It's been hectic at work and I've not stitched much this week, but not to worry, there are plenty of other things going on for you to enjoy while I recharge my batteries and basketweave my background.
First, if you are a counted thread person who always wanted to join in a monthly club but they are all on painted canvases and/or expensive, here is something just for you--a line drawn series by Edith Anderson Feisner, famous for her color theory books. These little designs are called Stitching Steps. Aren't they pretty? Do a search on Amazon.com to see some of her many color books for stitchers.
http://www.threadsinva.com/stitchingsteps.htmIf you ever wanted to chart a photograph to stitch but the cost of the software put you off, this site's free charting program may interest you. Note that it's for PCs only (there is no Mac version) and the features are very limited.
http://www.iktsoft.net/kgchart-en/If you are coming to needlepoint from the world of cross stitch or are a brand new needlepointer, you may never have used stretcher bars. Here is a tutorial by Tanja Berlin that shows you exactly how they work.
http://www.berlinembroidery.com/embroideryframes.htm#instructionsFinally, if you just want a little eye candy, you can't go wrong visiting Lillian Chermor. Her painted canvases are always on brown canvas and always very beautiful. Don't miss the new Circus miniatures! Lillian's "Breakfast of the Thrush" bell pull design illustrates this blog entry.
http://needlepointbylilliandesign.com/Hope you enjoyed the various wonderful items. Now it's back to basketweave for me!
Jane/Chilly Hollow Main blog at http://blog.360.yahoo.com/chillyhollow
