Making a Needle Lace Leaf: The Movie

Tricia Nguyen of Thistle Threads has posted a video on how to make a needle lace leaf using a metal thread called Silk Scallop Trim.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2020/05/using-new-frostings-threads.html

You can buy Silk Scallop Trim from Tricia, but note she is shipping only every two months right now since she's overwhelmed with orders and cannot get any help to manage all the orders that are flowing in.  She also has to limit visits to the post office for safety's sake.
https://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/products/silk-scallop-trim

She's using one of her specialty threads but you could do this with probably any metal thread that can be stretched like bullions.  Tanja Berlin sells a wide selection of bullions.  They are typically cut to length and then attached like a bead but bullions can be stretched out and couched into position.
https://berlinembroidery.com/product-category/hand-embroidery-supplies/goldwork-supplies/metal-threads/

You might also try this with the gimp from Painters Threads.  No idea how it will turn out but I like experimenting!
https://threadnuts.com/shop/ols/categories/single-loop-rayon-trim-5m-length-41

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 11, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitches and Threads for Faces

There are lots and lots of stitches useful for faces.  Besides tent stitches, consider Brick Stitch Over Two as seen here in my Pirate Cat from Patt and Lee...
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/09/pirate-cat-has-sweet-face-and-brocade.html

...Interlocking Gobelin works nicely for animal faces and long and short or split stitch is stunning as a face if you have the confidence to try.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2013/10/repairing-recreating-hand-embroidered-vestments.html

You can also use a different thread than the normal cotton or silk to get wonderful looks.  Flair is wonderful for faces, for example.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/05/snowmans-face-and-background.html

I used the clear Water N Ice for my Blue Russian's face.  Both turned out great!
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2013/12/blue-russian-santa-has-glass-face.html

Here's what Sue Dulle says about faces.
https://sudukc.wordpress.com/2012/02/13/torin-ailfred-opatrick-and-faces/

I hope all this gives you ideas for the next portrait in your stitching rotation.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 12, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Russian Santas--Forever Green

Carolyn Taggart's Latest Russian Santa Finish

Carolyn Taggart ---who must never sleep!--- has finished another Russian Santa from the Leigh Designs series that came out last December. Here is Forever Green Santa!   Isn't he lovely?  I find the fur especially gorgeous. Carolyn says the fur on the cuffs and the edge of Santa's robe was made from 2 strands of Wisper mixed with one strand of silk for strength, worked in stem and outline stitches and then brushed to make it fuzzier.  The hat is five strands of silk worked in Jump Thru the Loop Turkey Work, then cut and trimmed and brushed.

How do you work Jump Thru The Loop Turkey Work, you ask?   Sheena James has very kindly allowed me to share her diagram of this stitch.  Make a long stitch up and down in the same hole, then a small anchoring stitch goes down in the same hole as the first long stitch.

Sheena's Diagram for Jump Through the Loop Turkey Work

Susan Flippin McPherson has finished her Blue Russian!  Here's what he looks like.

Susan's Northern Light Santa Finished

Don't you just love his expression?  Susan used Brian's Steppe Stitch to create snow around her Russian Santa's feet.  That is diagrammed here in case you've forgotten.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2014/03/blue-russian-final-glimpse.html

Great stitching, Carolyn and Susan!  Many thanks to you both and to Sheena for sharing your stitching and diagramming for our viewing pleasure.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 31, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.