Something I've Never Seen Before UPDATED

Just when you think you've seen every possible use for needlepoint, Pip and Roo comes up with a leopard pocket!

https://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/product-page/pip-and-roo-leopard-pocket

UPDATE:  Several folks have told me the late dede Odgen did pockets, too.  One person remembers a pocket with frogs.  With Kent's help, I found three four of the dede pockets.  Since Fleur de Paris owns the dede line, perhaps you can order one from them.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 4, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

dede Purses

While browsing the Twisted Stitches shop website yesterday, I stumbled across this dede Odgen purse, something I've not seen before.  The purse is leather, appears to be a clutch style, and comes with the chart to create the pattern shown.  You have to supply the threads and canvas to stitch it, though.  I'm assuming this is self-finishing but the shop can tell you for certain.

https://www.twistedstitchesnp.com/leather-purse.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Breaking News: dede Odgen Died UPDATED

Robin King just posted to NP Nation that dede Odgen has died.  Apparently she died May 1st, 2021.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/3977118972365231/

dede's designs are distributed by Fleur de Paris, so most likely they will live on.   I hope so.  She was uniquely talented.

https://www.fleurdeparis.com/product-category/canvas_designs/dede-needleworks/

And, no, that's not a typo--dede preferred her name not be capitalized.  

UPDATE:  Remembrances of dede--

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/3986635274746934/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The 40 Year Old Elephant

Liz finally decided on a background for an old dede Odgen canvas she has had for decades and a friend blocked it for her and made it into a pillow. It's magnificent!
https://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/pansy-elephant-by-dede-ogden.html

The book she used for the charted background is fabulous, by the way.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/520899951/needlepoint-designs-from-oriental-rugs

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 27, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Anna Continues to Experiment

Anna Pearson is continuing to experiment with her needlepoint designs,  trying lighter coverage after experimenting with skipping rows, incorporating the color of the canvas into the design, etc.
https://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2018/04/an-exciting-new-look-at-needlepoint.html

You can explore Anna's designs on her website.
http://www.needle-point.co.uk/canvasses.htm

The book Anna mentions, her Complete Needlepoint Course, is a really good one for learning traditional needlepoint.  It can be hard to find, but New Needlepoint has a copy in excellent condition.
http://www.newneedlepoint.com/new-needlepoint-reference-books/the_complete_needlepoint_course_by_anna_pearson.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 3, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Easiest Ways to Create the Illusion of Glass on Needlepoint Canvas

Got a painted canvas with windows, glasses or bottles? Need to stitch something that looks glassy? Needlepoint For Fun has a nice little essay on how they use either Prisms or Kreinik's Easter Grass to create a glass-like effect.
http://www.icontact-archive.com/3sPNpcHW2d6IBVeY4CRghDYhcqWrJOAA?w=4

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 27, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Favorites from TNNA's June 2016 Show

Otto Agular's "3 Ladies with Wildflowers"

Once again I've collected my personal favorites from the June 2016 TNNA show. There are a range of designs, some from new designers, some from well-known names. But all of them caught my eye for one reason or another.  

Above is a new Otto Agular from Purple Palm Designs.  This is called "Three Ladies with Wildflowers."  I think it is a lovely mix of colors and shapes.  Easy to stitch?  Probably not but I adore the facial expressions.  You can make up endless stories about what these three are thinking and feeling.
https://www.facebook.com/PurplePalmDesigns/photos/a.800127770017208.1073741834.796107397085912/1245499032146744/?type=3&theater

Barbar Tourtilloutte/HSN Designs

Hingham Square Needlepoint is developing a line of canvases under the HSN Designs name.  My favorite so far  is this adaptation of Barbara Tourtilloutte's artwork.  I call him Moose-y Christmas in my own mind.  The framework of the beech trees and the top and bottom borders are wonderful as is the sweet subject matter.
http://www.hinghamsquareneedlepoint.com/barbara-tourtillotte

dede's Celestial Wizard

Fleur de Paris posted the front and back of dede Odgen's "Celestial Wizard" on Facebook.  Definitely my favorite double-sided canvas!  Ok, so it's the only double-sided canvas I noticed that's new but I do like the wizard and his companion owl a lot.
https://www.facebook.com/FleurDeParis/photos/pcb.1046532755400341/1046528492067434/?type=3&theater

Colors of Praise

Another favorite is this new Colors of Praise canvas of a sunbather and a turtle. How wonderful is that?!  I love stitching people and love the tropical feel of this encounter of two sunbathers.
https://www.facebook.com/BeStitchedNeedlepoint/photos/a.152368144832122.34517.126229327446004/1007095216026073/?type=3&theater

Sascalia's "Snowy Foxes"

I also adore this "Snowy Foxes" canvas from Sascalia which has a light feel, much different than the usual snowy scenes.  The pastel colors and the fresh greens and golds make this a late spring snowstorm kind of piece, which is very unusual.  I like unusual!  The artwork is distributed by Golden Needlepoint.
http://goldenneedlepoint.com/t/sascalia

Mary Lake-Thompson's Nutcracker Ornament

I don't usually like nutcracker pieces as I find those teeth creepy, but I really like Mary Lake-Thompson's new nutcracker ornament.   I like the rounded shapes and the expression on his little face.  This is part of a series of small ornaments that would make a spectacular display.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/gallery/?index=8435&cat=70

Cleo'a Mummy is 31 inches tall!

I'm always a sucker for canvases with themes taken from Ancient Egypt.  This tall beauty is from Labors of Love and would be great fun to stitch.  I'd buy a ornament of just her head, not having a place for such a large piece here.  (hint hint)
http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/see-whats-new.html

Squid and Whale (Charley Harper)

I am not really a fan of Charley Harper designs, although they are extremely well done and often quite funny, but this fight between a squid and a whale caught my eye, probably because I am a big fan of squid, octopi and cuttlefish.
https://www.facebook.com/175899759125776/photos/pcb.1003726636343080/1003726323009778/?type=3&theater

And there you have it--the new canvases I would buy if I had endless funds and endless time to stitch them.  Which one do you think I actually bought?

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

My Favorites from the TNNA SHOW Winter 2016 UPDATED

Nancy Coffelt's "Squirrel"

Once again I have a list of personal favorites that are debuting at the show in San Diego. First is the modern patterned squirrel by Nancy Coffelt of Quail Run. I love the contrast between the squirrel's patterned skin and the traditional William Morris-style background.
https://www.facebook.com/QuailRunNeedlework/photos/np.1448288574607869.1277706333/1030291717020991/?type=3

Otto Agular's "Adriana"

Purple Palm Designs has put more of Otto Agular's pieces on needlepoint canvas. My current favorite is this portrait called "Adriana."
https://www.facebook.com/PurplePalmDesigns/photos/pb.796107397085912.-2207520000.1449540467./1154942887869026/?type=3&theater

Maggie's "Wag the Dog"

This Maggie from her mandala series really charms me!  I wonder if the wagging tail is the spinning center?
https://www.facebook.com/586677101438535/photos/np.1451487674046208.1277706333/755231171249793/?type=3&theater

"Queen of the Night," from Barbara Elmore Designs

I like more animal canvases this year than I expected.  Isn't this Barbara Elmore/Sundance canvas, done from Carolyn Schmitz's artwork, spectacular?  This is "Queen of the Night."  There are several new Schmitz designs in Barbara's line for Sundance but this one is my favorite.
https://www.facebook.com/barbaraelmoredesigns/photos/np.1451863247831739.1277706333/10153392026758262/?type=3&theater

Raymond Crawford's "Cardinal"

This cardinal from Raymond Crawford is also a charmer.  There are a whole series of small birds in the same style from Raymond, but this is my favorite.
https://www.facebook.com/190891389362/photos/a.191172709362.156684.190891389362/10153938322529363/?type=3&theater

Kathy Schenkel Mini Socks

Kathy Schenkel has new mini socks with matching felt inserts.  The little fox hunting stocking is my favorite because my county hosts the Blue Ridge Hunt, but the various drinks mini socks are fun.
https://www.facebook.com/239767049406916/photos/a.239775349406086.74577.239767049406916/1057370204313259/?type=3&theater

Tapestry Fair's Menorah, in Various Sizes

Tapestry Fair has some wonderful new things this year.  I was particularly struck by their Menorah design, which comes in several sizes, including a stocking, smaller section canvases, and individual light designs as you can see from the photo taken from their trade show booth.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10207758120698605&set=a.10204421121315706.1073741829.1461313530&type=3&theater

Tapestry Fair's Desert Landscape

I'm also taken with Tapestry Fair's desert landscape with woodpecker.
https://www.facebook.com/189965167681135/photos/a.1135388579805451.1073741848.189965167681135/1135616486449327/?type=3&theater

Asian Woman and Phoenix

Everyone knows I'm a sucker for Asian-themed canvases and the new ones (there are at least four I saw) from the Meredith Collection (formerly Elizabeth Turner Collection) are lovely. This is my favorite.

Both Sides of the dede Odgen Wizard

Turning from realistic canvases to fantasy ones, I really like this dede Odgen double-sided wizard.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1128841063800853&set=pcb.979636852113473&type=3&theater

Scott Church's Snow Puffin

I'm also quite fond of this "snow" bird from Scott Church Creative/CBK.  It's a charming mix of realism and whimsy.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2016/01/tnna-winter-market-day-2.html

"Woodland Princess" by Vicki Sawyer/Melissa Shirley

Vicki Sawyer has created several wonderful new pieces for Melissa Shirley Designs but because we have deer in Chilly Hollow, I thought I'd showcase this one.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/gallery/?index=8154&cat=70

Who Created Me?

My final favorite is a mystery as the one shop that showed off this artist's work didn't identify the designer. There were at least ten designs in the same style.   This. like all the others I saw from the same hand, is a sketch, not a canvas, and it is hard to say what it will look like on the medium of needlepoint canvas, but I like the fact that it conveys the joy of playing on a sunny beach so well.  If anyone knows who created this, please let me know so I can credit them.

UPDATE:  Martin knows all!  The little girl on the beach is from Patti Mann.  Martin found this booth shot that shows all the designs in this series.
https://www.facebook.com/586677101438535/photos/pb.586677101438535.-2207520000.1453206995./768171243289119/?type=3&theater

Hope you enjoyed the show!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 23, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Linda Goes to Pitt

Like so many of us this time of year, Linda's making the trek to college to get one of her fledglings signed up for next fall.   And like many of you visiting Blog, she hit as many needlework shops as she could find during her trip to Pittsburgh.  First stop was at The Porcupine Needlepoint Shop in Sewickley, Pennsylvania.
http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/06/15/h2p-part-i/

http://www.theporcupineneedlepointshop.com

Linda's second shop visit was with Needle Point Breeze which is in the Point Breeze area of Pittsburgh.  They don't appear to have a website, just a Facebook page.
http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/06/16/h2p-part-ii/

And her third stop was at Beehive Needle Arts in Mt. Lebanon, another Pittsburgh suburb.  Their website is the second link below.
http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/06/25/h2p-iii/

(Between the time I wrote this article and when it published, the link to the Beehive shop website has gone inactive.  Hopefully it will be back up soon!)
http://www.beehiveneedlearts.com

By the way, Beehive has a book I've never even heard of--dede Odgen's "The Basics for Needlepoint."
http://www.beehiveneedlearts.com/shop/Books--Accessories/Books.htm

Thanks so much for the armchair travelogue!

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

My Personal Favorites from TNNA Winter 2015 Part Two

Shelly Tribby's Spooky

Continuing my list of personal favorites from the trade show, I see I forgot to include Shelly Tribbey's Spooky Owl among the owls I liked.   It's funny, retro and just plain charming.  One could have a lot of fun with this piece!

Scott Church's Halloween Own

Scott Church (distributed by CBK) created another Halloween owl that is retro in another way.

Laura Taylor Stitched Guides Melissa Shirle

The shops seemed to have a great time taking this Laura Taylor class at Market.  This is my favorite new stitch guide I've seen.  It's Laura's rendition of the new Melissa Shirley "Saguaro Table" canvas.  I love the balance of it all.

Zecca's The Way

Speaking of balance, Zecca reminds us of The Way in the Buddha's words.

dede's Festival of the Madonna

I am always a sucker for Nativity canvases.  This new dede Odgen reworks a Mexican creche theme she has used recently in a variety of sizes and styles.

Maggie's Cat

When it comes to companion animal pieces, no one does it better than Maggie.  This cat closeup is a great example. Is the cat truly asleep or truly ignoring us?  There are several closeups in this series--a dog's nose, a paw, etc.  They are charming!

Horse, By Joy Juarez

Another great artist when it comes to animals is Joy Juarez.  I am not generally attracted to horse canvases but this monochromatic, very Japanese Horse is a terrific piece of art.

Sandra Gilmore's New Santa Stocking

Sandra Gilmore's classic snowflake Santa is amazing.  I love the classic red and green colors brightened and made modern by the white snowflakes.

Colors of Praise Glasses Cases

Colors of Praise also knows color.  I couldn't decide between these two glasses cases so I posted photos of both.   Azaleas or hibiscus, which to choose?  Luckily I have TWO pairs of glasses.  LOL

Now I need to stop before Blogger explodes again.  More tomorrow....

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

My Favorites from Destination Dallas

Now that the excitement of Destination Dallas is over and the shop owners and designers have dragged their bodies home, unpacked and slept for a week, it's time for a recap of all the things I thought interesting. This is me, mind you, with all my biases. There is something for everyone in the world of needlepoint so don't miss browsing the running dialogue on the Destination Dallas tab as shops and designers let us know what caught their eyes or what they are particularly proud of.  Here's the link.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/p/destination-dallas.html

dede's Bear

My favorite new canvases are from dede Odgen and Vicki Sawyer.  Here is dede's "Snowy Nap Bear."  I love the realism of this piece.

Vicki Sawyer's Sheep Angel

Vicki Sawyer (a new artist whose work Melissa Shirley is reproducing on needlepoint canvas) has a fabulous sheep Nativity angel.  I love the whimsy of this piece.  You can see more of Vicki's work on Melissa's website.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/gallery/?bsn=1

My Katie Boo for Leigh Designs

But more than animal canvases caught my eye.  My favorite new series is Leigh Designs' Lil Goblins.  I can't top what Leigh wrote about them--

"Our neighborhood kids are all grown up and gone. Regardless, every Halloween we decorate and have candy on hand -- and every Halloween the doorbell remains silent as the night moves on undisturbed. To remedy this pitiful scene, I created our own neighborhood kids. Now, on All Hallows Eve, the Lil’ Goblins stand up on our dining room table. Smiling, we happily devour the candy ourselves! There are eight spooky 6” tall designs on 18 mesh French Blue mono."

Of course I have to reveal I stitched Katie for Leigh and my friend Pat is going to stitch Janie.  My stitch guide is ready already but Pat won't start on my namesake with my trademark pony tail until October.  (Sorry, I write these weeks ahead of the publication date and Pat's started her Lil Goblin.  You can watch her blog stitch Janie at the second link below.)   I am pretty sure Sandy Arthur is going to stitch one as well so stay tuned for much stitch guide fun.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp520x.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com

JT Morrow Geisha with Fans

My favorite new designer is JT Morrow.  JT has two wonderful geisha canvases.  The dancing geisha with fans is pictured above but you'll have to click on this link to see the graceful geisha with her umbrella.
http://nashvilleneedleworks.com/whats-new/

When it comes to books, I want to get my hot little hands on Lynda Richardson's first book, Stitches a la Carte.  Lynda is the genius behind Dreamhouse Ventures and her book sold out at Dallas.  Here's a sneak peek.  Doesn't it sound like a book with personality?  I get tired of the useful books full of stitch diagrams but no real glimpse of the author.  I use them all the time but I remember the great books about needlepoint that Sylvia Sidney and Mary Martin wrote in the 1970s.  This book might have both diagrams and soul.
http://needlepointland.com/2014/08/24/stitches-a-la-carte/

I need some of that hot pink Frye Werks!  It is called Super Pink.  Trust me, it'll jump out from the photos at you.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2014/09/new-2014-fall-colors-and-threads-from.html

I liked seeing all the designer model photos that Erin took.  I'm not really interested in any of the projects but a good finisher works magic and there are some great display ideas here for those who don't have room for another pillow or picture.
http://needlepointland.com/2014/09/09/dallas-outtakes/

Everyone has their favorites from the show.  What's yours?  Post in the comments below.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 10, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tiny Little Stitched Houses

Stephanie has just posted lots and lots of photos of some of Squiggee's tiny 3-d houses. Her SWAN stitching group has been working a lot of these lately.  They are charmers! 
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2014/09/squiggee-consolidated.html

Squiggee isn't the only needlepoint company to do these 3-D houses.  Susan Roberts has some wonderful buildings.
http://www.susanrobertsneedlepoint.com/designs-by-category/category/mini-house.html

So does dede Odgen, although I think hers are larger.  They certainly are very detailed!
http://www.dedesneedleworks.com/special.html

Know of another designer who does 3-D buildings?  Add their name in Comments below or send me a quick email at chillyhollowathotmaildotcom and I'll update this list for you.  After all, the architect in us needs to build a house with needle and thread!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 3, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Dede's Cat Topiary Garden Canvas

My Cat Topiary Garden Canvas

Do you remember when I stitch dede Odgen's Cat Topiary Garden (above)? 

This is a discontinued canvas and although some folks managed to find one, not everyone did.  But there's good news!  I spotted one at Enriched Stitch!  If you are a fan, hurry over and pick it up while it is on sale.
http://astheneedleturns.com/blow-out-sale/

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

One of a Kind Items from TNNA Winter Market

Needle Nicely shows off some very interesting one-of-a-kind pieces from dede Odgen and Trubey.  If you want something no one else has, this is the place to shop.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2014/01/one-of-kind-designs-from-san-diego.html

Mary Agnes, your own personal needlepoint shopper....

By the way, have you seen these sunglasses?
http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2014/01/17/cross-eyes-from-noteworthy-needle/

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

Finishing Friday (with Stardust)

Today's Finishing Friday!  Enjoy Ada Hayden's finished pieces, from Christmas trees that are happy and a jolly round pumpkin standup to a darling purse. 
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2013/08/finished-for-friday.html

Pocket Full of Stitches has photos of the 3-D design models from the dede Odgen trunk show they are hosting. There are houses, a chair and a bear, but the fishing frog is outstanding.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2013/08/dede-trunk-show-3-d.html

Nimble Needle has brought gorgeous pillows and charming little ornaments to the party.  By the way, I agree with her about Stardust.  It's a fabulous thread but comes in limited colors, sadly.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2013/08/customers-work.html

Stardust is from Brown Paper Packages, the geniuses behind Silk and Ivory, and Trio.  It's not mentioned on their website but I did find a list of the available colors.  Basically, the thread is Silk and Ivory with a metallic woven in.  It is gorgeous stuff.  The metallic colors vary according to the color of the base thread.  In other words, it isn't just a gold or silver.
http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Thread/BPP_Stardust.html

The four original colors in Stardust are shown here.  LOVELY!
http://www.stitchersworkshop.com/largedetails.php?Product_ID=219&prodType=Threads

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.

A Peak Inside "That's Not Needlepoint Book 2"

In Robin King's latest report about the TNNA Market last week, she tells us about dede Odgen's new project book.  Since Robin worked on the book diagrams and guides for three of the six projects described, she has a unique perspective and information about the book.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2013/02/thats-not-needlepoint-book-2-by-dede.html

This is the second book in the "That's Not Needlepoint" series.  Here is the first, which I own, and which is set up in a similar way.  It is half stitch guide for several of dede's canvases and half inspiration since so many of the topics and stitches she covers can be used anywhere.
http://www.needleartworks.com/dsgnr/deo/deo20.htm

I reviewed the first book.  You can see that review here.  Do read the comments as well as they reveal even more about the first book's organization.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2011/06/thats-not-needlepoint.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.

Is My Butt Too Big Part Two

Rabbit Reflection from dede Odgen's Series

I promised I would post another photo once I finished roughing up the brick stitches on my rabbit in the dede Odgen reflections ornament series that I worked on over Christmas.  I also did some stem stitches along the shoulder line with a strand of gray Wisper to further hide the join between the brick stitches over two on the rabbit's head and the brick stitches over four on its body.

I could have ripped out the larger stitches and redone them but it was more of a challenge to come up with another way of dealing with the problem.  Whether I succeeded or not is up to you.

I do like the fuzzy effect myself.  I have several others in this series that I will stitch as I have time.

Now, back to my Day of the Dead lady!

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

Is My Butt Too Big?

dede Odgen's Reflections Bunny Ornament

I'm still really busy this morning with TNNA postings but I did want you to see this little dede Odgen ornament I worked on during Christmas when I had my Day of the Dead lady put safely away while we had houseguests.  The photo you see above shows the bunny's head stitched in brick stitches over two threads and the body stitched in brick stitches over four threads.  The contrast between the size of the stitches is too much.

What to do?  Rip out?  I could have ripped out the body and redone the brick stitches over three instead and that probably would have muted the effect.  However, I decided to pull out my bunka brush and fuzz the heck out of the body and head as a way to hiding the size difference.  Aren't familiar with bunka brushes?  Here's a picture.
http://www.nordicneedle.com/6749.html

It works quite well but not in tiny spaces like the bunny's head where I had to be careful not to snag the ears.  For that I used my Boo-Boo stick, which is normally used to get fuzz off a canvas after you rip out a section.  It did a good job on the head although that area isn't as fuzzy.  It's nylon bristles won't fuzz an area the way the metal bristles of the bunka brush will.
http://www.nordicneedle.com/6726.html

Bunny after Fuzzing

By the way, the body is done with two plies of DMC's glow in the dark white floss mixed with a strand of Wisper.  The rabbit does glow a bit except for his ears, which are all Wisper, but not as much as the skein itself glows.  Using only two plies muted the effect but I do like it.  I don't think Glow in the Dark is Halloween only.

I plan to add stem stitches with Wisper along the shoulder join between the head and body but you'll have to wait to see how it all turns out.  I am concentrating on Belleza right now.

The reflection ornament is from a series by dede Odgen.  They aren't on her website but you can see most of the series here by using the search button under the header and looking for "reflections."
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com

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

Packing for Baltimore

The TNNA show in Baltimore starts September 7. Whoopee! Barbara has new suitcases she plans to fill with goodies.
 http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2012/08/tnna-fall-needlecraft-market.html

Pepita has a new model, a purple bedroom from the Home Sweet Home series.  You'll laugh when you hear why she chose this to stitch.  (Click on the link to see the rest of the series.)
http://needlepointofview.com/2012/08/14/purple-bedroom/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=purple-bedroom

Quail Run is taking Nancy Coffelt Christmas stockings to display at their booth.
http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2012/08/collage-of-whimsical-christmas-stockings.html

It's not going to be ready until the January TNNA show, but dede Odgen just announced on Facebook that she's doing an expanded Shadow Stitches book. Can't wait!  It does look like her book More Shadow Stitching is still available, however.
http://www.needleartworks.com/dsgnr/deo/deoimages.htm

Amanda Lawford and her son Derek Clark have updated the AL website.  There are plenty of new things under the New category, plus they have added new box styles to the boxes they sell.  Look at the bottom of the page where you will see "Includes New Boxes."  Click on that to see all the many boxes they sell, not just the few that are under the New category.
http://amandalawford.com

Vicky DeAngelis has glimpses of new tools that will be available at Baltimore.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/08/19/its-all-about-the-stash/

EyeCandy has made some unique scissors fobs for TNNA.  Ruth Schmuff will have them if you are a shop owner or can bribe one to pick up one for you.  I think Ruth might have some from earlier batches still in her shop, Bedecked and Beadazzled.
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2012/08/bits-and-pieces.html

Finally, SharonG has a new Christmas design, a stitcher's ornament.  This will debut at Baltimore but Nimble Needle is taking pre-orders for the canvas and a canvas/stitch guide combo.  The shop will even do a threads and beads kit.  I can attest no one does a more thorough stitch guide than SharonG.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2012/08/needle-pointers-ornament-by-sharong.html

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

Is That You, Sherlock?

Robin Chapman and I have something in common: we love Sherlock Holmes!
http://robinchapmannews.blogspot.com/2012/05/sherlock-holmes-that-is-is-back.html

There are lots of needlepointed Sherlocks.  Becky did a lovely outline of the deerstalker and magnifying glass.
http://photobucket.com/images/Sherlock+Needlepoint+By+Becky/

dede Odgen has a wonderful Sherlock mouse in a deerstalker hat and cape but I can't find any photos online.  How about this English mouse to stand in as Watson instead?
http://www.needlepoint.com/designers/dede/english-santa.html

There's a Sherlock bunny double-sided piece by Barbara Eyres.
http://www.needlepointheaven.com/christmas-ornaments.html

Painted Pony has a Sherlock nutcracker piece.  (If that's not your style, how about Davy Crockett or Robin Hood?)
http://www.paintedponyneedlepoint.com/lchrist.htm

Here are two embroidered portraits of the most recent Sherlock, Benedict Cumberbatch, and his Watson.
http://weirdthingsivemade.tumblr.com/post/18730076716/needlepoint-of-sherlock

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=402663.0

In case you haven't seen any of the new Sherlock series, here's a bit from the first season of the BBC's Sherlock.  The first of three episodes from Season Two aired on PBS's Mystery last night. We taped it and will watch it this evening but I suspect it'll be available for streaming online as well.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/sherlock/studyinpink.html

By the way, the set for Sherlock features a Union Jack needlepoint cushion from Jonathan Adler.
http://www.sherlockology.com/props/union-jack-cushion


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