Tracy Franklin Interview

Textile Artist has a wonderful interview with the British embroiderer Tracy Franklin.

https://www.textileartist.org/tracy-a-franklin-a-break-with-tradition/

I first noticed Tracy through her goldwork but she does crewel, pulled work and many other types of embroidery which you can see on her website.

https://www.tracyafranklin.com/

If you want to read more about Tracy and her embroidery, this older article from Piecework magazine may be of interest.

https://pieceworkmagazine.com/postcard-from-scotland-durham-cathedral-a-conversation-with-embroiderer-tracy-a-franklin/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 29, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Famous Needlepoint

Lilly Finch Needlepoint found this neat photograph of Julie Nixon needlepointing in the White House during her father's Presidency.

https://www.facebook.com/lillyfinchneedlepoint/photos/a.111076134516236/132019459088570/

Lynette Designs says she was an avid needlepointer who collaborated with Paragon Needlecraft Company to publish her designs as kits.  I found several on eBay, all of which appear to be crewel.  The black and white photo of her stitching does seem to be on needlepoint canvas, however.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313&_nkw=paragon+kit+julie+nixon+eisenhower&_sacat=0

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 16, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hathaway Merino Crewel Wool

Thanks to Kathy of the Unbroken Thread, I've leaned Hathaway Merino Crewel Wool is available again from a new distributor, Crown Textile Studio.
https://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2020/04/15/catkin-crown-textile-studio-is-open/

I'm very fond of crewel wool, especially Appleton's, which comes in very lovely shades, and knowing that there's another variety of crewel is particularly good news.  If you want to order, here's the link.
https://www.catkincrowntextilestudio.com

And here are the colors.  One is the lightest shade and nine the darkest, by the way.
https://www.catkincrowntextilestudio.com/collections/all

This company is in the UK but they ship world-wide.  There are limits currently as to how often they can go to the post office, so talk to them about any shipping constraints before you order.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 16, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Pad a Strawberry with Felt

Anna Scott does a lot of embroidery, especially crewel, and was kind enough to explain how she created padded strawberries using felt in her latest blog posting.  It gives a very dimensional berry, something that needlepointers might want on one of their pieces.  Note her tips on attaching the felt layers in particular and notice that she has done a trellis stitch on top of the felt/satin stitch layers to finish the strawberry.  Nice work!
http://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2019/04/strawberry-feast-raised-embroidery-wip.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 13, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: Four Wool Threads Compared (Plus a New Crewel Wool)

Needlepoint for Fun's latest adventure is a comparison of four new wool threads on the market.    You'll learn about Vineyards Merino, Essentials, Glisten and Planet Earth Wool, especially their characteristics and what canvas count (13 or 18) and type of stitch they work well for.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/comparison-of-three-wool-threads-for-your-needlepoint--vineyards-merino-essentials-by-tilli-tomas-and-glisten-by-rainbow-gallery.htm

As a bonus, a stitch guide is being written for the Steven Klein canvas used as a demonstration project.  Your favorite shop can order the canvas from Julie Mar and Friends, or you can ask Needlepoint for Fun for the canvas when you get their guide.

As an aside since we are talking about wool, Painter's Thread now has a crewel wool on a machine embroidery spool.  The second link below is their website with a good look at the colors available.
https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2019/08/painters-thread-crewel-wool.html

https://threadnuts.com/shop?olsPage=t%2Fcrewel-wool-soft

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 28, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ribbed Leaves with Fly Stitch

Anna Scott has developed a highly textured ribbed leaf done with fly stitch and has instructions on her blog.  You can see the influence of crewel in this piece which is done with one strand of silk perle on linen.  If you use a sharp needle instead of a tapestry needle, this can easily be done on needlepoint canvas.  It would really add texture to a floral piece.
http://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2019/03/in-my-hoop.html

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

The Royal Wedding Stitch Along

The Crewel Work Company is sponsoring a royal wedding stitch along, with videos showing Phillipa's progress. I thought with the wedding coming up on May 19th you'd like to see the videos.
https://www.crewelwork.com/blogs/news/royal-wedding-stitch-a-long-watch-the-videos

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 9, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Woodlawn 2015

While I was wandering around the Internet, looking for something else, I found these photographs of pieces exhibited at Woodlawn in 2015. The crewel and the long and short dog portrait are amazing.
http://marshacannon.org/2015/03/14/woodlawn-plantation-needlework-exhibition/

The exhibit starts March 1.  Get ready!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 26, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Most Requested Books of 2016

Ruth Kern's newest e-newletter is always a fun read but since this time she lists the most requested books of 2016--and there are several needlepoint books on the list--I thought you'd enjoy seeing the books on her Most Requested List.
http://ruthkernbooks.blogspot.com/2016/12/december-2016-blog-may-all-your-days-be.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 15, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Crewel Videos and Embroidery Tips

Once again Mary Corbet has mentioned things of great interest to embroiderers--that there are great videos on The Crewel Work Company's revamped website and EGA has published a booklet with embroidery tips that is available for online viewing or download.  Since needlepointers often use crewel stitches, you'll want to check this out.

The Crewel Work Company is a venture by Phillippa Turnbull and you can see her video collection here.  I may be prejudiced (I learned crewel embroidery before I learned needlepoint) but I think the skills used in crewel are very useful for needlepointers who love to embellish their work. If you have trouble with French knots, for example, Phillippa demonstrates how to make them. If you ever wanted to use fly stitch for bird feathers, watch her video first.
https://www.crewelwork.com/pages/videos

The EGA brochure is called "A Little Book of Embroidery Basics."  It really does cover the basics, from keeping your hands clean to learning how to start/end a thread.  If you want a refresher course, or just because you are learning, this is a great place to orient yourself before your next stitching project.
http://www.egausa.org/images/Resources/LittleBook_8x5_2016.pdf

And of course if you need a break from Holiday Madness, a good little book or a good little movie is the perfect thing to enjoy!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 19, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Long and Short Tips

One of the techniques used in crewel embroidery is long and short stitch, which greatly resembles needle painting except it is done in a less free-form style.   You can achieve beautiful and realistic shading with this technique.  Kathy took a class with Owen Davies on this technique and kindly shares her tips for creating the best long and short stitched area possible.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2016/09/20/pineapple-long-and-short-shading/

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

Tools for Stumpwork Attachments

Mary Corbet is working a crewel design from Hazel Blomkamp which has stumpwork leaves and petals that are worked separately around wires, then cut out and attached to the main design.

The really interesting thing to me is Mary's description of the tools she's using to dispense the stiffening agent around the edges of the wired attachments.  I think needlepointers might find very good uses for Aqua Brushes!
http://www.needlenthread.com/2016/04/the-stumpwork-is-finished-some-tips.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 19, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching Order Matters

Kathy at The Unbroken Thread explains in detail how to achieve perspective in stitch.  This is a crewel piece but the principle is the same in needlepoint.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2015/09/12/loveday-crewelwork-shaded-roses/

Those who have a Facebook account will want to "follow" Helen M. Stevens True Embroideries as Helen posts photos of her amazing embroidery pieces with hints how to achieve perspective and realism using various stitches.  Again, she doesn't needlepoint but the principles (and stitches!) remain the same.
https://www.facebook.com/HelenMStevensTrueEmbroideries?fref=ts

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 12, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tip for Perfect Buttonhole Stitches in a Curved Area

If you have ever struggled to fit buttonhole stitches into a perfect curve, you need to read this. 
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2015/05/30/loveday-crewelwork-little-brown-sparrow/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 30, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Defuzzing Tool UPDATED

Kathy at the Unbroken Thread is stitching a crewel piece by Nicola Jarvis and ran into a problem with the black wool she was using on one of the birds--it fuzzed!  You won't believe what she used to fix the problem--a baby brush from the drugstore!
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2015/05/24/loveday-crewelwork-blackbird-begun/

The ones we have in the US are more like this...
http://www.drugstore.com/hip-peas-wooden-baby-brush/qxp492879?catid=182482

...but I bet they work the same and that we can find them even cheaper than this one I found online.  Great idea!  I think this will work nicely for removing bits of ripped out threads and the little fuzzy pieces you sometimes have after trimming turkey work.

Time to go shopping for a new tool!

UPDATE:  Patricia swears by these little plaque brushes for removing fuzz.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=964171796938685&set=gm.877343965676096&type=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 25, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Books, Glorious Books

If you love stitching books, Mary Corbet's listing of perfect embroidery gift books is something you should not miss.   Mary gives a brief review of books on embroidery, crewel, needle painting, silk ribbon embroidery, and more.  If you have Christmas money burning a hole in your pocket, Mary understands and gives a short description of each book, plus where to get a copy in both the States and abroad.  Thanks, Mary!
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/12/great-embroidery-books-christmas-gifts.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 20, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Jacobean Crewel Work and Traditional Design

Thanks to Anna Scott, I have a link to the Smithsonian's online archive copy of Jacobean Crewel Work and Traditional Design.   The second link is for those who want to download a copy instead of reading it online.
https://archive.org/stream/jacobeancrewelwo00pene#page/n1/mode/2up

https://archive.org/details/jacobeancrewelwo00pene

This was published in 1900 by Penelope, an obvious pseudonym, and is out of copyright.  Hopefully crewel lovers will enjoy a browse and those who are curious about crewel stitches will enjoy the lovely color photos.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 16, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Crewel Clutches for Sale UPDATE

Thanks to the Embroiderers Guild of Victoria's mentioning this on Facebook, I have a link to a Japanese stitcher selling needlepoint clutch bags.  The needlepoint panel is stitched with crewel wool.  These are large clutches, suitable for carrying a tablet.  Make sure you look at all the photos of your favorite to see the details.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CresusArtisanat?ref=l2-shopheader-name

The site also sells needlepoint and blackwork patterns if you like the modern style and want to recreate it at home.

UPDATE:  Liz says the download charts come in black and white and in colors, too.  Read her comment below for further information.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 22, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Illusion of Weaving

The Unbroken Thread is busy with one of Philippa Turnbull's lovely crewel kits.   Why are we interested?  Because Philippa has a very clever technique for creating the look of weaving using laid stitches.  I bet this will work nicely on needlepoint canvas, too!
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2014/07/18/levens-hall-basketweave-laid-and-couched-work/

If you are interested in learning more about Philippa's work, historical reproduction embroidery, or just want a gorgeous crewel kit to play with over the summer, visit her site.  She uses only the best materials combined with historical English crewel designs to create kits that are a delight to play with.
http://www.crewelwork.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 18, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Live Streaming the Muncaster Castle Embroidery Tour Tomorrow UPDATED AGAIN

Philippa Trunbull of The Crewel Work Company does tours of British embroidery each year but this year is going to be special. Tomorrow, October 1, Philippa is going to live stream her visit to the embroideries of Muncaster Castle in England's Lake District.  Here are the times and a few details including a link to a history of the Pennington family and their castle.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/09/muncaster-castle-embroideries-coming-live.html

Mary Corbet promises more information today.  I'll post the link here when it publishes.  Stay tuned and set your clocks for tomorrow!  UPDATE:  Here's the link to the streaming video for tomorrow.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/09/unveiling-embroidery-treasures-from-muncaster-castle.html

UDATE #2 - The video is no longer available.  Mary Corbet hopes it will be made available but we don't know whether it will be yet.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 28, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.