Take One Needlepoint Canvas....

Summer Louise first stitched a geisha canvas from The Collection UK, then she used it as the central pattern in a kimono fabric quilt.  The end result is magic.
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2015/01/kimono-needlepoint-quilt-finished.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 14, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fair Winners

This is the time of year that there are many local and state fairs, many of which offer ribbons for needlework. I've collected quite a few Facebook photos of award-winning needlepoint that I thought Id share with you.  Here's a blue ribbon from the Minnesota state fair.  This is Sue Kerndt's "Holiday Patches" but the stitcher is unknown.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203670312432357&set=gm.715049981905496&type=1&theater

Mary Ann Saurino has won quite a few ribbons from the Minnesota state fair!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/714893978587763/

Susanne is posting photos she took at the Kentucky state fair.  Stitchers are unknown.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/714684945275333/

Brenda won a second place ribbon at the Texas state fair!  This piece is in honor of her mother.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=265735670301898&set=a.114727428736057.1073741828.100005964012324&type=1&theater

Beth took a first at the Stark county fair!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=787303984624669&set=gm.715712805172547&type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/717278091682685/

Summer took all sorts of ribbons with her Amanda Lawford Santa.  Applause!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202431101323189&set=gm.718293244914503&type=1&theater

Here are five Maryland state fair ribbon winner photos.  Use the side arrows to navigate.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154568753820257&set=pcb.722213011189193&type=1&theater

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 26, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday Finishing: West Coast Style UPDATED

The Needlepointer has posted a lovely mix of pillow and ornament styles to showcase the work of their customers and finishers.  Please enjoy.
http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=2b1a4dafdf1ba6e29e773aa79&id=3f64e5fbfe&e=73961ee0ea

Summer Louise also lives on the West Coast.  Isn't her Amanda Lawford pillow amazing?!  Summer is also a professional finisher and quilter, so her sewing and color matching skills are shown off in this lovely summery piece.
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2014/04/amanda-lawford-needlepoint-pillow.html

UPDATED:  Just in, more finishing from Enriched Stitch and Ridgewood.
http://astheneedleturns.com/more-finishing-2/

http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/05/blog-post.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 7, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Special Christmas Friday Finishing

As this is the Friday before Christmas, I wanted to share a special piece of holiday finishing that Diane just got back from Marlene's.  This Melissa Shirley Christmas Pear banner was an Amy Bunger class.  It's amazing what happens when you combine a great design, a great class, a great stitcher and a great finisher.
http://www.dianestakingtimeouttoneedlepoint.com/2013/11/the-christmas-pear-banner.html

The sentiment brings me to tears.
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2013/12/mary-engelbreit-ornament-finished.html

The love that has gone into these pieces is amazing.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2013/12/blog-post_12.html

Merry Christmas Pears to all!

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.

Friday Finishing: The Classics

Nobody knows classic designs and classic finishing like Needle Nicely. Their monogram pillow from Patti Mann is lovely now and will be lovely in twenty years, too.  Some things never go out of style.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2013/11/monogram-pillow.html

Enriched Stitch has a little bit of everything to show off.  Many of these items are from their fabulous classes.
http://astheneedleturns.com/fall-finishing/

Nothing is more classic than a custom needlepoint belt.
http://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2013/11/21/custom-needlepoint-belt-stitched/

Or a basketweave pillow with awesome trim.
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2013/11/flower-needlepoint-pillow-stitched-and.html

Do you like Painted Pony's classic angel designs?  Then you will love their classic finishing, courtesy of Steph.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2013/11/how-about-stitching-only-small-painted.html

Are you a fan of elephant canvases?  If so, you'll love this one.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2013/11/blog-post_21.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.

Friday Finishing - Don't Do It Yourself Edition

Just as a reminder for those of us who do not do our own finishing, there is a lot behind the scenes we do not see when we take a completed canvas to our local shop and ask them to make it into something wonderful. 
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2013/11/needlepoint-finishing-step-by-step.html

If you'd like to see what a professional finisher can do, here's Summer Truswell's latest piece, an Amanda Lawford pillow she also stitched.   It is beyond gorgeous!
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2013/11/finished-needlepoint-pillow-amanda.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.

Finishing and Finishers

Finishing and finishers are always a subject of fascination to me.  I thought it might be helpful to post information about finishers for those who need someone.  Of the alphabetical list below, I've only used Marlene's, Summer Truswell and West Coast Finishing.  I can highly recommend all three.

Cheryl's Needlework Finishing (near St. Louis, MO)
http://www.cherylsfinishing.com

Marlene's (San Francisco, CA)
http://www.marlenecustompillows.com

Quick Stitcher Designs (near Santa Clarita, CA)
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2010/02/introducing-sharon-quick-of.html

Summer Louise Truswell (near Seattle, WA)
http://www.summerlouise.com

Vikki's Stuff (Austin, TX)
http://www.vikkisstuff.com

West Coast Finishing (Oregon)
http://www.westcoastneedlepointfinishing.com

Un Chiffon Bon Bon (highly recommended by Canvases Be Gone in Arizona)
https://www.facebook.com/Unchiffonfonfon
 or email mcrobbins@cox.net

For those who don't need a finisher but love the eye candy, here are some photos of wonderful finishing from Nimble Needle's customers followed by more wonderful finishing from The Needlepointer's talented stitchers.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2013/06/customers-gallery-june-2013.html

http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=2b1a4dafdf1ba6e29e773aa79&id=6b74712b44&e=73961ee0ea

I should mention that most needlepoint shops have local finishers they use.   You will need to take your completed pieces to the shop and they will take it from there.  Before you send things off for finishing, make sure you and the finisher are completely clear on a few things--exactly what you want and don't want, the cost, and approximately when your piece will be ready.  If your shop is the intermediary, a written description and photos for the finisher might be useful to turn over with your piece.

Got any contact information for finishers?  Please email me at chilly hollowat hot maildotcom or post a comment below.  I'm sure I missed folks.  The list above was done off the top of my head but I can always update it.

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.

Cracker Club Alert UPDATED

Summer Truswell has a new publication out--how to finish Christmas crackers.  Of course this will work nicely for Halloween, Easter, Valentine, or Fourth of July cracker ornaments, too!  This is available for the Kindle but I think Summer can send you a PDF version if you are not a Kindle user and she may be able to do one for iPads as well.  Just ask in the Comments section.
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2013/02/christmas-cracker-design-finishing.html

UPDATE:  Yes, PDF versions are also available.
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2013/04/christmas-cracker-additional-formats.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.

Nutcracker Santa

Wait'll you see what Summer Louise is doing with one of those large Amanda Lawford standup Santas!  This is Nutcracker Santa and if I remember correctly, he's the mid-sized version on 18 count.  I think he's going to be a heirloom masterpiece.
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2013/01/amanda-lawford-nutcracker-santa-2.html

http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2013/01/amanda-lawford-nutcracker-santa-finished.html

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

More Christmas Inspiration

This time of year stitchers are inspired to show off their Christmas stitching, often with tips on how they achieved the effects they wanted.  So pour a cuppa and sit down and take notes!

Isn't this a great Princess ornament?  Sadly, I think it is a Petei design which means it is probably almost impossible to find.  But we can dream, can't we?
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/11/any-princess-would-love-this-ornament.html

Stephanie went to class at Needle Works and took photos of some of the fabulous models on display.  There is a nutcracker (Beau Geste?  If so also unavailable.) and Brenda Stofft's Texas Santa, riding toward your house on his Texas longhorn.  The details on each piece are amazing and worthy of close study.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/11/fun-things-fromthe-needle-works.html

Speaking of nutcrackers, Summer Louise has started the Nutcracker Santa from Amanda Lawford.  It is going to be amazing, so bookmark this and keep an eye out for more postings about what Summer does to bring this canvas to life.  She's already stitched Amanda Lawford's Royal Santa.  Follow the link to see him in all his glory.
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2012/11/amanda-lawford-nutcracker-santa-1.html

Kimberly has finished her fabulous ornaments.  These are colorful and happy and just wonderful to see.  Hopefully these ornaments are available from Needle Works in Austin.  I don't know if they are painted or counted, but they sure are terrific regardless!
http://akimberlydesign.blogspot.com/2012/11/some-finishing.html

I love how Anne of ABS Designs subtly changed the same sock design to make a boy/girl version!
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-double-finale.html

Colleen found a totally different stitch for Santa's fur trim.  It will work well on large areas I think and is very pretty, too boot.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2012/12/share-a-stitch-sunday-december-2.html

Quail Run is stitching the letters of Joyeux Noel in a huge variety of ways.  Very inspirational!
http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2012/11/stitches-for-letters.html

I hope you enjoyed the show and all the wonderful ways folks are stitching Christmas.

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

Let's Talk Finishing Books UPDATED

Marianne at New Needlepoint asked about finishing books at the Needlepoint Group on Facebook as she was considering whether to add Pat Mazu's finishing book to her online bookstore.   Apparently it was a good choice as she has been selling them like hotcakes!  Marianne stocks the classic Sandy Higgins finishing book as well as an out of print finishing book by Katharine Ireyss.
http://www.newneedlepoint.com/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=&keywords=finishing

UPDATE:   Michele at Bristly Thistle added in the Comments below that although Amazon.com stocks Sandy Higgins' Sandy's Finishing Touches:  A Step-by-Step Guide to Finishing Needlework, they have the 2008 edition.  Most needlework shops have the later 2010 edition.  Thanks, Michele!

I have used Summer Louise's finishing tips which makes me think her books would be very helpful.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2012_10_09_archive.html

I've also used The Needlepoint Doctor for finishing ideas for odder items.  This is an out of print book so you'll have to use Marianne or other used book sellers to find it.
http://www.newneedlepoint.com/content-product_info/product_id-2435/the_needlework_doctor_by_mary_kay_davis.html

Pat's book can also be found at Stitches from the Heart who also sell her charts.  Sandy's Finishing Touches from Mrs. Higgins used to be available from her website which is gone but you can find it a lot of places now, from Nordic Needle to Marianne's shop to Amazon.com.
http://stitches-heart.com/needlepoint/pat-mazu-designs/

Anyone know of any other good finishing books, either out of print or new?

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

Finishing Tips

Summer Louise has an important finishing tip for those who plan to bead a piece that will be blocked later.
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2012/10/catherine-coleman-january-ornament.html

She also tells you a great place to find cording fibers if you make your own twisted cord.
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2012/11/believe-by-madeline-lake-santa-ornament.html

But the best tip comes from Needle Nicely who has great advice for stitchers who are contemplating buying a piece that they won't finish themselves--talk to your shop in detail before you buy!
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2012/11/finishing-from-customers-viewpoint.html

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

Missed the Finishing Deadline?

If you missed the finishing deadline to have things ready for Christmas, you can always stitch them together yourself.  Here's what Michelle of Bristly Thistle says about self-finishing.
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2012/09/21/sandys-finishing-touches-2010-edition/

I do a lot of my own finishing, particularly ornaments.  I don't enjoy it since being patient is a big requirement (and I'm not!) but it sure saves a lot of money!  I don't own any finishing books, but I have used Summer Louise's tutorial to finish a mini sock and it turned out very well!
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2008/11/learn-to-finish-miniature-christmas.html

Summer's book on needlepoint finishing (and other books) are available here as paperbacks, eBooks, and PDF downloads.  I've not seen any of her books but I found the tutorial above very helpful.
http://www.lulu.com/shop/search.ep?contributorId=636550

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

Show and Tell

Want to see some terrific finishing? Here you go!
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2012/09/customer-show-and-tell.html

Denise shows off the model from the Seminar class she just took from Debbie Stiehler.
http://nystitchingsisters.blogspot.com/2012/09/construction.html

The Needlepointer shows off some wonderful customer pieces they've recently finished.
http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=2b1a4dafdf1ba6e29e773aa79&id=4b83522048&e=73961ee0ea

Do you like candy apples?  No?  I think you'll make an exception for this one!
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/09/just-looking-at-this-candy-apple-makes.html

Summer isn't finished stitching her Royal Santa (Amanda Lawford) but she has finished some important sections.  Lovely!
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2012/09/royal-santa-by-amanda-lawford-10.html

Linda isn't finished with her And More sayings piece, either, but she's chosen a very clever way of embellishing it that I had to share.
http://nystitchingsisters.blogspot.com/2012/09/weekend-break-from-house.html

Ever wonder how one of those big canvases is built?  A little at a time!
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/09/thanksgiving-house-roof.html

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

Religious Needlepoint

Byzatine Icon Canvases by Designing Women

I've always loved needlepoint with a religious slant to it. Of course the Nativity sets I admire are really all about the birth of Jesus at Christmas.  The beautiful menorah designs that I enjoy seeing are the universal symbol of Judaism.

Petei Canvas, Easel Style Finishing by Summer Truswell

There are quite a few lively Our Lady of Guadalupe designs available.  I stitched this one from Petei for my very dear sister in law a few years ago.  The two Byzantine icon designs at the top of the page were a Christmas gift for her daughters.  My family likes remembering the reason for the season at Christmas, so they love getting religious-themed designs.

Seeing these floral crosses from Ann Pace reminded me that I wanted to post two St. Francis canvases for you to enjoy.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/12/crosses.html

They are both of St. Francis, the Catholic patron saint of animals.  Since I have a niece who is an ardent supporter of animal care and rights, one of these would be a perfect gift.
http://www.canvasesbegone.com/9854/Sally+Jenkins+St.+Francis+needlepoint+hp+18+ct.html

Now I just need to figure out which one!
http://www.pasttimesneedlepoint.com/product.asp?ProductID=34267


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

Lots and Lots Of Things

Lots is happening on the Internet this week.  First of all, I've updated the Chilly Hollow Stitch Guides blog with an article about Brenda Hart and her guides.
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2011/01/brenda-hart-stitch-guides.html

Nordic Needle has put their yearly catalog online in PDF format!
http://www.nordicneedle.com/catalogs/j11.pdf

Needle in a Haystack is adding the new Rainbow Gallery colors to their website.  Expect photos soon.  Some photos of the new things are on the RG website (second link).
http://needlestack.typepad.com/whats_new/2011/01/new-rainbow-gallery-thread-colors-released.html

http://www.rainbowgallery.com/whatsnew.cfm

Kreinik has written about their new Hot Wire thread--wired metallic!  Make sure you read Sue Jenning's tip on using this thread.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2011/01/out-of-box-adding-dimension-with-hot.html

Finally, here are two book reviews.  Mary Corbet talks about the new book on crewel embroidery from the Royal School of Needlework and...
http://www.needlenthread.com/2011/01/book-review-rsn-essential-stitch-guide-for-crewelwork.html

...Janet Perry reviews Summer Truswell's new book which is in the Kindle format.
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/the-stitch-starts-here-book-review

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

TNNA: January 2011

TNNA's January 2011 trade show in Long Beach, California is beginning.  Lots and lots of folks have promised to update their websites or blogs with information about all the lovely new things the designers, thread manufacturers or accessory makers are going to tempt the shops to stock for us stitchers.  I'm hoping they update their website with wonderful photos of the booths but for now, we'll have to be content reading the 2010 survey summary on the state of needle arts. Did you know needlepointers spent $119 million in 2009 on an average of 13 projects per year?  You can find more interesting statistics here.
https://netforum.avectra.com/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?Site=TNNA&WebCode=Research

Pocket Full of Stitches is already posting new items on their blog. First they showed off new designs from Eye Candy, whose seasonal trees you probably have seen in Needlepoint Now.  Ada Hyden, the designer behind Eye Candy, has posted great photos on Stitcherie which are much better than the ones in the magazine.  The trees are fabulous with very creative stitches when you see them in good photographs.  Believe me, NP Now hasn't done them justice!
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/01/brand-new-designs-from-eye-candy-these.html

For those who prefer counted canvaswork, not to worry.  Many Eye Candy painted canvases are available as charts, too.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2011/01/painted-canvas-becomes-counted-canvas.html

PFOS has started a multi-part listing of new Julia canvases.  Here's the first one.  Watch their blog for more of Julia's designs.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/01/2011-julia-designs-part1.html

Barbara Bergsten, always organized, has posted all her 2011 designs on her website.  I recognize many of them from her blog so I know most, if not all, have free stitch guides posted on her website.  Get your shop to order the canvas you want, then visit Barbara online to download a guide to that canvas--easy!
http://www.barbarabergstendesigns.com/what's_new.htm

Orna Willis has plans for 2011, plans that include all sorts of wonderful things in terms of PDF instructions and kits at her Etsy store.
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-year-new-ideas-new-directions.html

Summer Louise Truswell has posted photographs of three of her newest designs plus a photo of the pillow she stitched for her mother for Christmas.   The instructions are available through instant download or in booklet form at the links included.  Love that Santa Spinner!
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/

As always Patt and Lee Designs is showing us all the work that goes into preparing for Market.  If you are a shop going to TNNA, please give Patt and Lee a hug from me and thank them for lifting the curtain and showing how the magic is done.
http://pattandleedesigns.blogspot.com/

I should mention that not only the newest items are shown at Market.  There are always classic designs available that, while they may not be brand new, are new to many of us.  Check out the Ann Wheat Pace Easter Egg canvas all stitched up here.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/01/easter-egg.html

I hope to post links to many new TNNA articles over the next 3-4 days.  Stay tuned!

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

Remember This?

Back on August 13th I posted this photo of my rabbit geisha tote bag that I'd just received in the mail from Summer Truswell who made it up into a tote bag for me.  Elaine asked if Summer's Needlework from Stitch to Finish finishing book had instructions for making similar tote bags in it.  I didn't know so I asked Summer.  Unfortunately, I asked when she was away on vacation so I am just now getting an answer.  The book does not have tote bag finishing instructions in it BUT Summer has just published (in book and in digital download formats) tote bag finishing instructions.   Here's a bit about her new publications, with links for purchasing.
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-book-and-new-design.html

Note that Summer is packing to move so if you have questions for her, get them in quick before she is too busy to answer.

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

Back to Skulls

I hope everyone found Deborah's question about how I stitched Japanese hair on my geishas interesting, particularly since I reposted old information about how my canvases were worked.  My original blog is no longer easily available, so reposting was the best option to help Deborah.  My apologies to long time Blog readers to whom this was old hat and to those who aren't really that interested in stitching hair.

As you can see, I've been busy finishing side two of the cell phone case.  This has been rather relaxing after Cha which involved trying new techniques and coming up with stitches to interpret the lovely design.  I am about to start assembling this into a pouch.  I have Ultrasuede cloth (very thin version of Ultrasuede) in purple for the lining and a long chain for the handle.  The background above is the lining fabric but I forgot to include the chain in the photo.  Sorry.

Once everything is put together I'll add beads to the side seam where they were omitted when I stitched this.  I doubt I'll put trim on the edges as it will be carried a lot, so I'll have to be very careful to make a neat seam.  I'm going to adopt these mini stocking instructions to make it up.
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2008/11/learn-to-finish-miniature-christmas.html

Wish me luck!

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

Sunday Morning News

Lots of things have been happening here and there.  This week I updated the Chilly Hollow Stitch Guides blog with articles about Rosalie Peters and Lucinda Gregory Rice, both of whom have some stitch guides available for their pieces. I am not certain, but I think in both cases the guides come with the canvases instead of costing extra.
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/

The photo above is from the Santas o'Round the World club that Squiggee (Gail Hendrix) is doing for What's the Point?  It happens to be one of my favorites, China!  You can see the rest of the series (some are stitched and some aren't) up at the What's the Point? website.
http://www.whatsthepoint.biz/worldsantapics.php

More information about this and other clubs here.
http://www.whatsthepoint.biz/clubs.php

Summer Truswell is having an auction of finished pieces to raise money for the swimmer in her life. If you need a stitched present but don't have time to do the work yourself, this is the place!
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2010/08/truswell-needlework-garage-sale-2010.html

Speaking of Summer, Elaine asked in the Comments if Summer's finishing book had instructions on making a tote bag similar to the Rabbit Geisha one she made for my mother.  I've shot off an email to Summer asking and will post her reply here when I hear back.  It's the weekend, after all, and Summer is a mom with a few other things to deal with besides my message!

If you just want a nice site to browse over your morning cuppa, you need to spend a little time browsing the National Academy of Needlearts' exhibit winners.  The Exemplary has stunning stitching to enjoy and best of all, some of the pieces will probably turn up as teaching pieces in future years.
http://www.needleart.org/Exemplary10/

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