A Scarf for Your Snowman

As I type this, it is unusually cold in Chilly Hollow and has been for a week with another week when the highs don't get above 20 degrees and the lows are around 1 is anticipated.  So I'm not at all surprised that Ridgewood is talking about knit and scarf stitches in their New Stitch Monday column.  Kalem, knit and corduroy stitches plus variations are discussed.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-198/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 27, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Dale of Norway in Needlepoint

Eleonore found a real treasure in Norway--a needlepoint of the Dale, Norway sweater factory.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=8555514431125554&set=gm.8020097344734020&idorvanity=108537025890131

Dale of Norway's sweaters are famous and worth every penny according to folks who own one.  

https://eu.daleofnorway.com/

As Eleonore continued on her trip to Denmark, she found this fire screen stitched by Louis XIV's mistress. That's Louis the Sun King of France.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=8578805128796484&set=gm.8043598962383858&idorvanity=108537025890131

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Coil Yarn

I've just stumbled across something called coil yarn.  It looks like it might be a really fun thing to couch for wild hair or beards.  

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1409025035/handspun-yarn-weavers-pack-art-yarn?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=coil+yarn&ref=sr_gallery-1-27&frs=1&organic_search_click=1

It appears to be hand spun knitting or weaving yarn and is available in all sorts of colors.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1333075673/handspun-art-yarn-sandy-art-yarn-tan-art?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=coil+yarn&ref=sr_gallery-1-10&organic_search_click=1

It also appears to have a core of thread inside the coil. I'm not certain now long the coils are.  They may be long or short, fat or thin.  But that's part of the appeal.  I found lots of examples on Etsy.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 25, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Need Spiky Hair?

Rebecca has a great idea about how to make spiky hair for a needlepoint portrait--use knitting yarn!  Very clever.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/4142561695820957/

She's using something called Haute Fur from Yarn Bee, which she found at Hobby Lobby.  I found it on their website on sale in gray and lime.

https://www.hobbylobby.com/Clearance/Clearance---Yarn-Needle-Art/Clearance---Yarn/Yarn-Bee-Haute-Fur-Yarn/p/37105

I also found it easily available on Etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/624605992/yarn-bee-haute-fur-fun-fur-fuchsia?ref=pla_similar_listing_top-1&frs=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 13, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bobbin and Fred Use Knitting Yarn for Needlepoint UPDATED

Shannan of Bobbin and Fred talks about using Stylecraft's Special DK and Chunky knitting yarns for a needlepoint project based on a friend's artwork.
https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/2019/03/is-stylecraft-special-dk-good.html

I don't knit so I don't know if these brands of knitting yarn are available here in the USA, but I imagine you can use any sort of yarn you can lay your hands on for a small test project like a glasses case.

UPDATE:  Liz has a warning for those thinking about using knitting yarn for a needlepoint project.  Thanks, Liz!

Knitting yarn for needlepoint? Depends. If you are looking for a special effect of some kind, use what you need to succeed! However, for "regular" needlepoint be wary. Knitting yarn tends to be a lot stretchier than needlepoint yarn and you really have to watch your tension. These folks seem to be using 10-count, so I'm guessing they are using worsted weight so, yes, you can get a very good price, if you are going to work a very large piece! It is a false economy if you are buying a big skein of knitting yarn when all you need is a few yards of something. And they mentioned machine wash & dry, so it is probably acrylic or at least a blend which would make your needlepoint piece just about impossible to block. So, can you use knitting yarn for needlepoint? Yes, but.....

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 20, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Perfect Stitch for Tire Tracks

Kaleen Stitch for Santa's Blue Sweater

This week's article from Needlepoint for Fun is about Kalem Stitch, which we most often use for knitted effects.  In fact, I think I used Kalem Stitch for Santa's sweater on the right above.  But the shop points out what great tire tracks it makes!  That's a good reminder that we need to keep an open mind about what stitches to use for things.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/needlepoint-kalem-stitch.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 16, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kaffe Fasset Interviews UPDATED

Hands Across the Sea posted two interview videos featuring Kaffe Fasset.    Stop and listen to them.  Then listen to them again and again.
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/interview-kaffe-fassett/

It's that interesting.  He is a master of color and pattern, which you can see here...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSyUkyYA-mA

...or in his needlepoint kits on the Ehrman website.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/designer-products.aspx?id=7057648f-50e0-45e0-baab-cd506d20efb5

If you are charmed, there are many short videos on his website.
http://www.kaffefassett.com/Videos.html

There are DVDs available, too.
http://www.kaffefassett.com/DVDs.html

UPDATE:  There's a new book coming out from Kaffe Fassett in mid-September.  It's called
Bold Blooms and it features 18 quilt and 7 needlepoint patterns.  I can't wait to see it!
http://www.kaffefassett.com/Books.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 28, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Read This Before Writing a News Article about Needlework

Franklin Habit just wrote an article full of sensible advice (that also happens to be funny as hell) for journalists writing news articles about needlework of all kinds.
http://blog.lionbrand.com/2016/01/06/franklin-habits-friendly-three-point-message-to-journalists-who-seek-to-write-about-knitting-and-crochet/

Thanks for the heads up, Donna!  I'm still giggling.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 7, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

When You Give a Scarf to a Bulldog

When you give a scarf to a bulldog, magic happens. 
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2015/03/finishing-friday_20.html

I think the fringe is French knots on a stalk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7LVCxM7OaM

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 20, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Trend of 2015?

One of Yahoo's editors wrote just before Christmas that needlepoint is one of the coming trends of 2015.   I found the article full of inaccuracies but what do you expect when someone from JoAnn's Fabrics is consulted as a needlepoint "expert" or a knitting shop talks about the needlepoint they sell?  Or when Jonathan Adler's work is cited as a major influence?  At least the author had sense enough to ask Don Lynch of Associated Talents and TNNA's Needlepoint Group for help and the Etsy shop they referred to has some nice tent stitched pieces.  
https://www.yahoo.com/diy/hooked-why-needlepoint-will-be-2015s-big-105635472380.html

But this is the view of needlepoint from the outside, where "grannies" who stitch floral designs and pop art pieces interpreted in needlepoint are what needlepoint is seen as.  I suppose I shouldn't roll my eyes too much.  At least maybe the publicity will draw someone in to try.  Let's hope the shops and fellow stitchers are ready for new stitchers!

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

Party Time UPDATED

A feast for your eyes and mind--two videos, one from the American Museum in Britain.
http://vimeo.com/94211050

and the other from the Museum of Aberdeen...
http://vimeo.com/102243242

Both are holding Kaffe Fassett exhibitions this year.

UPDATE:  More about the exhibit at the American Museum with lots of great photos.
http://hokkaidokudasai.blogspot.com/2014/09/kaffee-fassett-at-american-museum-in.html

UPDATE #2:  A quilting blogger's photos from the American Museum exhibit.
http://sewmanyquiltstoolittletime.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-american-museum-at-bath-uk.html

http://sewmanyquiltstoolittletime.blogspot.com/2014/06/kaffe-fassetts-world-of-colour.html

http://sewmanyquiltstoolittletime.blogspot.ca/2014/06/more-of-kaffe-fassetts-exhibition.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 21, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hair, long beautiful hair shining, gleaming, streaming, flaxen, waxen

Anyone remember the musical Hair?  I am not sure Anna Scott, who lives in Australia, was thinking of the lyrics as she came up with a way to create streaming hair for her stumpwork girl, but it applies!
http://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2014/06/curly-wild-hair.html

http://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2014/07/over-hills.html

The techniques Anna is using will work very nicely for needlepoint such as my newest acquisition--Hawaiian Girl with Fruit.  (She's 7x7 on 18 count and costs $85 as does her companion, Hawaiian Girl with Ukelele.  Email Gussie and ask her to get you one.)
http://needlepointetc.wordpress.com/2014/05/10/friday-may-9/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 19, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sherlock Knits

You saw it here second (right after NeedlePrint broke the news).   I want mine in pink, knitters!
http://needleprint.blogspot.com/2014/05/knit-power.html

By the way, I have no idea what politicized knitting is.  Must be a Brit thing.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 21, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Mystery of the Twisted Skein

This morning Mary Agnes brings us the Mystery of the Twisted Skein.... 
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-mystery-machine.html

Enjoy!  Thanks, MA!

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.

Knit, Purl and Sow at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

SJ Designs posted on Facebook today about an exhibit of knit and crocheted flowers at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden which looks to be worth seeing. The flowers and leaves have some embroidery on them, and the finished products are very realistic. 
http://textileartscenter.com/blog/knit-purl-sow-at-the-brooklyn-botanic-garden/

The exhibit will be there until January 22nd, so there is plenty of time to visit before Holiday Madness begins if you live in the area or will be visiting there this fall.  Thanks for the tip, Susan!

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.

Denise is On Vacation

Denise of Stitching Sisters is on vacation, so naturally she planned to hit all the shops in the area. Here is her report for those of you who have the Cape in your GPS system. 
http://nystitchingsisters.blogspot.com/2013/08/vacation-time.html

http://nystitchingsisters.blogspot.com/2013/08/more-craft-shopping.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.

Lumio! UPDATED

Lumio sounds like a spell Harry Potter and his friends would cast to light up a dark attic, doesn't it?  But it isn't!
http://skeins-huntcountryyarns.blogspot.com/2013/08/17-august-2013-wow-store-just-got-in.html

This is a very heavy yarn, so it probably will work best to make custom cording or as a background accent on 12 count canvas, but I haven't seen it in person. If you have a knitting shop in your neighborhood, please check it out and let us know if you think it is something a needlepointer could use in special situations.

UPDATE:  I am told that Lumio is a "#6 super bulky yarn designed for coats, winter sweaters and accessories. Saw some great patterns for scarves and hats, but unless I were going to a colder climate would have no use for them. It is a beautiful yarn and the reflective streak in it is perfect for outdoor sportswear."  In other words, this is the largest diameter knitting yarn available, so it almost certainly isn't suitable to needlepoint canvas and might even be too fat for couching.  Many thanks, Jody!

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.

Reality TV for the Stitcher

"Will you watch or will you swatch?" is the tagline for this new online knitting contest.
http://thefiberfactor.com

For reality show fans who are stitchers, this is going to be great fun.

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.

Packing for Philly? UPDATED

As a reminder, Rittenhouse Needlepoint is very close to the site of ANG's Seminar in Philadelphia.  They are normally closed on Mondays but check their Seminar schedule.
http://rittenhouseneedlepoint.com

UPDATE:  Here's the Rittenhouse Seminar schedule.
http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=9b9b7549e5c8f818070e0508c&id=ec71df774f

Fireside is planning all sorts of special events, and so...
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/News/index.cfm?fuseaction=GETPHILLYANG2012

...is Nimble Needle.  I understand Nimble Needle is in Haddonfield, NJ, only about 2 blocks from the commuter train to Haddonfield.  They are offering a twenty percent off discount for ANG Seminar visitors.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/p/shop-events.html

Besides all the wonderful needlepoint shops that are planning special events for ANG Seminar attendees, there are other shops I've had recommended in the Philly area.  About a quarter mile from Nimble Needle in Haddonfield is Woolplay, a very nice knitting shop that carries a lot of interesting original patterns and the wools to execute them with.
http://www.woolplay.com

There is a knitting shop close to Fireside, too. It is on the same street (Lancaster Avenue, also Route 30), but about 7 miles closer to Philadelphia.  http://www.froufrouyarns.com

Before I forget, the CH Stitch Guides blog has a new article up, on Vicky DeAngelis' plans to develop a stitch guide at Seminar.  Just ride the magic carpet over and back by clicking on the magic carpet photo on the right side of the page.

Everybody who is going to Philly, remember to have fun and come home safe!

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

From Needlepoint To Knitting

Who would have thought that needlepoint techniques make knitting better?
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/07/applications.html

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