Learning Pillow Finishing Language with Fire and Iris

Fire and Iris have a great article about the different types of pillow finishing available (with pictures!) that will help you understand the lingo and know exactly what to ask for.

https://fireandirisdesigns.com/blogs/news/needlepoint-pillow-finishing-lingo

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 31, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: Scam Alert

Rittenhouse has discovered a fake website pretending to be the real Rittenhouse!

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-5WLb0xRat/

For those without an Instagram account, I'm quoting this posting in full so you know what to look for when you run across a fake needlepoint shop website.  

"We wanted to alert you to a spoof of our website. 

Our real website is rittenhouseneedlepoint.com. 

Cyber scams are becoming more and more sophisticated. Please be careful and review the actual web address and cross check it from another source such as an email directly from the brand or the brand’s socials. Spoofs are often (but not always) made on less common url’s such as .shop or .global, because these urls are usually available and inexpensive. There will usually be other signs like generic icons (the icon of this fake shop is a gift box instead of our needle logo), lots of typos, lack of product descriptions, only one picture on most product pages or pictures that are slightly off (pixelated, etc), pricing that is too good to be true, lack of contact phone numbers, lots of dead links/404 errors, etc. Most anti-virus programs will protect you from fake sites, so you may want to consider getting protection.

This is much more common in fashion and other industries. It’s disheartening to see our industry now being targeted. It can be difficult to get these fake sites shut down. You can help us, and your fellow needle-pointers, by using Google’s phishing report page to report this website. This will at least stop the fake site from coming up in searches while we work to have it shut down completely.

https://safebrowsing.google.com/safebrowsing/report_phish/?hl=en

Do not visit this site – but please do report it: rittenhouseneedlepoi.shop

Fireside Stitchery has also been spoofed. Please also report, but do not visit: firesidestitchery.shop"

We'll have to work together to get rid of these scam artists.  Follow Rittenhouse's recommendations and let your stitching buddies know if you find a fake version of a real LNS.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 21, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Rittenhouse Has New Owners

Rittenhouse has new owners!  Stephen and Russell still have a minority ownership in their baby but three new folks are taking over the business with exciting plans for the future.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CusDxkFJjn9/?img_index=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 16, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Frey Check Tidbit

Rittenhouse posted a short message on Facebook about Frey Check which is used to keep threads from unraveling.  I knew Frey Check dries clear but not that you can remove it with rubbing alcohol.  Interesting!

https://www.facebook.com/rittenhouse.needlepoint/posts/pfbid0sxGbCTc5gtnTuMzaH3a9ohCYFNo89NhGRfLstencugaw4fam9vi72DfVNQZdYV41l

If you want to use Frey Check, shop around.  The price varies a lot for the standard 3/4 ounce bottle.

https://www.joann.com/prym-dritz-fray-check-sealant/1052851.html

You can use other items instead of Frey Check that you might own already.  This article mentions several although it is geared toward machine sewing.

https://sewingiscool.com/fray-check-alternative/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 18, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Rittenhouse is For Sale UPDATED

Ever wanted to own a needlepoint store?  If you happen to live in the Philadelphia area, you are in luck--Rittenhouse Needlepoint is for sale!

https://myneedlepoint.com/

The owners Russell and Stephen want to retire but they want the shop, the websites and of course the Barbara Russell and Changing Women Designs lines of canvases they own, to have a good home.  Contact buyaneedlepointstore@gmail.com to get the ball rolling.

UPDATE:  A majority ownership in the shop is sold to three new folks with Russell and Stephen owning a bit of the business still.  Details to come.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CusDxkFJjn9/?img_index=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 8, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Cosmo Updated

I am a huge fan of Cosmo, which is a Japanese six ply cotton floss, available in hundreds of colors and even in about thirty overdyes. Trish Burr is working with Cosmo's manufacturer in Japan to package color ranges for sale.  If you've ever despaired about finding 5-7 shades of a color for a design, Cosmo has what you need.  

https://trishburr.com/2023/01/27/cosmo-floss/

If you don't want to do mail order or Trish runs out of these limited edition packs, check with quilt shops in your area.  Many carry Cosmo.  I love stitching with it.  Of all the cotton flosses available, Cosmo is my favorite by far due to the huge color range, the silky feel as you stitch with it, and the quality of the cotton thread itself.

UPDATE:  Rittenhouse just posted that they stock Cosmo.  There are tons of shades!

https://www.facebook.com/rittenhouse.needlepoint/photos/a.640836352697490/5802869793160761/

Here is their website ordering page in case you can't resist.

https://myneedlepoint.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Cosmo+6+stranded+embroidery+floss

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 27, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Needlepoint Heart Locket

Rittenhouse just posted this heart they finished as a locket.  It was stitched by a nine year old and is the most unique finished heart I've seen all year.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0CWnWHz8EJbefVqz9ZsCLJheFvCrfyWJAn8rCij2qqL8dZa3CwGi4Ncc6GQU6CjJ2l&id=100063671288166

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 30, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Plan Ahead....WAY Ahead

The July shop newsletter from Rittenhouse in Philadelphia has a lot of information about delays in obtaining painted canvases and custom acrylic trays.  The shop says they are getting shipments more regularly but their acrylic tray finisher is full up and won't be taking any more orders.  They are trying to find another acrylic maker to help ease the situation but no promises.

The shop has also heard about delays in getting canvases from some designers:

Labors of Love- All canvas orders delayed until further notice

The Meredith Collection- At least 6+ months

Melissa Shirely- For STOCKINGS always order in advance, wait time of 1 year+

Strictly Christmas- Always order in advance, wait time of 1 year+

Carol Dupree- All canvases delayed indefinitely

Kate Dickerson- We don't have an official update but some canvas orders are still held up at the painting house for several months.

The moral of the story is to plan ahead.  Melissa Shirley Designs now has a section on her website for items that are currently in stock.  I haven't noticed any other designer doing this but some may have.  Your favorite shop may be able to track down a canvas you want through their network of fellow shop owners.  You also should ask in the big stitching groups like Facebook's Needlepoint Nation to see if anyone has seen that canvas you want in their local shop or perhaps has it in their stash and are willing to part with it.

Supply chain issues are here to stay for at least several years, so plan ahead and be flexible.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 1, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Let's Not Be Afraid to Strand

The latest newsletter from Rittenhouse Needlepoint in Philadelphia talks about Russell's stitching and how it is meditative for him.  Scroll down about half way to read what he has to say.

https://mailchi.mp/71c51cc73721/rittenhouse-needlepoint-april-newsletter-2648657?e=75d9b2183a

I'm not sure how long this newsletter will be available so I'm going to summarize what he says.  Russell loves Trio, the three ply silk/wool available from Brown Paper Packages, the company that makes Silk n Ivory for 13 count designs.  Since Russell likes to stitch in hand, if he is working on 18 count, he strands a skein of Trio before he starts to stitch so that he can enjoy the meditative scoop style stitching using tent or basketweave he likes to do.  (He can use Silk n Ivory as it comes off the skein for his 13 count projects.)

Russell says, "Simply put -- most meditative stitchers do NOT want to strand thread because it breaks the meditative rhythm of doing needlepoint."  So if you are working on 18 count, separate your thread into plies all at once, then stitch yourself into a meditative state.  

Your brain, heart and soul will thank you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 26, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Rittenhouse Videos

Rittenhouse in Philadelphia started out their YouTube channel with thread videos.  It was a great place to learn about various threads.  Now they are branching out with video channels for beginners, finishing, tips, store tours and something called "The Expert Series" which is the thread channel with introductions to all sorts of thread types and brands.

https://www.youtube.com/user/RNeedlepoint/playlists

It's a great browse and a good resource.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 30, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Needlepoint Truck

Rittenhouse has done a fascinating original design to go over a wooden truck.  Amazing!

https://www.facebook.com/rittenhouse.needlepoint/posts/4946348055479610

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 16, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

More Poison Bottles!

If you are a fan of the Kirk and Bradley poison bottle series, Rittenhouse also has what they call spooky bottles which are similar.  These are available on either 13 or 18 count and the stoppers are separate.  I've not seen any of these finished but I bet they look wonderful.  

https://myneedlepoint.com/canvas/holiday/halloween.html?cat=1352&utm_source=Newsletter+Master+-+Updated+10.1.21&utm_campaign=80cc17ce90-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_02_21_04_14_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9e94cea1c5-80cc17ce90-1203957474

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 16, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Martha Stewart's Guide for Beginning Needlepointers

Alert Blog readers might have noticed in yesterday's posting that Martha Stewart has a new online guide for new needlepointers.  It's full of links to the shops we know and love as well as big box craft stores and of course Etsy.

https://www.marthastewart.com/7841582/needlepoint-guide-beginners?goal=0_3621358244-b15c891cb7-69335125&mc_cid=b15c891cb7&mc_eid=73961ee0ea

Hopefully Martha charms folks into trying needlepoint.  Go teach a beginner, folks!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 24, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Rittenhouse's Custom Design Work

Rittenhouse has added information about the various levels of detail available in their custom canvases to their website.  Scroll down past the form to read about them.  The second link below has more information about custom work.  If you are interested in using the services Rittenhouse provides, read everything carefully.

https://paintneedlepoint.com/paintingestimate/?utm_source=Newsletter+Master+-+Updated+10%2F31&utm_campaign=27f37f9bf1-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_02_21_04_14_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9e94cea1c5-27f37f9bf1-1203957474

https://mailchi.mp/073573dde724/rittenhouse-needlepoint-april-newsletter-2648622?e=75d9b2183a

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 21, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Rittenhouse Copes with Covid-19

Like all our beloved shops, Rittenhouse in Philadelphia has struggled during the coronavirus.  With the help of understanding customers and their magnificent staff, they are soldiering on.

https://mailchi.mp/d73d59fd63e8/rittenhouse-needlepoint-april-newsletter-2648606?e=75d9b2183a

We applaud you, Rittenhouse!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 15, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Threadaholic's YouTube Channel

I've been watching the Rittenhouse YouTube channel develop as the shop adds more and more videos.  It's a fun place to visit, but it is getting very interesting for those interested in threads.  They now have short videos on these threads:

Coronet Braid
Colonial Needle's Persian wool
Capri
Burmilana
Boucle
Bijoux, also known as Lacqered Jewels
Belle Soie
Baroque Sil
Bella Lusso
Aurora
Arctic Rays
Appleton's tapestry and crewel wool
Anchor cotton floss
Alpaca 18
Alabaster
Accentuate

There is much more but if you want to learn about threads, this is a very fun resource.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKms3Z4kF57Gidv8dUYmv2Q

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 17, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Video Tour of Rittenhouse Needlepoint

Rittenhouse Needlepoint in Philadelphia has moved to new quarters and the owners have created a video that shows where you can find the shop and all the goodies inside (not least of which is Winnie the Poodle).  Russell and Stephen have big plans for their website and store, and it's fun to hear them talk about what they plan to do in the future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxrR8j855AE&sns=em

By the way, Melita has recently visited Rittenhouse with her local ANG chapter.  You'll want to hear about her visit here.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2018/03/15/rittenhouse-needlepoint-road-trip/

If you are going to be in Philadelphia soon, make sure you stop by.  If you aren't, visit Rittenhouse's website.
http://myneedlepoint.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 10, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Rittenhouse and Changing Woman Designs

The latest e-newsletter from Rittenhouse Needlepoint announces that after the death of Andrea Brisben, Rittenhouse has picked up her Changing Woman Designs and will be publishing them for our stitching pleasure.
http://mailchi.mp/rittenhouseneedlepoint/april-2017-newsletter?e=2ee997e4aa

Here is Andrea's website so you can explore her work.  Pour yourself your favorite beverage and settle down to read the Rittenhouse news and learn more about Changing Woman Designs.
http://changingwomandesigns.com/About.php

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 22, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Rittenhouse has Big News

Rittenhouse Needlepoint has lots of news this month.  The shop is moving eight blocks to the east and will be very close to the Reading Terminal Market now.
http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=7e9f15be9b&e=dc528215e5

Here's a video of Rittenhouse's new home.  This is Before Renovation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOxXQki9e1o

Plus, they now own the Barbara Russell line of canvases. You can browse the Rittenhouse collection of Barbara Russell on their website
https://rittenhouseneedlepoint.com/canvas.html?limit=200&manufacturer=2766&p=1&utm_campaign=7e9f15be9b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_03_11&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Rittenhouse+Newsletter+Group+2&utm_term=0_6b3a1bb991-7e9f15be9b-338326693&vendor_manufacturer=1275

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 13, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Rittenhouse Tour

Do you love shop tours like I do? Then you will adore visiting Rittenhouse in Philadelphia with Sheena.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/rittenhouse-needlepoint/

Of course if Philly isn't on your travel itinerary this year, you can visit the shop website.  Have fun exploring!
https://rittenhouseneedlepoint.com/home

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 22, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.