Threads Create a Focal Point

Needlepoint for Fun's latest essay is all about using threads to create a focal point on your canvas.

https://needlepoint-for-fun.com/blogs/needlepoint-for-fun-blog/use-thread-to-create-a-focal-point-on-your-needlepoint-canvas?ml_subscriber=1881203531478733967&ml_subscriber_hash=o4f2

Basically they advocate using a thicker thread (or more plies if you are using a floss) for areas you want to stand out and thinner threads for backgrounds or less important details.  The article discusses thread types they use and show how their technique is used on a candy cane from Danji.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 8, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Needlepoint Church

I've pretty much stopped posting photographs of finishing since so many blogs are doing it now but Ridgewood's latest batch of photos of customer pieces has an amazing dimensional church. There are some very cute ducklings and candy canes, too, but the church is outstanding.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2015/07/finishing-friday_10.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 10, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

For the Candy Cane Lover

If you are addicted to stitching candy cane designs, you are going to love this!  It's a Melissa Shirley design, beautifully finished at Marlene's.
http://dianestakingtimeouttoneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2013/03/melissa-shirley-giant-candy-cane.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.

Thankfulness

Jude Designs' Christmas Alligator

It's the week of Thanksgiving here in the United States and stitchers who blog are posting about what they are grateful for in their lives.  Diane's thankful for finished pieces and new designs and especially grateful for her family as she hobbles around on a broken ankle.
http://dianestakingtimeouttoneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/11/so-much-to-be-thankful-for.html

Melinda's grateful for her family and Gives Thanks in a special way.
http://melindaslivingthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2012/11/give-thanks.html

Me, I am immersed in Christmas prep.  For the first time ever the grandkids will be here Christmas morning.  I have been spring cleaning since early October when we learned they were coming.  We are also trying to finish renovation projects we started before we knew we'd have company.  I've refinished three pieces of furniture and have three-four more to do before 12/25.  All this means I have been too busy to stitch on my Day of the Dead lady.  She's put safely away in a closet while I paint various areas of the house.  That doesn't mean I am not stitching at all.  I pulled out this darling Christmas ornament form Jude Designs to keep me company evenings after I collapse from a day's physical labor.  I don't have to document what I stitch in a guide and I don't have to make it perfect.  This is just for my entertainment and relaxation.  Here's Jude's website.  I love her Cajun and New Orleans designs!
http://www.spicyneedlepoint.com

The Christmas alligator is on 18 count canvas.  I drew a four inch circle around the animal to mark off the background I will stitch.  You might see the blue lines in the above photo if you squint.

Stitching the Christmas 'gator also keeps my mind off Beloved, who decided to replace the toilet in the main floor bathroom before company arrived.  You guessed it--the little half bath we use more than any other is now gutted after he discovered a leak and had to remove the vinyl flooring and replace some of the subflooring.   I will be priming those walls after a short Thanksgiving trip to see my mother.  The new vanity sink will arrive this week.  I have no idea where we'll put it while Beloved tiles the bathroom floor but I suppose we'll think of something.  He also plans a drop ceiling and new lights and of course the baseboard had to be torn out and will be replaced after the floor is tiled.

Beloved would also like to replace the kitchen sink.  Over my dead body.

But despite all the work, I am grateful his family is coming to visit.  Anyone want to clean out another kitchen cabinet while I sand that new chest of drawers?  If you prefer you can wax the double rocker and the dogs both need a good brushing before I bathe them....

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

Finishing Fun

This morning I have lots of wonderful finished pieces for you to see.  Finished but not framed is Miss July (Melissa Shirley). Looks like Christmas Parade (Tapestry Tent/Susan Roberts) isn't too far from being finished, either!
http://melindaslivingthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2012/09/meet-miss-july-2012.html?spref=fb

Quail Run obviously has a candy cane addict among their customers, but really there is a lot to see from many designers made up in various styles.  Nice stitching, guys!  (And with a finishing date of December 1, I bet there will be lots more to see here later this fall.)
http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2012/09/finishing-of-week.html

Wait'll you see how Pat finished her penguin family.  The birds are mostly beads and ribbon.
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2012/09/framed-in-black.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-penguin-family_13.html

The topiaries from Kelly Clark aren't quite finished but they are so lovely I had to include them.  Anyone know who the designer of the pumpkin building series is?
http://needleworktheconstantthread.blogspot.com/2012/09/getting-into-fall-and-halloween-spirit.html

Finally, Ruth Schmuff has a new framed Halloween piece to show off.  It's guaranteed to put a grin on your face.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/09/silly-grins.html

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

The Candy Cane Addicts UPDATED

I have a friend who is addicted to the small Melissa Shirley cracker canvases (she stitches one a week during her long commute), and now it looks like there is another group of addicts: The Candy Cane Crew!  These are all from Carol Dupree.  I think her work is distributed by Susan Roberts.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/08/are-you-part-of-candy-cane-craze.html

http://dianestakingtimeouttoneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/08/they-are-addicting.html

http://bootsandbeads.blogspot.com/2012/08/how-about-this-one.html

http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/09/its-candy-cane-world.html

http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/09/stitching-like-gretchen.html

http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2012/09/mirror-mirror-on-wall.html

UPDATE:  Dale joins the Candy Cane Addicts.
http://www.canvasesbegone.com/blog/what-to-write-about/

And the Young Needlepointer is an addict, too.
http://theyoungneedlepointer.blogspot.com/2012/10/candy-cane-finish.html

I think some of these are Dupree custom designs but Needle Works carries them with various Texas college symbols.  Browse all her canvases to see what is in stock.
http://theneedleworks.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=19

I love the sweet faces of Carol Dupree's angels but I confess I never noticed the candy canes before.  Thanks for the tip, Candy Cane Crews!

P.S.  There is a tote bag ornament addict here, too!
http://bootsandbeads.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-break-from-leaves.html

The little beach bag totes are from Linda Lahm.  You can see the entire series here.
http://www.whatsthepoint.biz/exclusive.htm

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