Custom House Designs

Jinny Barney is doing custom house designs, either ornaments or larger designs.

http://stitchstyleblog.com/2021/04/custom-home-canvases/

So, if you ever wanted to memorialize your house--or a house that's meaningful to you--talk to Jinny.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 18, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Free Harry Potter Stitch Guide

You don't see many Harry Potter canvases since most would be copyright violations and J.K. Rowling's lawyers keep that in check.  However, the new designer Hook and Harbor has some cute ornaments that reference these much-loved books without being copyright violations.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/HookandHarborCo?section_id=28144373

To top off the fun, Jinny Barney has done a free stitch guide for the Wizard Glasses Ornament.  Her treatment of the glass in the glasses is unique, too.
https://stitchstyleblog.com/2020/05/wizard-glasses-ornament/

Thanks, Jinny!  Ok, who is going to re-read one of the Potter books this summer?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 17, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How To Approach a Needlepoint Canvas: The Movie

Happy Thanksgiving, folks! Needlepoint.com has a special treat for us today—a short video on how to stitch a variety of painted canvases.   Jinny Barney always works background first on these designs, but you can simply do one full row across the largest area of background if you don't like to work backgrounds first and there's no reason to work the background before anything else.  That way you know that all the rows of background will match up even if you do the center motif first.  I also find it easier to count across unstitched areas when I am compensating around fiddly bits.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/how-to-approach-your-needlepoint-canvas

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 8, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

An Interview with Pip and Roo

Jinny Barney has interviewed Tarra from Pip and Roo!  It's fascinating to learn she stitches her designs from black and white drawings and adds the colors in the stitching, for example.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2019/06/meet-tarra-pip-roo/

You can visit Tarra's work on her Pip and Roo website.
https://www.pipandroo.com/shop

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 15, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Turkeywork Tips from Jinny

Jinny Barney of Needlepoint.com just finished a fox ornament from Pip and Roo for her Christmas tree. She writes about it on her blog and included some good tips for doing turkeywork.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2019/05/pip-roo-fox/

It turned out great!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 23, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Six Stitches for Mountains and Hills UPDATED

The newest Needlepoint for Fun newsletter has an article about stitches for various sizes of hills and mountains. It's an interesting read with some useful stitches to consider the next time there's a mountain in your design.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/four-needlepoint-stitches-for-mountains-and-hills.htm

UPDATE:  Jinny has two more mountain stitches in her blog about living in Colorado and celebrating that with a cute Pewter and Pine ornament.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2019/02/colorado-living/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 4, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Are You a Fan of Spartina Bags?

Spartina has new "needlepoint" bags. They look like they were stitched overseas and the needlepoint combined with leather.  They are fun and a good way to carry a needlepoint purse until you have time to stitch your own.  Thanks for the tip, Dell!
https://www.spartina449.com/new/queen-of-carolina/needlepoint.html

If you prefer to stitch your own, check out the Thorn Alexander canvas that Jinny stitched and had made into a fabulous clutch bag.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2018/11/thorn-alexander-clutch/

Not all of us have any use for a clutch purse but how about a wallet?  Mindy has some new "mini" designs that you can buy with a matching ladies' wallet.
http://www.mindysneedlepoint.com/shop/Mindys-Needlepoint-Designs/Minis-For-Leather-Wallets.htm

Use the left side arrow for more photos.  Mindy says the dimensions of the wallets are four and a half inches across, three inches down, and one and three-quarters inch deep.  There are 12 colors available.  The inserts are 18 count and are two by two and three-quarter inches.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10211865379142231&set=pcb.1985578211519327&type=3&theater

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 23, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Skip Tent, The Video

Needlepoint.com's Jinny Barney has done a short video on skip tent. Skip tent is a very popular light coverage stitch for backgrounds, particular if you have just a small area where a larger stitch won't fit.  The video shows how to work skip tent on the diagonal.  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AYd0U9uVkE&_bta_tid=32598328565476411863323762681160646614111499567885547289766052363158050539083657653203362937343320956190&_bta_c=2c8t1dafmyet9sg7kj5bnhtlec5if

The shop also has an online course on light coverage background stitches which this video is promoting in case you are intrigued by stitches that allow beautiful shading to show through.
https://needlepoint.com/online-needlepoint-classes/technique-online-classes/openwork-backgrounds-technique-class-24955.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 10, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Interviews with Amy Poore, From A Poore Girl Paints UPDATED

Jinny Barney interviews Amy Poore from A Poore Girl Paints on her blog today.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2017/10/meet-amy-artist-behind-poore-girl-paints/

Her cheerful and modern designs can be ogled at her website.  Keep clicking "Show More" at the bottom of the photo gallery to see everything.
https://apooregirlpaintsneedlepointdesigns.com

UPDATE:  FiberTalk did a podcast interview with Amy that is a fun look into her design process.
http://wetalkfiber.com/2017/12/17/fiber-talk-amy-poore/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 2, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Word to the Wise

The Stitch Style blog has a word to the wise about dye lots—and how to use the extra stitching to best effect. A matching key fob will be fab, won't it?
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2017/07/voila-needlepoint-shark-belt/

Does your dog hide your threads?  Mine don't, but I think they have people over when we aren't home.  I am constantly cleaning bathrooms here in Chilly Hollow!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 13, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint.com's A La Carte Retreat Report

I thought you'd love to hear about the annual retreat that Needlepoint.com holds each year.  This year the retreat was held in Raleigh close to Needlepoint.com's shop.  The canvases taught are from the Burnet and Bradley, Kirk and Bradley and Elizabeth Bradley lines, which are owned by the company that also owns the shop, by the way.  The designers are all different, so there is a lot of variety on offer and plenty of classes you can mix and match to suit your own desires.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2017/03/kicking-off-retreat/

http://stitchstyleblog.com/2017/03/day-two/

Planning for the 2018 retreat is already underway.  Check Needlepoint.com's website for the latest information.
https://needlepoint.com/retreat.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 19, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The New "Take a Class Long Distance" Trend UPDATED

So many stitchers--myself included--live hours from the closest needlepoint shop.   For a long time mail order classes have filled that gap.  Mystery classes from the likes of Ruth Schmuff at Bedecked and Beaddazzled have helped many of us take classes that otherwise would have been just too far away or at inconvenient times due to your busy schedules.
http://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/classes/mystery-classes/

And of course stitch guides fill the gap to some extent.  You can learn a lot by stitching along using guidance from one of the many talented guide writers who are working today.
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

But shop owners are starting to add new class options for the long distance stitcher.  Lisa at BeStitched is the leader here with her class videos that are available to folks taking her classes, whether they are local or not.  You can see the three upcoming classes on the Bestitched blog.
https://www.bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/blog/

Jinny Barney is now teaching via videos for Needlepoint.com.  Here is her new class--snow for snowmen, winter skies and fluffy stuff falling to the ground.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2016/08/frosty-stitches-online-class/

Her Santa's Beards class and her beading class are also still available.
http://www.needlepoint.com/santa-s-beard-and-mustache-class.html

http://stitchstyleblog.com/2016/07/new-online-beading-class/

The Internet has made a huge difference in our stitching lives, hasn't it?  I can't wait to see who else jumps on this new trend.

UPDATE:  Comfy Cottage's newest kit has a free online video component.
https://www.comfy-cottage.com/products/star-beginner-needlepoint-kit

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.

Picking a Beginner Canvas

Jinny explains her rules for picking a beginner canvas.  If you plan to teach someone to stitch this summer, you might be interested in her ideas.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2016/05/5-tips-picking-first-needlepoint-canvas/

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

More Video Instruction on the Way

Virginia Barney, in conjunction with Needlepoint.com, is starting to add video instruction to various kits and stitch guides.  Jinny's Beard Class is just one of the first kits with guide to offer this.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2016/05/santa-beard/

Needlepoint.com apparently also has video instruction with their "Sights and Scenes of London" kit.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2016/05/santa-beard/

I haven't taken any of the new video classes but I know this will be particularly useful to those who learn best from seeing a stitch demonstrated--and this will be accessed from the comforts of your favorite stitching nest!

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.

Nine Easy Ways to Improve Your Stitching

The Stitch Style blog lists nine easy ways to improve your stitching. Thanks, Ginny!
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2016/04/top-5-easiest-ways-improve-stitching-without-much-work/

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

The Needlepoint.com Retreat 2016

Ginny has been very busy teaching at Needlepoint.com's retreat but she took time out to share photos and a bit about the fun.
http://www.terrydryden.com/-blog/2016/3/11/tiebele-nights-kits-available-now.html

http://stitchstyleblog.com/2016/03/raleigh-retreat-saturday-classes/

Keep an eye on the Needlepoint.com website for more classes and retreats news.
http://www.needlepoint.com/events

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 12, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Steph is Decorating

Stephanie is adding ribbons to her needlepoint ornaments as she decorates her tree. 
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2015/11/tree-is-up.html

Jinny's decorating, too! I just love seeing everyone's holiday tree needlepoint ornaments and stockings!
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/11/holiday-spirit/

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

If Reindeer Had Slippers...

If reindeer had slippers like these, they would never leave the comfy chair and cup of hot chocolate!  Virginia did a great job stitching these and the finishing is outstanding.  Follow the link to see a whole variety of Kathy Schenkel slipper canvases ready for the four-legged critter that lives under your Christmas tree.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/08/kathy-schenkel-reindeer-slippers/ 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 8, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Army Life (and Later)

Virginia has received her wonderful Lee Army ornament back from the finisher. This is a tribute to her husband's military career.  It turned out wonderfully!
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/05/lee-army-round/

Speaking of the military, you may have noticed the fund raiser for Sandy Sandell that has appeared on the right side of Blog.  Sandy has intestinal cancer.  He is a minister in northern Thailand, close to the border of Myamar, who practices dentistry among various tribal groups who don't have access to a dentist.  He's been doing this for decades.  The insurance his church sponsor offers covers a third of his medical treatment costs and friends are trying to raise more money.  If you can help, please do so by clicking on that link to donate.  You can read more about Sandy's amazing careers here.
http://helpsandy.net

Are their kids in your family who play the Call of Duty games on video game consoles like the xBox and Playstation?  If they are playing Call of Duty:  Black Ops they are playing what Sandy did for real in Vietnam.  Fred Lindsey's book has excerpts of some of the things Sandy did for his country in the war to keep South Vietman independent of the North.  I've heard many more stories about him along the same lines.  His spiritual descendants are carrying out covert missions today, with much better equipment, but the same tactics Sandy and his friends devised 40 years ago.
http://tinyurl.com/kmtoep8

The media have portrayed Vietnam vets as either crazy maniacs or damaged Jason Bourne-type superheroes since the Vietnam War ended.  They have no idea how heroic most of them still are in their daily lives.  We lost a saint when Sandy Sandell died.
http://www2.lcc.org/index.php/missions

https://vimeo.com/164117944

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 18, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wedding Season Canvases UPDATED

Jinny has a nice little collection of canvases appropriate for wedding or engagement gifts. 
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/04/needlepoint-gift-guide-wedding-season/

My favorite is this romantic bride and groom dance from Princess and Me.
http://www.annieandco.com/products/the-princess-and-me-c763

What canvas makes you hear wedding bells?

UPDATE:  Needlepoint.com is thinking just like me.  They have a Wedding and Baby section on their website now, complete with some wonderful designs.
http://www.needlepoint.com/shop/all-canvases/wedding-new-baby.html

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