NAN Announces Death of Carlene Harwick

The National Academy of Needleartists has announced the passing of Carlene Harwick, designer, needlework judge, and teacher of so many of us through NAN and the American Needlepoint Guild.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1130885679078281&set=a.562869925879862

Everyone who knew her thought she was a wonderful lady.  We mourn our loss today.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 12, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The New Master Teacher (NAN)

The Nantional Academy of Needlearts (NAN) just awarded Dianne Herrmann her Master Teacher's Certificate.  You have to do various things to achieve this certification, including creating an expertise piece.  You can read about Dianne's design on the NAN website. It's quite a story!

https://needleart.org/2022/08/02/weaving-hope-kem-iyebal/?fbclid=IwAR3fT3aEHevhss2u0xcHW4_tEYnQ08jAC6K4YdizLaa91fxuB4KLMlZxfQk

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 7, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Meeting Mark Craddock UPDATED

The Santa Beards Class Mark Craddock Teaches 

This week's Pointing It Out podcast is an interview of Mark Craddock, who is starting to make a name for himself as a needlepoint technique teacher.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mN3Hxl-Z8w

Mark teaches regularly at Nimble Needle Atlanta...

https://www.atlantanimbleneedle.com

...and at Nashville Needleworks.  Check with the shops for the latest classes he plans.

https://nashvilleneedleworks.com

He also teaches all over in the summers at various shops.  Here's an upcoming class at Needle Works in Austin, Texas.

https://theneedleworks.com/class/backgrounds-with-mark-craddock/

These are classes taught last October at Needle Bug in Montgomery, Alabama.

https://www.theneedlebug.com/module/class/421591/mark-craddocks-plaids--pillow-top-1-day

UPDATE:  Sadly, Mark died in early June 2023 from cancer. He will be missed.

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2023/06/breaking-news-mark-craddack-has-died.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 1, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NAN Needs Teachers for 2022

The National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) is soliciting proposals for their 2022 seminar.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/3002959559781182/

FYI

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 25, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Gail Stafford: A Profile of a Master Craftsman

I just ran across this wonderful profile of Gail Stafford, whose landscapes are often taught at EGA and ANG seminars.  Click on "Next" at the bottom of each page to see lovely photographs of her work.
http://www.woodturnersunlimited.com/index.php/eclectic/lifestyle/68-gail-stafford-master-craftsman

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 22, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Interview with Jennier Riefenberg

"Carrots"

The Fiber Talk podcast this week interviews Jennifer Riefenberg, the teacher and designer whose vegetables series of designs (that's "Carrots" above) are very popular classes among Seminar-goers.
http://wetalkfiber.com/2017/03/26/fiber-talk-with-jennifer-riefenberg/

Here's Jennifer's website.
https://artofsunshine.com/collections/68881

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 26, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fiber Talk Interviews Susan Hoekstra

This week the Fiber Talk podcast interviews Susan Hoekstra, familiar to many fans of the ANG website as the author of the 2016 Stitch of the Month design.
http://wetalkfiber.com/2017/02/26/fiber-talk-with-susan-hoekstra/

To view Susan's "Pineapple Leaves" project, choose the monthly 2016 postings on ANG's Stitch of the Month page.
http://www.needlepoint.org/Stitch.php

Susan often teaches ANG classes and also visits the Nimble Needle in New Jersey to teach.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2013/05/classes-more-classes-and-trunk-show-too.html

http://needlepoint.org/Seminar-15/classes/1day/1day.php

Have fun getting to know her better.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 26,  2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fire & Ice & More Toni UPDATED

I just realized that Toni Gerdes has a website.  Isn't "Fire and Ice" amazing?!  Pour yourself a cup of your favorite beverage and have fun exploring the site.
http://www.tonigerdes.com/new_classes_

For those who don't get to many seminars, Toni is a nationally recognized teacher. This probably means her designs are only available in her classes, but it doesn't hurt to ask if you fall in love.
http://www.tonigerdes.com/about_toni

UPDATE:  ANG's San Barnardino Chapter will be offering two of Toni's classes in 2017.  Ghosts are welcome although you will need to join the SBCANG chapter to take the classes either in person or via mail.  It's a great group, even for those hundreds or thousands of miles away!
http://www.sbneedlepoint.org/workshops.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 16, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Visiting Gail's Stitching Studio

Today seems like a good time to visit Gail Sirna's Stitching Studio website. Those who frequent ANG and EGA Seminars will have seen Gail's teaching pieces.  I'm particularly fond of her Sunflower Santa and Morning Glory Santa which I was lucky enough to see on display at ANG's Seminar in Baltimore, but she has some stunning pieces available for a class near you.
http://www.gailsirna.com/teaching-pieces/

Gail's famous topiaries, now retired stitching classes, can be seen in the Retired Teaching Pieces part of her website. I am not certain if these kits are still available but you can always ask Gail if you fall in love.
http://www.gailsirna.com/retired-pieces/

You may be able to find Gail's book In Praise of the Needlewoman, in your local shop or online.  This art book explores depictions of needlework in famous paintings and is a delight to explore.

Sorry to come over without calling first, Gail, but we brought cookies and cake!

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

BREAKING NEWS: Caela Conn Tyler has Died UPDATED

Detail from Caela Conn Tyler's "Shihoko The Bride"

The Colorado Columbine ANG Chapter has announced the death of Caela Conn Tyler on their Facebook page. 
https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoColumbineAng/photos/a.616378068378200.156427.613450462004294/1262038057145528/?type=3&theater

A fantastic and creative teacher, Caela is best known for her landscapes.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2010/10/monet-meets-caela-conn-tyler.html

Check out those clouds!
https://www.facebook.com/118153386709/photos/pcb.10153277394911710/10153277390621710/?type=3&theater

Here is her masterpiece, the Piazza San Marco in Venice.
http://needleart.org/jaroskileticia_piazzasanmarco_npnowi_3rd01/

http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2009/10/what-wonderful-weekend.html

She also created lovely Southwestern-themed designs, like these charming gourd ladies...
http://embroideryteachers.com/Members/Tyler/tyler.htm

...and this adobe house exterior.
http://www.sbneedlepoint.org/archives/2010/nov_2010.html

"The Gourd Ladies"

Her "The Gourd Ladies" is a classic.

Isn't "Fiesta" fun with that fringed bottom?
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1198969833460132&set=a.278707608819697.75487.100000413810830&type=3&theater

Here is her "Red Kerchief" inspired by a Monet painting.  Notice her use of tulle.  I suspect Caela was the first to use tulle on top of needlepoint.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=819407751504440&set=pcb.1022500201160471&type=3&theater

But she created beautiful geometrics, too.
http://www.needlepoint.org/WhatIs/2000/A%20Study%20in%20Diamonds.php

This is her "Evening at the Ritz."
http://www.egascr.org/sem2006/images/312_Evening.jpg

Not to mention lovely appliqué pieces.  This is "Royal Oak."
http://www.needlepoint.org/WhatIs/2007/images/6003p-11.jpg

And she created one of a kind pieces that are show-stoppers, like this jacket in the National Academy of Needleart's permanent collection or this stunning jacket with matching dress.
http://needleart.org/gallery/permanent-collection/tyler1930_32av/

http://www.needlepoint.org/WhatIs/1998/TylerOpium.php

This necklace "For Shore" is gorgeous!
http://www.needlepoint.org/WhatIs/1998/TylerShore.php

"Shihoko The Bride"

My favorite piece is her " Shihoko The Bride"--I can't find a finished photograph online but if I do, I'll post it here.

UPDATE: Thanks to Pat C. I have photographs of Shihoko for you to enjoy.  Thank you, Pat!
http://eowynsartifacts.livejournal.com/79914.html

UPDATE #2: Needlepoint Now magazine has reprinted the counted design Caela did for one of their issues in their newsletter.  Enjoy and think of Caela's talent!
https://www.needlepointnow.com/wp-content/uploads/NN_NWSLTR_April16.pdf

It's a sad day for needlepointers.  But we are lucky we had her for as long as we did.

"Reprise"

UPDATE #3:  Someone posted a copy of Caela's "Reprise" on Facebook so I grabbed it to post here for her fans to enjoy.

"Stitchy Witchy Hats"

UPDATE #4:  Someone posted a photo of Stitchy Witchy Hats on Facebook so I grabbed the photo for us here.

UPDATE #5:  I don't know the name of this lovely piece.  If you do, please let me know!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 25, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Lorene Salt Needlearts

It's a good day for the counted canvaswork crowd--Lorene Salt has a website where you can buy her charts and drool over her teaching pieces!
http://lorenesaltneedlearts.com

This is for my counted friends.  Have fun exploring!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 5, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Want To Teach Needlepoint? Listen to Hazel

Advice from an experienced teacher to the novice--although she forgot the person who thinks they can do anything much better than you without having any idea of the problems doing it their way will cause.
http://therebelliousneedlewoman.blogspot.com/2015/11/so-you-want-to-teach-embroidery.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 11, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kimberly Goes to Chandail

Kimberly went to Chandail and had a blast! 
http://akimberlydesign.blogspot.com/2015/06/my-adventure-to-houston.html

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

Sandy and the Skein of Pepperpot

Sandy Arthur just taught her students in her "Harvest" mystery cyber class (pumpkins and grapes and fall flowers from Robbyn's Nest) how to open a skein of Pepperpot silk.  And now she is sharing that tutorial with the rest of us.  Thank you, Sandy!
http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2015/05/silk-beautiful-pepper-pot-silk-i-have.html

Here's "Harvest," for those who are curious.  It's a mystery so only her students know how things are progressing....
http://duodesignsinc.com/wpsite/

Not to worry, though.  Once class is over and the mystery solved, Sandy will probably be willing to sell kits to those who missed class.  If you ask nicely, that is.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 7, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Beauty for a Winter's Day

Susan at Plays with Needles just went to a Japanese Embroidery get-together hosted by her teacher. She took lots of photos which you will really enjoy.  It's a feast for the eyes in the midst of winter!  Pour a hot beverage and settle down to enjoy.
http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2015/02/mid-winter-matsuri_23.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 23, 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.

How Ruth Creates

Ruth Schmuff just posted another blog entry about her current mystery class at Bedecked and Beaddazzled, which is a Christmas stocking from Tapestry Fair.   
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/12/the-process.html

I updated the article that introduced this class (link below) which is my practice so if you stumble across this later, everything is in one spot for ease of reading (and admiring!).
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-newsletter-and-mystery-updated.html

However, in Ruth's article about the leaves on the stocking, she shows the side of class planning most stitchers don't get to see--the fact that the teacher is often only days ahead of the students in writing the lessons and sometimes they don't go to plan.  The next time you take a class, look on the teacher in awe as you realize just how the lessons are unfolding behind the scenes!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 29, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sue Reed Designs

Thanks to Ann I discovered that Sue Reed has a website.
http://suereed.squarespace.com

Sue teaches at ANG Seminars, both national and regional.  Her counted canvaswork designs are lovely so I thought I would share the site with you.  Many of her designs I've never seen before although older designs I have seen are not on the site.  Lovely work regardless.

I don't know if Sue sells her class instructions as charts but it's worth asking if you fall in love.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 1, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

ANG Seminar Expo, Teacher Showcase, Auction and More UPDATED

Jan has been really really busy helping run the ANG Seminar. Luckily she has had a little time to tell us about it. 
http://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2014/08/28/seminar-2014-chicago/

Diane of the NJNA crew also has reported on these events.  Sounds like lots of work and lots of fun!
http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2014/08/28/silent-auction-teacher-expo-excursions-and-expo/

UPDATE:  Melita won several things at the Auction.  Congratulations!
http://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2014/08/28/ang-annual-auction/

Vicki has fun at the Life Patrons Banquet.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/it-cant-be-over-already/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 28, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Clever Touches to a Tent Stitched Piece UPDATED

If you only stitch with tent stitches but want to add a few special touches to that project you love and want to take to the next level, then you will be interested in Linda's Melissa Shirley piece, embellished with a few special touches with the aid of Amy Bunger.  http://splittheneedles.blogspot.com/2014/07/next-up.html

http://splittheneedles.blogspot.com/2014/07/flower-power.html

UPDATE:
http://splittheneedles.blogspot.com/2014/07/chinese-kite-flyers.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 17, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.