The Persian Qum Rug

Jan at Thread Medley is starting another original rug, this time a Persian Qum rug design on Congress Cloth using mostly Splendor silk floss but with some overdyed cotton floss used occasionally.  As Jan posted progress reports, I'll update this article so you can continue to watch her work.
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/08/17/todays-happiness/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/08/23/persian-qum-rug-getting-started/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/09/06/persian-qum-rug-progress-2/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/11/01/needlepoint-update-november-2017/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/12/01/needlepoint-update-december-2017/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/12/31/needlepoint-2017-roundup/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2018/04/01/needlepoint-update-march-2018/

Jan says she will shut her blog down in October as that is her tenth anniversary and it's time.  I hope to see the final Qum rug by then at least.
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2018/07/01/needlepoint-update-june-2018/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2018/09/01/needlepoint-update-september-2018/

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

iOS 11 ALERT

As Jan at Thread Medley reminds us, the newest version of the Apple mobile device operating system is now available for download. But you should be aware that of all the stitch book apps for Apple devices, Stitch Landscape from Little Shoppe Canvas Company will no longer open once you upgrade.  I don't know if they plan an update to a 64 bit version of their book.
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/09/19/iphone-ios-11-advice/

You can follow Jan's advice and take photos of the stitches you use a lot, or pick up a hard back version.  This is the best price I found.
http://www.cabbagerow.com/little-shoppe-canvas-book-stitch-landscape.html

Personally I have an old iPod Touch that I cannot upgrade so I'll use the copy of this lovely little book there instead of buying a hard copy.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 20, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Keeping Track of Projects

Jan at Thread Medley outlines how she uses Bento to track her projects.  The database she uses is no longer available for Apple machines, but anyone who can create a spreadsheet or a tables document can copy her layout successfully.  I think the way she keeps her current projects above the projects just maturing in her stash is exceptionally clever, too.
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/06/05/tracking-my-projects/

If you like having things organized, Jan has great ideas.

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

The Newest Thread Medley Rug

Thread Medley is starting a new rug called Fall Quilt, the chart for which will eventually be available for rug lovers. At least I hope it will!  To watch Jan work the rug (it is a mystery how it will turn out which adds to the suspense for me) and to eventually purchase the chart, follow her blog.
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/05/19/fall-quilt-introduction/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/05/26/fall-quilt-progress-2/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/06/03/fall-quilt-progress-3/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/06/23/fall-quilt-finale/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/06/24/fall-quilt-a-redesign/

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

The Anatolian Rug UPDATED

Jan at Thread Medley is starting another original rug design! This one is called The Anatolian Rug as it uses rug motifs common to the area.   Here is her introduction to threads and center medallion.  I'll update this article as she posts progress photographs.  I love the colors on this and the variegated red background is just lovely.
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/06/01/introducing-the-anatolian-rug/

UPDATES:
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/06/25/anatolia-rug-progress-1/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/07/10/anatolia-rug-progress-2/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/08/06/anatolia-rug-progress-3/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/08/26/anatolia-rug-progress-4/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/09/13/anatolia-rug-progress-5/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/10/05/anatolia-rug-progress-6/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/11/13/anatolia-rug-progress-7/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/12/31/anatolia-rug-progress-8/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/01/26/anatolia-rug-progress-9/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/02/15/anatolia-rug-finale/

I have to say I love the variegated red background on this!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 1, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Christmas Stockings from Morocco UPDATED

Jan  has designed two Christmas stockings she'll be stitching for family members in 2016.  If you are familiar with Jan's work designing Iranian or Moroccan-style rugs as Thread Medley, you will certainly want to follow her as she works on these, Heck, regardless, you'll want to bookmark her blog so you can watch her create Moroccan Christmas stockings.
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/01/07/creating-stockings-for-2016/ 

UPDATE:  Here is how the pink stocking looks.
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/02/14/pink-moroccan-stocking-progress-1/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/03/07/first-moroccan-stocking-progress-2/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/03/18/first-moroccan-stocking-finale/

The second blue, white and golden brown tocking--
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/04/15/moroccan-stocking-2-progress-1/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/05/01/2nd-moroccan-stocking-progress-2/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/05/07/2nd-moroccan-stocking-finale-sort-of/

And they are both done!
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2016/11/21/finishing-moroccan-stockings/

You can still order charts for Jan's designs (but not the stockings) at her Etsy shop.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThreadMedley

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

I Want to Pet Jan's Bear

Jan at Thread Medley has been working on one of Brenda Stofft's Santas, the ones that are riding various animals.*  Her bear is so soft looking, I want to pet him!  I love the gathered Flair snow around his feet, the lovely tassel and the fabulous background.  The bunny and the blanket are pretty durn cute, too.
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2015/06/15/stoffts-santa-on-a-brown-bear-finale/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2015/06/16/santa-on-a-brown-bear-the-final-finale/

*If you aren't familiar with this Santa Rides series, check the larger ones out here--
http://www.brendastofftdesign.com/#!christmas/c2269

and the smaller ones here where the three Santa's Wild Ride clubs use the smaller sizes.
https://www.bethsneedlepoint.com/clubs.html

Nice job, Jan!  Thank you very much for sharing.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 16, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Jan's Moroccan Rug Finished

Jan has finished her original design of a Moroccan rug and it is gorgeous! 
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2015/02/11/border-rug-finale/

Jan often charts and sells her rug designs (you can browse them on her website) but this time the rug is just for her.  Because Word Press hates me I can't post a message to her there so just let me say this is outstanding, Jan.  Good job!  Wish it was mine....
http://www.threadmedley.com/Thread_Medley/Welcome.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 12, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Jan Copies Me (But Better)

Mika Fash Insert from Leigh Designs

Jan wanted a tote bag for Christmas so she had a place for her current projects, so she called Michele at Come to the Point (hereinafter referred to as Santa's Helper or The Temptress, take your pick).  Jan ended up with the same Lee nylon tote I own except that I use mine as a purse and have carried it almost daily for about three years.  I love it!  
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2014/12/27/nothing-like-picking-your-own-present/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2015/01/06/lees-snowman-progress-2/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2015/01/20/snowman-insert-finale/

The only difference is that I have never had the time to stitch an insert for mine.  Someday....

Smilin' Jack Fash Insert from Leigh Designs

I use mine to model various canvases when I finish them.  That's what you see in the photos above.  My tote came with two sticky backed inserts so you can switch canvases at whim.  More inserts are available separately if you want to change each month, with the holidays, or just to match your favorite outfits.  Lee has a great product in these purses.  I absolutely love mine so I am sure Jan will absolutely love hers, too.

Your shop can order the Lee purses and leather goods from Colonial Needle.  Have fun browsing the catalogue and picking out your favorites!
http://www.newleesneedlearts.com/html/catalog.html


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 28, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Rug for the Winter?

Horse Country Chic certainly has a good idea--pick up a rug canvas for winter stitching! I don't know why this didn't occur to me, but having a nice rug on your lap for those cold winter nights in front of the television is a great idea!
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2014/11/new-needlepoint-rugs.html

Lee's has a ton of classic rug designs.  Start browsing here.
http://www.newleesneedlearts.com/files/catalog/catalog-canvas/index.html

Jean Smith has some amazing floral rugs.  And these are just two designers out of many.  Ask your local shop to help you browse rug patterns from your favorite designers.
http://jeansmithdesigns.com/index.php/about-jean

If you are a fan of charted rugs, you need to visit Jan's Thread Medley site and her blog....  No drooling on the keyboard!
http://www.threadmedley.com/Thread_Medley/Charted_Designs_-_Rugs.html

http://threadmedley.wordpress.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 11, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Jan Reorganizes

Jan at Thread Medley has been overwhelmed by unstitched projects recently, so she did a little reorganization.  Now she can't see anything but the projects in her current rotation and their threads are close at hand.  No visiting the stash and becoming stressed out by everything that is there, screaming your name!  Very clever, Jan.
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2014/05/19/the-new-routine-its-working/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 20, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finished Needlepoint on Display

This morning I have some wonderful pieces on display by their proud designers. Let's start with Barbara Bergsten's wonderful show of finished Lily Pultizer-style shift needlepoint pieces. Barbara's customers have done done her proud!
http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2014/05/oh-shift-needlepoint.html

Next are the terrific models from Eye Candy which Needle Works displayed in their shop during a trunk show by Ada Hayden. Charmed?  Click on the Eye Candy title at the top of the page and start exploring.  Ada often posts great photos of her finished pieces.
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2014/05/eyecandy-models-on-display-at.html

My final treat is a slide show of the many rug designs Jan at Thread Medley has adapted to needlepoint over the years.  Word Press won't let me comment to beg her to leave the slide show up, so I will post this right away so you don't miss the show.
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2014/05/12/slideshow-test/

Pour your favorite beverage and linger at the above for a while.  There is a lot to see, enjoy and analyze.  Better than an art show!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 14, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Nain Diamonds Available UPDATED

Here's a treat for my counted canvaswork friends--Jan's new Nain Diamonds design (created from an Iranian rug photo she saw online) is now available as a chart.

UPDATE:  Jan let me know there will be a needlepoint version of this with specialty stitches and perhaps an overdye for the border.  She updated her article with this information.  The canvas workers of the work thank you, Jan!
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2014/05/02/nain-diamond-instructions-are-available/

It's technically a cross stitch pattern on Aida, but it would look wonderful on Congress cloth!
http://www.threadmedley.com/Thread_Medley/Charted_Designs.html

Here is the rug the design was based on.  If you compare the rug to the model, you can see all sorts of artistic license but the two designs are certainly related.
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2014/04/25/nain-diamond-cross-stitch-finale/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 3, 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.

Jan Takes Rug Making in a New Direction UPDATED

Jan of Thread Medley is going to change the direction of her reproduction rugs to make smaller pieces since larger rugs are rapidly taking over her house. As she thinks about using Congress cloth and 18 count needlepoint canvas for the next design, she is asking if folks would like to work with her on their own reproduction rugs. Here are the details. If you want to venture on a rug adventure, there is no better guide, so let Jan know if you are on board. 
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2013/11/28/would-you-like-to-come-along/

UPDATE:  I was exploring Jan's website this morning and realized she has a mini version of what her Yahoo Group will cover there.  Reading this will soon tell you if you are interested in working on a rug with her help.
http://www.threadmedley.com/Thread_Medley/Adapting_Needlepoint_-_How_To.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.

Rugs for Sale

If you have always wanted a great needlepoint rug, head over to Needle Nicely's blog to browse her selection of rug canvases for sale at forty percent off.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2012/12/rug-sale.html

http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2012/12/rug-sale-links-and-latest-on-nutcracker.html

If you are a counted thread person, not to worry.  Thread Medley specializes in traditional rug charts.
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2012/12/22/sues-mosaic-rug-is-finished/

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

The Needlepoint Train

With the popularity of blogs, you can watch quite a few stitchers work their painted canvases and pick up tips and ideas from each one. However, I've never seen anyone blog-stitch a locomotive before!
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/vintage-locomotive-progress-1/

I'll update this article as Jan stitches so you can see the train being born on canvas.


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

The Classic Thing: Needlepoint Rugs

Janet Perry just posted a link to an online article with lots of photos of needlepoint rugs.

http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/how-to-decorate-with-a-needlepoint-rug

The direct link is here, just in case Janet's website article changes and the link disappears.
http://info.asmarainc.com/blog/bid/55004/14-Gorgeous-Rooms-How-to-Decorate-with-Needlepoint-Rugs-and-Red-Rugs


Rugs are one of the classic uses for needlepoint.  I know a rug is a huge commitment in time and materials, but these things are heirlooms that will last a very long time.  Why not start with a smaller piece, like one of Jan Fitzpatrick's fabulous classic rug designs?  She's currently working on a Chinese rug, but the chart for her Mosaic Rug, which is based on traditional Moroccan rug patterns, is now available (second link).
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2012/04/21/chinese-rug-progress-10/

http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2012/04/22/mosaic-rug-instructions-now-available/

If you prefer the English floral patterns of Elizabeth Bradley, her kits are made so that you can mix and match center designs and borders to make the size of rug you prefer.  The second link shows the border and corner designs available, and how to purchase the corners and borders to get your size.
http://www.elizabethbradley.com/theamericas/kits/

http://www.elizabethbradley.com/theamericas/carpet-borders-1

The classic Arts and Crafts rugs by Beth Russell are a set size, but very beautiful.
http://www.bethrussellneedlepoint.com/needlepoint/needlepoint-rug.htm


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

Speaking of Jan....

Jan Fitzpatrick has been pulling together instructions for her Tunisian rug design. If you want a beautiful rug chart, this is the place to buy.  If this design doesn't speak to you, why not check out her other beautiful rugs and smaller designs on her website? (second link)
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2012/04/01/tunisian-rug-instructions-for-sale/

http://www.threadmedley.com/Thread_Medley/Charted_Designs.html


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

Stars Update

Sadly, it isn't my Stars update, it is Coni's and Jan's and Liz's.  They have all been busy working their squares.  Coni is rocking a red, white and blue version from the bottom up, which means we get to see blocks that are new to me.
http://spinsterstitcher.blogspot.com/2011/06/still-reachingand-flat-flossie-is-ready.html

She's making great progress, too, with the determination and focus only the Spinster Stitcher can bring to projects.
http://spinsterstitcher.blogspot.com/2011/06/madame-ambassador-i-presume.html

Jan is doing a rust and olive color scheme.  She and Liz have finished the same block so you can see what different colors do with the patterns.
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2011/06/22/stars-of-the-new-millennium-by-tony-minieri-clark-gable-done/

Liz is using turquoise and brown.  Well, of course there are other colors involved but those are the ones most prominent this month.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/stars-for-new-millenium-progress-2.html

I will get back to Stars one day, but not for a while.  I have too many deadlines on painted canvases.  Sorry.  We'll all have to enjoy everyone else's versions until I have more time.

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