Slate Frames in 2024

If you are a fan of beautiful hand made wooden slate frames, you'll want to read what Mary Corbet has to say about them, especially where you can get them these days.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/07/slate-frames-two-sources.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 23, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Setting Up A Slate Frame: The Movie

Anyone interested in historical embroidery, goldwork, or Japanese embroidery will have heard of slate frames. Dr. Jessica Grimm has updated her English language video on the proper way to set up a slate frame with a German version.  It's very interesting, even if you never plan to use a slate frame.  I learned a lot about how to do this properly and why the steps are important.

https://www.jessicagrimm.com/blog/video-tutorial-setting-up-a-slate-frame

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 23, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mary Corbet Reviews the TFWoodcraft Slate Frame

Most needlepointers don't use slate frames but some designers such as Deborah Wilson swear by them.  They are necessary for certain types of needlework like Japanese embroidery, though, and I think we all find the tools that have been used for hundreds of years fascinating even if they are quite heavy and would need to be used on a trestle to work well for us (but they sell trestles and Japanese embroidery frames, too).  Here's Mary Corbet's review of the beautiful wooden slate frames from TFWoodcraft.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2019/11/slate-frames-by-tfwoodcraft.html

TFWoodcraft has both an Etsy store…
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TFWoodcraft

…and a website.  Have fun looking at all their offerings.
https://www.tfwoodcraft.com

Hummmm.  Do you think those wooden tapestry needles (used for weaving) would make lovely laying tools?  And who knew lacewood was so beautiful?!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 6, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Another Mythic Crafts Special

Mythic Crafts is having another special promotion today through Sunday to promote their embroidery frames.   I got the following note from Mark this morning.

"I'm doing another promo this weekend (probably my last promotion for the year) as I need to make more embroidery frames. I'm offering free laser engraving (worth $17.50) on any made-on-demand frame (which already gets 12% off regular price!) from Friday to Sunday. These will all be shipping before the end of November, so will make a great Christmas gift. Promo is only available on my website (not Etsy). I also have a couple of new "standard" sizes listed, based on the most popular sizes for custom frames this year - this makes these large sizes much cheaper than a custom frame."

https://mythiccrafts.com/collections/fine-embroidery-slate-frames?sort_by=price-ascending

Thanks for the heads, up, Mark.  The idea of a personalize frame is intriguing, particularly as these are so beautifully made.  If you are interested, you have the weekend to get in on the offer.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 14, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mythic Crafts Has a New Website—And New Products! UPDATED

Mythic Crafts, the Canadian family business that turns out gorgeous slate frames, has a new website.  
https://mythiccrafts.com

And they have new products!  They are now making legs for their slate frames so that folks who need a raised frame can have one by the addition of these little legs.  They are available in two lengths.  Here is what their blog says about these "beading/couture legs."
https://mythiccrafts.com/blogs/news/a-journey-to-new-beading-couture-legs-for-slate-frames

They also are turning out very pretty wooden needle minders.  The frog caught my eye, but they are all wonderful.  These are available painted or unpainted, depending on what your personal style is.  Don't see one that appeals to you?  Don't worry.  They are making a new design every day for the rest of the year so there is bound to be a needle minder with your name on it eventually.
https://mythiccrafts.com/collections/needleminders

In the planning stages but out soon are presentation boxes and eventually trestle stands for their slate frames.  And of course they will still make a custom sized slate frame for your stitching pleasure if the standard sizes they make aren't right for you.  Aren't sure what size slate frame you need?  Read their sizing page for help and then contact Mark if you need even more assistance.
https://mythiccrafts.com/pages/selecting-the-right-size-of-slate-frame-for-your-project

Their Etsy site is still active if you prefer purchasing from there.  Right now only the slate frames are available on the site.  Shop their website for everything else.
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MythicCraftsAB

UPDATE:  Mary Corbet reviews the new Mythic presentation boxes.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2017/09/beautiful-handcrafted-boxes-for-mounting-embroidery.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 25, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mythic Crafts: New Source for Slate Frames UPDATED AGAIN

If you are in the market for a well-made slate frame, then you'll want to look over the Etsy shop of Mythic Crafts AB.  Tanja Berlin, trained at the Royal School of Needlework, raves about these Canadian products.
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MythicCraftsAB

These are completely hand made.  You can even have them engraved with your name or stitching motto.  Very very nice!

UPDATE:  Mary Corbet reviews and raves about this brand of slate frame here.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2017/03/slate-frame-for-embroidery.html

MORE UPDATES, this time from The Unbroken Thread:
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2017/03/16/story-mythic-crafts-slate-frames-part-1/

http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2017/03/17/give-away-story-mythic-crafts-slate-frame-part-2/

LATEST UPDATE:  Mythic Crafts has a new and fabulous website.
https://mythiccrafts.com

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

An Overview of Frames

Needle in a Haystack covers the various types of frames for needlework that are available in this interesting blog posting.  Although the shop sells many types of frames, the owner usually stitches in hand without a frame so this is a generally unbiased report on what you can use.  It's also very interesting--I had no idea that there was a wooden "square round" hoop available!
http://needlestack.typepad.com/whats_new/2016/01/picking-a-needlework-frame.html

The bottom of the article has recommendations as to what type of frame works for what type of project.  This should be very helpful for folks just starting to explore frames or who are venturing into a new type of handwork and want a frame recommendation.  Many thanks to Needle in a Haystack for such useful information!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 17, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The History of Slate Frames

Tricia Nguyen uses and sells slate frames for her reproduction embroidery business, so I was intrigued when she mentioned Access Commodities' essay on the history of slate frames.  I've not used slate frames myself as I don't like stitching on drum-tight needlepoint canvas but it is important for some types of needlework and the history is fascinating.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2015/12/slate-frames-in-stock.html

Here is the direct link to the essay.
http://www.thistle-threads.com/misc/Setting-in-a-Frame.pdf

Access Commodities sells wonderful threads and other supplies for the needleworker as well as slate frames.
http://www.accesscommodities.com

You can also order custom made and painted slate frames from Diamond K Folk Art.
http://www.diamondkfolkart.blogspot.com/p/hand-made-slate-frames.html

You wouldn't believe the variety of painted frames Rachel of Diamond K has made!
http://ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com/2015/11/slate-frames-of-olde-west.html

http://ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com/2015/09/readying-for-road-trip.html

http://ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com/2015/08/custom-painted-slate-frames.html

The tools we use are so vital to our work that it is important to know more about them and to honor their usefulness.  Merry Christmas to all stitchers and a Happy New Year to their tools!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 10, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Access Commodities Slate Frame Review

Although needlepointers don't usually use slate frames, I thought you'd like to read Mary Corbet's review of the one that Access Commodities sells.   If you like your needlepoint canvas to be drum tight as long as it is on the frame, then this might be a good choice for you.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/10/solid-serviceable-superb-in-every-detail.html

They can be purchased from Needle in a Haystack as a special order (be prepared to wait quite a while) or from Thistle Threads if you can use the one size they have available right now.
http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Accessories/Frames.html

http://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/products/slate-frames

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

Are You Shopping for a Slate Frame? UPDATED

Most needlepointers do not use slate frames (they are more common in England and for Japanese embroidery) but in case you are in the market for a new one, consider asking Rachael Kinnison to make and decorate one for you.
http://ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com/2015/06/painting-my-new-slate-frame.html

http://ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com/2015/07/made-to-order-slate-frames.html

UPDATE:  Mary Corbet talks about Rachel's frames and slate frames in general.  She also lists places where you can get them in the USA.  If you are in the market, you'll want to hear what Mary has to say.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/09/tool-talk-custom-slate-frames.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 28, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

I Want to Borrow Kathy's Dad

When you see all the work Kathy's dad did to make her floor stand more stable so she could use slate frames on them, you will want to borrow him, too! 
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2014/09/03/a-better-stand-thanks-to-dad/

Slate frames are large and heavy.  You can see one being set up here by Mary Corbert.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2008/07/dressing-slate-frame-for-embroidery.html

Here is the NeedleNeeds website in case you wish to explore their floor stands.  This is a United Kingdom company, by the way, which is why they aren't a familiar name to needlepointers in the States.
http://www.needleneeds.co.uk/store/needlework-stands-frames/10-necessaire-floor-stand.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 3, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Beautiful Handmade Needlepoint Frames

Someone on Facebook's Needlepoint Group mentioned watching a 1940s movie that had as props needlepoint being stitched in an elaborate wooden floor stand. That got me searching to see who makes needlepoint frames these days and I stumbled across this website.
http://needlepointstands.com

I know nothing about the quality of the stands or the customer service of the site owners but they sure are lovely!

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

Slate Frame Magic

Most of us don't use the English slate frames for our stitching but I bet this tip for tightening your laced piece will work for those who use Japanese Embroidery frames or anyone who laces their fabric on any type of frame.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2011/11/hand-embroidery-with-chopsticks.html


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