Santa Gnome (Kurdy Biggs)

Brenda went to EGA's Seminar recently, where she took a Kurdy Biggs class called "Santa Gnome."

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2025/06/santa-gnome-by-kurdy-biggs-62825.html

It is adorable!  Wish I could handle counted canvaswork.  I'd love to do something like this.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2025/07/santa-gnome-by-kurdy-biggs-updated-7125.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2025/07/santa-gnome-by-kurdy-biggs-updated-7725.html

If you are charmed (and not dyslexic like me), you might want to browse Kurdy's website.  I think "Santa Gnome" is a teaching piece only, but there's plenty more charts to enjoy.

https://threedles.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 28, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Melita Goes to NAN 2025

Lucky Melita Glavin has gone to the National Academy of Needle Arts' seminar in Michigan and is reporting in for the rest of us.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/14/2025-national-academy-of-needlearts-nan-assembly/

NAN hasn't started yet so Melita visited two (The Knotted Needle and the new location for The Wool and The Floss) of the four shops in the area.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/15/exploring-around-detroit-motown-museum-knotted-needle-and-the-wool-and-the-floss/

Melita met several interesting people at the opening banquet and has lots of news for us, including the fact that Diane Herrman's "Walking the Water's Edge" is being retired but the instructions will be sold to benefit NAN.  Great news!  If you aren't familiar with this design, check out the second link below.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/16/2025-national-academy-of-needlearts-nan-assembly-opening-banquet-the-exemplary-and-the-needleworks/

https://needleart.org/walking-the-waters-edge-by-diane-herrmann/

Melita's started her first class and attended some events.  A good time was had!

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/17/flowering-maple-with-celeste-chalasani-at-national-needlearts-academy-nan-and-closing-banquet/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/18/flowering-maple-with-celeste-chalasani-at-national-needlearts-academy-nan/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 15, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NJNA News

The New Jersey Needle Artists Chapter of ANG has put out their bi-monthly newsletter, which is full of ANG news, plus tidbits about new designers, the dates of the upcoming trade shows, new products and more.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2025/02/08/whats-happening-at-njna-2-8-25/

The big news for me is that Pam of the Edwardian Needle is feeling better, but if you visit the shop, please wear a mask as Pam needs to stay away from germs right now.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 9, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NAN's Assembly 2024 Classes Announced

The National Academy of Needlearts has announced their teachers and classes for their Spring 2024 Assembly.  The link to the class list is at the bottom of this page.

https://needleart.org/assembly/

Registration starts next October, so you have plenty of time to decide what you'd like to take.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 2, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

ANG 2023 Seminar Brochure Available Online

The American Needlepoint Guild's 2023 seminar brochure is now available online.

https://online.fliphtml5.com/bjsk/esme/#p=1

Seminar will be in Atlanta, Georgia August 10-14, 2023.  Have fun browsing the classes!

Further information is on the ANG website.

https://www.needlepoint.org/page/2023Seminar

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 20, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Visiting EGA's Seminar Exhibit

Somehow I missed the fact that Fiber Talk did videos of the needlework exhibited at EGA's 2021 Seminar.  I didn't realize it until Natalia Frank mentioned them on her blog.

https://nataliafrankneedlework.com/2021/10/08/ega-national-seminar-2021-magnificent-stitch/

Pour yourself a beverage and enjoy all the magnificent work in these nine films!  If you don't have a lot of time, watch the top video which is a longer summary of the others.

https://wetalkfiber.com/2021/09/page/3/

Many thanks to Gary and Beth for the filming and to Natalia to drawing my attention to them.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 10, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The NAN Class List is Online

If you are interested in the 2010 class list for the National Academy of Needlearts, it's available online now.  All sorts of techniques (including needlepoint) are taught.
https://nationalacademyofneedlearts.files.wordpress.com/2019/04/assembly-2020-class-descriptions-and-teacher-bios-v5-with-photos.pdf

You can read about their exhibit and classes during Assembly next March in the Detroit suburbs here.
https://needleart.org/assembly/?fbclid=IwAR2u_xiHzG6LBfqf4D6azLVTYZiEgX4uAOXhvq1wa6XPf4VgDI5hTd2HxLw

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 22, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

EGA's 2018 Seminar

Recently the Sun City Stitcher attending the Embroidery Guild of America's 2018 national seminar in Kentucky.   She had a blast and was kind enough to take photos and report back to us stay-at-home types.  It looks like such fun!
http://www.suncitystitcher.com

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

The Deadline Approaches!

The deadline for signing up for classes at the Merrimack Valley Chapter of EGA's Biannual Seminar approaches!  You don't have to be an EGA member to go, although they have priority in class choices, but if you happen to be in Massachusetts the end of July, you should think about attending this fun event.
http://www.newenglandregionega.org/MVC%20Seminar.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 7, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

ANG Magazines Go Digital

The American Needlepoint Guild has decided to make their Needle Pointers magazine digital so that folks eagerly waiting their next issue can read it online until the post office delivers the hard copy.

The step-by-step instructions for accessing the magazine are here.  Note that you will need your user name and password to log onto the section of the website that has this digitized content.  I didn't know I even had one!  ANG has apparently assigned everyone this.  To discover what yours is if you have not ordered anything from the website online, use the email address you have given ANG to send you newsletters and ask for the password to be sent to you.  That's how I logged in.
http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20170301/55/db/05/4d/2935c71ef87f4cc1e8659155/Instructions_on_how_to_access_the_digital_Needle_Pointers_magazine2.pdf

The Seminar Brochure, which is also digitized, can be accessed this way.
http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20170228/50/22/67/b0/25ec48c6230616ac716e6b1e/Instructions_on_how_to_access_the_digital_Seminar_Brochure.pdf

Once you log in, you have to manipulate the online magazine.  Sadly, you can only enlarge the text and photos once, which makes reading tiny text difficult.  (I haven't tried this on a mobile device which may have more options for enlarging text, diagrams and photographs.)  You won't get a much better photo or diagram, either.  This tells you how to turn the page, enlarge the text, etc.
http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20170228/54/c9/56/ee/7d5d17ed09be4539f62ad703/Instructions_on_how_to_view_the_digital_Needle_Pointers_magazine_and_Seminar_Brochure_in_BrightCopy.pdf

Yes, it is complicated but once you get your logon and password and try it, it is a lot easier.  This is a nice way of reading the magazine and Seminar brochure for those who are comfortable with online viewing or who are impatiently awaiting postal delivery.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 2, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

EAC Registration Opens September 1

The Embroidery Asssociation of Cananda's 2016 Seminar website is up and running. It's a fun browse of all the classes!  Several are "canvas work", i.e., needlepoint, and many have techniques that you can use on a needlepoint canvas ground.  Class registration for EAC members start September 1.
http://eac.ca/seminar/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 19, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

ANG Seminar Reports

Lots of folks are in New Orleans for the American Needlepoint Guild's 2016 Seminar. Here's a round-up of various reports.

Catherine Jordan is teaching and has posted some snapshots on her Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/catherine.jordan.566?hc_ref=NEWSFEED

Melita is there and blogging.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2016/08/26/ang-seminar-2016-new-orleans/

The local papers are taking notice of the influx of needlepoint fans.
http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/entertainment_life/home_garden/article_55423f9a-6b09-11e6-a14c-eb976c0eb6a8.html

ANG isn't posting photos yet but hopefully they will soon.  Meanwhile, here's a bit about this year's fun.
http://www.needlepoint.org/Seminar-16/index.php

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 27, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NAN Course Descriptions for 2017 UPDATED

The class descriptions for the National Academy of Needlearts in Mary 2017 are now online. 
https://nationalacademyofneedlearts.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/assembly-2017-class-descriptions-and-teacher-biographies.pdf

NAN classes cover many forms of needle art taught by some of the best-known teachers available.  Please don't drool on your keyboard!

UPDATE:  Nan noticed the original link didn't work.  Obviously NAN has updated their website since this was written in mid-May.  Sorry!  The link above works just fine.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 19, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Packing And Other Seminar Tips

Even though the EAC blog is geared toward the Embroiders Association of Canada activities, packing for Seminar is the same whether you are going on retreats, to classes away from home or to EGA or ANG seminars. 
http://eac-blog.blogspot.com/2016/04/preparing-packing-for-seminar-part-1.html

Workshop etiquette--
http://eac-blog.blogspot.com/2016/04/gentle-reminder-workshop-etiquette.html

What to pack--
http://eac-blog.blogspot.com/2016/05/preparing-packing-for-seminar-part-2.html

Thanks for the tips, everybody!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 20, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

ANG Seminar News

ANG's annual seminar this year is in New Orleans from the end of August until early September.  You can read more about it here.
http://needlepoint.org/Seminar-16/index.php

The teachers are busy doing pilot classes...
http://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2016/04/sisters-by-nancy-cucci-pilot-class.html

https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2016/04/28/sisters-with-nancy-cucci/

and hearing about signups for their classes.
http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2016/04/it-is-official-i-have-been-notified.html

Stay tuned for more fun!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 27, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Reports on the ANG Seminar in Myrtle Beach UPDATED CONSTANTLY

Folks are starting to report on the ANG Seminar, held this year in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Potomac ANG's blog is interesting and fun to read.
https://pangseminar2015.wordpress.com

So is NJNA's.  (That's the New Jersey Needle Artists chapter of ANG.)
http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/22/njnas-myrtle-beach-retreat/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/24/njna-myrtle-beach-retreat-2/

Melita's also headed to Myrtle Beach.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2015/09/25/ang-seminar-2015-in-myrtle-beach/

Melita's UPDATES:
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/assessing-the-art-in-needlepoint-with-mary-k-campbell/

https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2015/09/30/three-leaves-by-margaret-kinsey/

Stay tuned for more fun on these blogs.  I'll update this article as folks report in.

Here's the ANG Auction website. You can bid long distance.
https://ang.afrogs.org/#/index

UPDATES:

From the NJ Needle Artists Blog--
http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/25/from-relaxing-retreat-to-stimulating-seminar/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/25/njna-myrtle-beach-retreat-3/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/25/welcome-to-myrtle-beach-seminar-2015/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/26/the-gangs-all-here/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/26/autumn-3-ways-day-1/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/27/day-one-of-color-play-by-jennifer-riefenberg/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/27/color-play-day-2/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/27/myrtle-beach-seminar-day-2/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/27/im-a-first-timer/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/28/autumn-3-ways-day-2/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/28/day-1-of-jewel-by-toni-gerdes/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/28/slacker-blogster/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/28/creative-collage-day-one/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/29/and-now-for-something-completely-different/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/29/radishes-day-1/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/29/seminar-tidbits-and-day-1and-2-of-copper-line-with-sue-reed/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/29/quiet-garden-progress/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/29/day-2-of-jewel/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/29/creative-collage-day-2/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/30/final-day-of-jewel/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/09/30/tour-day-at-seminar/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/10/01/patches-the-penguin-day-1/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/10/01/starfire/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/10/02/fog-in-the-mountains-day-one/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/10/02/patches-day-2/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/10/02/stitch-of-the-month-2016/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/10/02/empire-of-the-sun/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/10/02/farewell-to-myrtle-beach/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/10/03/fog-in-the-mountains/

From the ANG Seminar page on Facebook--
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1053830124661008.1073741827.126036324107064&type=3

From The Stitch Lady--
https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2015/10/05/from-myrtle-beach-sc/

From Vicky DeAngelis--
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/my-day-at-ang-seminar/

http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/ang-seminar-myrtle-beach/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 23, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Collaborating with Barbara Elmore

Barbara Elmore and Carolyn Schmitz) have collaborated in turning Ms. Schmitz' artworks into needlepoint canvases for classes taught by Barbara at the EGA Seminar.  Here is how the process went from the artist's perspective and the canvases that Barbara will be teaching over the next year.  Fascinating!
http://www.desertdada.com/spines-and-needles/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 17, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Callaway Exhibit

The Callaway Gardens School of Needle Arts has an exhibit of needlework as part of their yearly seminar. This year they have posted photographs of eight of the items in the exhibit on their Facebook page. Use the side arrows to see everything.
https://www.facebook.com/126458934064870/photos/pcb.903154793061943/903154386395317/?type=1&theater

Here's the big winner at the exhibit, which is open to the public, by the way.  Just in case you live near Callaway Gardens.
https://www.facebook.com/126458934064870/photos/a.849471775096912.1073741825.126458934064870/902553753122047/?type=1&theater

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

BREAKING NEWS: Pat Donaldson Has Died

I'm sorry to tell you that Pat Donaldson has died. We got the word on Facebook from Pat Rogers.  Pat has taught many needlepointers at ANG and EGA Seminars and at local chapter meetings.  She will be greatly missed.  I found a biography of her on her site that I thought you might like to read.  Pat Rogers says she was particularly interested in ethnic embroideries.  I know her friends, family and students will miss her greatly.
http://patdonalds.powweb.com/Sitepages/Biography.html

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

New Jersey Needle Fest with Finishing

New Jersey Needle Fest was the first weekend in November and it looks like great fun.  Karen at Nimble Needle went and had a blast!  But as she says, "Not interested in looking at a room of middle aged women? Here's some items that have recently come back from various finisher."  LOL
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2014/11/new-jersey-needlefest-and-few-finished.html

The finished items that just showed up in her shop are wonderful, as is this amazing tefillin bag in a stained glass pattern with the Star of David and the recipient's name in Hebrew.
http://needlepointofview.com/2014/11/09/tefillin-stained-glass-with-the-star-of-david/

Keep up the great stitching, folks!  (And thanks for sharing.)

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 9, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.