The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

Mary Corbet recently visited the National Museum of Toys and Iniatures in Kansas City.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2022/07/field-trip-the-national-museum-of-toys-and-miniatures.html

It showcases a lot of needlework, including needlepoint done on smaller count grounds like silk gauze.  I believe that the needlepoint designer SharonG has some of her silk gauze pieces in this museum.  You can do a little more exploration at the museum's website.

https://toyandminiaturemuseum.org/exhibits-collections/miniatures-collection/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 11, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Silk Gauze Class.

Brenda is taking a class on silk gauze from Natalia Frank.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2022/02/art-of-petit-point-on-silk-gauze-21022.html

Silk gauze is one of my very favorite things to stitch on and Natalia is a fantastic designer of rug charts.  You can explore her work here and sign up for a class, too.  But explore her home page and take a look at her magnificent Tree of Life design before you start exploring.

https://nataliafrankneedlework.com

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 Art of Petit Point (Learning to Stitch on Silk Gauze)

Does the idea of stitching on silk gauze intrigue you?  Then you may be interested in Natalia Frank's new cyberclass "The Art of Petite Point."  You can see more about the class here.

https://artofpetitpoint.thinkific.com/collections

You can browse Natalia's charts on her regular website.  She also has free charts to use as you explore this tiny ground material.  

https://www.dollhouseneedlepoint.com

Basically you do tent stitches with one ply of silk or cotton floss on a ground fabric that ranges from 18 to 32 to 40 to 48 count (and much smaller) using a tiny needle, usually a beading needle.  The silk gauze doesn't have to have the background stitched as the gauze will disappear if it is mounted over a shiny fabric or a mirror.  That means you have to be careful how you end threads as the tails will wiggle out and show if you aren't.  You can of course completely cover the background if you are doing a miniature rug, for example.  But having a butterfly seeming to float in air is a wonderful thing to see.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com 

© Copyright June 24, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved

Donna Demo'd at Woodlawn

Donna of the Needleworker Not in Paradise blog lives close enough to Mount Vernon to be able to demonstrate stitching at the Woodlawn Plantation needlework exhibit. She talks a bit about what she did here.  It sounds like fun!
http://majtravaux.blogspot.com/2019/06/march-demo-day.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 1, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Thousand Flowers: Tapestry on Silk Gauze UPDATED

Using the style of Medieval tapestries, Mary Corbet has some up with four charming charts meant to be stitched on silk gauze and used in broaches and small pins. 
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/11/a-thousand-flowers-four-tapestry-smalls-to-stitch.html

Follow the links to see Mary's inspiration or the jewelry settings she used.  These are charming, and on either 40 or 48 count silk gauze, they are not too small to be unworkable.  A downloadable eBook chart is now available.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/11/a-thousand-flowers-four-tapestry-smalls-available-now.html

UPDATE:  Mary found a fake pocket watch at Joann's to finish her small deer tapestry inside.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2019/03/tapestry-smalls-pocket-watch-finishing-kits.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 14, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Jewelry Settings by Nunn Design

It's been quite a while since I've been able to find good jewelry settings to create silk gauze embroidery pins and broaches, so I was thrilled to see Mary Corbet talk about the settings available from Nunn Design.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/09/some-tiny-embroidery-for-jewelry-with-free-patterns.html

Can these be used for needlepoint canvas or Congress cloth?  Maybe.  I imagine it will be hard to turn the edges of the raw canvas under easily unless you dampen them.  The bonus for using silk gauze is the silver backing will show and add glitz to the design if you don't stitch the background entirely.  Traditionally one puts gold lame' fabric behind silk gauze when mounting in jewelry.  I think you can do this if you wish since normally lame' is a very thin material.
https://www.nunndesign.com/product-category/shop-retail/kit-embroidery-retail-kits/

Bottom line:  If you want to try needlepoint on silk gauze, this is a great little project to use.  You can make broaches, pins, bracelets, and even ornaments.  Otherwise, I'm not sure how traditional needlepoint will work, but it is a nice thing to experiment with.  Here's the video explaining how to assemble your stitching into the jewelry setting.
https://www.nunndesign.com/assemble-handmade-embroidery-jewelry-video/

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

Tiny Needle Threaders for Tiny Needles UPDATED

Mary Corbet is working on 48 count silk gauze and hunting for a needle threader that works well with size 10 beading needles.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/10/micro-needle-threader.html

I've seen Puffin and Company's micro threader and it is really tiny.  However, I use an old fashioned wire needle threader, the kind that has a stamped tin base.
https://www.stitchpiecenpurl.com/needle-threader.htm

I buy a package whenever I find them (they are getting harder to find) and open it right away, laying the threaders out on the kitchen counter on a sheet of waxed paper.  Then I put a drop of super glue on the base where the wires attach and let them all dry.  I rarely pulled the wires out now when threading up my beading needles, whether for beading or stitching on silk gauze, since.

UPDATE:  Sara Leigh highly recommends the Colonial Needle Ultra Fine Needle Threader. Here is what it looks like-
http://www.alchemyandice.com/ultra-fine-needle-threader-for-13-needles-x1.html

Needle in a Haystack in California stocks them, as well as a wide range of other types of needle threaders.  Scroll down past all the needles to the bottom of the page to see them.
http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Accessories/Needles.html

Written by Jane/Chilly
Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 3, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

For the Tea Lovers Among Us

Janet Granger is having a sale of her miniature tea cozy kits (intended to be stitched on silk gauze for a dollhouse), sparked by a customer of hers who has a collection of miniature teapots and wanted to stitch cozies to match.
https://janetgranger.wordpress.com/2018/10/10/special-offer-on-cute-dollhouse-needlepoint-teacozies/

The tiny teapots and the cozies are charming, aren't they?  Like Janet, I really like the Ginger Cat tea cozy.  It would still be charming on Congress cloth or 18 count or even 13 count canvas if you wanted to experiment.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 11, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

EGA's Storr Miniature House

EGA has a doll house among their collection of needle art.  Apparently the members furnished it with their needlework.  Some of the pieces are clearly needlepoint and many are probably also silk gauze.  It's a fun browse!
https://egausa.org/gallery/storr-miniature-house/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 4, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sweet Dream is Going to Rome

Orna Willis just created a silk gauze design and sent it off to Rome where it will be part of an exhibit of miniature artwork.  Congratulations!  I think this is an important step in making folks aware that needle art is ART.
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2018/02/really-fun-news.html

Orna also created the frame for this beauty.  In this blog entry she talks about how she did it. It's very clever and something that all of us could do for a special piece, no matter the size.
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2018/02/how-did-i-do-that.html

Apparently the exhibit ends March 18.  It is at Temple University in Rome in the Temple Rome Gallery.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 21, 2018 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.

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.

Ultrasuede for Ornament Backing (and More)

Those who do their own ornament finishing will be happy to hear I've discovered another source for Ultrasuede.  Micro-Stitchery is a source for miniature doll house rug charts so the pieces of Ultrasuede available are two and four inches square, but this is perfect for small ornament finishing  (or for small appliqués) and a lot of colors are available.
http://microstitchery.com/a_ultrasuede_1.html

Have fun browsing the charts after you pick out the right fabric squares for your finishing.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 21, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Silk Gauze Lover's Dream

I didn't realize Frances Peterson, who has been happily posting photographs of her silk gauze needlepoint rugs on Facebook, has a website where she sells her rug charts.
http://petersonpetitpoint.com

The slide show of Frances' rugs in various dollhouses and miniature rooms is great fun to watch and then you can go browse her designs.  I suggest you click on "All Products," click on the first design photo to come up, then hit Next to see everything.  Clicking on the individual pages will give you a better look.

Boy, that Camden rug is a beauty....

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 15, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tree of Life Carpet One UPDATED

Natalia Frank of Natalia's Fine Needlework designed and stitched an amazing rug last spring in a short period of time give that it is on 56 count silk gauze. She entered it in a prestigious dollhouse exhibit in London and won first prize.  When you see it you will see why.
http://www.dollhouseneedlepoint.com/apps/webstore/products/category/1511398

http://www.dollshousefestival.com/index.php?page=PIMA-winners-16S~mainvideo~floorplans~cityoflondon~KDF%20Membership%202016~win-vouchers~club-tickets~howtoexhibit

Natalia stitched this using 89 shades of Gloriana's Tudor Silk.  It is the first in a series of three Tree of Life designs she has planned.  I cannot wait to see what she does next.

UPDATE:  Mary Corbet loves this design and bought one of the kits to stitch it.  Mary's first message in a series of them as she works this piece talks about the kit itself and how it is organized.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2017/01/56-count-miniature-tree-of-life.html

Then Mary explains how she mounts silk gauze for stitching.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2017/01/56-count-setting-up-silk-gauze-for-embroidery.html

Mary organizes her threads and explains why she started stitching where she did and what she plans to stitch next.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2017/02/56-count-strategies-for-stitching.html

Mary has a great idea to make it easy to see the silk gauze mesh.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2017/03/56-count-the-peacock-colors-craft-foam.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 14, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Janet's Makeover

Everyone with a messy craft storage system will love seeing what Janet Granger and her husband have done to her craft room. Janet is a little different from the bulk of us as she's a professional designer of miniature needlework kits, but the principle is the same.   Enjoy the makeover!
https://janetgranger.wordpress.com/2016/08/11/workroom-makeover/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 11, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ann-Marie's Beautiful Stitches (and Beautiful Mistakes)

Thanks to Carol Young, the Australian counted thread designer, I've discovered Beautiful Stitches, the website of Ann-Marie Anderson-Mayes, who is primarily a teacher of counted canvaswork.
http://beautifulstitches.com.au

Ann-Marie also has a blog.  It's fabulous!  Read this.  Read it NOW.
http://beautifulstitches.com.au/my-wish-for-you-go-make-some-mistakes/

Thanks so much, Carol!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 27, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Shall We Play Spot the Needlepoint?

Janet Granger found a video of the Thorne Miniature Rooms which are displayed in the Art Institute of Chicago online, then wrote about it and explained its influence on her miniature needlepoint design business.
https://janetgranger.wordpress.com/2015/04/02/miniature-thorne-rooms/

She also thoughtfully included the link to the museum website where you can get a good look at all the rooms if the video wasn't enough.
http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/artwork/category/15

Most of the rooms have needlepoint rugs (probably on 48 to 60 count silk gauze or higher!) and many have a pillow or framed stitching and occasionally a stitched chair seat, and I think I even spotted a miniature needlepoint frame set up in a corner.  It's a wonderful way to spend a leisurely weekend browse.

Thank you, Janet!

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