A Master Uses Negative Space

Gay Ann Rogers just posted photos on her website of one of her samplers (on Congress cloth I think) she designed some years ago. Look carefully at the close up of the cat and the rug it's resting on and compare them to the rest of the sampler.  The cat isn't completely stitched and the rug isn't solidly stitched, either.  That makes them look good next to the sparsely worked wallpaper behind the cat.  
http://www.gayannrogers.com/gallery/cat-sampler.html

It's a good lesson for those of us who aren't thinking scale and density when we work.  The best results come when you pay attention to those.

If you are curious about Gay Ann's thoughts on stitching, check out her interview with Fiber Talk.
https://wetalkfiber.com/2019/09/15/fiber-talk-with-gay-ann-rogers-iii/?fbclid=IwAR2zjDP_OKMf_pGx1VSZmYhVvyqvHbt8d7NKERklGpPbqEzGfAH0z6cm7XE

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 16, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Anna's Golden Rules

Anna Pearson has posted a list of what she calls "Golden Rules" that will help you create perfect needlepoint on her blog. They are interesting, and thought-provoking, reading.
http://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2017/11/golden-rules-for-perfect-needlepoint.html

Thanks for sharing your extensive experience with us, Anna!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 14, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Celebrate Failures as Necessary Part of Finding Right Answer

Tricia Nguyen talks about design choices using her stumpwork canvas as an example.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2017/09/tough-choices-when-designing-your.html

It's an important lesson—"...in engineering we celebrate these failures as a necessary part of getting to the right answer."

Think of Tricia the next time you abandon a project because you are making mistakes.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 29, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How I Make Stitch Choices (Orna Willis)

Orna Willis talks about how she categorizes stitch choices and explains how she chose the stitches for one of her bird designs in this interesting article on her blog.
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2017/05/how-i-make-my-stitch-choices-on-painted.html

By the way, Orna is going to offer a new class about her design choices.  You will stitch along as Orna designs a new piece.  This class is meant to offer insights into what she does and how.  If you are curious about design or you just want to stitch a geometric with a color genius, this class is for you.  Details on her website.
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2017/05/my-design-process-how-and-why.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 3, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Turn Your Photo into a Line Drawing

ReallyColor.com is a website where you can turn any photograph into a line drawing.  The first photo translated into a coloring book type line drawing is free.  It appears after that you have to buy credits to do more images.  Read the FAQ page for more information on how this works.
https://www.reallycolor.com

This is perfect for those who want a line drawing of their house to stitch but there are many other uses, too.  Many thanks to Tricia Nguyen of Thistle Threads for mentioning this.

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

A Bargello Accent

Needlepoint for Fun's latest article about needlepoint concerns using Bargello stitches as an accent.  By the way, when switching between threaded needles as Brenda recommends, I like to bring my thread to the front and park the needle on a magnet to keep it out of the way.  I find that easier than keeping up with what's going on behind the canvas.  When you can see the thread, it isn't causing mischief!
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/using-needlepoint-bargello-patterns.htm

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

From Pencil to Paint and Beyond

Kimberly shows how a sketch is turned into a hand painted needlepoint canvas.  If birds are your thing, you'll really love this!
http://akimberlydesign.blogspot.com/2015/11/what-i-do.html 

The design is called "Little Dancer" and you can pick it up from Ruth Schmuff's website.
https://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Little-Bird/

Here's the companion piece Kimberly mentioned. It's called "Emma's Little Bird," and Ruth stitched it in one of her famous mystery classes.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/05/fini.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 28, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Want to Cruise on the Queen Mary?

If you ever wanted to sail on the Queen Mary and learn about embroidery from people trained by the Royal School of Needlework, do I have a deal for you! 
http://www.foreverembroiderystudio.com/#!retreat/c2269

But you need to move quickly as the Queen Mary retreat sails September 21-27 at Long Beach.

UPDATE:  This isn't a real cruise, but classes held on the ship with off shop tours and fun included.  I don't know if you are allowed to stay on the boat but wouldn't this be the greatest pajama party ever?

"Both Lucy and Sarah are well versed in needlepoint (both apprenticed at the Royal School of Needlework) and can support anyone who wants to use needlepoint techniques during the 4 day design class. With the current trend to mix in elements of metal work or stumpwork into the needlepoint, I would argue that this is a great way to add more embellishments to needlepoint.

The 3 day design class is actually being done using a dyed needlepoint canvas. Drawn and woven on canvas is much easier than a fine linen, and adds a different dimension to the possibilities in a needlepoint.

The Queen Mary is permanantly docked, it does not leave for open waters."

Still sounds like the world's greatest party!  Wish I could be there to have all this fun and education on a wonderful setting.

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

Needlepoint Inc. Moved in June

Needlepoint Inc. has moved to a new location.  If you aren't familiar with the shop, you'll love the photographs.  Heck, you'll love the photos if you ARE familiar with the shop.
http://hoodline.com/2015/07/needlepoint-inc-s-diane-nerheim-on-her-big-move-to-jackson-square

You will love their website, too.  They distribute Chinese silk in lovely colors and also design their own line of painted canvases.  It's a full service store, with finishing and teaching, too.
http://needlepointinc.com

This is one of the Must See sights in San Francisco for stitchers!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 3, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tassels Here, Tassels There

It's always a pleasure to follow Mary Agnes around her shop as she talks about this or that. Today she is showing off a series of classic tassel and bow designs from Trubey, adapted to fit a variety of projects.  They are sophisticated and beautiful, aren't they?  One would never tire of such a project over the years.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2014/06/tassels-beautiful-tassels.html

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

Grapes--From Start to Finish

Melita is totally fearless when it comes to her stitching. She is willing to try anything, even designing her own pieces.  In this little article, she talks about a simple design she created, stitched and finishing, all in two days!  I think she's won this week's Smart Cookie Award, don't you?
http://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2014/01/01/bunch-of-grapes/

The next time you have a present to get, think about making one, just like Melita.

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.

Inside Orna UPDATED

Orna Willis isn't just a designer with a great color sense, she is willing to explain how design elements balance each other as she creates a new piece.   I find this fascinating, particular for this design which in my mind is one of those Tiki figures....
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2013/12/understanding-designs-progression.html

UPDATES on the design's progress....
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2014/01/moving-along.html

http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2014/01/more-design-development-or-where-do-i.html

I have no idea why this makes me think of Trader Vic's!
http://themenupage.com/tradervics.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.