A Report from the UK

Anna Pearson has an update on her students and how everyone is stitching over on the other side of the Atlantic.    Everyone seems to like bright colors and using up their stash threads, while Anna is planning presents for her family.

http://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2021/03/march-blog.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 19, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Anna Pearson and the UK Crowd Hang Out Virtually

Anne Pearson has been able to arrange get-togethers for needlepointers in the United Kingdom using virtual technology.  She calls these Needlepoint Forums and they have a theme.

http://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2020/12/december-blog.html

It's a great way to connect with stitching friends and a great way to celebrate the holidays.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 17, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Crafty Attic

I stumbled across The Crafty Attic by chance.  It is a UK shop that specializes in goldwork and stumpwork supplies, plus silk and organdy ribbons, needles and more.  The shop carries a great many ribbon widths, which is especially nice, and is a fun browse since it has a lot of demonstration videos.  Hopefully it's a good source of supplies for our British needlepointers.

http://craftyattic.com/index.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 1, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sue Hawkin's Dimensional Needlepoint

Looking for something a little different?  How about browsing Sue Hawkin's website to admire her dimensional houses, camper vans and beach shacks?

https://suehawkins.com/shop/

Sue's in the United Kingdom, so the little houses are all English-style sheds and cottages.  They are worked from charts.  I'm told Sue ships very quickly so you can have a camper van ornament ready to hang on your Christmas tree by early December if you raid your stash.  Her sewing box with fobs is a little more elaborate but it's charming.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 7, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Anna's Back from Italy

Anna Pearson is back from another needlepoint retreat in Italy.  
http://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2019/10/recent-italian-trip.html

These sound like a lot of fun.  Eat, talk, stitch something original from Anna's fertile brain, eat some more.  If you are interested, check her website for the upcoming retreat details.  She also does classes in London, if you are going to be in the area at the right time.
https://www.anna-needlepoint-pearson.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 22, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Anna's Guide to Beginning Needlepoint Tools

The English designer Anna Pearson just posted a guide to the tools useful for needlepoint on her blog.  The article also explains needlepoint for those who are new to it, and uses a lot of British language versus what we Americans might say.  She calls Zweigart type needlepoint canvas even weave, for example, and talks about power points (electrical outlets) and flat headed drawing pins (thumb tacks).  She also prefers Appleton crewel but then many of her designs are pillows or for footstools or other items that get wear.
http://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2019/07/introduction-to-needlepoint-and.html

It's a good orientation for folks who are in the United Kingdom and very interesting for those of us who are not to read.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 2, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tina Francis Interviewed

Stitchery Stories interviews Tina Francis of Tina Francis Tapestry in their weekly series.
https://www.stitcherystories.com/tinafrancis/

Because Tina operates out of Birmingham, England, you may not be familiar with her designs.  She does tapestry kits using Appleton and Anchor wool on printed canvas or charts (your choice), among other things.  She's very fond of Bargello, too.  She also sells charts for a Use Your Stash series to encourage folks to use up bits of leftover threads from other projects.
http://www.tina-francis-tapestry.co.uk/shop/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TinaFrancisTapestry

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 10, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Let's Get to Know Emily Peacock

Virginia Wolf Canvas, from Emily Peacock

The latest in Bobbin and Fred's interviews of needlepoint designers focuses on Emily Peacock who is better known in her native United Kingdom than here in the United States.  I was intrigued by what Emily says about copyright since intellectual property theft is something I am campaigning against on Facebook.  It's rampant and also shocking the number of folks who don't think selling someone else's artwork is stealing.
https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/2019/04/lets-meet-emily-peacock.html

You'll have fun browsing Emily's kits.  Many of them are on 7 or 10 count Zweigart canvas, making them a fast stitch or perhaps a good choice if your eyes are currently bothering you.  She does 12 count printed designs, too.  The portrait of Virginia Wolf above is one of these printed canvases that comes in a kit with Appleton wool.
http://emilypeacock.squarespace.com/shop

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 5, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

150 Years Transferring Designs

I had never heard of Deighton Needleworks, but they are an English company that has been transferring needlework patterns for 150 years!  It looks like they produce the printed canvases for Ehrman, Jolly Red, Designers Forum, and Beth Russell as well as other needlepoint companies in the United Kingdom.  Click on the video to see the print machines creating needlepoint canvases for our stitching pleasure.
http://www.deighton-needleworks.co.uk/history/

The best part is that they do custom orders and there is no minimum.  So if you are in the UK and want a custom design, talk to Simon.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 3, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New UK Designer With Abstract and Colorful Kits

Marina's Home is a new designer out of the UK, offering fun and colorful pillow kits in a modern, abstract style.
https://www.marinashome.co.uk

Her pillow designs are on 10 count Zweigart canvas, making them a quick stitch but also suitable for those with vision issues.  They are all worked from a chart onto blank canvas using tapestry wool from Anchor.  You can order from her Etsy shop with free shipping inside the UK.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MarinasHome?fbclid=IwAR3fLO6fMVdHnxxuzU5IPpRjHNgB_Dh4XOTfFZ8aYQhGTUcP1gRLCnr5xSk

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 18, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Resurgence

The UK's Evening Standard Insider has a nice article about needlepoint resurgence among Millennials in their online magazine.  It has flaws (the author confuses embroidery, cross stitch and needlepoint) but at least they did an interview with Lycette Designs.
https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/style/millennials-needlepoint-embroidery-cross-stitch-palm-beach-new-york-best-instagram-accounts-a4038631.html?fbclid=IwAR1EEGzQQQ7P2It3pZjvfF4wzUEsI2aPXHVDlaE1k6_QncWLqi9ENOlRHWU

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 21, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Petersborough Cathedral Ceiling Tapestry

The Petersborough Embroiderers Guild is taking on a huge project, reproducing the ceiling pattern of Petersborough Cathedral on needlepoint canvas, with some parts painted and some charted. You can read about this custom design and the volunteers working it here.
https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/nave-needlework-to-bring-project-to-life-1-8535826

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 21, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Celebration of Flowers Exhibit

A museum in Bath has an exhibit of Kaffe Fassett quilts and needlepoint and Candace Bahouth mosaic work.  The latest Kaffe newsletter has a link to a video of the show.  There are lots and lots of quilts but the floral needlepoint is amazing, too.  The exhibit ends in September if you happen to be in England then.
https://vimeo.com/284905929

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 15, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Fourth Queen UPDATED

Gay Ann Rogers' next sale is today! And it's going to include The Fourth Queen.
http://www.gayannrogers.com

The fourth queen, you say?  Gay Ann has created portraits of three queens so far.  That's Elizabeth I on the left, Catherine the Great in the middle, and Eleanor of Aquitaine on the right.
https://www.facebook.com/860462527326471/photos/a.860475930658464.1073741827.860462527326471/1815049158534465/?type=3&theater

These are all sold as kits with the canvas, beads and threads, so they are rather pricey and Gay Ann is not planning to sell any of these Queens ever again.  Gay Ann says the sale will end August 24 or when she runs out of kits.  So if you are a fan, don't tarry.

By the way, Fiber Talk will interview Gay Ann Rogers on Sunday, August 12 about the Last Queen (who is Queen Victoria) and more.
http://wetalkfiber.com/2018/08/12/fiber-talk-with-gay-ann-rogers-ii/

UPDATE:  Shining Needle Society is going to do a stitch-along with Gay Ann for those who buy the Fourth Queen kit.  Details will be in the kit if you purchase one.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 21, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Cosmetics

Ok, here's something you don't see every day—cosmetics packed in needlepoint-themed cosmetic bags!   
https://www.facebook.com/kaffefassettstudio/photos/a.1293531724048674.1073741838.1185596584842189/1304233396311840/?type=3&theater

Here's more about the line of cosmetics and fragrances, makeup bags and cosmetic bags.
http://www.kaffefassett.com/wp-content/uploads/On-Point-fragrance-press-release.pdf

http://kaffefassettfragrance.com/onpoint/

For those who aren't familiar with Kaffe Fasset, he is a master of color and textile design and has created a huge range of tapestry kits in partnership with Ehrman.  If you search the Ehrman website, you'll find the currently available kits from the many he's designed and several videos of Kaffe.  He's the master of color as far as I am concerned.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/KaffeFassett.aspx

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 12, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Traditional Stockings on Display

If you are a fan of English-style tapestry, then you will enjoy looking at Jolly Red's blog (Dec. 26, Dec. 29 and Dec. 30, 2017) where they have several articles showcasing the stockings they finished this year for customers of their designs.  The designs and execution are traditional but with a modern English twist.
https://www.jollyred.co.uk/blog/

If you want to order one of their kits, here is their website's home page.
https://www.jollyred.co.uk

Have a Merry Old England Christmas!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 7, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kaffe Fassett Exhibition Opens

If you will be anywhere newer Mottisfort Abbey (a National Trust property in Hampshire, England) today through January 14, 2018, be sure and visit the Kaffe Fassett exhibition which will include examples of his needlepoint, quilting, knits and much more.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont/features/kaffe-fassett-exhibition-at-mottisfont

Kaffe is a master of color and pattern.  If you get to see this, you'll never forget it.

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.

Candy Bars -- With a Twist

Charlotte Bailey of Hanging by a Thread has been embroidering candy bar wrapper designs for a while now and has quite a collection of them finished.  Since painted canvases of candy bars are quite popular here, I thought you'd like to see her work, even though they are embroidered or in goldwork, not needlepoint.  And they aren't quite what you would expect....
http://beautifuldecay.com/2015/06/25/subverted-embroidered-candy-bar-logos-reveal-darker-side-sweet-stuff/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 26, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching Mementos UPDATED

Suzanne has been stitching a memento of a trip her daughter took to London.  
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2014/11/union-jack.html

This got me thinking about all those travel ornaments that people stitch in memory of a trip they took.  There are lots available, as Janet Perry shows in this round-up of places to find such things.
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/destination-needlepoint/

Of course any ornament that triggers a good memory will work.  Hope you have fun picking just the right one to stitch this season for Holiday 2015.

UPDATE:  Ridgewood posted a lot of photos of the travel ornaments from Danji.  I rarely see so many in one place.  Some celebrate Christmas in a special spot, some just celebrate the location.  All are great!
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/12/travel-rounds.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 19, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

All Souped Up (with Tapestries)

Anna Pearson does needlepoint classes all over the United Kingdom and as part of the classes, lunch is served.   Now the ladies who do the lunches have collaborated on a soup cookbook.  I'm not clear if the cookbook has needlepoint charts included or just photographs of the authors' stitching but regardless this is a different and interesting present for the stitching chef in your life.  
http://www.needle-point.co.uk/all-souped-up.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 4, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.