A Vicki Sawyer Interview

If you are a fan of the Vicki Sawyer artwork that Melissa Shirley puts on needlepoint canvas, you'll love reading this interview with the artist.
https://www.nextavenue.org/an-artist-displays-serious-whimsy/?fbclid=IwAR1idm8dUHkWFvfTfIl3wK7WwT_BUzy9d9uFhAEEPqMBHLWJ9LBajIdBFv8

If you aren't familiar with the designs, have fun browsing them on Melissa's website.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com//galcol/?col=167

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

Frida in Needlepoint UPDATED

Thorn Alexander's Frida Portrait

Bobbin and Fred is in love with needle art portraits of Frida Kahlo.  One of her favorites is available as a printed canvas from Art Needlepoint.
https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/2018/08/frida-fever-five-fantastic-kahlos.html

The first Frida Kahlo portrait in painted canvas I know about is Melissa Shirley's from her Wild Women series.
https://rittenhouseneedlepoint.com/canvas/people/frida-kahlo-wild-woman.html

Melissa also has the Frida chick from Vicki Sawyer, which makes me smile every time I see it.  Bet this hen rules the roost!
https://www.annieandco.com/products/melissa-shirley-vs146

Lulu My Pink Turtle has several Frida portraits for those who are more whimsical.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/frida-dia-de-los-muertos/

http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=46736&title=Frida%20Mermaid&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=32762&title=Viva%20Frida&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Bailey Jack (distributed by And More) has a butterfly portrait of Frida.
http://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2017/05/frida-and-butterflies.html

Maren Devine has my favorite Frida portrait.  Kate Dickerson distributes her work.
https://www.louisesneedlework.com/shop/NEW/p/Frida-Kahlo-x34538040.htm

I'm sure there are more Frida needlepoint canvases available.  If you know of one, please tell me in the Comments or email me at chillyhollow at hot maildotcom if Google won't let you comment today.

UDPATE:  Mary Ann found this limited edition Frida pictured above from Thorn Alexander.  It's not on their website so it may no longer be available.  So I posted the photo Mary Ann found for us.  Thanks, MA!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 8, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

My Favorites from the TNNA SHOW Winter 2016 UPDATED

Nancy Coffelt's "Squirrel"

Once again I have a list of personal favorites that are debuting at the show in San Diego. First is the modern patterned squirrel by Nancy Coffelt of Quail Run. I love the contrast between the squirrel's patterned skin and the traditional William Morris-style background.
https://www.facebook.com/QuailRunNeedlework/photos/np.1448288574607869.1277706333/1030291717020991/?type=3

Otto Agular's "Adriana"

Purple Palm Designs has put more of Otto Agular's pieces on needlepoint canvas. My current favorite is this portrait called "Adriana."
https://www.facebook.com/PurplePalmDesigns/photos/pb.796107397085912.-2207520000.1449540467./1154942887869026/?type=3&theater

Maggie's "Wag the Dog"

This Maggie from her mandala series really charms me!  I wonder if the wagging tail is the spinning center?
https://www.facebook.com/586677101438535/photos/np.1451487674046208.1277706333/755231171249793/?type=3&theater

"Queen of the Night," from Barbara Elmore Designs

I like more animal canvases this year than I expected.  Isn't this Barbara Elmore/Sundance canvas, done from Carolyn Schmitz's artwork, spectacular?  This is "Queen of the Night."  There are several new Schmitz designs in Barbara's line for Sundance but this one is my favorite.
https://www.facebook.com/barbaraelmoredesigns/photos/np.1451863247831739.1277706333/10153392026758262/?type=3&theater

Raymond Crawford's "Cardinal"

This cardinal from Raymond Crawford is also a charmer.  There are a whole series of small birds in the same style from Raymond, but this is my favorite.
https://www.facebook.com/190891389362/photos/a.191172709362.156684.190891389362/10153938322529363/?type=3&theater

Kathy Schenkel Mini Socks

Kathy Schenkel has new mini socks with matching felt inserts.  The little fox hunting stocking is my favorite because my county hosts the Blue Ridge Hunt, but the various drinks mini socks are fun.
https://www.facebook.com/239767049406916/photos/a.239775349406086.74577.239767049406916/1057370204313259/?type=3&theater

Tapestry Fair's Menorah, in Various Sizes

Tapestry Fair has some wonderful new things this year.  I was particularly struck by their Menorah design, which comes in several sizes, including a stocking, smaller section canvases, and individual light designs as you can see from the photo taken from their trade show booth.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10207758120698605&set=a.10204421121315706.1073741829.1461313530&type=3&theater

Tapestry Fair's Desert Landscape

I'm also taken with Tapestry Fair's desert landscape with woodpecker.
https://www.facebook.com/189965167681135/photos/a.1135388579805451.1073741848.189965167681135/1135616486449327/?type=3&theater

Asian Woman and Phoenix

Everyone knows I'm a sucker for Asian-themed canvases and the new ones (there are at least four I saw) from the Meredith Collection (formerly Elizabeth Turner Collection) are lovely. This is my favorite.

Both Sides of the dede Odgen Wizard

Turning from realistic canvases to fantasy ones, I really like this dede Odgen double-sided wizard.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1128841063800853&set=pcb.979636852113473&type=3&theater

Scott Church's Snow Puffin

I'm also quite fond of this "snow" bird from Scott Church Creative/CBK.  It's a charming mix of realism and whimsy.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2016/01/tnna-winter-market-day-2.html

"Woodland Princess" by Vicki Sawyer/Melissa Shirley

Vicki Sawyer has created several wonderful new pieces for Melissa Shirley Designs but because we have deer in Chilly Hollow, I thought I'd showcase this one.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/gallery/?index=8154&cat=70

Who Created Me?

My final favorite is a mystery as the one shop that showed off this artist's work didn't identify the designer. There were at least ten designs in the same style.   This. like all the others I saw from the same hand, is a sketch, not a canvas, and it is hard to say what it will look like on the medium of needlepoint canvas, but I like the fact that it conveys the joy of playing on a sunny beach so well.  If anyone knows who created this, please let me know so I can credit them.

UPDATE:  Martin knows all!  The little girl on the beach is from Patti Mann.  Martin found this booth shot that shows all the designs in this series.
https://www.facebook.com/586677101438535/photos/pb.586677101438535.-2207520000.1453206995./768171243289119/?type=3&theater

Hope you enjoyed the show!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 23, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

TNNA Columbus May 2015 Favorites

I've started to assemble a collection of my favorites from TNNA's Summer Show in Columbus, Ohio.  These are personal favorites, things I'd like to stitch myself, and listed in no particular order.

Melissa Shirley has created a huge number of new pieces for the summer show.  
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/gallery/?bsn=1

Melissa Shirley's Christmas Tree Angel Ornament 1879-D

I am particularly fond of Melissa's little angel ornaments (also available in a larger standup size),  but the dog ornaments in the Best Friends Collection from Mary Lake-Thompson are also charming!  Some of them repeat dog portraits that were released earlier as full sized pieces.

Border Collie Ornament (Mary Lake Thompson) MLT325-F

Not to worry, there's a cat among the dog ornaments.

Vicki Swayer's Snowy Nadia VS152

Fans of Vicki Swayer's animal portraits won't be disappointed.  There's a cow, a huge number of funny chipmunks, birds from the beach (and other places), a hare and a toad, and my personal favorite--this polar bear.

Leigh Designs has released their normal series of eight--this time the Gold Diggers.  Each beauty features typical gear for a gold digger in that neck of the woods.  Recognize anyone?  LOL
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp505x.html

Leigh's Gold Digger Miami

Leigh's friends have been busy created stitch guides for this beautiful crew of ladies looking for the big bucks!    Sandy Arthur has done a guide for Hollywood, Pat Miller has done Vegas, Houston is by Carolyn Taggart, and Sharon Quick has done Scottsdale.  My personal favorite is Miami and I'll be stitching that once I finish No Flying Monkeys.

Spooky Pumpkin H-011 from JP

Juli Poitras of JP Needlepoint has a lot of classic pieces, but my very favorite is "Spooky Pumpkin" from her Halloween banners.
http://www.jpneedlepoint.com/Newdesigns.html

Pepperberry's Cool Reindeer

Pepperberry Designs also has dog ornaments (Do I sense a theme developing here?) but my favorite is this Cool Reindeer ornament!
http://www.pepperberry-designs.com/whats-new/

Labors of Love's Mini Mermaid LL510T

Labors of Love has added new clip on birds and a dimensional turkey and 2-sided snowmen, but their series of eight mermaid ornaments is my favorite.   They've also added to their Storybook characters series and have created a "bridal tree" club.
http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/see-whats-new.html

Ewe and Eye's Winter Sleigh Scene with Custom Frame

Ewe and Eye and Maggie have collaborated again with Lisa Krause for some wonderful custom frames.  There is even a mirror and a dry erase board!  My personal favorite is this winter sleigh scene above.  I don't usually like folk art designs but I find this one charming.
https://www.facebook.com/NeedlepointCom/photos/pcb.839615632797446/839614979464178/?type=1&theater

Scott Church/CBK Beaver working on Candy Cane

CBK has some new Scott Church Creative pieces.  The beaver above cracks me up.
https://www.facebook.com/519994421356592/photos/pb.519994421356592.-2207520000.1433078779./910783172277713/?type=3&theater

Those are my very favorites but I know there are many great canvases I missed.  What's YOUR favorite?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 29, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Progress Reports (with Birds a'Plenty) UPDATED

The cold and snowy winter weather seems to bring out the whimsy in shop owners and managers who are stitching away on some colorful and fun projects.  Ruth Schmuff has posted the first class photos of her latest mystery class which is called "Twirl."  The canvas is by Amy Bruecken and distributed by Ruth.  The next--and last!--lesson is in three weeks. Wonder what Ruth will do next?!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/02/twirl.html

Virginia of Enriched Stitch is also stitching birds--Vicki Sawyer's "Party in the Coop."  Melissa Shirley adapted Vicki's artwork to needlepoint canvas.  Virginia will eventually make a stitch guide available so you can have your own hen party.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/02/party-in-the-coup-progress/

UPDATE:  Virginia has finished her Party in the Coop.  Contact her at Enriched Stitch, through her blog or email her directly at stitchstyleblog@gmail.com. Your shop can also pick up Virginia's guide from Melissa Shirley when they order you the canvas.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/02/finished-party-in-the-coop/

Stay tuned for more feathered fun with needles.

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

My Personal Favorites from TNNA Winter 2015 Part One

The Phoenix show is over and everyone has headed home happy but exhausted.   Now the shops are waiting until the orders placed at the show start to be filled.  What were your favorites?  Below are mine, listed in the order I saw them.

Dressing as a Skeleton for the Day of the Dead

I absolutely adore Tapestry Fair's newest Day of the Dead canvas.   This is "La Hermosa Sandra."   The design features a calaca, a person dressed as a skeleton for the Mexican celebration in honor of those who have passed on.   I have so many ideas on how to stitch this that I'd give up sleeping if I could pull it off, just to have the time to work this piece!  This is adapted from artwork by Manuel Salas

Tapestry Fair's Other New Manuel Salas Canvas

If this piece has too much going on, how about the other new Manuel Salas piece from Tapestry Fair?  This design is called "Chara."  The calaca is more elegant, particularly with the lace background and her amazing hat.

Barbara Elmore's Mermaid for Sundance Designs

I admire Barbara Elmore's Botticelli-style mermaid, more for the fabulous things Barbara will do with this design than anything else.  She's already started stitching on this and I can't wait to see more.

Ewe and Eye's Daffodils Still Life

I am not usually wild about Ewe and Eye and Friends' primitive style but this charming daffodils still life with birds appeals to me.  I think of spring's pleasures when I look at it, don't you?

Siamese from Labors of Love

I am charmed by the cat portraits introduced by Labors of Love this month.  They are similar to last summer's dog portraits on patterned backgrounds.  This was my favorite of the set.  Here are the dog portraits, so you can compare.
http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/see-whats-new.html

Needle Deeva's Christmas House Stitched by Mary Waldsmith

Needle Deeva does wonderful houses, so I think her latest --complete with a stitch guide by Mary Waldsmith of Owl Stitchery-- is going to be a big hit.  There is a stocking with this house and a snowman, by the way.  Mary is doing a guide for it, too.

Associate Talents' Rabbits with Patterns

Speaking of cute, Associated Talent's small patterned rabbits are too cute to be legal in all fifty states!

Pajamas and Choclate's Patchwork Cat Witch

When it comes to Halloween designs, my favorite for January 2015 is the Pajamas and Chocolate Halloween patchwork witch cat in the pumpkin patch.  (This is Patt and Lee's painted canvas line.)

Raymond Crawford's Owl

Speaking of Halloween, owl canvases continue to be popular.  My favorite at Market this time is Raymond Crawford's white owl.  Small and simple, yet elegant!  I think I could have a lot of fun with this design.

Vicki Sawyer's Snowy Owl from Melissa Shirley

Well,  the Vicki Sawyer Snowy Owl from Melissa Shirley Designs is a runner up.  It is elegant in a different style.

Peace on Earth Angel by Juli Poitras

"Elegant" seems to be what I'm looking for this Market.  This JP Needlepoint angel fits the bill, don't you think?  JP has a huge variety of lovely things but the angel caught my attention.

I'm going to continue this tomorrow as Blogger is starting to complain about all the photographs!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 3, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

TNNA Market Trends

Enough new designs are out at the Winter TNNA show that I have seen new trends emerging in the painted canvas world for 2015--The first is that mushrooms are everywhere, especially the poisonous Amanita muscaria with its white polka dots on a red cap.  Birds of a Feather has a lot of small mushroom pieces.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2015/01/phoenix-canvases-coming-home-with-us.html

Vicki Sawyer of Melissa Shirley Designs has the hedgehog and baby owl wearing Amanitas.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/galsearch/index.cgi?index=1415046012_30135&col=

http://melissashirleydesigns.com/galsearch/index.cgi?index=1412728061_16438&col=

These build upon Maggie's mushroom canvas and Melissa Shirley's vintage mushrooms from last year.
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=23684&title=Fungi&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=12115&title=Vintage%20Mushrooms/Boletus&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

The second trend is canvases that honor our military and police, joining canvases that honor firemen that have been available since 2001.  Colors of Praise has new police and firemen badges and...
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2015/01/phoenix-market-saturday-update.html

Juli Poitras' miliary medals showing the Bronze Star, Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart.
http://jpneedlepoint.com/Newdesigns.html

What trends have you noticed?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 11, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Bird Lady Stitches

The manager of Enriched Stitch has a new blog where she shows off her love of bird pieces. Right now she is in love with the Vicki Swayer bird pieces, which are being introduced by Melissa Shirley Designs.  You'll love seeing the mockingbirds she just finished and the new owls that came to her from Christmas.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2014/12/home-framer/ 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 27, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

My Favorites from Destination Dallas

Now that the excitement of Destination Dallas is over and the shop owners and designers have dragged their bodies home, unpacked and slept for a week, it's time for a recap of all the things I thought interesting. This is me, mind you, with all my biases. There is something for everyone in the world of needlepoint so don't miss browsing the running dialogue on the Destination Dallas tab as shops and designers let us know what caught their eyes or what they are particularly proud of.  Here's the link.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/p/destination-dallas.html

dede's Bear

My favorite new canvases are from dede Odgen and Vicki Sawyer.  Here is dede's "Snowy Nap Bear."  I love the realism of this piece.

Vicki Sawyer's Sheep Angel

Vicki Sawyer (a new artist whose work Melissa Shirley is reproducing on needlepoint canvas) has a fabulous sheep Nativity angel.  I love the whimsy of this piece.  You can see more of Vicki's work on Melissa's website.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/gallery/?bsn=1

My Katie Boo for Leigh Designs

But more than animal canvases caught my eye.  My favorite new series is Leigh Designs' Lil Goblins.  I can't top what Leigh wrote about them--

"Our neighborhood kids are all grown up and gone. Regardless, every Halloween we decorate and have candy on hand -- and every Halloween the doorbell remains silent as the night moves on undisturbed. To remedy this pitiful scene, I created our own neighborhood kids. Now, on All Hallows Eve, the Lil’ Goblins stand up on our dining room table. Smiling, we happily devour the candy ourselves! There are eight spooky 6” tall designs on 18 mesh French Blue mono."

Of course I have to reveal I stitched Katie for Leigh and my friend Pat is going to stitch Janie.  My stitch guide is ready already but Pat won't start on my namesake with my trademark pony tail until October.  (Sorry, I write these weeks ahead of the publication date and Pat's started her Lil Goblin.  You can watch her blog stitch Janie at the second link below.)   I am pretty sure Sandy Arthur is going to stitch one as well so stay tuned for much stitch guide fun.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp520x.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com

JT Morrow Geisha with Fans

My favorite new designer is JT Morrow.  JT has two wonderful geisha canvases.  The dancing geisha with fans is pictured above but you'll have to click on this link to see the graceful geisha with her umbrella.
http://nashvilleneedleworks.com/whats-new/

When it comes to books, I want to get my hot little hands on Lynda Richardson's first book, Stitches a la Carte.  Lynda is the genius behind Dreamhouse Ventures and her book sold out at Dallas.  Here's a sneak peek.  Doesn't it sound like a book with personality?  I get tired of the useful books full of stitch diagrams but no real glimpse of the author.  I use them all the time but I remember the great books about needlepoint that Sylvia Sidney and Mary Martin wrote in the 1970s.  This book might have both diagrams and soul.
http://needlepointland.com/2014/08/24/stitches-a-la-carte/

I need some of that hot pink Frye Werks!  It is called Super Pink.  Trust me, it'll jump out from the photos at you.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2014/09/new-2014-fall-colors-and-threads-from.html

I liked seeing all the designer model photos that Erin took.  I'm not really interested in any of the projects but a good finisher works magic and there are some great display ideas here for those who don't have room for another pillow or picture.
http://needlepointland.com/2014/09/09/dallas-outtakes/

Everyone has their favorites from the show.  What's yours?  Post in the comments below.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 10, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.