Echoes of Elizabeth Needle Case

Donna's finished her Gay Ann Rogers' needle case.  This is called "Echoes of Elizabeth" and uses some of the motifs from Gay Ann's Elizabeth 1 designs.

http://majtravaux.blogspot.com/2024/08/took-unintentional-break.html

It is beautiful!  Lovely work, Donna.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

When Beads Go Bad-Substitute!

Recently I obtained a used copy of the instructions for Gay Ann Roger's Queen Elizabeth 1 heart.  Gay Ann's hearts are usually sold with a bead and threads kit but of course since someone already stitched this, they weren't included with my design.  So I had to improvise, using what I had here in my stash.    For comparison purposes, here is the Queen Elizabeth 1 heart, stitched beautifully by Beth as Gay Ann intended, using Gay Ann's threads and beads.  Click on the photograph for a good look.
http://bethsneedleworkstash.blogspot.com/2013/01/heart-of-elizabeth-stitched.html

My heart is not nearly as elegant!  After all, the pulled work wouldn't pull on Congress cloth so I abandoned pulled work for gathered Flair.  I cannot replicate the necklace exactly, either, since the beads I have here are not the same sizes or shapes.  So I tried to improvise.

My Heart, with Wonky Central Necklace Area

You can see the start of my necklace above.  Beads are wiggly things in general but I found it very hard to keep mine straight.  The sizes weren't quite right and even though I went through all the beads several times and backstitched around them, they still are not quite straight.  Part of this is because my new eyes after cataract surgery don't do close work perfectly.  (Dazor lamp here I come!)  Part is also due to the fact that I was hurrying.  I'd heard from various folks that the necklace was the hardest part of the whole design anyway.  I believe them.  So what to do?  Keep trying?

Nope, I have a Secret Weapon which you see on the right side of the heart, just sitting there.  That, my friends, is a Sundance Golden Square #BDS-MA006A.  It is from Sundance's new line of Metallic Accents!  You can see most of them here, although the Golden Squares aren't shown yet.
http://www.sundanceneedleworks.com/catalog.php?LimitRows=all

My Heart After Sundance Came to the Rescue

Looks a lot better now, doesn't it?  Golden Squares cover an area about 5 threads high and 5 wide on 18 count needlepoint canvas.  My heart is on Congress cloth, where the Golden Squares cover an area a bit more than 6 threads high and wide.  There's a lot more to do to finish this necklace and then I need to do the second pearl necklace but now I feel a lot better about how it looks.

The moral of the story is that when beads go bad, you can sometimes find a great substitute for your look.

By the way, there is good news for those who love Gay Ann Roger's varied heart designs.  She is stitching more for her traditional February sale.  Keep an eye on her website for news about the sale dates. Gay Ann only has 2-3 sales a year since she needs time to stitch.
http://www.gayannrogers.com/index.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 7, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Picking Colors

Recently I've been working on a counted canvaswork piece, Gay Ann Roger's Queen Elizabeth Heart.  You can see Beth's finished heart here--
http://bethsneedleworkstash.blogspot.com/2013/01/heart-of-elizabeth-stitched.html

You may have noticed photos of my heart posted here in the background or over in the right hand column as I worked away.  Obviously my colors are totally different.  That's because I bought the instructions used without any of the threads and beads that come in the kit.  I planned to substitute items from my stash.  But what colors?  Should I stick with an Elizabethean look or choose favorite colors?

I am no good at picking colors that will work together so I decide to cheat.  I google'd Japanese kimonos and choose my favorite--a wedding kimono made by Chiso--then picked the colors from that.  You can see the kimono itself in the background of Blog and you can also see it on the Chiso website.  Just click on the arrows to cycle through their lovely pieces.
http://www.chiso.co.jp

The colors I came up with are dark plum, persimmon, harvest gold, and lime green with gold, emerald and ruby touches for the jewelry along with pearls.  The heart is stitched on white Congress cloth.  I had only blue and ecru so I chose to use the ecru rather than buy new.

Then I had to go through the instructions very carefully, listing all the colors used for each part.  That way I knew charcoal silk floss was used in the original for the blackwork.  Then I went through my stash, looking for colors from the kimono that I had in silk flosses so I knew what I had to use on my version of the blackwork.  Make sense?

It took a lot of rummaging and planning and I did change my mind several times, using the harvest gold only once and changing a gold area to lime green, but I finally came up with a pretty unusual color scheme.  When I finish the heart I'll post a photograph of the final look, with apologies to Gay Ann Rogers and thanks for a very interesting design.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 20, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Gay Ann Roger's Sale Starts Tomorrow

Gay Ann Rogers' October sale will start tomorrow, October 20. Looks like she has a new Jeweled Heart in her series to sell, plus I think she will have a limited number of Queen Elizabeth I portrait kits for sale.  Mark your calendars!
http://www.gayannrogers.com/index.html

http://gayannrogers.blogspot.com/2016/10/preparing-for-my-biggest-sale-of-year-e.html

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

Gay Ann Rogers Has a Sale UPDATED

Tomorrow Gay Ann Roger's annual chart sale will begin. Here's a hint as to what will be available.
https://www.facebook.com/860462527326471/photos/np.1444190938629544.1277706333/946540988718624/?type=3

This sale will be smaller than in year's past as Gay Ann was ill over the summer.  She's all better now but getting ready for a big chart sale when you're not feeling 100% means this will be mostly small heart ornaments only.  Still, it will be fun and something special is promised for Saturday's offerings. To get an idea of what Gay Ann's hearts look like and get a preview of what's going to be sold, go to her website.
http://www.gayannrogers.com

UPDATE:  A direct link to the hearts and the crown ornament.  Warning: You will be tempted by all the feminine lovelies here!
http://www.gayannrogers.com/royal-hearts-sale.html

UPDATE #2:  With the sale over, the images are gone but here is Brenda's Imperial Rubies Heart.
http://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2015/12/imperial-rubies-heart-updated-122115.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 7, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stress Then and Now

The British tapestry designer Anna Pearson talks about stress release then and now.
http://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2015/06/combatting-stress.html

I think we all stitch to get through hard times, don't you?
https://hangingbyathreadembroidery.wordpress.com/2015/06/08/frank-turner-and-fine-cell-work/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 8, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Quick Notes

Just wanted to remind everyone that Gay Ann Rogers is continuing to post tips for improving needlework for stitchers of all abilities on her website. This is a run-up to her releasing her next big counted project, the portrait of Catherine the Great, in early May.  When that happens, the tips will disappear so read through them now.  The latest lesson is featured on this page, but you can read them all by clicking on the various buttons at the bottom left side of the page.
http://www.gayannrogers.com/lessons.html

If you aren't familiar with Gay Ann Rogers' counted canvaswork portraits, check out this video featuring her Queen Elizabeth I along with two smaller portraits of Mary, Queen of Scots and Bess of Hardwick.  She says Catherine will be much more opulent in keeping with her style and her age.
https://vimeo.com/31689238

In other news, I am posting a lot of new stitch guide information on the CH Stitch Guides blog this month.  Guides are available everywhere these days!  Don't forget to check in periodically to keep up with stitch guide news or just find out how to contact the stitch guide writer you want to reach.  To go there, just click on the photo of the magic carpet in the right hand column of this page.  You'll magically be transported to that blog.  Click on the magic carpet there and you will fly back to Blog.

I'm also planning to blog stitch a piece once I finish my current project.  Stay tuned for that announcement shortly....

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 9, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Gay Ann Rogers' Hearts Sale is TOMORROW

Gay Ann Rogers has retired from teaching but not designing counted canvaswork pieces. This year she is working on a portrait of Catherine the Great of Russia that will be offered later in the year (May?  Her annual October sale?).  Gay Ann also does a mini sale in February of charted heart designs.   This sale starts TOMORROW.  Some items are one-of-a-kind and the charts sold as kits are often limited in number so pay attention to the times the sales will occur.  I never remember because her starting time is most inconvenient for me so I miss out very often.  Don't be like me!
http://www.gayannrogers.com/hearts-2015.html

http://gayannrogers.blogspot.com/2015/02/among-my-hearts-this-february-is.html

This year there will be four new heart designs (including the magnificent Imperial Emeralds Heart which is based on one of Catherine the Great's crowns), special antique awls, special scissors fobs and tool sets, etc.  There will be items for the Sweet Tooth box of stitching goodies, which is actually a repurposed See's Candy Valentine box that is used for stitching tools and supplies.
http://www.gayannrogers.com/catherine.html

If you have not seen her portraits of Queen Elizabeth I and the smaller portraits of Mary, Queen of Scots and Bess of Hardwick, you can see them here.  I don't believe these kits will be offered for sale again as GAR can't get the special tiny pearls and other beads used for them any more.  She says the Catherine the Great portrait will be much more opulent.  Hard to believe, right?
http://vimeo.com/31689238

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 10, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Queen Elizabeth's For Sale

Fans of Gay Ann Roger's counted canvaswork have seen her Queen Elizabeth I portrait.  If you have not, let me show you this video.
http://vimeo.com/31689238

I just heard from someone who has one of the kits for Queen Elizabeth for sale.  She is asking $300 for the complete kit (including the real pearls and all threads), the stretcher bars, tacks and postage within the United States.   If you are interested, email me at chillyhollow at hotmail dot com and give me contact information.  I'll put you in touch with the seller.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 2, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Amy's Pearls

The September newsletter for Amy's Golden Strand is available now. In it Amy's going nuts over pearls. Big ones, little ones, ovals, pinks, creams, any sort of pearl you can imagine.  She even touches on the historic pearls that Henry VIII and his contemporaries owned.  You can even see Anne Boleyn's favorite necklace.
http://www.amybunger.com/f/0913.pdf

I have to admit I am wild over SJ Designs' beads myself (not to mention their great customer service) and own some lovely pink and peach pearls in little boxes, just waiting for the perfect canvas....
http://www.sj-designs.com/category_7/Pearls.htm

By the way, Amy talks about other things in the newsletter, mostly new products.  They are already listed on her shop website to make shopping easier.
http://www.amybunger.com/whats_new.html?utm_source=September+2013+Newsletter&utm_campaign=September+Newsletter&utm_medium=email

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Visiting Needlework All Over England

Kathy has been to Hampton Palace visiting the Royal School of Needlework on a trip to England from her current home base of Berlin. Her report makes me feel like I walked through those gates with her and met crewel enthusiasts from all over the world who are studying there. 
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2013/07/11/friends-at-the-rsn/

Then she went to the Queen's Gallery to see an exhibit of costume in art.  If you are interested in Elizabethan costume you are going to be enthralled with her report.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2013/07/18/in-fine-style/

She's also been to the Victoria and Albert Museum.  Follow the link to see great close ups of the embroidery she saw there.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2013/07/20/victoria-and-albert-museum/

What a summer vacation!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pocket Histories of Bess and Mary

Gay Ann Rogers' husband is a retired history professor, which certainly came in handy when Gay Ann developed an interest in Queen Elizabeth I and her contemporaries and designed projects using that information.   He has written small booklets on Mary, Queen of Scots and Bess of Hardwick that stitchers interested in English history might want to purchase.
http://gayannrogers.blogspot.com/2013/07/history-for-stitchers-small-booklets-on.html

I've read his supplemental material on Queen Elizabeth I which was part of Gay Ann's Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I class and found the articles interesting, scholarly and informative.  I have not seen these so I can't comment on their value.  There is a brief introduction to the booklets on Gay Ann's website plus links to purchase if you are so inclined.  I don't know how long these will be on sale so I suggest you act sooner rather than later if you are interested.
http://www.gayannrogers.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Queen Elizabeth I Lecture and Booklet

I just received an email from Kate Gaunt, the head of the Shining Needle Society, which I would like to share with you all.  Kate said:

"I am pleased to share an announcement of a VERY special presentation coming this January to Callaway Gardens.

An informational flyer is available at:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/46618682/Callaway_Fundraiser_Flyer_PDF.pdf

and in the files section of SNS Home Room:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SNS_Home_Room/files/Callaway_Fundraiser_Flyer_PDF.pdf

From Marie-Therese Baker, Director of the Needle Arts School at Callaway Gardens:

A very special treat is in store for all of you, who are fans of Carole Lake and Michael Boren or those of you who have been fans of Gay Ann Rogers' Elizabeth I designs. That dynamic duo (Carole and Michael) will be doing a very unique presentation at the Callaway School of Needle Arts on Friday, January 18th, on the life and passions of Elizabeth I and those who lived in merry old England during the Elizabethan era. It looks to be an interesting and highly entertaining two hours for $25.00!! Offered in the morning and again in the afternoon, Carole and Michael are generously donating their time as a fundraiser for the School of Needle Arts. If you live in the area and would like to attend, call Pat Callihan, the Needle Arts Coordinator, at 1-800-7-NEEDLE to register for the session.

But you say that you can't make it this year? Not to worry! Carole and Michael have generously offered the booklet they've written and will use in their sessions to anyone who wishes to have one. The cost is $30.00 ($25.00 + $5.00 for shipping). Just call Pat Callihan at 1-800-7-NEEDLE; leave her a message if she is out of the office. You can also send her an e-mail at pccalli@callawaygardens.com to reserve your copy. Payment can be by check or credit card.

This offer is only good until January 10th. Don't miss out on an opportunity to be a part of this fundraiser and to own a copy of Carole's and Michael's perspective of this unique and fascinating woman and the times she lived in.

If you have questions, send Marie-Therese an e-mail at marietherese.baker@gmail.com."

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

Her Royal Highness Comes to Life UPDATED

Mary Ruth Erica just posted a progress report on her Queen Elizabeth I piece she is stitching through a Shining Needle Society cyberclass with Gay Ann Rogers.  Doesn't this look great?!
http://stitchinginnc.blogspot.com/2012/08/work-in-progress-wednesday.html

You can see other versions of the First Elizabeth, some finished and some underway, on Gay Ann Rogers' website.  Don't miss the additional photos on the second page.
http://www.gayannrogers.com/elizabeth-exhibition.html

UPDATE:  Here is more about the class, along with another student's progress.
http://hokkaidokudasai.blogspot.com/2012/09/about-queen.html

Sorry, Mary Ruth and Erica!  I mixed you up in the rush to publish!

Jane, hanging her head in shame in CH (sigh)

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

Elizabethan Stitches: A Book Review

Anyone who has a lot of stitch dictionaries on their bookshelves and thinks they have seen it all will be interested in reading a review of a new book called "Elizabethan Stitches:  A Guide to Historic English Needlework" that Jacqui Carey has just published.  It is full of surface embroidery stitches we needlepointers have never seen, done in threads that are no longer available.  In the last five years, Elizabethan embroidery has become clearer than ever to its stitching descendants 400 years away in time.  It looks like this book is going to advance that knowledge greatly.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2012/03/elizabethan-stitches-jacqui-carey.html

If you are curious about stitches, if history is your delight, or if you want to do reproduction stitching in the 17th Century manner, then this book is for you.  It has to be ordered from this English site,
http://www.careycompany.com/

or from this Canadian shop which I have ordered from occasionally and can vouch for.
http://www.traditionalstitches.com/p_Carey.html

I also found it available via pre-order here.
http://www.bookdepository.com/Elizabethan-Stitches-Jacqui-Carey/9780952322580

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

Elizabeth I Portrait Gallery UPDATED

Since there has been so much interest in my comments about stitching Miko's face, I thought Blog readers would enjoy visiting Gay Ann Rogers' website which currently features her portrait of Queen Elizabeth I.  Not only do you get to see Gay Ann's portrait and read her own ideas about stitching faces and hands, you will be able to see the companion portraits of Bess of Harwick and Mary, Queen of Scots, and also see her students' Queen Elizabeths, each slightly different with their own personality despite the fact that this is counted canvaswork, and each student worked their face from a graph.
http://www.gayannrogers.com/site_2/Home_Page.html

It's a fascinating study of  just how much personality you can put into a face with only a few stitches.  Each face is slightly different which I find marvelous!

UPDATE:  Facial differences aren't the only ones, just the most obvious.  Ann talks about how and why her Elizabeth, stitched as a test model, differs from the one Gay Ann Rogers designed.
http://stitchingfoolishness.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-version-of-elizabeth.html

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