Trish Vine Designs

Melita went to a trunk show at Edwardian Needle where she was able to score project bags and a tissue holder from Trish Vine Designs.  The project bags are clear so you can see what you are grabbing as you run out the door.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/05/21/trish-vine-bags-edwardian-needle-run/

Trish doesn't have a website but you can message her via her Facebook page if you are interested in her projects.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/294933965041086/

I had never heard of finger lights but they are little LED lights that you wear on a finger.  They are inexpensive and come in a variety of colors.  You can't replace the batteries in many of these and you should check to see if they work before you buy as apparently not all do.  This is the closest photo to what Melita bought that I could find.

https://glowsource.com/finger-lights/

The Edwardian Needle doesn't have a website now but you can call them and inquire about any products.

https://www.needletravel.com/shop_page.htm?shop_id=6ynv02tb

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 22, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Gifts for the New (or Not) Stitcher

It's that time of year when we are racking our brains, trying to find the perfect gift for a stitching friend—or for a brand new stitcher.  I thought I'd assemble a few gift ideas from a couple of shops to make it easy to do mail order.  Remember, the delivery services are overwhelmed so if you don't have a local you can visit, order ASAP.  Already the post office's Priority Mail which normally takes two days is taking six!

First up, you can't stitch without scissors or needles.  How about these cute (and sharp) little pastel scissors?  They are great for a beginner or for a spare pair, or for travel.  These come in pink, lavender and blue but only pink are in stock right now at this shop.

https://needlepoint.com/products/rainbow-thread-cutters-pink

You always need needles.  Bohin needles are wonderful.  Gift your stitching friends an assortment and remind them to keep spares in their wallets.  Size 22 is perfect for 18 count canvas but if your buddy prefers 13 count designs, buy them size 18 or 20.  

https://www.needlenook.com/product/bohin-tapestry/

Many stitchers love magnets to put on their canvas to temporarily park a needle until they need it again.  They come in many styles and sizes, so you can find one that suits anyone.

https://needlepoint.com/pages/search-results-page?q=magnet

How about a tote bag for that project canvas, threads and tools?  These come in various sizes and protect your project when you travel.  A bonus is you can easily see which project to grab when you are ready to stitch.

https://needlepoint.com/products/ttdsy14x14

Of course you can gift a friend a stitch dictionary so they always have great stitches to choose from.  Stitches to Go is a classic and it is small enough to go anywhere.  True, it doesn't tell you where to use the stitches, but this little book distills the three volumes of the fabulous Stitches for Effect series into one little volume.

https://www.needlenook.com/product/stitches-to-go/

Another great portable choice is Carole Lake's Just in the Knick of Time, a book with both useful stitches and information on how and where to use them.

https://www.needlenook.com/product/just-nick-time/

If you want to spend just a little more, how about you gift someone a fabulous cyberclass to keep them entertained this winter?  There's something to appeal to almost anyone here.

https://needlepoint.com/collections/online-classes-for-needlepoint?tab=products&sort_by=price&sort_order=asc&page=1

Hope this gives you some good gift ideas, even if it is just for your own wish list.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 3, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kit Keepers for Safe Travel

BeStitched shows off their "kit keepers" for safe needlepoint travel. 
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/kit-keepers-2/

There are a lot of types of project bags for travel and storage available.  Choose carefully.  Some items are not suitable for long-term storage and some aren't really travel friendly.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 23, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ashland Sky Changes Hands

Ashland Sky has a new owner--Leigh Designs! 
http://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2014/04/leigh-designs-acquires-ashland-sky.html

If you follow the link to their website, you'll see the various sizes and colors of these project and tool bags that are available.  I have three of these, ranging from the shoulder strap size where I store my very largest pieces, to the medium size which will hold a lot of threads and maybe a stitch guide, to the small tool tote size, which I use for a quick trip carry all.
http://www.ashlandsky.com

These durable bags are really good for long term storage (as long as you are not in a really humid climate as they don't breath) or for a trip where you want to be sure everything is safe.  I also love the fact that the company hires the disabled to assemble the bags.  There aren't that many programs for folks who have handicaps who want to work, but Ashland Sky's original and new owners make sure that this is one.

Disclaimer:  I do a lot of stitch guides and models for Leigh Designs which has distributed these project bags for several years, but I don't think this has colored my review of the Ashland Sky bags.  They are really good project bags.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 11, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Another Project Carrier

A few days ago I posted a link about a project "safe" that enables you to carry a canvas on stretcher bars around with you safely. I have another project tote for you to see on the Stitcherista's blog.  This one is also hand made and very beautiful but unfortunately as I write this the Etsy store is closed because the owner is away.  If you are interested in ordering one of these, you might have to keep checking back until the designer/manufacturer returns.
http://stitcherista.blogspot.com/2014/04/project-envelope-bags-and-almost-done.html

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

New Project Bags and Thimble

The World in Stitches has new styles of Walker project bags and a new style thimble from Anne Brinkley, too!
http://twisinc.blogspot.com/2014/02/new-walker-bags.html

http://twisinc.blogspot.com/2014/02/no-one-is-more-clever-than-anne-brinkley.html

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

Accessorize for the Holidays

Just in time for Halloween, Bedecked and Beadazzled has the accesories to make your stitching perfectly themed for October.   All you need is a Halloween canvas, and Ruth even has a class for that.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/09/the-total-package.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.

Save the Walker Bags from a Horrible Fate!

Tisha at NP Tool Time made me laugh this morning since her new order of Ashland Sky bags has arrived and is forcing the Walker bags into a box.  She hopes you'll pick up some of these great project bags so she has a little more inventory room soon.  By the way, she's right about how great the Ashland Sky bags are.  I have a red set that Leigh Designs sent me (they are the distributors of the Ashland Sky bags) that I use all the time.  The big one is where Belleza slept during Christmas when she had to be put up while I had house guests.  The medium size is where I keep my current project threads while the small one is where I keep the beads, sequins and special items like ribbons and Hot Wire for my current project.  Everyone will organize differently but these sturdy bags are wonderful protection and with very sturdy zippers, I think they will last far longer than the two years I've used mine.  Thanks, Leigh!

Good luck with keeping the inventory corralled, Tisha!

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.

Happy Birthday (with Presents!)

Vicky DeAngelis is celebrating her second anniversary blogging with a nice giveaway of many brand new and cool items.  Just leave a comment to enter.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/were-having-a-party/#comment-41746

Never enter contests?  You'll still want to see the prizes as they are all new items:  a roll up and go bead tray from Sundance,  a polar bear magnet to celebrate Kirk and Hamilton's polar bear canvas that will be featured in the next Needlepoint Now, the new Bead Buddies box, Oli Clips (perfect for holding that chart next to the canvas you're stitching), and the Access Commodities project bag.  Even if you don't win, you might want to pick one of these up for your own stitching.

Happy Birthday, Vicky's Blog!

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.

Just in Time for Christmas

There are more new things to talk about in the stitching-blog world, and with Christmas coming, some of these might need to go on your list for Santa. Needle in a Haystack has short blurbs about some new books they have in stock. Personally, I would love to see the Embroidered Portraits book under my tree. Jan Messent is well known in the embroidery world so this is definitely going to be an interesting book for those who love stitched faces and clothing.
http://needlestack.typepad.com/whats_new/2012/11/new-book-arrivals.html

The recent power outages (we've had three in the last year that lasted from 4 hours to five days here in CH) have us all thinking battery powered lights. Vicky shows off a battery or USB powered light that is also great for travel. By coincidence Quail Run has this very light on their website so I included both links to give you more information if you are interested.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/let-there-be-light/

http://www.quailrun-inc.com/whats-new.htm

Accoutrement Designs has announced a new partnership with Norden Crafts, which will bring some of their magnets to shops via Norden.  This means a broader range of shops will carry their work, which is good news for us all.  Congratulations!
http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/11/new-partnership.html

Ruth Schmuff's shop has all sorts of holiday snap trays and project bags.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2012/11/needle-felting.html

Speaking of magnets, Pocket Full of Stitches has new ones in stock.  I think these are fabric or paper patterns showing through the clear acrylic but I'm not certain.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/11/new-magnets.html

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

That's One SCARY Shop!

Absolutely Needlepoint is decorating for Halloween.  If you happen to be in south Miami, do me a favor and dress up in costume before your next visit, ok?
http://absolutelyneedlepoint.wordpress.com/2012/10/05/ghosts-gobelins-and-more/

I think Bedecked and Beadazzled is just as frightening!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/10/eeek.html

Vicky isn't as scary but then we are all suckers for gifts from sisters.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/10/07/getting-into-the-spirit-of-halloween/

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