Want to Buy a Beth Russell Rug?

Beth Russell Needlepoint is selling their stitched model of the Acanthus Rug.  It is magnificent!

https://bethrussellneedlepoint.com/products/acanthus-rug-stitched?_pos=11&_sid=0693e38ab&_ss=r

This is a William Morris design, interpreted by Beth Russell Needlepoint on needlepoint canvas.  It took over 900 hours to stitch, is unlined, and is roughly 38 x 66 inches.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 29, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Charted Oriental Rugs

Ann Benson Frost's new Charted Oriental Rugs is ready!  There appear to be twenty-five rug designs.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/6034206876656420/

You can buy an autographed paperback from her Etsy Store or...

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1395872092/charted-oriental-rug-patterns-designs?fbclid=IwAR13VWevTL442JpJNTcp9r1Pv__uil-XeTrUul45p7ypnuU3yYXsPsmhNQE

...you can purchase a digital download.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1397330298/charted-oriental-rug-designs-digital?fbclid=IwAR3JnHfr4Wfa0bkcxVNZJ3Cjrey5GqtH1Go5zAlQ1nQ38-YLQ1DP8WmfkhQ

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 1, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Why You Should Stitch a Rug

Hunt Country Yarns puts forth compelling reasons for stitching yourself a needlepoint rug.

http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2022/02/stitching-needlpoint-rug.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 14, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Horse Country Chic Decorates with Needlepoint UPDATED

Are you a fan of classic tent stitched needlepoint? Then you will really enjoy seeing Horse Country Chic's stitching.  She does rugs, pillows for bedrooms and ornaments just because.
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2020/05/finished-needlepoint-projects-part-one.html

http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2020/05/finished-needlepoint-projects-part-two.html

http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2020/05/finished-needlepoint-projects-part-three.html

If you are tempted but on a budget, Horse County Chic is the queen of finding bargains!
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2020/05/vintage-needlepoint-finds.html

UPDATE:  More!  There are belts, a stool cover, a purse, etc.
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2020/06/more-finished-needlepoint-projects.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 12, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Look What She Found!

Horse Country Chic just scored an equestrian-themed rug in perfect condition from Etsy!
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2020/01/great-etsy-equestrian-find.html

Check out this unstitched Deux Amis large rug design!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/668088302/needlepoint-rug-canvas-deux-amis-large?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=needlepoint+rug+canvas&ref=sr_gallery-1-4&organic_search_click=1&frs=1

Here's another finished rug at a decent price but I don't think it is in perfect condition.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/605943488/vintage-pink-blue-floral-needlepoint-rug?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=needlepoint+rug+canvas&ref=sc_gallery-1-7&plkey=45c71081fba00480b3c5a49d3c95f4a1f569b676%3A605943488&frs=1

Here's a real beauty.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/750453104/handmade-needlepoint-rug?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=needlepoint+rug&ref=sr_gallery-1-9&organic_search_click=1

Have fun looking!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/623747364/handmade-needlepoint-floral-rug-shabby?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=needlepoint+rug&ref=sr_gallery-2-21&organic_search_click=1&pro=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 22, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Queen Mary's Carpet

Queen Mary's carpet has been the subject of discussion on Needlepoint Nation recently, so I did a little searching to find this information about Queen Mary herself and her famous needlepoint rug.  Queen Mary is the grandmother of the current Queen Elizabeth II.  The rug itself was sold to raise money to pay off Britain's national debt after World War II.  It is currently in Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau but I can't find it on their website.  (Thanks for that, Christine!)

Ann Bernard's blog has a great factual article about the rug itself.
https://annbernard.com/embroideries-that-record-historyqueen-marys-carpet/?fbclid=IwAR3pk6rWxahuj9FzJpwiePmN8dwO9oz0-Vnlz7U1TS5ODKk7Th3g1HLETTg

This news reel footage shows off the rug nicely.  It took eight years and was started during World War II.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZL8ICT-V2E&fbclid=IwAR1OAIXH4LIkmN5VPf96jP9A9hYZiDXCA0JNNv1mpnGlyKQyXEKmR7FsRp4

More news reel footage.
https://www.britishpathe.com/video/queen-mary-makes-a-carpet-for-dollars

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 21, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Meaning of Colors in Persian Rugs

Natalia Frank turned up this interesting article that lists typical colors in Persian rugs and what they mean.
https://www.dorisleslieblau.com/articles/what-is-the-meaning-of-colors-in-persian-rugs?fbclid=IwAR1uGLJ5ZDLosL0ehzDnYn8X7Z7zgsQR2zJDc82g0b03KpWb2LBjCUc8bLk

Those who like to work charted rug designs might use this to help pick colors.  It's also interesting to read with the colors of oriental rug patterns you prefer in mind.  Check out Natalia's charts for miniature rugs or look at Canvasworks' huge range of painted canvases.
https://www.dollhouseneedlepoint.com

http://www.canvasworksneedlepoint.com/red-and-blue-pillows-.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 4, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Handle Stitching a Rug

The bi-monthly newsletter from Needlepoint Now is out and it has a great way to stitch a rug canvas, sent in by Ann.  Basically you roll the bottom of the rug around empty paper towel cardboard centers, then clip them to stay closed.  Then use frame weights to hold the top of the rug to a table.  You can sit at the table and stitch with the rolled end in your lap out of the way.  There's no need for a huge and expensive custom rug frame.  Very clever!
https://needlepointnow.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/j/CC841E4F1B402B832540EF23F30FEDED/D89D82459BF7DCF144D0DD5392A9C75A

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 23, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Do You Like Doll Houses?

Do you like doll houses? I do, partly because the rugs and wall hangings and cushions and footstools are usually done on needlepoint canvas or silk gauze.   And partly because my cousin and her husband built them from scratch as a hobby.  Janet Granger likes them, too, and designs the needlework that furnishes many a doll house.  She just posted a customer's house, one that is Tudor.  It's a fun browse.
https://janetgranger.wordpress.com/2019/03/28/tudor-dollhouse-stitching/

If you are curious about Janet's designs, check out her website.  She ships her charts and kits and things like silk gauze pieces from the UK but there's not a delay getting them.
https://www.janetgranger.co.uk

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 28, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint For Fun Looks at Victorian Cross Stitch

Many stitchers prefer stitching in hand, that is, they don't use a frame for their needlepoint.  They simply hold their stitching in one hand while stitching with the other.  This is particularly popular with small items or for rugs.  It's hard to find a large enough rug frame but you can roll a rug and stitch with it on your lap.  Elizabeth Bradley recommends Victorian Cross Stitch for their rugs which are never done on a frame, but stitched in hand.  Here is how the stitch is done.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/the-victorian-cross-stitch-for-needlepoint.htm

Note that you always work from right towards the left.  Elizabeth Bradley tells folks to work from the bottom up but they also say you can work from the top down.  I did this stitch once on an Elizabeth Bradley project and found it uses a lot of thread, thus making it a very sturdy stitch for rugs.  (It also is a bit hard on the hands for those with arthritis.)  I don't think you are supposed to turn the canvas to work the rows right to left each time. I think you are supposed to tie off the row before you return to the right to work it.

For more information and videos, see the Elizabeth Bradley website.
https://americas.elizabethbradley.com/pages/needlepoint-kit-videos

https://youtu.be/jmuK92cC3-s

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 15, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mrs. Bush's Rug in Needlepoint News Reprinted

The owner of the copyright for the now defunct Needlepoint News magazine has kindly reprinted the article on Mrs. Barbara Bush's famous floral needlepoint rug on their website.  This was originally in the October/November 1986 issue.
https://www.egwpublishing.com/about1-c1td8

Many thanks to Wendy for finding this and tells us all about it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 6, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Queen Mary's Needlepoint Rug

Thanks to David I have a link to an interesting article on Queen Mary's stitching (and a bit about the Duke of Windsor's needlepoint).
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/the-queen-stitched/

Here's the URL for the black and white video of the huge rug.
http://streaming.britishpathe.com/hls-vod/flash/00000000/00047000/00047404.mp4.m3u8

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 17, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

From Tiger to Polar Bear

Janet Granger just posted a photograph of some of her dollhouse rugs, all stitched on 18 count needlepoint canvas using one strand of Appleton's crewel wool.  Appleton's crewel is one of my favorites because I love the colors available and it works so well on 18 count.  You can see how lovely Janet's rugs are stitched with this.  As for the title, look at the tiger rug in the photo.  That was stitched from one of Janet's charts, then the stitcher turned it into a polar bear rug!  So clever….
https://janetgranger.wordpress.com/2018/07/19/dollhouse-rugs/

If you want to do a little browsing, here's Janet's website with the tiger rug kit.  Click on Products and let your imagination fly!
https://www.janetgranger.co.uk/product/tiger-skin-dollhouse-needlepoint-carpet-kit/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 19, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Barbara Bush's Needlepoint on Display UPDATED

We've all just learned that Mrs. Barbara Bush has died.  I think the Spinster Stitcher says it best--
https://spinsterstitcher.blogspot.com/2018/04/rest-in-peace-mrs-bush.html

Marlys just visited the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas and took photographs of Barbara Bush's needlepoint on display. She posted the photographs on Needlepoint Nation. Use the side arrows to browse.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1306612082784451&set=pcb.1491050567638763&type=3&theater

The former First Lady's famous needlepoint rug was featured in both a special edition of Needlepoint Plus (1990) and...
https://www.etsy.com/listing/175486264/needlepoint-plus-1990-barbara-bushs-rug?show_sold_out_detail=1

…the September-October 1986 issue of Needlepoint News.
https://www.amazon.com/needlepoint-news-christmas-two-needle-september-october/dp/b002tn7t7i

The famous needlepoint ornaments were featured on one of the White House Christmas trees in 1991's Needlepoint Christmas theme and I think some of the Nutcracker theme tree ornaments for 1990 were also needlepointed.
http://rockycoastnews.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-white-house-christmas-gallery-george.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House_Christmas_tree

UPDATE:  EGW Publishing has kindly posted the Needlepoint Plus article about Mrs. Bush's famous floral rug on their website for everyone to enjoy.  Scroll down to the bottom of the page.  Many thanks to Wendy for finding this and telling us about it.
https://www.egwpublishing.com/about1-c1td8

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 21, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Free Silk Gauze Rug Chart

Natalia Frank of Natalia's Fine Needlework has released a new free rug chart for 2018.  
http://www.dollhouseneedlepoint.com/free-patterns

Natalia describes the new rug this way, "Each year I offer a new free pattern as my "thank you" to all friends, customers, all stitchers who was by my side through the life time and supported my business. You inspire me to work harder. Thank you for keeping my motivation up. This year I would like to offer a pattern for Konya carpet that has been charted based on the original 18th century carpet that is located in The Mevlâna Museum in Konya, Turkey, the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi. The rug, based on the motifs, symbolizes fertility and happiness. The pattern is charted for use of DMC floss, but my advice would be to use over dyed thread to give that antique and worn look to it."

Natalia does this every year as a thank you to her customers.  This is designed for 48 count silk gauze but you can adjust the ground fabric and threads to suit yourself.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 12, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Colorful Amalgam Contest for 2018-2019

Natalia Frank just posted this on Facebook about a contest she is running over the next year:

I would like to invite anyone who is interested to participate in the stitching contest Colorful Amalgam 2018-2019.  The contest starts on February, 1st, 2018 and will end on February, 28th, 2019. March of 2019 will be given to finish the carpet (blocking, fringing, or framing, etc…).

At the beginning of each month, starting this February, I'll post a part of the pattern of the carpet that is supposed to be stitched during a following month. Each part will be charted with black symbols which are supposed to be "colored" by you. There will be 12 parts with NON-repeatable motifs that will form a gorgeous carpet at the end that YOU painted!

There are no rules or restrictions towards this creative concept, but two.
1. The carpet should be stitched on silk gauze. If stitched on 40 count the finished size of the rug will be approx. 6" x 8".
2. You need to sign up with a Facebook open to public group Colorful Amalgam and post the pictures of stitching progress each month. If you don't have a Facebook account, forward your images to me and I'll gladly post them on the group's page.

A winner, that will be chosen by public vote in June 2019, will receive a main prize of $200.
You can download Section 1 February 2018 from my website
http://www.dollhouseneedlepoint.com/contest

Here is a link to Facebook group Colorful Amalgam
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1883206485032036/

I started this rug on 48 count.
Let's have fun! It will be so interesting to see rugs with the same design looking different. 

I hope that folks try this.  It's a fun way to celebrate counted work on silk gauze.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 22, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Christmas in 1:12 Scale

If you are a long-time visitor here at Blog, you know I adore silk gauze. So it should be no surprise to you that I wanted to send everyone to Janet Granger's slide show of her dollhouse Christmas decorations.  Janet describes her kits here so you can get a sense of just how small they really are.
https://janetgranger.wordpress.com/2017/11/29/its-christmas-in-the-dollhouse/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 29, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Persian Qum Rug

Jan at Thread Medley is starting another original rug, this time a Persian Qum rug design on Congress Cloth using mostly Splendor silk floss but with some overdyed cotton floss used occasionally.  As Jan posted progress reports, I'll update this article so you can continue to watch her work.
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/08/17/todays-happiness/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/08/23/persian-qum-rug-getting-started/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/09/06/persian-qum-rug-progress-2/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/11/01/needlepoint-update-november-2017/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/12/01/needlepoint-update-december-2017/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2017/12/31/needlepoint-2017-roundup/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2018/04/01/needlepoint-update-march-2018/

Jan says she will shut her blog down in October as that is her tenth anniversary and it's time.  I hope to see the final Qum rug by then at least.
https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2018/07/01/needlepoint-update-june-2018/

https://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2018/09/01/needlepoint-update-september-2018/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 24, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint.com's A La Carte Retreat Report

I thought you'd love to hear about the annual retreat that Needlepoint.com holds each year.  This year the retreat was held in Raleigh close to Needlepoint.com's shop.  The canvases taught are from the Burnet and Bradley, Kirk and Bradley and Elizabeth Bradley lines, which are owned by the company that also owns the shop, by the way.  The designers are all different, so there is a lot of variety on offer and plenty of classes you can mix and match to suit your own desires.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2017/03/kicking-off-retreat/

http://stitchstyleblog.com/2017/03/day-two/

Planning for the 2018 retreat is already underway.  Check Needlepoint.com's website for the latest information.
https://needlepoint.com/retreat.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 19, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Konya Prayer Rug Free Chart

Fans of silk gauze miniature rugs will be thrilled with Natalia Frank's free rug chart for 40 count silk gauze.
http://www.dollhouseneedlepoint.com/free-patterns

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