Mermaid Curls: The Movie

The latest how to video from Ruth at Bedecked and Beadazzled is how to make fat sausage curls for a mermaid.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6wdOQ-rstI/

Here's how it looks mostly finished.  This is a David Galchutt canvas called "The Sirens," available only at Ruth's shop.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/07/under-the-sea/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 10, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mermaid Tails Alert

Mermaid lovers will be interested in these mermaid tail needle cases.  The waist area unscrews and the needles are held in the top by a magnet.  (See the video in the Etsy shop listing)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1120547071/mermaid-magnet-needle-holder-travel-size?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=mermaid+needle+case&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1&variation0=2322774146

Quite a few Etsy shops carry similar mermaid tail needle minders.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/901626095/mermaid-tail-needle-minderscover-minders?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=mermaid+tail+needle+holder&ref=sr_gallery-1-25&edd=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

There are several mermaid tail canvases.  This one is from Oasis Needlepoint.

https://yohe-needlepoint-designs.shoplightspeed.com/mermaid-tail.html

This one is from the Meredith Collection.

https://www.barbarasneedlepoint.com/products/mermaid-tail?variant=42665237381353

Here is Raymond Crawford's mermaid tail.

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=41521&title=Mermaid%20Tail&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Patti Mann's is my personal favorite.

https://www.stitchingfox.com/products/ornament-mermaid-tail-stitching-fox

Plus Brenda Stofft has a mermaid tail scissors case.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyoF-doO-OY

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 6, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Starke Art Reveal

In a sign of the creative advertising needlepoint designers are using, Kelly of Starke Art reveals her newest designs on YouTube.  The best part?  Your favorite shop can now send Kelly's dimensional pieces to her for finishing.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AWbtQsdmZg

Details on her new website.

http://www.starkeartdesigns.com/welcome.html

CBK distributes her work.  You can browse all her designs on their website.

https://www.cbkneedlepoint.com/starke-art-designs.html

Keep up the creativity, Kelly!  You are an inspiration.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 7, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Spring Mystery Revealed: David Galchutt's "The Sirens"

Ruth Schmuff has revealed her Spring 2021 mystery class:  David Galchutt's "The Sirens."

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/03/the-sirens/

If you like mermaids, you'll love this one.  Stay tuned.  I'll update this article as Ruth reveals each lesson.  The class starts in April 2021 and ends in early June 2021, so let Ruth know now if you want to participate.  More canvases will be available in August 2021 in case you are sorry you didn't sign up.

Hair and sea waves are first.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/05/the-sirens-song/

Halos and ribbon roses and beads!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/05/faces-and-such/

Ruffles and beads and seaweed and more waves!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/06/ruffles/

And now we have Princess Leia buns on a mermaid (the rest of her hair is spectacular, too).

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/07/princess-leia-buns/

The seaweed is lovely but that Swarovski fabric on the mermaid tails is fabulous!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/07/under-the-sea/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 2, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The October 2020 Mystery Class from Ruth Schmuff—Steampunk Mer-Fairy

If you love Halloween and want to take a mystery class in October-November 2020, Ruth Schmuff has you covered.  Ruth's next mystery class will be this Halloween mermaid/steampunk/Day of the Dead cutie from Lulu My Pink Fairy.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/09/steampunk-fairy/

And we have background!  (and a face)

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/10/easy-peasy-lesson-one/

The mermaid has really cute (and easy) hair.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/10/curls/

The tiny skulls are beaded, the tail has sections of different patterns, there are flowers in her hair, and the bra is fabulous!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/11/fashion-forward-b/

Here is the finished version, framed with a tin frame and also finished as a standup.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2023/10/steampunk-fairy-ready-for-curtain-call/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright Sept. 1, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Gail Sirna's Mermaid Ornaments

Gail Sirna's website of her teaching and on-teaching pieces is always a fun browse.  She's added something I haven't noticed before—a gallery of her original mermaid designs she does for friends each year.  The bottom of the page has Gail's story about the ornaments and the top has the photos.  Click on the first mermaid, and then you can click on the next in the series using the link at this photo's bottom right corner.  Have fun dreaming about stitching your own mermaid!
http://www.gailsirna.com/non-teaching-pieces/mermaid-ornaments/

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

Finishing Ideas

Melissa Shirley Mermaid on Tote Bag

If you have a pile of stitched canvases you need finishing ideas for, this article from Needlepoint For Fun is for you.   I've made many glasses cases from small canvases and little pencil holders or candle holders look good if your canvas can wrap around a glass.  My personal favorite is to whip stitch a canvas to a purse, though.  You can find wonderful tote bags everywhere.  I like to buy one on sale that matches a canvas and tuck it away for later when my design is stitched.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/finishing-ideas-for-small-needlepoint-canvases.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 29, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Introducing La Sirena (Ruth Schmuff Mystery Class) UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff has just announced the latest canvas for her series of mystery classes--she's going to work on Lulu My Pink Turtle's La Sirena mermaid. 
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/06/lulus-la-sirena.html

For right now the canvas is only available as part of Ruth's class but if you want to wait until the mystery is solved, you'll be able to get the kit (or just the canvas) later on.  Stay tuned for the fishy fun!

UPDATES:
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/07/its-all-in-details.html

http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/08/ready-for-swim.html

http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/11/beaches-mermaids-and-seashells.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 5, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing Friday: Halloween and More

For today's finishing Friday we head to Louise's Needlework.  The shop shows off a darling Halloween pumpkin tray perfect for the Phantom of the Opera fan.  This canvas is from Alice Peterson and the tray from Sudberry.
http://louisesneedlwork.blogspot.com/2014/10/diane-can-finally-share-her-alice.html

Also for Halloween, one of Louise's customers just finished her Halloweenies witch.  Canvas is by Kelly Clark and guide by Amy Bunger.
http://louisesneedlwork.blogspot.com/2014/10/emily-has-finally-finished-stirha.html

Ridgewood's Kappy has a fun Halloween tree and several wonderful stand ups.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/10/its-almost-halloween-check-out-kappys.html

Not everyone is a big Halloween fan so here is a great mermaid pillow with fabulous pearls trim.  I think that the canvas is by Alice Peterson.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2014/10/melissa-shirleys-stable-finished.html

Happy Halloween!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 8, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Why Randi Likes Mermaids

The owner of The World in Stitches loves mermaid canvases. Here's the charming story behind her purchase of the Mermaid Flag from The Collection.
http://twisinc.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-babes_2497.html

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

Tantalizing Glimpses

Yesterday in the tantalizing way all us stitch guide writers have of showing off just a bit of our work, I posted two photos on Needlepoint Nation (the Facebook group of needlepoint fanatics) showing some of my two latest stitch guides.   Both are from Leigh Designs.   Can you guess what these two photos are?

The top photograph shows the maple tree from Leigh's Japanese Tea House.  This design was originally intended to be used in Lee's nylon tote bags but I think Leigh Designs plans to frame the model when it reaches them later this week.  Here's the original canvas.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Sgl7610.html

By the way, the little geisha magnet was from Mag Friends and I think they are sold out, but you might find one in a shop if you look around. I bought it nearly two years ago.

Leigh's Japanese Tea House Finished

Here is the finished tea house.  I used a layering technique to make the maple leaves more realistic and adapted Or Nue' for the painted and gilded eaves of the tea house itself.  The sage green background is unstitched to help provide contest with the Japanese maple leaves, but I listed the perfect thread to use in case you hate unstitched areas on your designs.  This piece was stitched with the new Silken Straw in three places, but I listed substitutes that will give a similar look for each area if you want to shop your stash instead of ordering a completely new thread.  

The second photo is a close up of one of Leigh's Water Babies.  This is Fantine, who has peacock eyes on her mermaid's tail.  (I've also written guides for Alta and Mimsy but there are no photos of them yet.)
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp441x.html

Everyone asks about the curls.  These were Sue Parson's idea.  They are made of ribbon floss.   Sue had seen this used somewhere and asked me how to create curls from this thread and with a little experimentation I was able to figure out the technique.   Sue did a lovely job creating the model.  Here is her finished and framed piece.  If your shop is going to the January TNNA show, I think they'll be able to see this in person at the Leigh Designs booth.  Sue is very kindly loaning it to Leigh.

Fantine All Stitched But Not Framed Yet

Your shop can order the guide and canvas of either of these for you directly from Leigh Deisgns, but you can visit the CH Stitch Guides blog and order the stitch guide only straight from me if you happen to have the canvas already.
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/p/want-to-buy-chilly-hollow-stitch-guides.html

Hope you enjoyed the full disclosure!

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.

Mermaids Galore

Sheena showed off a new canvas I hadn't seen before recently--a companion Sandra Vargas mermaid to the one Ruth Schmuff used for her summer mystery class this year.  Isn't she cute?  I'd stitch little darning stitch seahorses in the background to make her more of a pair with the green mermaid Ruth stitched.   You could also use darning stitch lotus blossoms in the background if you want a mermaid in the pink lotus waters of the ocean or you can use the bubbles stitch Sheena thoughtfully included in her article.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/swimming-with-the-mermaids/

Seeing the Sandra Vargas mermaids made me want to find other mermaid canvases to enjoy.  Here are the results of my searches--
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/subjects.php?subject=mermaids

http://rittenhouseneedlepoint.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=mermaid&x=0&y=0

http://www.needlepoint.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=mermaid

http://store.needlenook.com/cart.php?m=search_results&search=mermaid

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.

In Response--Mermaids!

I'd like to thank everyone who answered my question about what they'd like to see Blog do and how well my changes and improvements match what they want out of my needlepoint essays. I'm still answering emails, one or two a day, so I'll eventually get back to everyone who took time to write.  However, almost everyone said they missed frequent reports on my stitching.  I will be posting about my own stitching again shortly, but until I get around to it, I thought you might like to revisit the little Melissa Shirley mermaid canvas I stitched three summers ago at Beloved's request. The link below is my first posting.  Just keep clicking "Newer Post" at the bottom of the article below the Comments section to read the whole thing.  I was on a tight deadline for this so there isn't much you will have to skip over.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/05/whimsey-mermaid.html

Hope this keeps everyone happy until I get enough stitching done here to show off current pieces!

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.

Mermaid Curls

Ruth Schmuff's latest mystery class lesson is all about the hair.  First, Ruth basketweaves all the hair, then she puts Wonder Ribbon metallic mesh curls on top!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/06/a-day-at-salon.html

"Wonder Ribbon?" you ask.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-wonders-of-wonder-ribbon.html

Since I wrote the above, The Collection has added Wonder Ribbon to their website.  They poste all the available colors and tell us a bit about how Wonder Ribbon is made.
http://www.allaboutstitching.com/wonder-ribbon.html

I have a spool in the stash.  Guess I should pull it out and experiment!

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.

Swimming with Ruth's Mermaid

Ruth Schmuff has started her newest mystery class, the Aquamarine Mermaid from Sandra Vargas. Ruth is like me, she started with the background and the face.  What's especially impressive is how she varies the background from rows of bubbles to random ones. It does look like bubbles are rising toward the surface!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/05/come-swim-with-mermaid.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.

OMG!

If you love mermaids, click here.  This is going to premiere at the January TNNA show.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2012/01/down-by-sea-with-sandra-gilmore.html

I'm going to go look at my checkbook....


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

Stocking Stuffers

When you need a small stitching gift to put inside that special someone's Christmas stocking, it can be hard to find something cool but inexpensive. I'm starting to collect ideas here to help Santas everywhere find a tiny but fun present for stitchers in their life.  Vicky suggests the Kreinik pens.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/11/09/a-great-gift-idea/

If you want to give a painted canvas, I have discovered a new site that sells unwanted stash at good prices.  WARNING:  I don't know anything about this site or its customer service, so this is a use-at-your-own risk proposition.  If you have used their service or purchased from them, do let us know what you think in the Comments section.  Or email me at chilly hollow at hotmail dot com.
http://www.vintageneedlepoint.com/page1.html

Ruth Schmuff has Christmas themed project bags and snap together trays to hold supplies.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2011/11/christmas-bags-are-here.html

The snap trays come in other fabrics if the person you are buying for isn't that into the holiday spirit.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/news-and-updates/snap-trays-from-bestitched-needlepoint/

Speaking of BeStitched, they also have lovely scissors and laying tools.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/news-and-updates/holiday-gift-options/

Here's the newest needle magnet from Kelmscott--a heart in a gloved hand.
http://www.traditionalstitches.com/p_KDHHNM.html

Kelmscott also has little mother of pearl fish buttons, perfect for that mermaid canvas in your stash.
http://www.traditionalstitches.com/p_KDSF.html


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

Painted Canvas and Other Treats from All Over

I've been collecting fun little painted canvases and some other things from here and there, ably abetted by my spies. How about a mermaid pirate?
http://www.cbkneedlepointcollections.com/ProdDetails.php?pId=1740

Or Chinese lantern canvases?
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/11/chinese-lanterns.html

Are you a romantic?  Here's a sweater fit for the Duke of Windsor (who needlepointed, by the way).
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2011/11/exploring-another-pattern.html

This double scissor case is a favorite of Pat Correz's.  If you don't know Pat, you are missing a real treat!  She's a force of nature who also happens to work behind the scenes for both ANG and EGA to bring us stitchers Seminars, classes and other wonderful things.  Since Pat travels so much, I can see why she loves this little protective case for her embroidery scissors.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/a%20must%20for%20every%20project


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

Canvas of the Month: Jane's Mermaids on the Beach

This month's canvas is a JB Designs piece from Devon.  I don't know the dimensions or the canvas count but I suppose it is a 5x5 piece, probably on 18 count.

It screams summer to me and looks like a very fun and easy stitch.  Hope you like it!

Jane's Version:

I think the two little mermaids tossing starfish back and forth from the shallows to the shore are great fun.  The canvas is more complicated than you would think just looking at it, however.  There are a lot of parts but because it is small, they shouldn't take long to stitch.  I think I'll start with the sky, stitching it in 2-3 shades of pale blue in skip tent.  The water is a deeper blue with green mixed in, so I would choose three shades of turquoise floss and work it in horizontal random stitches that zigzag down from the upper left corner of the water towards the sandy beach.  Use 2-3 plies, just enough to barely cover the painted canvas.  In a few places where you want highlights, use a white Accentuate to restitch a few long stitches on top of the floss.

The sandy beach should be stitched with 3 shades of sandy brown.  I think I'd use Burmilana in tent stitches and see if any of the heathered colors this thread comes in match roughly the canvas colors. That will give you a mix of colors without having to change threads a lot.  Occasionally skip a tent stitch.  When the sand is all finished, go back and attach beads where you skipped a stitch.  Use either a pale tan or a crystal bead, depending on what you can find locally.  Sand on a beach is smooth but it sparkles, so tent stitches with a few beads will look nice and also will look good in contrast with the busy stitch used for the water and the very faint skip tent stitches in the sky. If you can't find the right color in beads, add a few cross stitches instead, using a sandy colored metallic, preferably a small one so you don't make too raised a stitch in the skipped spots.

For the rocks, choose a rough thread like a thin wool or perhaps a linen thread in two shades of gray.  Work the rock in a rough stitch like Nobuko stitch.

http://www.needleartworks.com/stm/stpage/nobuko.htm

Now it is time to stitch the starfish.  I'd choose something shiny like Flair or one of the nylon threads like Panache in two shades of gold.  Work the perimeter of the starfish in tent stitches.  (You may have to use a reverse tent stitch occasionally to make sure the points of the starfish are true.)  The center can be gold beads (use two shades of gold if you can find them), or tiny French knots (using two or three shades of gold thread).  You can also add a strand of Accentuate to the needle when doing your French knots to give a little something extra to the starfishes' bumpy centers if you aren't using a metallic thread there.  Perhaps you would like to use only a metallic thread like Kreinik (still in two shades of gold) to the starfish the girls are tossing?  It is the focal point of the canvas, after all.  The colors of the French knots and whether they have a touch of metallic or are all metallic is up to you.

The little mermaids' skin, arms, face and bodies should be tent stitched, using silk or cotton floss.  If you are tired of tent stitch, try using a small brick stitch (over two threads) for the skin but tent stitch the features.  Do the left mermaid's necklace in gold metallic using cross stitches.  The hair is easy.  Use stem stitches in brown cotton floss.  Once you add in the stem stitches, go back and add a few more here and there on top in a slightly lighter shade for the mermaid on the left and in a slightly darker shade for the mermaid on the right so that they have similar but not identical hair.  You might also add a few short, straight stitches at the part of the left mermaid's hair or at the side of the right mermaid's face to show stray strands blowing in the sea breeze.

The mermaid tails are the last part of the design.  Use two shades of pink or blue in silk to tent stitch the tails, then use ray stitch on top of the tent stitches, working from the waist down towards the tail.  If you use just 2-3 plies of the silk in the ray stitches, the underlaying stitching will show and add a bit more dimension.  Once you are done, attach a few pink and blue beads (or a clear bead using either pink or blue thread) on top of the ray stitches.  You might also put a few back stitches on top of the tail's tent stitches to show the spines.

This would make a lovely framed piece for a summer cottage or a small girl's room.  It would also look lovely in the top of a wooden box.  Some lucky little girl would love to keep her treasures in such a box!

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

The Final Product: The Mermaid Purse

The little Melissa Shirley mermaid's bullion curls are all finished, and I've added a length of holographic Kreinik to make a hair clasp, so it is time to attach the canvas to the canvas purse I bought.  Because the purse is such thick canvas and the needlepoint piece is small, I decided to attach it to the pocket of the purse with glue.  So I laid the canvas upside down on a piece of waxed paper and using my Aileen's Tacky Glue, I ran a bead of glue all around the outside edge of my stitching.  With a toothpick, I smoothed out blobs so that every part of the outside margin of the stitching had glue on it in a smooth layer.  Then it dried all day.  That evening I cut out the canvas at the glued edge, one thread from the stitching, using my regular scissors (not my embroidery scissors--NP canvas is too tough on them).

Then I put glue on the pocket and along the back side of the needlepoint at the edge.  Carefully aligning the canvas to the pocket, I put the needlepoint on and pressed down hard.  Then I put a skinny book inside the pocket and put more books on top of the pocket so the glued needlepoint was pressed down hard to dry.

Once the purse dried overnight, I removed the books and checked how everything looked.  As I'd suspected the one thread I cut outside of that wasn't stitched showed on the top and bottom of the needlepoint, but not on the sides.  On the sides the pocket trim hide the raw edge.   This is easy to fix, however.  I just strung enough of my lemon-lime green beads to cover the top on waxed thread, then glued the line of beads along the top and a second string along the bottom of the canvas, hiding the raw edge.  Trim is wonderful!

Here's the final result, which is all wrapped and boxed up ready to mail to the Birthday Girl.  Note the glass heart attached to the zipper pull in the two last photos.  That was an added touch, something I picked up on sale at the local crafts emporium to fancy up the purse even more.  Many thanks to Melissa Shirley for allowing me to post photos of her design here as I stitched like the wind to finish it in time for the Big Day!

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