Self Finishing Tips and Tricks: The Movie

Time's getting short for Christmas and this year (and last) shops are having quadruple the number of items to finish.  Short version:  if you turned things in to your shop last June, they might be ready by December.  But if you are totally desperate, you can try self-finishing items with products from Planet Earth, Sudbury, Beth Gantz and more. 

But doing it yourself is scary, so the Pointing It Out Podcast has come to our rescue with a video about self-finishing tips and tricks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_qFHsZdGFw

Here is a link to Sudberry's Betsy Box.  (Sudberry has other styles and sizes of boxes.)

http://www.sudberry.com/catalog/betsycarol.htm

Here are the Sudbury trays.

http://www.sudberry.com/catalog/trays.htm

Here are the Beth Gantz self-finishing ornaments and boxes.

https://www.bethgantzdesigns.com/products/boxes

Planet Earth's self-finishing items, including their jewelry boxes and clutches. are here.

http://planetearthfiber.com/index.php/leather2

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Planet Earth Self-Finishing Box Tutorial

Ever worried about how to attach a canvas to the lid of one of those Planet Earth Fiber self-finishing boxes?  Someone asked on Needlepoint Nation and got lots of help.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/3312862558790879/

In case you've never seen these, they look like this and also come in lime green, orange and pink.

https://needlepoint.com/products/planet-earth-leather-jewelry-case-navy

The Pointing It Out podcast (available on YouTube) has a whole series about self-finishing items if you want to see more options.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SMSdhD6Fr0

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com 

© Copyright September 15, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Canvas in a Box

Sue explains how to insert a needlepoint canvas into a box lid, starting with the choice of box and canvas, and ended up with the prefect present.
https://sudukc.wordpress.com/2016/06/29/lighthouse-in-a-box/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 29, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Lorraine's Cats

Colour Complements just posted photographs of an original design (intended for the lid of a Sudberry box) created by Barb using the Colour Complements overdyed perle cotton. It's wonderful and fun and looks easy, too! 
http://colourcomplements.com/2014/12/hand-dyed-perle-cotton.html

Congratulations to Barb for creating such a wonderful present.  And congratulations to Lorraine of Colour Complements for making such pretty inspirational threads.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 17, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Monogram for Christmas

Ridgewood has a really clever idea for a stitching gift on their blog today--combine a monogram canvas and a box lid and call it done!  Of course with Christmas almost here, this may not be feasible for a December 25 present but there are birthdays and anniversaries and other things in our futures where this will be a wonderful idea.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/11/if-you-need-gift-that-can-be-finished.html

If boxes aren't your gift recipient's style, how about luggage tags?  I think these are from Lee/Colonial Needle, but I am not certain.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/11/bridesmaids.html

Nimble Needle has some gorgeous Creative Needle jewelry cases, too.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2014/11/gifts-you-can-stitch-and-finish-yourself.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 16, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing Friday: Halloween and More

For today's finishing Friday we head to Louise's Needlework.  The shop shows off a darling Halloween pumpkin tray perfect for the Phantom of the Opera fan.  This canvas is from Alice Peterson and the tray from Sudberry.
http://louisesneedlwork.blogspot.com/2014/10/diane-can-finally-share-her-alice.html

Also for Halloween, one of Louise's customers just finished her Halloweenies witch.  Canvas is by Kelly Clark and guide by Amy Bunger.
http://louisesneedlwork.blogspot.com/2014/10/emily-has-finally-finished-stirha.html

Ridgewood's Kappy has a fun Halloween tree and several wonderful stand ups.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/10/its-almost-halloween-check-out-kappys.html

Not everyone is a big Halloween fan so here is a great mermaid pillow with fabulous pearls trim.  I think that the canvas is by Alice Peterson.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2014/10/melissa-shirleys-stable-finished.html

Happy Halloween!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 8, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing Friday: The Masculine Side

This morning's finishing starts out with a lovely Sudberry box decorated with one of Jan Fitzpatrick's Thread Medley designs, stitched through Cyberpointers.  It was stitched by Liz for her husband, who surely will adore it.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/young-mans-fancy-finished.html

Here is the Thread Medley website, full of fun charts to explore.
http://www.threadmedley.com/Thread_Medley/Welcome.html

Whimsy and Grace showed a lovely pumpkin leather purse at Market.  Here are several great photos, courtesy of the Needlepointing in Your Nest Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=699060630138559&set=a.695333217177967.1073741862.141607859217175&type=3&theater

Sue has stitched another Gaughi doll.  This one is Val for Valentine's Day.
http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2014/01/22/first-entry-of-2014-playing-catch-up-already/

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

Children's Rockers

You know how you can't find navy slacks or cream colored turtlenecks when you need them? Needle Nicely has found the same thing happens with children-sized rockers, so the shop was thrilled to find three Sudberry rockers to stock in the shop.   These are classics, just waiting for the right stitcher to come along....
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2013/11/have-seat.html

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.

Suzanne's Self Finishing

Suzanne talks about her experiences with the self-finshing leather goods from Lee/Colonial Needle, and how she replaced the first canvas with a second.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2012/11/whats-on-your-wallet.html

Speaking of self finishing, I think this Sudberry House wooden mirror is lovely.
http://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2012/11/sudberry-house-wooden-hand-mirror-with-mounting-area-for-needlework-.html

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

Ornament Exchange One Stop Shopping

Scarlet Thread has gathered all sorts of fun items for ornament exchanges into one place on their website for those who need supplies for a quick stitch.   I don't do counted canvaswork very often but even I am tempted by that Threedles ornament star!
http://stitchything.blogspot.com/2012/11/its-that-time-of-year-again-all-those.html

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

Catching Up

Due to the hurricane, I am trying to catch up on unanswered emails and trying to post about things I've seen but haven't had blog access to write about. In other words, this article is going to be more incoherent than usual, but no Internet access does that to you!

First of all, Needle Nicely shows off their wall displays of painted canvases.  I love seeing the inside of shops!
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2012/10/climbing-walls.html

I have some unusual finishing for you.  First, a Day of the Dead skull displayed in a most unusual manner!
http://bristlythistle.blogspot.com/2012/10/more-halloween.html

Here's a sullen Halloween witch who is obviously not in a good mood.  Maybe she hates her new haircut?  LOL
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2012/10/witchy-woman.html

How about this Christmas snail canvas?  I love it but Wordpress doesn't love me so I can't tell Michele how much I like this.
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2012/10/28/back-from-the-finisher/

Finally, if finishing costs are bankrupting you, how about using one of the Sudberry boxes?  Pocket Full of Stitches shows off the range of styles and sizes on their blog.  My personal favorite was the Sharon box which they no longer make but the Long Box looks similar.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/10/sudberry.html


Tomorrow I'll be more coherent-promise!

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

Boxes and More Boxes

I've been thinking about boxes to insert stitching in ever since the Needle Art Nut began to think about a box for her SharonG scissors canvas.  After all, we aren't all going to be lucky enough to have a painted box by our mother to use!
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2012/08/lets-do-some-finishing.html

Sudberry is the classic source for boxes.
http://www.sudberry.com/catalog/index.html

HP Designs has lovely lacquered ones.
http://hpneedlepoint.com/PRZlacquerboxes.html

Stitchers' Workshop makes wonderful custom boxes.
http://www.stitchersworkshop.com/tools_category.php?Manufacturer=Dugan+Specialties&Category=Finishing+and+Framing+Supplies

So does Lee of Patt and Lee Designs.
http://pattandleedesigns.com/woodworking_products

Surely there's a box for us all in the above?  Do you know of other great places to find stitching boxes?

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

Finishing Is In The Air

I've been enjoying some wonderful finishing various folks have photographed and posted for us to all enjoy.   Do you love needlepoint pillows?  Then you'll want to see Needle Nicely's new shop models.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2012/06/new-pillow-models.html

Ridgewood has a great pillow just back from the finisher also.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/06/look-at-this-fun-chick-pillow-with.html

They also are showcasing a darling framed Barbara Bergsten piece with pegs to hang dog leashes.   Watson, did you see this?
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/06/here-is-custom-finishing-job-that.html

Of course if you'd rather, the canvas can be finished in a more traditional style.
http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2012/06/more-no-no-bad-dog-finished-needlepoint.html

Speaking of Barbara Bergsten's designs, look at this darling purse!
http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2012/06/more-finished-needlepoint.html

If you've wanted to stitch something for a child but couldn't think how to finish it, Linda's got the answer for you.
http://nystitchingsisters.blogspot.com/2012/06/jake-cars-framed.html

Do you need a serving tray for a party or get-together?
http://bargelloneedlepoint.com/display-your-bargello-needlepoint-in-a-serving-tray/

Ruth Schmuff has a custom frame for her last mystery class piece.  Lisa Krause will make these for folks if your shop asks, however.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/06/poinsettia-lady-has-returned.html

How about this wonderful JP Needlepoint "treasure box"?
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/06/we-loved-this-elegant-container-at-shop.html

Or these EyeCandy pillows finished by Marlene;s?
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2012/06/more-fab-finishing.html

My favorite finished pieces, however, are these two SharonG compositions called CatWalk and DogWalk.  I own this version of CatWalk which I plan to stitch for my cousin who loves cats one day.  Congratulation on the wonderful stitches chosen for these, Robin!
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/06/cat-walk-ct22-and-dog-walk-ct23-by.html

SharonG has expanded the series to include owls.  There is also a small version of CatWalk I can't find a photo of online.
http://www.sharong.com/catalog/new.html

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

The Finished Scarabs Ring Jewelry Box

dede Odgen's Scarab Rings Canvas Finished

I thought you'd like to see photos of the finished jewelry box. The box itself is from Sudberry and seems to have been discontinued. Too bad, it is well made and quite lovely. The design is from dede Odgen. You can still purchase this canvas and others of ethnic jewelry on navy canvas from Canvases Be Gone.  Search the site using "dede jewelry" to bring up the selection.

Drawer pulled out. There's an upper section when you lift the lid also.

I bet some shops have some from the series in their inventory, too, but Google didn't turn any of those up.  If you are a shop with one of these for sale, or if you have one of these nice Sudberry watch boxes, please tell me in the Comments section or email me at chilly hollow at hot mail dotcom and I'll post it here.  Thanks!

http://www.canvasesbegone.com/


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

Scarab Rings Under Glass

Scarab Rings Canvas by dede Odgen

Once the cat topiary garden was finished, it was time to turn my attention to the last Christmas present I need to stitch for the year--a dede Odgen canvas that depicts an Egyptian scarab ring from the top and side. The design measures 4.75 inches by 2.75 inches and is on 18 count navy NP canvas.  It is a very pretty thing and perfect for the granddaughter who loves Egyptian history.

Sudberry Jewelry Box

But I have a problem--this canvas is intended for a jewelry box lid.  Here's the box, a discontinued Sudberry design.  See the lid?  It is covered in heavy glass.  When I pried the backing off the underside of the lid, I discovered that there is very little clearance.  My usual tricks of beads and fancy stitches won't work here.  I have to have a very flat surface on top of my canvas so that I can insert it and a piece of gold tissue lame behind it.

I see a lot of tent stitches in my immediate future!

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

Bermuda Bags UPDATED

Whitney just posed an interesting question in the comments section.  She asked me where to find Bermuda bags.  Here is what I replied, in case you too want one of the bags that were the rage in the late 1960s.

Whitney, you mean the oval canvases that button onto the bag? Like these?
http://thepinkgiraffe.blogspot.com/2011/01/bermuda-bags-are-back-in-stock.html

NP in Paradise has examples of finished Bermuda bags on their website, so they might be able to help.
http://www.needlepointinparadise.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&category_id=97&page=shop.browse

I also found kits for sale at Busy Needle in Tuscon.
http://www.busyneedle.com/Themes/Purses/punc3.htm

Sudberry House used to have a kit that included the wooden handles, a template for your canvas (the trend was to monogram your canvas then) and instructions for assembly. I don't see it on their website now, but you might find an old kit on eBay.

There are several sellers who offer already made Bermuda bags on Etsy.com but these are all fabric, not needlepoint. You might be able to get an Etsy seller to furnish a template and then finish a NP version once you get it stitched, though.

What is the saying?  "Everything old is new again"?  Perhaps Whitney is the start of a building wave of interest in the Bermuda bag.

UPDATE:  Robin King certainly thinks Bermuda bags are on the rise again.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/11/needlepoint-bermuda-bags.html

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