My Turtle Bag Insert UPDATED

I finally broke down and ordered a tote from Turtle Bags Inc.  

This Florida company sells both cross body and tote bags. They come with fabric-covered stiff inserts for the window(s) on one (cross body) or two (tote bag style) sides of the purses.  You can buy extra inserts from the company to change the look of your purse.  

https://turtlebagsinc.com

My tote isn't as heavy as it looks but the sides are stiff so it stands up on its own.  Here is a peek at the inside.  The cross body doesn't have the zippered center and only has a display window on one side.  The other side has a zippered pocket.  I like being able to carry a lot of stuff and so far I've not had pilling issues on the handle and the fabric doesn't seem to attract pet hair.  By the way, I'm five feet, four inches tall, so this is a fairly big tote but the handles are the right size for carrying or over the shoulder wear.

In the photo to the right I unzipped the zipper at the top of the display window and pulled the fabric insert that came with my denim bag out partway so you can see it.  You might be able to see the zipper for the other side's display window at the bottom of the picture.  Again, this is the tote bag.  The cross body is slightly different.  Check the company's website for further information and the current colors available.

Of course needle artisans can stitch things for the inserts!  I stitched a Tapestry Fair birdhouse design by Pat Scheurich for mine.  If you are going to stitch your own, the tote bag style display window is roughly 5 3/4 inches wide by 6 3/4 inches tall.  I'm told the cross body bag window is slightly narrower but I don't have those dimensions as I only ordered the larger size.  The outer dimension of the canvas you put in the window should be roughly 7 1/4 inches wide by 9 5/8 inches tall.  I recommend you stitch 2-3 more rows than the window dimension in case the stitched canvas moves a bit or you want to take it out of the  cross body bag and use it in the tote bag.  All I did was fold the raw edges under to fit and stuck the canvas in the window.  

I did cover it with a layer of black tulle first. I had not planned to use this canvas as a purse so it has beads and ribbon embroidery, not the best idea for a purse that will see wear!  The tulle (an idea from Ruth Schmuff of Bedecked and Beadazzled) will help prevent snags but I will replace the canvas with a more sturdy one later once I get it stitched.  

A member of NP Nation recommended putting the fabric insert that comes with the bag in the display window behind the stitched canvas.  This works well to keep the needlepoint from bending away from the sides of the display window or shifting.  

If you aren't good at measuring, Mindy's Needlepoint designs canvases to fit the bags and Mindy also sells the tote bags.  There are six designs available currently.

http://www.mindysneedlepoint.com/shop/Mindys-Needlepoint-Designs/Turtle-Bag-Canvases.htm

Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY also sells the bags and has plenty of inserts that fit from a variety of designers.  Your favorite shop can help you pick a canvas as well, even if they don't stock the bags.

https://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/post/for-everyone-waiting-for-their-turtle-bag

This is a fun way to use needlepoint when you are running out of wall or couch space for your stitching.

UPDATE:  I've done two articles about inserting a design in a Turtle Bag. 

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2022/06/how-to-insert-canvas-in-turtle-bag-part.html

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2022/06/how-to-insert-canvas-in-turtle-bag-part_0866505124.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 27, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Running Out of Background Thread and What to Do

I've been stitching away on this Tapestry Fair birdhouse from Pat Scheurich.  The background is all in basketweave using two strands of JL Walsh silk-wool.  But as you can see in the above photo, I'm running out of thread.  JL Walsh is discontinued, so I can't get more of it.  What to do?

First step, rummage in stash.  I have a ton of threads, so it's possible I have another skein of the JL Walsh.  No, I don't have another, but I have a skein of silk/wool from Felicity's Garden that appears to be an exact color match. Because both threads are silk/wool blends, they will work well together.  Instead of two strands of the JL Walsh, I'll need to use one strand of the Felicity's Garden because the latter thread's fatter, but this will work.  

The Felicity's Garden thread is at the top of this photo, laying on the JL Walsh background.  If you look at the top photo, I bet you can't tell where I stopped using the JL Walsh and started using the Felicity's Garden.

I also pulled a bunch of greens in my stash of JL Walsh, which you also see above.  Why?  Look at the canvas again.  It's a birdhouse against a blue sky.  I can minimize how much blue background I need by adding a support pole under the birdhouse and by adding green grass to the lower background.

It's not the end of the world if you run out of threads. Just look at your stash and the design and come up with a plan to manage the background to account for what threads you do have.  There's a lot you can do besides ripping out and starting over.

Which is against my religion.

Here is how the canvas ended up.  I think it turned out well, despite my running out of background thread.

P.S.  I stopped using the blue JL Walsh I was running out of and started using the blue Felicity's Garden about one bird charm length from the top of the roof on the left side.  It was a perfect match!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 9, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

My Favorites from Spring 2020

With the disruption the Coronavirus has brought us during the spring of 2020, we didn't have a spring trade show in Orlando but that doesn't mean our designers haven't been busy creating temptations for us!  Here are my favorites from the late winter-early spring.

Gayla Elliott's Cleopatra

I always like Gayla Elliott's little portraits of woman.  This is Cleopatra.  She would be a delight to stitch!
https://needlepoint.com/products/aasgep255

Maggie's Cleo Cat, Complete with Attitude

Continuing the theme of Egypt (A personal favorite but hey!  This is MY favorites list!) is this fun Egyptian cat from Maggie.  Abstract designs don't usually grab me but I really like this one.  Snooty cats are always fun, right?

Heidi Stanley's Lucky Cat

Heidi Stanley has a great Lucky Cat design that would be really fun to do as well.

Green Tiger from Hello Tess

I also like Hello Tess' Green Tiger.  Are you seeing a feline theme here?  LOL
https://hellotessdesigns.com/collections/new

Labors of Love's Wicked Queen

Want more of a challenge?  Look at this Labors of Love canvas of the evil stepmother queen from Snow White that Amy Bunger will use as a Home Study starting probably next fall.  It'll be a real challenge but Amy Bunger is up to it.

Tapestry Fair's Spirit Animal Coyote

Tapestry Fair has a series of Spirit Animals from Timothy Chapman's artwork that are spectacular.  I like the Coyote.
https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/collections/spring-2020-digital-market/products/spirit-animal-coyote

Blue Heron from Julie Mar is lovely.
http://www.juliemardesigns.com/pc/CN-1524/market-preview/Blue+Heron

Abigail Cecile's Brown Bear from the Folk Art Animals Series

If you want less of a challenge, how about the really darling series of folk art wild animals from Abigail Cecile?  Brown Bear is my favorite but they are all very cute and would be fun to work up for winter display.
https://kirkandbradley.com/collections/new-designs-abigail-cecile

Ugly Christmas Sweater from Ryan Conners of Purple Palm

Want something with personality?  How about Ryan's animal glasses series?  These are distributed by Purple Palm.  I love the cat in green glasses myself but there are dogs that are just as cute.
https://purplepalmdesigns.com/?product_cat=ryans-designs

Melissa Prince's Winter Hummingbird

If you like birds (and who doesn't?) you might like Melissa Prince's new birds, too.  My favorite is the Winter Hummingbird.  I like the realism here.  The humming bird has personality.
https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=64696&title=Winter%20Hummingbird&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Lady in Hat from Leigh Designs

My final pick is a classic.  Leigh Designs has a series of ladies in hats.  This is the newest and a favorite of mine due to the soft pastel colors and her sawn neck and lovely hair.
https://www.facebook.com/FleurDeParis/photos/a.364859333567690/2895536467166618/?type=3&theater

So there you have it!  I like people and animal canvases, mostly realistic designs.  So what's your favorite theme and which new designs do you like?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 4, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching Owl Eyes

Owl from Tapestry Fair's Belleza

With Halloween in the air, October 1 is a great time to post this link to Needlepoint for Fun's article on stitching owl eyes.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/grandma-what-big-eyes-you-have---the-best-needlepoint-stitches-for-owls-eyes.htm

The owl above is one I stitched with sequins and beads for eyes.  The design is an element in Manuel Salas' Belleza de Halloween (Halloween Beauty), adapted for needlepoint canvas by Tapestry Fair.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 9, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Beep Beep (Spring Mystery Class from Ruth Schmuff)

Ruth's spring mystery class for 2019 features a darling Southwestern roadrunner from Dominic Bourbeau at Tapestry Fair.  The first class is the end of April.  Long distance students will get their lessons in the mail after each in person class or at the end, depending on their preference.  I'll update this article as Ruth shows off progress in each lesson.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/02/beep-beep/

UPDATES:

The first lesson of Beep Beep shows the eye and beak.  Ruth even posts a video about how to do the crescent stitch beak.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/04/beep-beep-2/?mc_cid=cf14c2de28&mc_eid=60242fbe68

The bird has a tummy and there is cactus!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/05/just-because-you-can/

Now there are mountains and the road—all done in a family of stitches where stitching order is important for the overall look.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/06/stitch-order/

The final touches plus the sky.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/06/racing-to-my-heart/

Here are two finished versions, framed in similar ways with different colors of the mats.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/02/color/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 28, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Upholstered Chair

Peggi of Tapestry Fair has collected vintage stitching for years, hoping to turn it into an upholstered chair. And this year she did it!  Kudos to you, Peggi.  Love the little faces on the arm fronts.
https://tapestryfair.blogspot.com/2017/12/early-christmas-present.html?spref=fb

Mary Agnes has read this and been inspired to reuse her old shop models this way.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2017/12/uses-for-old-stitched-needlepoint.html

http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2018/01/uses-for-old-stitched-needlepoint-ii.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 24, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Ann Spiess Mills Designs Available Again!

Japanese Angel

Starting in January 2018, Tapestry Fair will start bringing back the designs of Ann Spiess Mills.  Ann's designs were one of a kind, so Tapestry Fair has to borrow unstitched canvases from private stashes to reproduce the patterns.  This means only a few will be available at first.
https://tapestryfair.blogspot.com/2017/11/ann-spiess-mills.html

Sewing Nun

But if you are an Ann Collector and have quite a few of her designs tucked away, consider loaning one or more to Paggi at Tapestry Fair to have them made into masters and then shared.
http://tapestryfair.com

Kitchen Monk

I am a big fan of Ann Spiess Mills so I posted images of some of my favorite designs.  Sadly I have no canvases to loan to Peggi but I imagine many of you do.  Hopefully she will be able to make many more designs available now that Ann's family has given the ok.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 10, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fuggly?

BeStitched just mentioned something totally different from Tapestry Fair--Fugglies! What is a Fuggly? It's a cute little round animal canvas, stitched very dimensionally and used at a tote bag charm.  Ever wanted your tote to stand out at the local stitching group?  A Fuggly is the answer!
https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/blogs/bestitched/what-in-the-world-is-a-fuggly

They come in a various of types, mostly bird-like in their graphic simplicity.  These would be cool all beaded and sequined, done in turkeywork, or simply stitched with fuzzy threads and then brushed to heck and back to make them furry.
https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/products/fuggly?variant=31352678346

It's a cute and different way to use your stitching when you run out of wall and couch space for framed pieces and pillows.  Well done, Tapestry Fair!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 8, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Catra: The Egyptian Cat is Finished!

Catra is Finished!

At long last my Egyptian Catra is done. This is a canvas from Tapestry Fair, 10 inches by 11 1/2 on 18 count.  Her official name is "Cleo's Cat" and she is one of a series of Ancient Egyptian-themed designs.  You can see "Bastet" here along with Cleo.
http://www.tapestryfair.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=1

And here is "On the Nile."
http://www.tapestryfair.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=1

There is also "Pharoah's Dog" for those who aren't cat people but who still love Egyptian themes.
http://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/pharaoh-dog/

Catra Framed

So you see Catra comes from a beautiful family, which made stitching her a challenge.  Ruth Schmuff has done guides for both Bastet and Pharoah's Dog.  Tony Minieri has done guides for Catra and Bastet.  How does one compete with talented stitchers like these?!!!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/05/national-bastet-day.html

http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/03/the-pharoah-dog.html

http://www.tonyminieri.com/tapestry-fair

The answer is you don't.  You have to do something totally different.  But what?  It turns out the key for my choosing stitches and threads for Catra was to look for matte threads, beads that aren't shiny, and to add touches like the mummy and extra hieroglyphs to the background.

Catra at the County Fair

Catra went off to the county fair, by the way.  She won a first place ribbon but sadly, that's not too hard when you are the only needlepoint entered.  I can see I have to do some education close to home!

But first I need to choose my next project....

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 21, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Catra's Two Borders

Beads Test

Now that the cat and background are done, it's time to tackle Catra's bottom border. The real issue after I got it stitched was whether to add beads to the border and if so, where?  I had decided that ivory was the right color of bead since that brought out the color of the hieroglyphs, so I pulled all the beads from my stash with the same ivory color as the hieroglyphics and laid them out on my canvas to see what I liked.  I discovered some pretty gold beads so I included them as well.

You can probably tell I decided that putting beads on top of the orange boxes was the way to go.  Which do you like?

I liked the ivory squares and the "paw print" pattern the best.  However, something in every orange box seemed too much to me so I skipped every other box.  Here's what I ended up with.

Second Beads Test 

As you can see, I tweaked the paw beads a bit to make them a little less crowded-looking.  Now I was ready to find a frame.  I wanted to use a pre-made frame as Catra is going to be entered in the county fair and I don't have time to have her professionally framed.  I measured the dimensions and discovered that the Egyptian Cat was 10 inches wide by 11 1/4 tall.  That's not going to fit in a pre-made frame.  What to do?!

I decided I would add a second border under the first so that Catra was 10x12 inches.  Most pre-made frames are 11x14 but with a mat, she'll fit in a frame.   Here is what I came up with.

Second Border

The second turquoise border you see is the same stitch used in the backgrounds behind the cat and in the orange boxes.  All I've varied in the three places is the thread weight, plus I added a running stitch to my second border to hide the empty spots behind the stitch.

The stitch is a variation of Parisian Stitch, turned on its side.  For the background behind the cat, I used orange size 12 perle cotton.  For the orange boxes in the original border, I used the same perle cotton, but doubled in the needle to provide more coverage.  For the new border, I used one ply of Watercolours and after I finished the stitch, I added a horizontal running stitch (over two, under one) to cover the white canvas between stitches.

I like it.  I think it looks like a roughly woven linen, which would be appropriate for an Egyptian piece.

Next time, I'll reveal the finished Cleo's Cat and talk about what I plan to blog stitch next.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 11, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Egyptian Cat Has Jewelry

Tapestry Fair's Egyptian Cat Unstitched

At long last I have finished stitching the jewelry on the Egyptian Cat!  Sorry to have taken so long but summers are very busy in Chilly Hollow.  We have outside chores, house guests, and much more that takes me away from stitching during the summer time.  But at least I've finished the cat's jewelry.  You can see the canvas above without any jewelry.

Catra All Bling'd Out

And here is Catra with her jewelry finished. Oddly, it was the teal green and gold rows on the collar that gave me fits.  I just couldn't get that right.

Testing Palestrina Knots and Detached Buttonhole

First I tried Palestrina Knots on the upper row, left.  Then I tried two rows of detached buttonhole on the lower row, left.  Finally I settled on using Diagonal Mosaic.  I liked the Diagonal Mosaic best.  It gave me the texture of turquoise chips that had holes drilled in them to make jewelry. Hope you like it as much as I do.

Now for the main question--does the orange nose (satin stitches using orange Shimmer Blend ribbon floss) look ok now that the jewelry is in position?

The bottom border is all that remains undone.  Stay tuned!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 24, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Egyptian Cat's Nose -- At Last!

The Latest Version of Catra's Nose

I have been really busy with Real Life chores so I haven't made a lot of progress on Catra, my Egyptian cat project from Tapestry Fair. But she does have a nose!   It is satin stitches using orange Entice, which is a little darker and a little less shiny than the Shimmer Blend ribbon floss that was the best candidate when I last showed the design.  (You can see the threads I tried on the nose in the links below.)
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2016/06/cats-eyes-and-noses.html

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2016/06/more-about-egyptian-cats-nose.html

As you can see, working the cat's jewelry helped me see whether something orange and shiny would work on the cat.  The nose, although a focal point, is toned down a lot by the finished earring and the winged scarab headdress.  I'm working on the gold of the collar now.  Don't expect progress for a couple of weeks as I am too busy to stitch much at night right now.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 7, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

More About the Egyptian Cat's Nose

The Original Canvas, Unstitched

Yesterday Donna wrote:

The Egyptian cat...that you blogged about...black cats have black noses, that may be why none of the rose/coral colors look right. Do you ever make a color change when you do these stitch guides? If the cat is "painted" or "enamel" wouldn't the entire canvas have the same sheen? you would have only shadows to create dimension....

Before I answer Donna's question I want everyone to look at the unstitched version of the design from Tapestry Fair above.  Colors show up differently on computer monitors so I pulled out my DMC color card.  The nose is closest to DMC# 3341 in color with some darker #3340 shading at the bottom and outside edges of the nose.  The nose color is similar to the medium peachy-orange shade around the sides of the cat's face at the edges of the light orange square in the center of the canvas.

To answer Donna's question, yes, I do change colors occasionally when working a canvas. Normally I change a shade because the color painted isn't available in the threads I have in my stash.   On this canvas, the blue "eye liner" color is different in shade than the blue Splendor I am stitching it with, for example.  I usually rummage in my stash to choose colors of thread as there are no stitching shops near by.  I have been known to change colors as well, but usually it's because the thread type I want to use doesn't come in that color.  For me, texture trumps exact color matches and I use what threads I have at hand when I can.

Why did Tapestry Fair choose a different nose color than a traditional black?  I suspect because the cat has a black face.  A black nose next to black fur and black nostril holes is going to disappear into the design.  I can't think of any way to stitch a black nose that would make it visible, particularly in photographs. 

Shine?  Bling? Where?!

Cameras cannot see the shine of metallics or silks, and they are blind to the charms of beads and the glitter of sequins or the shadows these things throw.   When one stitches models and does stitch guides of them, you learn to accept that only the few shop owners who go to trade shows will ever see the full charm of a model one has stitched that incorporate sparkly items.   The photographs posted online will not capture the full impact of a design that uses any of these type things.  Above is Exhibit A--Leigh Designs' "Miami Gold Digger" in the best close up photo I could get.  You cannot see the metallic trim on her jacket, the shine of the beads on the flamingos purse, the silk sheen of the little dog or the sparkles in her jewelry.  Trust me, they are there, but neither my camera or my scanner can see them, even with sunlight bouncing off the beads and silks and metallics.

So in the case of the Egyptian cat,  I'll stick with the painted colors since this piece is an online study piece.  If I changed the nose to black, it would disappear in online photographs, making Tapestry Fair unhappy and not selling the stitch guides I hope to sell once I finish up the piece.

I'd also had enough of trying to stitch with black thread on black paint on this one anyway!

Does that answer your question, Donna?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 2, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Cat's Eyes and Noses

After a bit of work I've finished my Egyptian cat's eyes and started on its jewelry. The cat's eyes are a focal point of this piece, being in the center of the design and being eyes, which are generally the focal point of a person or animal, after all. So I thought it would be clever of me to highlight them with metallic stitches.   So I tent stitched the eyes with Kreinik and outlined them with blue Splendor silk.  This shine becomes even more important because Egyptian jewelry is not sparkly.  The gold and gems on the cat's collar, headdress and earring need to be matte.  That contrast will be important.

Not familiar with Egyptian jewelry?  Then you'll want to read these historical summaries of the type and meaning of materials used.
http://classroom.synonym.com/ancient-egyptian-jewelry-9746.html

http://www.ancientdigger.com/2013/02/the-history-and-meaning-of-ancient.html

Orange Shimmer Blend Ribbon Floss

The biggest problem I've had with the cat's face has been the nose.  First, I tried horizontal stitches using orange Shimmer Blend ribbon floss.  I decided that it was too sparkly so I ripped it out and restitched it in the same way with regular orange ribbon floss.  That just didn't look good.

Then I tried pale pink Flair, thinking the coral nose color would show through, but it didn't.  The nose is way too light now.  I ripped again.

Finca Perle Cotton from Prescencia

Next I choose the medium shade of orange perle cotton used in the background behind the cat.  Because this is size 12 perle, I decided I would satin stitch it vertically...

Finca Cotton Floss from Prescencia

...then I added a top layer using the same color in cotton floss.  Still too light in color and it looks sort of odd.  Sigh.  I ripped again!

So far I like my first choice of the Shimmer Blend ribbon floss the best.  I have decided to wait until the jewelry is stitched and then try that thread again.  With the jewelry in place, the nose may not shine like a lighthouse beacon and be too prominent.

The moral is stitch, rip and try again until you get it right.  If you never do, rip out and stitch another area.  One thread really effects the threads next to it.  When I try stitching the nose again, the least bad thread may be perfect. Or I may be ripping again!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 19, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Taming the Tricky Stitch

Black Stitches on Cat Body

The bottom of the Egyptian Cat was a little tricky to stitch because a)  I am using a black thread (one ply of a strand of Colonial Needle's Persian wool) on a black area, b) the area itself is rather narrow with lots of compensation between the Egyptian collar's strands, and c)  the stitch itself turned out to be rather difficult to count correctly.  I have certain tricks to help with all of these.

When you stitch with black threads on a black area good lighting is essential.  This is a small area so I was able to stitch it in brief time periods during daylight areas.    If the area had been large enough I needed to work it at night when I normally do the bulk of my stitching, I might have used a white hand towel in my lap as well as good lighting.  I'm told red towels work equally well but I tend to use white as I have plenty of those stashed away in my kitchen.

I was able to use tent stitches in those narrow areas between the bottom body of the cat and the head where the collar covered much of the canvas.  Tent stitches are a life-saver in those areas!

Straight Lines That Curve

I ended up turning my stitch diagram and my canvas on their sides so that I worked this horizontal stitch vertically.  For me, a vertical stitch is easier to see and count for some reason.  The next time your stitch gives you fits, try turning it and the canvas a quarter turn.  You may be surprised at how much easier the stitch is to work when it is turned on its head.

Straight Line Curves On the Side

By the way, this optical illusion stitch was used by Tony Minieri on the background of a Debbie Mumm canvas and I diagrammed it from there. Thanks, Tony!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 5, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Cat in Wool

Lotus Pillar CloseUp

Last time I talked about my Egyptian Cat canvas, I promised a good look at the finished lotus pillars with their silk ribbon tops. Here you go!

Now it's time to turn my attention to the cat.  I have Colonial Needle's Persian wool in black to use for the cat, but what stitch?   The cat itself is a stylized one, not realistic, so I decided I would skip the traditional stitches for fur in favor of something with pattern or texture.  But what?

I found the answer on Facebook with an optical illusion stitch Tony Minieri used in the background of a Debbie Mumm canvas he wrote a stitch guide for.  I thought it would give the perfect illusion of texture on my cat.  Here is what I came up with.  The photo is black and white so you can see black stitches on black canvas.  It's a light coverage stitch with the unstitched voids between stitches creating the illusion of a curve.

By the way, I separated the Persian wool into three plies and stitched with only one.  Tapestry Fair's Egyptian Cat is on 18 count and that works best for that size canvas.  The thread itself has a very tight twist, making it quite durable in basketweave, but if you do another stitch using just one ply, use a larger needle than usual as the needle will abrade the thread in the eye and cause it to separate if you use the size needle you are used to on 18 count.

Tony's Optical Illusion Stitch

I worked this stitch on the bottom of the cat up to the collar.  I switched to tent stitches in the spaces between the collar rows and also used tent stitches on the cat's neck.  You will never guess what stitch I used for the cat's face and ears--skip tent!   This isn't a traditional stitch to use with wool, but this isn't a traditional cat.  Skip tent in my Colonial wool looks great.

Skip Tent Chin

In this photograph the cat's chin only is worked in skip tent.  However, I have finished the face except for one ear by now.  Next time I post I hope to have finished the ears and nose and perhaps the eyes so I'll be ready to start on the cat's elaborate collar and headpiece.  Stay tuned!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright 2May 18 016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finding the Perfect Stitch

When I last showed off the Egyptian Catra design from Tapestry Fair, I was dithering about the perfect thread and stitch for the top of the lotus fan pillars.

When in doubt, pull threads!  So I visited my stash and found Flair, DMC perle cotton, Caron's Watercolours and Waterlilies, plus silk ribbon, all in approximately the same teal green as the top feather parts of the lotus fans.  Those with access to a shop will probably go through the same process, buying everything they think is the right color to test in stitches.

Then I tried slanting satin stitches in the Watercolours (I used one ply of the three from the strand of Watercolours) and stem stitches in the perle cotton.  Nope.  All I had in the perle was size 5 which was too thick.  The Watercolours also seemed a little too rough looking although I loved the color (068 "Mediterranean") so I mentally decided to try the silk Waterlilies in the same shade elsewhere in the design.  Ok, two of four down.

Flair Versus Silk Ribbon Test

Then I tried the slanting satin stitches using Flair (right side of the photo above) and Japanese ribbon stitch using the silk ribbon (left side of the photo).  The silk ribbon is perfect!  It matches my mental image of what the fan should look like so I ordered silk ribbon from Waste Knot since I only have a tiny amount on the card.

Sometimes you just have to test stitch to see what works and what doesn't.  Next time I'll reveal the finished lotus fan pillars and talk about the body of the cat.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 6, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Time to Return to Egypt

I started stitching one of Tapestry Fair's Egyptian animal pieces in 2013. Doesn't you think it is time I finished Catra?  In case you are interested, here are the three Egyptian animals in the series--Bastet the Cat Goddess and Cleo's Cat (that's my canvas) and Pharaoh Hound for dog lovers.
http://www.tapestryfair.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79&Itemid=1

Basat has a stitch guide from Ruth Schmuff as this canvas was one of Ruth's mystery classes.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/04/jewels-fit-for-goddess.html

https://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Bastet/

Tony Minieri has done a guide for Basat as well.
http://www.tonyminieri.com/tapestry-fair/bastet-the-cat-goddess-tapestry-fair-1080

Ruth's also done a stitch guide for Pharaoh Dog.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/03/the-pharoah-dog.html

https://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Pharaoh-Dog/

I posted several times already about her.  Here are the links so you can catch up.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2013/07/catra-and-her-background-hieroglyphics.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-egyptian-cat-returns.html

Now, should I finish the lotus fans or start work on the cat's body...?

Decisions, decisions!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 21, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Fly Fisherman's Stocking

The Renegade Needlepointer just finished a Christmas stocking for her son-in-law, an avid fly fisherman. She has some interesting customization and tips for stitching such a piece.
http://renegadeneedlepointer.com/2016/03/02/i-do-not-like-to-excercise/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 2, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The House Hunt Mystery (Ruth Schmuff, Tapestry Fair and Pat Scheurich)

Ruth Schmuff has started her winter mystery class, which features "House Hunt" from Pat Scheurich/Tapestry Fair.  The canvas shows birds checking out a birdhouse amongst the flowers and it is perfect for Ruth's light touch.  Look carefully at the background. It's amazing!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/01/nuances.html

Ruth has added the birdhouse and done one blooming vine.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/01/a-sparkling-home-for-birds.html?fb_ref=Default

Now flowers are in bloom!  I love the various textures.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/02/flowers-from-my-garden.html

And for the final touch--beads and crewel!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/02/sparkling-birdies-and-pink-flowers.html

Here are two finished House Hunts, both framed.  The choice of frame really makes a difference.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/02/fabulous-frames.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 11, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.