The What a Hoot Charted Owl Club

What a Hoot is the monthly designer club coming from Colour Complements. This is a charted series with the chart by Kam Wenzloff .  There will be six colorful owls with a new chart of a new colorful owl starting April-September 2020.  The threads are all from Colour Complements.
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/04/what-a-hoot-needlepoint-colour-complements.html

I usually don't mention new monthly clubs in the main part of Blog, but since there are so few clubs for those who love counted canvaswork, I wanted to make sure no one missed this.  The first owl will be introduced today and then the first Friday of each of the next six months.
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/04/what-a-hoot-series-colour-complements.html

Here's #2:
https://colourcomplements.com/product/what-a-hoot-winky-needlepoint

And the third!
https://colourcomplements.com/product/what-a-hoot-theros

Number four--
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/07/what-a-hoot-athene-colour-complements-needlepoint.html

Number five —
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/08/what-a-hoot-screech-colour-complements-needlepoint.html

And here is the last owl--
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/09/owl-i-want-for-christmas-needlepoint-owls.html

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

Stitching Owl Eyes

Owl from Tapestry Fair's Belleza

With Halloween in the air, October 1 is a great time to post this link to Needlepoint for Fun's article on stitching owl eyes.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/grandma-what-big-eyes-you-have---the-best-needlepoint-stitches-for-owls-eyes.htm

The owl above is one I stitched with sequins and beads for eyes.  The design is an element in Manuel Salas' Belleza de Halloween (Halloween Beauty), adapted for needlepoint canvas by Tapestry Fair.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 9, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Holiday Owls Mystery from Bedecked and Beadazzled UPDATED

Ruth has announced the Christmas mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled— Brooke Connor's "Holiday Owls."
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/09/holiday-owls.html

The class starts in December.  As always, I'll update this article as Ruth posts updates on the various class lessons.

Ruth started with the little owl faces and the purple vest.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/12/only-best-dressed.html

The second lesson Ruth tackled feathers in an unexpected way (and stitched the pink hat, which I want to wear!).
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/12/feathers.html

The third lesson adds wings and a hat.  One more lesson to go!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2018/01/more-is-more.html

And the final touches are beaded ivy and pompoms, not to mention snowflakes in the background!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2018/01/its-snowing.html

UPDATE:  Here are four versions, all finished differently.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/12/happy-happy-owls/

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.

The Owl's Tummy Project

Ruth Schmuff's summer mystery class was Sandra Vargas's "Owl with Key." The owl's tummy was covered with an elaborate beaded flower with a Czech button in the middle.  Now Ruth has made a standalone kit of this beaded flower for those who want to have a stunning pin or who just want to play with something totally different.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/08/want-to-make-flower.html

Czech buttons are widely available on eBay so you can learn the process from Ruth's kit, then do another with a button of your choosing.  For example, here's a stunner owl button.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Czech-Crystal-Glass-Brass-Dome-OWL-Button-A267-RARE-ANTIQUE-Compon-LARGE-/351291825679?hash=item51ca9fde0f:g:pLEAAOxy4fVS~Gzj

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

Owl With Key, A Mystery with Ruth Schmuff UPDATED

The Summer Mystery class from Ruth Schmuff has been revealed—it is Sandra Vargas' "Owl with Key."  Lessons will be held at Ruth's company headquarters in June and July but ghost stitchers who participate via mail are welcome.  As always, I will update this article as Ruth posts after class reports.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/04/the-eyes-tell-story.html

First, Ruth does a charming background and gives the owl the key to perch on.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/06/a-new-mystery-new-owl.html

Now the owl has feathers and a tail!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/06/owls-and-birds-birds-and-owls-owls-and.html

And here is the owl all finished, with a spectacular flower on his chest.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/07/the-big-reveal.html

Of course you can always add this mystery project to your stash by ordering from Ruth's shop.  The mystery is "solved" but the stitching will still be a lot of fun.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/owl-with-key/

And here is the owl, finished!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/09/sparkling-owls/

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

Ruth Drops a Large Hint

Ruth Schmuff drops a large hint as to the canvas for her Fall Mystery class in 2016.
https://www.facebook.com/ruth.schmuff/posts/1185207351493294

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 2, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Old Yeller (Ruth Schmuff and the Halloween Hooter) UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff has started her newest mystery class for Bedecked and Beaddazzled--dede Odgen's Haunted Hooter--by stitching three yellow background areas.  You are going to be surprised at what she's done.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/08/trust-me.html

Two months to Halloween and I think all 60 days are going to be fun.

UPDATES:  Look at those eyes and feathers!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/09/those-eyes.html

More feathers--with a touch of eggplant!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/09/the-subtlety-of-color.html

And finally spiders everywhere.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/10/ghosts-ghouls-spiders-and-bats.html

Here is the finished Haunted Hooter, made up into a wonderful pillow.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/08/hoot-hoot.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 24, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Chevron Ribbons!

Mary uses the new chevron pattern ribbon from Kreinik on her blog.  Looks like fun!
http://owlstitchery.blogspot.com/2015/06/cute-candy-canes-in-kreiniks-new.html

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.

New Source for Stumpwork and Goldwork Kits

Since I am talking non-needlepoint this morning, I might as well mention this new source of gold work and stumpwork kits.  Anna Scott, the former editor of Inspirations magazine, mentioned this on her blog and when I explored, I found this wonderful stumpwork owl kit.
http://www.embellishembroidery.com.au/hootie.html 

There are books for sale, gold work kits and more.  Not all the links work but what is visible seems first rate.  If you are a threadaholic, check out all the exotic threads she sells.  (She has silk ribbons that are13mm wide!) Just remember that you are ordering from Australia so shipping may cost more and be slower than ordering from Kansas.  (Or anywhere else in the USA--Kansas just popped into my head!)

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 5.  2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Choosing a Background (Ruth Sees Polka Dots) UPDATED AGAIN

Ruth Schmuff just posted the latest lesson for her current mystery class (Zecca's Blue Moon with Owl).
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/08/compensation-way-of-life.html

Her background choice was picked because of all the polka dots and round shapes in this canvas.  I've been thinking about background stitches a lot lately as I contemplate a backgrounds book so I was pleased to see Ruth does what I do--choose a background stitch that repeats design elements.  However, I saw leaves and feathers when I looked at the canvas instead of round shapes.  Isn't it funny what different folks notice when they look at the same design?  Bonus points to Ruth for picking a round stitch that broken up into its component parts looks like leaves and feathers!

Ruth violates another of my usual rules, though--she picked a stitch that needs much compensation.  I try not to choose such a stitch if I can help it but I have to say I would have found it hard to come up with a better choice than hers.  Still, it appears she has taken pity on her students and offers them several round stitches to choose from so they can customize their canvas to their liking and the skill at compensation they possess.

If I was working this canvas, I would certainly do the background first and use a contrasting color of thread to continue the stitch on top of the leaves, branches and dots to make sure everything lined up properly.  Then I would pull out the colorful thread and have perfect background compensation!  It's a lot of work to stitch and then rip the parts you won't use but if you have the right stitch for leaves and tree and polka dots, you might be able to leave the colorful thread's background stitches on top of a leaf and cover it with something else.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/09/pirate-cat-background.html

Just something else to think about if you have a background that is broken up the way the Owl's is....

UPDATE:  Ruth is continuing the owl, adding wings and fun background swirls and rounds for the dots.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/09/i-just-couldnt-stop-myself.html

LAST UPDATE:  It is framed!
http://theyoungneedlepointer.blogspot.com/2013/12/bama-girl-finish.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.

A Baby Owl For Christmas

A. Bradley's Christmas Owlet

My stitching these days is mostly models and stitch guides, but I collect small canvases to stitch for presents when I run across one I just can't resist.  These little projects are great fun since I pick up things that are not my usual style and try out new techniques I am interested in on them.  Better to experiment on a gift for a friend or family member than on a custom stitch guide, right?

My newest purchase is a darling Christmas mini sock from A. Bradley Needle Arts.  It is on 18 count canvas and is about four inches high by a bit more than three inches wide at the widest point.  It is perfect for needle felting, don't you think? [Ideas start to percolate....]  I might collect some of Watson's dense white fur he is shedding right now and use that for the white fur trim.....

I love Ashley Bradley's designs.  They are very well done and always charming.  The baby Christmas owl is from her animal mini sock series.  There are a great many dog and cat breeds already designed so Ashley is filling in the series with many other animals so that there should be a critter for every taste.  Click on "Mini Socks" and on "Munchkin Mini Socks" on Ashley's website to see them.
http://www.abradleyneedlearts.com

This one is just right for me.  Sadly, it has to go into the stash of other small mini socks to await further inspiration, a collection of enough white Watson dog fur for felting, and the need for just the right present.  Stay tuned!

Many thanks to Carolyn Hedge Baird who tempted me with this via Facebook and to her shop Chaparral which ordered it for me.  And of course many many thanks to Ashley for painting this right away!

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.

Moonshine

Even though the newest mystery class for Bedecked and Beadazzled (the cute mermaid from Sandra Vargas) has just started, Ruth is planning ahead for her next mystery.  She has unveiled the Halloween-themed canvas in this article.  It's not too holiday focused that you can't stitch it and display it all year.  What fun!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/05/blue-moon.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.

Monthly Club News

Besides the Day of the Dead pieces Robin is going to stitch I mentioned in the last article, Eye Candy has just showed off the last of the models for their Owls club. It's a hoot!
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2012/03/celebrate-season-with-holiday-owl.html


Vicky is also working on her monthly club, the one with Needle Deeva's trees that is called Fab Firs.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/04/09/a-new-finish-in-the-fab-firs/


Needle Works has posted photos of the circus elephant canvases for their club that starts in June.  One is stitched.  I can't wait to see it made up!  I think the canvases are from Labors of Love but I am not sure.
http://theneedleworks.com/elephants/


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

Holiday Stitching by the Experts

Holiday stitching never seems to go out of style. Ruth Schmuff just finished stitching (with help from Brenda Hart and her mother) one of the Michael Stoebner canvases that her company distributes.  It's the Easter Bunny, caught in mid-run, carrying flowers and a basket to some lucky little boy or girl.  Ruth shows off an easy silk ribbon flower technique in her article about Mr. Buns.  He is about the cutest bunny I've seen this year, from his fluffy tail to his pink crystal nose!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/04/hippity-hop.html

Robin King is showing off the new monthly club series she's going to be stitching for Needle Deeva--pastel sugar Skulls for the Day of the Dead celebrations!  Naturally, being Robin, she is going to accessorize her stitching with Day of the Dead magnets and snap trays for her tools.  If you like something a bit edgy or just want to celebrate Halloween in the springtime, you will enjoy all of these goodies for Dia de los Muertos.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/04/sugar-skulls-by-needledeeva.html

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

Flying Club UPDATED

With the popularity of monthly clubs, many designers now design a series of smaller canvases around a them and then have them stitched so that a shop can buy both the canvas and the stitch guides from the designer directly.  Not all shops have the personnel to work up guides for a club themselves, so this really helps smaller shops have wonderful items for their customers.  Eye Candy is doing this with their Owl Club.  Ada Hayden both designed and stitched her cute owl canvases, adding special touches like a different beak on each owl and incorporating sequins, beads, wired threads and other embellishments in each owl's design so that each one is unique and different from its flying brethren.  She's started to post previews of the owls on her blog since they will be available starting in April.  The first one we see is the Winter Snowy Owl, done in frosty pastels.
http://www.eyecandyneedleart.com/EyeCandy_Needleart/Blog/Entries/2012/3/1_Owl_Club_Starts_Next_Month!.html

The second is Ada's Patriot Owl, who has touches of Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day all wrapped into his colorful feathers.
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2012/03/introducing-patriot-owl-from-hoot-owl.html

Ada's starting a new blog. I hope more of her owl club will appear as she writes about her designs and stitching.  UPDATE:  Yes!  The Spring Fever owl has shown up, right on time for spring.
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2012/03/welcome-season-with-spring-fever-owl.html

And now Halloween Owl (aka Count Von Hoot) has appeared!
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2012/03/boo-its-halloween-spooky-owl.html

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