A Great Vegan Leather Bag for Needlepoint Inserts

Anna at Evergreen Needlepoint found a great small vegan leather crossbody bag with a 5x7 inch space for a needlepoint insert that will be covered to prevent snagging.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/4980827411994377/

The Etsy store that sells these also has little pencil bags that also might work and there is a much larger bag if that fits your needs better.  I don't know the size of the display areas for those but the shop owner can probably measure them for you.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1028917317/classic-small-crossbody-ita-vegan?click_key=c71c19bffeed24fae46b599849b2bf48a633c4eb%3A1028917317&click_sum=cc721b6a&ref=shop_home_feat_4&frs=1&bes=1&sts=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 5, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Elissa Steeves On Display

Thanks to Donna who posted about this article on NP Nation, we can all read about an exhibit in Roanoke, Virginia of Elissa Steeves' needlepoint purses and bags.  There are fifty-seven of them! (Click on the first photo to see more.). Sadly, the exhibit is over but she'll exhibit again in the area in 2024.

https://roanoke.com/z-no-digital/for-blacksburg-needlepoint-artist-it-s-in-the-bag-copy/article_4aa0f328-4bb5-11ec-bf41-ebe162d26660.html?fbclid=IwAR3FoxLNEtpHUqdv7UFYPYpxEeRdH744E9TwC1w6L6O2Pk7CmNn1ewgU6PE

And Elissa's husband got Kreinik into the fly tying business.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 2, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Suzie's Holiday Gift List

Suzie at Enriched Stitch has listed all the great gifts for a needlepointer that the shop sells. 
http://astheneedleturns.com/holiday-wish-list/

Send the URL to Santa with a note pointing to what you'd like best....

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

Chuck Pinnell: Leatherwork Divine

Horse Country Chic has been to see Chuck Pinnell recently.  You may have come across mention of his leatherwork in Martha Stewart Living.  His work is amazing.  It is expensive but you'll have a top quality needlepoint belt or purse that will last forever.
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2016/11/last-week-i-ventured-over-to-crozet.html

I've often thought a briefcase with a needlepoint insert or a wallet with the same would be a present to remember....
http://www.pinnellcustomleather.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 10, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Source for Needlepoint Earrings and Handbags

Thanks to Needlepoint for Fun I've learned of a good source for needlepoint handbags and jewelry--Dude Relax, which has an Etsy store.  The mostly clutch-style purses are all geometric, some obviously inspired by Art Deco.  The earrings are geometric and often shaped like various African countries.  Fun browse!  Make sure you alert Santa....
https://www.etsy.com/shop/duderelax

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

Gucci or Tess & Thorn?

Tess &Thorn talk about the endless question--couture or custom?
http://www.tessandthorn.com/from-the-studio/2016/04/04/chapter-two

Personally I wouldn't pay for couture--I'd stitch my own.  Even the bag finishing is going to cost much less than a Gucci handbag.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 17, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Cotton Drawstring Project Storage Bags.

Trish Burr has designed cotton project bags that might be very useful for smaller needlepoint designs. They are large enough to hold a 10 inch diameter hoop, so any 8x8 (or maybe even a 9x9) canvas on stretcher bars should be able to fit inside the drawstring opening.
https://trishburr.com/2016/06/03/cotton-project-bags/

You can purchase these from Trish's Etsy store.  Trish is in South Africa but she will ship anywhere if you are patient.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/398657725/cotton-project-bag?ref=shop_home_active_1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 3, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Donna Is Durn Organized UPDATED

Donna's Organization Bag

Donna Fullilove put together a group of small organization bags for needles and/or beads and such and is selling them via her Facebook page.   
https://www.facebook.com/donna.fullilove.9

Another Fabric Choices

They come in two colors...

...both inside and out.

I asked Doona about the contents and this is what she said.

This is what is in the bag....no needles included.

Needle sizes labeled 28 Chenille / 28 Tapestry (2 - 2" inch tubes double sided together) 26 Chenille / 26 Tapestry (2 - 2" inch tubes double sided together) 24 Chenille / 24 Tapestry (2 - 2" inch tubes double sided together) 22 Chenille / 22 Tapestry (2 - 2" inch tubes double sided together) 18 Chenille / 18 Tapestry (2 - 2" inch tubes double sided together) Beading/One not-labeled (2 - 2" inch tubes double sided together) 1 Empty not-labeled 2 X 1 inch tubes 2 empty 3” tubes double sided together Or 4 empty 3” tubes double sided together

Each tube holds approximately 25 needles depending on size. Contact your LNS for bulk needles.

There is also a cheat sheet card with general use of needle size for what sized canvas.

It's hard to tell but the other side of the case holds scissors, laying tools, etc.

Her email address (if you don't "do" Facebook)  is blacksheepideas96 at yahoo dot com.

UPDATE:  Donna has a website now!
http://www.blacksheepideas96.com

UPDATE #2:  Her needle organizer is available a lot of places now.
http://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/so/4LWVWABS?cid=68bf7f60-0c49-4a61-b2cc-4a9944579072#/main

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 9, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hug Me

Pocket Full of Stitches is having a trunk show of Hug Me bags. These are project, tool, and storage bags that are made in a variety of sizes in many fabrics so you can pick and choose what you need in colors that appeal to you.  There are even bags that drape over a fat couch or recliner arm to hold various tools and threads.  The photographs PFOS posted include some interior shots, too, so if you are in the market for a new tote, you'll want to explore Hug Me.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2015/06/hug-me-bags.html

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

Southern Shops have STYLE

This morning I've been browsing the Needle Bug's online store.  I'd love to actually BE in Montgomery, a city with style and charm, but online shopping is the next best thing.   Right?  Check out the Snazzy Beading Kit.
http://www.theneedlebug.com/shop/?main_page=product_info&products_id=23971&cPath=4_61

How about a Needle Drop magnet to corral all your needles?  I have no idea how it works exactly but it is really cool looking!
http://www.theneedlebug.com/shop/?main_page=product_info&products_id=4660&cPath=4

How about the Chic Nine Inch Tool Pouch?  You can take that thing anywhere and be the most fashionable tool wrangler EVER!  (and it is on Sale--the Southern Belle's favorite four letter word)
http://www.theneedlebug.com/shop/?main_page=product_info&products_id=19839&cPath=4

How about a dragonfly scissors fob from Bead Soup?
http://www.theneedlebug.com/shop/?main_page=product_info&products_id=5300&cPath=4_40

Those are just the accessories!  (Every Southern gal needs the right accessories.  It's right up there with sweet tea and homemade biscuits when it comes to the necessities of life.)

Wait'll you see the 33 pages of CANVASES!
http://www.theneedlebug.com/shop/?main_page=index&cPath=1

Excuse me, y'all.  I've gotta go shopping....

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.

Hug Me

Shops and stitchers rave about the Hug Me line of stitching bags. I've not seen these in person so I was skeptical about them until I saw this morning on Pocket Full of Stitches' website that shows all the pockets and zips inside. Now THAT'S a BAG! 
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2014/10/hug-me-company-bags.html

Here is the company website so you can drool some more.
http://www.hugmebags.com/styles.php

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 31, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Need a Beach Bag?

Do you want a beach bag for that trip to Florida or the Caribbean this winter? Ridgewood can fix you right up! 
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/08/take-look-at-whats-on-big-comfy-couch.html

So can Old World Designs....
http://www.oldworlddesigns.com/totes.html

See you at the beach, even if it is only in our day dreams.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 5, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing Friday: Back to Basics

Ridgewood goes back to basics with their Little Black Dress canvas and some darling small stockings finished as minimal ornaments. 
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/07/finishing-friday-this-lovely-pillow-was.html

Ridgewood also has a customer who has stitched a wonderful tuffet that has been lovingly finished.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/07/vanessa-stitched-most-beautiful-foot_23.html

Of course nothing is as basic as a good Christmas piece.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/07/in-honor-of-christmas-in-july-weve.html

How about this classic bag?  Some things never ever go out of style!
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-needlepoint-bag.html

Speaking of never going out of style....
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2014/07/that-little-blue-box.html

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

The Bucket Bag

Ridgewood has started posting Finishing Friday treats on their blog and today they show off a bucket bag. I didn't know that was what they are called, but "fabulous" is another word that comes to mind. I think the canvases are available from Clara Wells.  If purses don't float your boat, you will still want to check out the wonderful pillows they photographed for us to admire.  There is even one for a Harvard grad!
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/06/blog-post_6.html

Yes, bucket bag canvases are available from Clara Wells.  These are the designs on their website.
http://www.clarawellsneedlepoint.com/bags/bucket-bag/

Clara Wells also has a tote with a similar handle.
http://www.clarawellsneedlepoint.com/bags/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 6, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Repurposing That Yoga Mat Bag

I discovered through Facebook's Needlepoint Nation that some folks use yoga mat bags from Outer Peace Designs to carry their floor frames and lights when they travel.   These are hand made by the owner of the company and I am told they are good quality. I'm also told that not every light or stand fits well in these bags so measure your tools before you buy!
http://outerpeacedesign.com/#sthash.HvuHnRlO.SBlfUaI9.dpbs

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 23, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Teabag Tray and the Canvas Holder

I've never seen a teabag tray before. Have you?   Besides the weekly stitch diagram, a glimpse at the Brenda Stofft Nativity club piece that is being stitched now, Coleen shows off the painted canvas holder that protects your canvas and stitches while you are on the road.  These can be ordered from Needle Works and are made to order.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2014/04/march-31-share-a-stitch-and-a-whole-lot-more.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 1, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bet Your Bag is Better than Valentino's

The Domestique just found this needlepoint purse from Valentino in the pages of the most recent Elle.  I am pretty sure we can do better than that and for less than $4400.00 USD!
http://thedomestiquete.wordpress.com/2012/10/18/needlepoint-bags-in-season-for-fall-2012/

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

Wednesday Wisdom and Walker Bags

I couldn't resist the alliteration in the title!  Amy Bunger's added new tidbits to her tips page and...
http://www.amybunger.com/wisdom.html

...Vicky DeAngelis shows off the newest in Walker bags.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/07/14/its-in-the-bag/


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

How I Know It Is Spring

I always know when it is Spring in Chilly Hollow despite the weather. All I have to do is look at what folks are showing on their blogs.  Laura Perin has pulled out a lovely floral quilt block pattern from her archives to tempt us.
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2012/03/favorite-flowers.html

Ruth Schmuff is showing off pastel snap trays and project bags on her blog.  Don't they make you think Spring?  They make wonderful gifts, both to stitching friends and to yourself as a little treat.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/03/hugs-stitches-to-you.html

Stephanie has almost finished her Petei Town Crier canvas.  It makes me think Boston which brings the Boston Marathon and Patriot Day (both celebrated on the third Monday in April) to mind.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/03/petei-town-crier-day-five.html

Three definite signs of spring!

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

Needlepoint Fashionista Alert

Nimble Needle's got our number--they are offering the gorgeous glass laying tools and project bags that are made from beautiful fabrics. A selection is on their blog. You can pick up a pattern that just appeals to you, coordinate your glass laying tool to the bag, or make sure you have a special set that somehow looks like that current big project you've been working on forever.  Somehow, pretty new tools make that project feel fresh and fun to me.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2012/03/new-stuff.html

Signed,
Fashionista Jane, who is clutching a new acorn magnet in my hot little hand (but I don't have any fall themed projects, time to go shopping for a canvas to match!)

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