Fireside Stitchery Has a New Website!

Fireside Stitchery has a new website!  It's fun to explore.  They aren't kidding about their thread inventory, by the way--it's huge!  They also carry size 15 Delica beads, which can be hard to find, and blank canvas of all types.

https://firesidestitchery.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 12, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: Fireside Stitchery is Being Sold UPDATED

Fireside Stitchery just announced on Facebook that the store is being sold.  

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1266321597520159&set=a.853803098772013

It is a great shop under the current owners but everyone deserves a fun and healthy retirement.  I wish Maria and Judy many happy years with their feet up and the new owner a great time keeping Fireside going.

UPDATE:  The new owner is Lynn Upchurch.  A more just down the road to a new location is planned but right now the thread inventory is being built.  Good luck, Lynn!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 20, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Self-Finishing Belts

Fireside Stitchery carries something I've not seen before--self-finishing belts.

http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/boxesAndLeatherGoods/index.cfm?fuseaction=getSubBoxesAndLeatherGoods&CategoryId=138&uniqueProductId=56004326&goBackURL=%2Ffs%2FboxesAndLeatherGoods%2Findex%2Ecfm%3Ffuseaction%3DgetBoxesAndLeatherGoodsList%26CategoryId%3D138%26showStart%3D2%26groupNo%3D1&sCategoryName=Leather%20Goods

They come in red, black or white and have space for a design that is three inches in diameter.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 15, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Color Cards

One of the best tools anyone who has to mail order threads can own is a set of color cards for your favorite thread. I treasure my DMC color card and use it often when I need a certain color.  (All I have to do is tell the shop I want to mail order a pink silk floss as close to DMC #3713 as possible.  They will pull out their DMC color card and inspect their wares for a match.)  So I was thrilled to see very reasonably priced color cards for sale at Fireside Stitchery.
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/threads/index.cfm?fuseaction=getThreadList&CategoryId=16

This got me hunting for more color cards.  Here's what I dug up.
http://store.apneedlearts.com/krmecoca.html

http://store.apneedlearts.com/cacosocothgu.html

http://store.apneedlearts.com/cacovathcoca.html

http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Kreinik-Silk-Thread-Color-Card.html

http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Accessories/ColorCards.html

http://www.threadneedlestreet.com/cardbody.htm

http://www.stitchers-paradise.com/threads/Kreinik.html

http://www.lacis.com/catalog/data/AA_CordsThreadsSilk.html

By the way, EPiC yarn has an online color selector.  Kreinik also has online color cards as does Rainbow Gallery and Caron but these all are a bit chancy to choose colors from, so I am only listing the EPiC tool since it's brand new to me.
http://www.epicyarn.com/Pages_Yarn/ColourSelection.html

I'm sure other shops carry color cards.  I just ran out of time to hunt.  If you are a shop owner who has these in stock, please let me know in the Comments below or by emailing me at chillyhollow at hotmail dot com. I'll add your contact information or website or Facebook page to the list.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright Feb. 24, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Latest Fireside Stitchery Newsletter

Fireside's latest newsletter is out, and it is chock full of news about upcoming monthly clubs (Henry VIII and his wives plus the Zecca cube cushion), about the current trunk show (Kathy Schenkel) and of course photos of the current monthly clubs (the Kelly Clark firecrackers and the Patti Mann Graveyard Witch).  Even if you never participate in a club, it is great fun to see what Fireside is doing.  Here's the link.
http://www.benchmarkemail.com/c/v?e=2F710F&c=353ED&l=33B241A&email=V%2FEwCv7EFfcGrlzr2t%2B6BLQR3BgPsWUo&relid=C6EC164

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.

Monthly Clubs in Review

I haven't been posting on Blog about monthly clubs, just updating the tab that covers all the current Monthly Clubs (and some older clubs which are still available).  That doesn't mean there hasn't been a lot of club news, though.  For example, French Knot has removed the Petei Santa club from their website, although clicking on Petei in the left hand navigation bar will still take you to the photographs of their Petei Santas and the stitch guides for these no longer available canvases are still for sale.  If you happen to have one in your stash or manage to buy one on eBay, you can still get one of Diana Bosworth's fabulous guides for it.
http://www.thefrenchknot.com

Fireside happens to have added a new club of Melissa Shirley starfish that is dear to my heart as they are stitched by Palma Seljan as accessories for her Nepture and Queen of the Sea canvases she did for Fireside last year.  Amazing work!  Simple, but elegantly inventive, like all Palma's stitching.  Trust me, the photos don't do these justice!
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/Clubs/index.cfm?fuseaction=getClubItems&CategoryId=3&clubNumberId=201

http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/clubs/index.cfm?fuseaction=getclubList&CategoryId=3&clubstate=classic

Here is what Diane has to say about the clubs she is joining in 2013.
http://dianestakingtimeouttoneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2013/01/two-great-clubs.html

The moral is, check out the Monthly Clubs tab occasionally.  I post new items at the top of the list.

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

Angel Hair

Petei Angel Before 

When you last saw the Petei angel, she looked like this.  Her hair wasn't finished, though.  Should her hair look like a young Brooke Shields?
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2013/01/angel-progress-head-and-shoulders-shot.html

Or perhaps her hair should be blowing in the breeze like the Queen of the Seas' lovely tresses?
http://stitcherie.ning.com/photo/queen-of-the-sea?context=user

Styling Bo Derek's Hair

No, I was thinking of copying Bo Derek's look in Ten.  Anyone remember that movie?
http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Bo-Derek-10-Posters_i7968675_.htm?AID=96280778&ProductTarget=53105935183

I started giving the angel a Bo Derek look by laying long stem stitches using Wool Crepe from Fabulous Fibers and Embellishments on top of the straight vertical stitches (using Lorikeet wool) I'd already done. Wool Crepe is a wool-rayon blend that is very tightly twisted together.  This gives you a strand a bit smaller than #8 perle cotton but with a ridged look due to the tight twist.  I used Sand Daffodil #003 which gave the angel blonde highlights.  You can see more of this fiber at the Fabulous Fibers website.
http://www.fabulousfibers.com/detail.asp?c=Wool+Crepe

I added a bullion and a French knot or two with my Wool Crepe, then switched back to 1-2 plies of my Lorikeet wool to add more French knots, a bullion or two more, stem stitches and chain stitches here and there.  I also tossed in a few beads, using a gorgeous tan faceted Delica bead from Miyuki called Varied Taupe #6276.  It has a lot of shine.  The photos don't really show the beads well, but below is my Petei angel all finished with Bo Derek hair.  What fun!

Petei's Angel is Finished

I never knew that chain stitch would give a braided look to hair, or that beads would also add to the flowing effect.  Probably a smoother hairstyle would look nicer on this angel but I wanted to experiment a little.  Small pieces like this 4x7 angel are perfect for trying something new, just to see how it looks. I like how she turned out and hope she tempts you to experiment on some of your smaller pieces as well.

It's the experiments that we do with our needle that make us better stitchers, after all!

The Petei angel has gone into the drawer with other finished canvases I have yet to make up.  I hate finishing so I tend to accumulate a pile of it, then turn everything into finished pieces all at once.

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

Nino's Harlequin Laying Tools

Fireside has updated their website to show off Nino's hand made Harlequin laying tools. Colorful!

Start by clicking on the Harlequin laying tools section, then go back and browse the other hand made tools.
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/accessories/index.cfm?fuseaction=getAccessoriesList&CategoryId=25


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

Going to Seminar? UPDATED

The American Needlepoint Guild's 2012 Seminar is going to be held in Philadelphia August 24-31. If you haven't drooled over the classes offered, here's a list.
http://www.needlepoint.org/Seminar-12/classes.php

Remember, there are plenty of drop in events like the bookstore, the exhibit, the Auction and more that anyone can visit, whether you have the time to register and take classes.
http://www.needlepoint.org/Seminar-12/index.php

The area shops are getting ready to greet you and tempt you with all sorts of goodies to remember the event by.  Here is some of what Fireside Stitchery is going to do.
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/ang/index.cfm

UPDATE:  Fireside is partnering with the makers of Mag Friends to have Philly-themed magnets for you to pick up as souvenirs at Seminar.
http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/07/ang-seminar-fireside-stitchery.html 

Fireside's website has all sorts of information for Seminar goers.
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/ang/index.cfm

I've heard that Stitch Haus (which is about a 15 minute drive from Fireside) is a great place to shop, even though their website is uninspiring.  Better visit both while you can!
http://www.stitchhaus.com/aboutus.php

And of course you don't want to miss Nimble Needle!
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2012/07/from-seminar-marriott-in-philly-to.html

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

Visiting Needlepoint Shops

Althea takes us to Salt Lake City on her latest Shop of the Week posting to visit Needlepoint and Other Things.
http://bargelloneedlepoint.com/shop-of-the-week-needlepoint-other-things/

I wasn't familiar with the shop but there's a nice website to explore here.
http://www.needlepointandthings.com/

Her next Shop of the Week is Next Station Needlepoint in Connecticut.  Sounds like a fun place!
http://bargelloneedlepoint.com/shop-of-the-week-next-station-needlepoint/

Too bad I can't get most of its website to open. Maybe you'll have more luck?
http://www.needlept.com/new-needlepoint.html

The next stop is Kansas and Two the Point.  This is another shop without a website that I didn't know existed.
http://bargelloneedlepoint.com/bargello-shop-of-the-week-two-the-point-needlearts/

Donna's been on the road, too, first to a sampler exhibit, and then to two shops.  One is Fireside Stitchery, a place I've always wanted to visit.
http://majtravaux.blogspot.com/2012/07/road-trip.html

http://majtravaux.blogspot.com/2012/07/stash-acquisition-in-pennsylvania.html

Don't you wish you could go to all these places?


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

Trunk Shows, Sales and Bargains UPDATED

Who doesn't love a sale? Painted canvases (my first love) are expensive, so it's always nice to know where sales and trunk shows are, particularly since mail order from the online shops is so easy. If you need a new canvas to add to your collection, here are some of the most recent bargain spots I've heard of.

Fireside is having a twenty percent off sale on a few selected Julia's Needleworks canvases.  If you order a stitch guide and threads with the canvas, the guide is free and the threads are also twenty percent off.  Julia's distributes designs from JHL, Julia, Bill Davis, Beverley Jane, and Jan Ford.  Here's where you browse--If you are a grad of the University of Virginia, don't miss the UVA Rotunda box under 3-D!
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/HandPaintedCanvas/index.cfm?fuseaction=GetSalesAndSpecials&saleId=131&saleTypeId=2

Canvases Be Gone is having a one day Memorial Day sale (good only 5/28).  Anything you order is fifteen percent off if you use the code SPC50 at checkout.  Since the Floral/Fruits/Plants category is already on sale at twenty percent off, if you buy from here you get a total of thirty-five percent off.
http://www.canvasesbegone.com/

Sheena says that Joann's Fabrics has storage containers on sale.  She says a lot of other fun things on her blog but this is the pertinent article for ideas about skein and Splendor silk card storage.
http://sheenassweetstitches.com/kitty-palooza/2012/01/sample-post/

Needle Bug in Montgomery, AL is having an After Memorial Day sale.  I don't have any details but if you are in that area, drop by and see.
http://theneedlebug.com/

Pocket Full of Stitches has their new trunk show in-house.  This time they are featuring The Princess and Me, a company that specializes in small ornaments, all of which come with a stitch guide.  Their designs are lighthearted and fun to stitch, especially if you have a large stash of threads to work from.  Here are the links from PFOS, which I expect to update daily for a while as that is PFOS' way--new photos every day for a week.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/05/princess-me-trunk-show.html

http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/05/princess-and-me-trunk-show-day-2.html

http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/05/princess-me-trunk-show-day-3.html

http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/06/princess-me-trunk-show-day-4.html


http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/06/princess-me-trunk-show-day-5.html

http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/06/princess-me-trunk-show-models.html

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

Monthly Club News Report

Fans of Needle Deeva's monthly clubs will be excited to see the latest of the Fabulous Fir trees models is finished. I am intriqued by the background stitches Vicky DeAngelis choose for this one.  This series will be available starting in August from your local shop if they signed up for it with the Deeva herself.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/04/23/another-fab-fir-finished/


UPDATE: Another fur, a gingerbread one this time.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/05/16/the-latest-in-the-fab-firs/

Fireside Stitchery has some terrific clubs available.  You can either choose Currently Active or Starting Soon to see what wonders will be available.  DO NOT miss Queen of the Sea under Currently Active--it's a beauty!  The companion piece Nepture (both canvases are from Debbie Mumm/Melissa Shirley) is hiding under Starting Soon.  I've gotten glimpses of several of the finished Trick or Treat canvases from Debbie Mumm which will start soon.  Trust me, they are fabulous as well.
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/clubs/index.cfm?fuseaction=getclubList&CategoryId=3&clubstate=yes


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

Another Stash Seller

There's a new eBay stash seller in town. Well, she's been around a while but since she just started advertising in Needlepoint Now, I just found out about her.  She doesn't list her eBay name so I don't know if I've been watching her selling or not.  I have not used her so proceed with caution.
http://www.cashyourstash.net/

Of course Fireside does stash sales on eBay, too.  They are quite active, listing new items each Saturday morning, and I've seen some great bargains.
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/FS/ebay/index.cfm


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

Fireside Announces Monthly Clubs and a Sale

Fireside Stitchery in Pennsylvania has announced their 2012 lineup of monthly clubs.  This year you can sign up for a series of Faberge eggs (Lee Designs),
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/Clubs/index.cfm?fuseaction=getClubItems&CategoryId=3&clubNumberId=188

add to your collection of small mittens, small socks and hats (Associated Talents according to Vicky), or
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/Clubs/index.cfm?fuseaction=getClubItems&CategoryId=3&clubNumberId=190

stitch a collection of Halloween and fall-themed candy corn shaped ornaments (Associated Talents).  All these designs come with threads, stitch guide and canvas. By the way, Fireside is also having a sale on their in-stock HP Designs canvases.  There is only one of each canvas, so move fast if you fall in love.
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/handPaintedCanvas/index.cfm?fuseaction=getHPCanvasList&CategoryId=58&saleId=124&saleTypeId=2&showStart=1&groupNo=1


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

Fireside on Sale

Fireside has announcing their end of the year sale, with the items for sale each day from December 16-31 listed on their website.  If you are a threadaholic or need new tools, this is the place to go.  Clubs and Christmas items are also on sale at a nice discount.  Mark your calendars for the day you want to shop.
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/FS/SalesAndSpecials/index.cfm?fuseaction=dailySale


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

Shops Do Stash for Cash

The announcement of an entire Kelly Clark/Amy Bunger Halloweenies set for sale brought me a message from Beth at Beth's Needlepoint Nook in Kentucky. Beth tells me her shop offers a Stash for Cash program for folks who want to send excess stash items off to a new home.  She describes how it works thusly,  "My shop has been helping customers with that issue for the past year. We list items on ebay for people. The canvas owner receives 60% of the sale value in cash or 80% in store credit. We have sold over 650 items so far including new canvases, partially stitched canvases, new fibers, partially used skeins of fiber, findings, books, tools, etc.  The program has been successful in that my customers are happy and they love the 80% store credit. One customer has received over $2000 in store credit from ebay sales. If you think that this would be of interest to your blog followers, feel free to post this information. Further details can be found on the home page of my website."
http://www.bethsneedlepoint.com/

Fireside Stitchery also has a very similar program for their customers.  Here's the description of how it works on their website.
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/FS/ebay/index.cfm

It is lovely of shops to sell items for folks who are unwilling to master eBay to sell excess items themselves.  I don't have any personal knowledge of how well this works, but anyone who has been thinking they need to get rid of things should talk to their local shop to make sure they don't have such a program.  If not, either Beth's Needlepoint Nook or Fireside Stitchery would love to talk to you.

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

Melissa Shirley on Sale

Fireside Stitchery has announced a Melissa Shirley sale. Until October 15, a selection of her designs are on sale at 25 percent off. But there is only one canvas available at the sale price, so shop early.  (OK, who said, "Shop often"?  Was that you, Tony?)
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/HandPaintedCanvas/index.cfm?fuseaction=GETSALESANDSPECIALS&saleId=116&saleTypeId=5 

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

May's Monthly Clubs

Fireside Stitchery has announced their monthly clubs, all of which start in May.  There are dimensional pears from Little Shoppe Canvas Company, pastel patterned hearts from Associated Talents, Rebecca Wood's season tree ornaments, and A Collection of Designs' miniature Halloween ornaments.  Click on the link under each photo to see the entire set.
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/clubs/index.cfm?fuseaction=getClubList&CategoryId=3&clubState=future

Stitchbirds has a cowboy boots monthly club.  If you want Western ornaments, this is the place for you!
http://www.stitchbirds-needlepoint.com/designs/phpslideshow.php?directory=.&auto=1&currentPic=12

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

Clubs for the Fireside

This morning's messages included one from Fireside Stitchery announcing their 2011 clubs.  There are candy canes, carolers and a cow--plus an acorn and corncob club to celebrate Autumn.  You can see the canvases and read more about each club on Fireside's website.
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/clubs/index.cfm?fuseaction=getClubList&CategoryId=3&clubState=future

Fireside's email also mentioned their eBay sales program.  Got excess stash?  They will sell it for you and reimburse you via a shop credit or in cash.  Again, check their website for details.
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/ebay/index.cfm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow

What Size Beads for What Size Lingerie Canvas?

Yesterday I noticed that Judy Harper recommends size 14 beads for 18 count needlepoint canvas and size 11 beads for 13 count.  She's got several examples on her blog of lovely beaded effects using the skip tent method of beading and varying whether she uses sparkly or less sparkly beads.
http://fairy-crafts.blogspot.com/2010/01/beads-with-needlepoint-and-plaid-egg.html

Her recommendation much matches what Fireside Stitchery used to post on their website:
18 count canvas:  14/0 or 1.25mm
13-14 count canvas:  11/0 or 1.33mm
12 count canvas:  10/0 or 1.35mm
10 count canvas: 8/0 or 6/0;  3-3.5mm
7 count plastic canvas: 5/0 or 4mm


Remember that bead sizes are written either 11 or 11/0--it's the same thing--and that the smaller the number, the larger the bead.  (Judy also points out that the term "seed beads" can mean any size.  A seed bead isn't always a tiny bead.)


So how come I'm using size 11 beads on size 18 needlepoint canvas?  Easy!  The totally clear beads I want to use don't come in size 14.  So I have to use a bead a little larger than I should.  Besides, I've noticed that the shape of the bead also effects what size bead fits what size canvas.  My Miyuki beads are also size 11 but they are smaller than the round size 11 Sundance beads.  Their shape is a cylinder so they fit together better on the 18 count canvas than my other size 11 beads which are rounded.  The Miyuki beads are't much larger than my Sundance size 14 hex beads!


In other words, depending on the effect you want, you don't have to stick to the recommended sizes.  Of course if you plan to completely cover a canvas like I'm doing, you probably wouldn't want beads much larger than one size above the recommended one.  But beads vary A LOT, so you have a little leeway on what you do. 


If you want to put a bead at the end of a coil of DMC memory thread to make a hat ornament, it probably doesn't matter what size it is as long as it looks good with the design.  In the photo above, the belt buckle is covered with rows of size 14 beads, and the belt area to the right of the buckle is covered with size 11 beads.  You can see the sizes are pretty similar.


In the photo above you see one leg of the tap pants iced over with beads.  The black area near the crotch has a missing bead because I didn't get them packed in tightly enough.  I'll go back and add that later.


I started out adding beads in horizontal rows, sort of like doing continental tent stitches.  I normally work from the top down but rapidly discovered that this hides the bead hole I should go down in.  So I have changed my working method to beading from the bottom of an area up.  This makes it easier for me to see where things go, especially if I start my stitch at the top and go down in the hole nearest the row of beads under where I am working.


I worked most of the leg this way and then realized it was even easier to work beads on the diagonal like basketweave.  So I am now working on the other leg from the bottom up along diagonal rows, switching thread colors when I move to another area in my stitching path.


I'm still using one ply of DMC cotton floss and going through each bead twice.  When I finish this canvas and move to the bra canvas, I'll try doubling my thread in the needle and attaching each bead in two passes--one through the bead and the second with a thread on either side to hold the bead steady.  I want to compare how easy the two methods are before I make a recommendation.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow