edges on ornaments but I never would have thought of something so clever as this.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/07/fantastic-finishing.html

Unique New Zealand Goes Halloween

Peacock Alley is partnering with Unique New Zealand for a whole series of Keep Calm canvases.  My favorite this week is shown above but they come with many sayings. If you have a Facebook account, look for "Peacock Alley Needlepoint" and then search their Wall Photos picture album.  Your own shop might order a custom for you from Unique New Zealand or you might want to see what Peacock Alley has in stock.
http://www.peacockalleyneedlepoint.com/peacockalleyneedlepoint/Home.html

P.S.  Keep Calm fans may enjoy playing with this.
http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/#create


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

TNNA Report: Website Updates UPDATED

Folks are starting to update their websites with new things. Sundance has updated their website with photos of their sequins and Sparkles.  Click on Catalog, then use the Product pull down menu to choose sequins, to see the various colors of Sparkles, and to just explore.
http://www.sundanceneedleworks.com/


Kay Stanis has updated her Facebook page with a image of a water dragon.  It appears to be silk and metal embroidery, although the photo isn't good enough to be certain.  Chaparral Needlework is promising to update their Facebook page tomorrow morning with plenty of photographs.  Amy Bunger has already added to her photo album on the Amy's Golden Strand Facebook page.  For non-Facebook users, Amy's also updated her Market Preview page on her website.
http://www.amybunger.com/market_preview.html

UPDATE:  Peacock Alley Needlepoint has added lots of great photos with descriptions to their FB page as well.

Colleen has a few more wonderful things.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2012/01/a-little-more.html

I expect there will be more new things tonight but I think I'll wait until tomorrow to post them. I don't want heads to explode from all the new eye candy.


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

More Sales UPDATED AGAIN

It's that time of year. Shops are trying to sell old stock to make room for the newest things they plan to order at the TNNA market in late January. The first sale I heard about is at Peacock Alley in Michigan. All in-stock canvases (including their monthly clubs) are on sale at twenty-five percent off.  Books and threads are on sale at twenty percent off.  This sale ends January 28.
http://www.peacockalleyneedlepoint.com/Peacock_Alley_Needlepoint/Home.html

Needle Bug in Alabama will be closed for inventory January 2-4 but when they reopen, they plan an inventory sale January 5-6.  No word yet on what will be on sale or for how much, but if Needle Bug is your drug of choice, stay alert.
http://theneedlebug.com/

UPDATE:  Here are the sale prices at Needle Bug.  Looks like there are going to be some real bargains.  (Hint:  Check out What's New which has some darling magnets.)
http://theneedlebug.com/2012/01/out-with-the-old-and-in-with-the-new/

http://theneedlebug.com/2012/01/its-here/

Alex Paras Needle Arts is planning an online only sale on January 8th.  All in-stock items will be at least 20 percent off.  To get the sale price, you need to use the sale code WINTER at checkout.  Note that this is for the online shop only.  The brick and mortar shop Thistle Needleworks is not participating in the sale.  (Thistle owns AP Needle Arts.)
http://store.apneedlearts.com/

UPDATE:  Thistle Needleworks is having their own in-shop sale Mid-Winter Madness Sale January 6 and 7, then the online only sale is the next day.   Judie didn't want you to think that only their online customers had a sale.   Everyone, whether you visit Thistle in person or Alex Paras online, gets to participate in the sale, just on different days.


As I get e-newsletters mentioning sales, I am posting about them here.  If your favorite shop is having a January sale I don't know about, please mention it in the comments or email me at chilly hollow at hotmaildotcom and I'll post a comment for you.  Thanks!


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Shop Windows at Christmas UPDATED

Peacock Alley always has a lovely shop window each month, but I particularly love their Christmas one. It's on their Facebook page. I hope those without a FB account can see it.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=307656392586699&set=a.304194906266181.81350.100000270232592&type=1&theater

Pocket Full of Stitches shows off their window on their blog.  It's just as lovely!  Many thanks to all the shops for showing off their windows for us to enjoy.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-window.html

UPDATE:  Ridgewood joins the parade of shop windows with these elegant displays.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/12/for-those-that-are-unable-to-make-it.html


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Newsletters and More

The Needle House's latest newsletter is ready for viewing. It's full of news of their Winter sale, of next year's trunk shows and classes, and a book review.
http://www.theneedlehouse.com/jm/images/newsletters/winter_2012_web.pdf

Peacock Alley's e-newsletter isn't online but it is chock full of news. First of all, their Halloween, Thanksgiving, and fall themed canvases are on sale at twenty-five percent off through the end of December.  They are also putting their remaining Medici and Paternayan wool on sale since Medici is no longer available and Paternayan is so hard to get now.  If you love these two wools, email them for pricing and available colors.  Peacock Alley is going to stock Waverly Wool now that Paternayan is so hard to get and will be able to convert colors for you if necessary.
http://www.peacockalleyneedlepoint.com/Peacock_Alley_Needlepoint/Sale%21_Sale%21_Sale%21.html

Amy Bunger's newsletter is up on her website.  She's updated her stitch guide catalogue, has news about the Tony Minieri DVD set she's doing on proper technique, and has information about her twenty-five percent end of year sale, too.
http://www.amybunger.com/current_enewsletters.html

The December Needle Works newsletter is available, too.  It showcases Kelly Clark's designs which are the basis of several classes and clubs at the shop but there is a lot more going on at the shop than just those pieces.  You'll have a great time exploring it all at the link below.
http://theneedleworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/201112newsletter.pdf


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Document Spontaneous Acts, Win

Peacock Alley Needlepoint in Michigan just announced spontaneous acts of needlepointing are breaking out all over their area--in doctor offices, during traffic jams, at the lake and swimming pool, in the stands of baseball games, anywhere!  Take a photo of such guerilla stitching and email it to the shop by August 15, and if your snapshot is the cleverest of them all, you'll win a $25 gift certificate.

Which you will promptly spend at the shop since during the month of August they are having a Sidewalk Sale with lots of bargains in all sorts of categories, from canvases to leather goods to books and CDs and threads.
http://www.peacockalleyneedlepoint.com/Peacock_Alley_Needlepoint/Home.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Happy 4th of July, America

Peacock Alley's Display Window

Peacock Alley Needlepoint in Michigan is celebrating the 4th with their June display window.  It is full of patriotic delights and lovely reds, whites and blues.  I asked Sandy what the window contains and she replied:

"Our window features Melissa Shirley's July 4th children (stitch guide, too), and other canvases by Peacock Alley, Amy Bunger, Kathy Schenkel, Danji Designs, Painted Pony and Cooper Oaks. Threads shown are Bellalusso, Threadworx, Vineyard Silk Shimmer, Kreinik and Snow."

Not everyone who visits Blog is American, but I hope good design charms everyone.  That is a heck of a nice window!

Peacock Alley posted closeups on their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.225134404172232.65238.100000270232592

If you happen to be in the Ada, Michigan area, do visit.  If not, you can always check out their latest at their website.

http://www.PeacockAlleyNeedlepoint.com/Peacock_Alley_Needlepoint/Home.html



Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

The Real (Needlepointed) Pirates of the Caribbean

In case you saw the Pirates of the Caribbean 4 movie opening, you might like to see what Kathy Schenkel and Peacock Alley in Michigan did.  By the way, bookmark this shop and visit them on Facebook.  They are starting to be a force in the online NP shop world.
http://www.peacockalleyneedlepoint.com/Peacock_Alley_Needlepoint/Pirates_of_the_Caribbean.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Road Trip!

I rarely go anywhere except the grocery store, bank and drug store, but other needlepointers travel with projects in hand.  Since the summer vacation season is rapidly approaching, I thought you'd like to see NP on the road. Melinda's hanging out at the pool and preparing for a trip to study NP with Amy Bunger.
http://melindaslivingthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2011/04/have-needlepoint-will-travel.html

Pat has just moved closer to her family so she is checking out her new LNS.  The second link is to the shop's website so you can browse a little with Pat.
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2011/04/adventure.html

http://www.peacockalleyneedlepoint.com/Peacock_Alley_Needlepoint/Home.html

There's no place like home but a little travel is good for the soul (and the stitching).

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

New Stitch Guide Source and Sales

Julie Pischke's Sassy Sea Horse

Last night I--you guessed it--did more tent stitches in Cha's background.  Today I'll be able to continue stitching the left wing.  It just took a very long time to surround the area with tent stitches so that I wouldn't disturb the wing stitches by doing background next to them.  On the positive side, there is only about a quarter of the background left to stitch after this week's background stitch marathon. Look on the bright side, I always say!

I posted a new entry on the CH Stitch Guides blog this morning.  It's all about French Knot in Texas, their revamped website, and the huge number of stitch guides available from them.  You'll want to check it out to see if your favorite designer canvas has a guide from French Knot.
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2010/07/stitch-guide-heaven-french-knot.html

I stumbled across a mention of Peacock Alley Needlepoint in Michigan's having a 20-40% off sale of everything in their store (except for their Shorebirds trunk show and the Michigan kits plus their threads are 10% off).  They specifically mention all the Lee leather goods being on sale as well as the HP lacquered boxes they have in stock. All in all, a good time to go shopping but remember that the sale ends July 31st.
http://www.peacockalleyneedlepoint.com/Peacock_Alley_Needlepoint/Home.html

Finally, Old World Designs in California is having a Julie Pischke trunk show this month as well as a special show of circus-themed canvases from many designers.  If you love summery beach canvases inspired by Key West or are a Big Tent fan (who isn't?) you will want to check these out in person the next time you can get to Menlo Park and the shop.  Sadly, there aren't many photos online, but if you want to explore Julie's website and then call the shop, check the second link.  Got a favorite circus canvas?  Email them to see if it is available and get the cost.
http://www.oldworlddesigns.com/

http://www.juliepischkedesigns.com/index.shtml

The Stitching Destashing Blog has just listed new items.  There are a lot of small Christmas-themed painted canvases and quite a few very nice counted thread projects.  Have a browse.
http://www.stitchingdestashing.blogspot.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow

I'll Stitch Background While You Head Over There

I finally finished the blue sky behind the snowman yesterday.  I like how it looks, with the open stitch adding depth and texture behind the snowman.  I will add the white snowflakes later on.  I think I will wait until more of the piece is stitched before I decide between beads or metallic threads for the flakes floating down around the snowman and his Christmas presents.  I think he's walking across the snow to deliver presents to his friends, don't you?

Since nothing is more boring than looking at background, I should point out that the length of his stocking cap is stitched.  The white stripes are done with Impressions and the gray highlights are Medici wool.  These two threads are similar in diameter and both are fuzzy so they look good together.  The red stripes are done with two shades of Trio.  I separated the Trio into three strands and stitched with just one of them.  I wanted something close to the diameter of Impressions and Medici if possible.  Trio is a little fatter but I pulled my tent stitches taut which helped them look similar to the white stripes.

While I debate which section to work on next, I have some goodies for you to see.  TNNA has changed their World of Needlepoint site.  Now it has profiles of various designers and shops, and also a series of photos of finished pieces to admire.  Here are the photos of finished projects.  See the little Info rectangle below the photo at the left?  Click on that for more information, usually the designer and sometimes the stitcher and finisher.  Click on Featured Artist or Featured Shop to read all about the folks who cater to our needle needs.
http://www.worldofneedlepoint.com/finishedwork.html

Jan Sprague has added tips to her Stitchlady's Adventures blog.   I've never heard of keeping a sharp needle handy for tying off.  How clever!
http://stitchlady.wordpress.com/tips-hints-and-fun-info/

Finally, if you are from Michigan, you have to go look at Peacock Alley's Michigan Memories club.  Each canvas is shaped like the state of Michigan but within its borders are fun activities that you can do there.  It is an unusual monthly club but one that is sure to be a big hit for Michigan stitchers.  If you can't decide, visit the second link for more Michigan-themed canvases.  Those are not part of the series but they celebrate Michigan also.  Pat, this is for you!
http://www.peacockalleyneedlepoint.com/Peacock_Alley_Needlepoint/Michigan_Memories_-_Canvases.html

http://www.peacockalleyneedlepoint.com/Peacock_Alley_Needlepoint/Michigan_Mojo.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow