What's Left After the Swearing Stops

I didn't mention turning this stocking inside out and discovering I'd sewed the lining and stocking together wrong, having to turn it back inside/out and do that again, having to rip out the side seams for the little Nordic Snowman stocking twice, sticking myself with a straight pin, spending an hour trying to attach the red cord trim, or saying all those swear words because I hate finishing.  (Although I do.)

I mentioned all that to show you that no matter how frustrating you find finishing--and I do--working through the process gives you a lovely little piece that you can be proud of and saves the money I'd rather put toward threads and beads and ribbons for the next needlepoint piece.

So here is Melissa Shirley's Nordic Snowman, made up into a stocking and stuffed with tissue paper to hold its shape until the little mini sock arrives at the new owner's home for the holidays.

Hope you enjoyed this needlepoint adventure!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow

New from Columbus: Does This Stitch Make My Butt Look Big?

I might not have a finished Christmas sock to show you, but I do have a slide show of the new SharonG designs premiering at the TNNA show starting today.

Wait a minute, you say.  Those horses aren't new!  No, but what you see is one of the horses' rear end pieces that came out last year stitched by SharonG herself.  She is teaching this at the show and the stitch guide will be available for shops to order with the canvas.

The other canvases are new.  The antique bird print designs are on eggshell canvas, which didn't photograph well.   I'm sorry about that as they are magnificent.  The little Pomegranate patterns are traditional crewel motifs, done with a surprising splash of color.  I'm particularly fond of the fancy copper, black and gold borders around the insect pieces, but personally the Fly Lily Fly series speaks to me.  I'd love to stitch all three canvases of the series.  They would make a lovely set framed together, wouldn't they?

SharonG does wonderful realistic and abstract pieces and lately she has been mixing the two styles.  Look at the above three canvases.  Here is what SharonG told me about these three pieces when I asked about them.

"This was my 11th hour inspiration late last night. Each section is 5x8. Love to design triptychs. I called it 11th hour because it was last minute and kept me up till 3AM, also it has another meaning to me to protect our earth.

Listening to the latest news and my love of history and trying to learn about environmental issues and the green movement sort of inspired me. Listening to the news last night, this design hit and I began painting it about 7:30 and brushes up at 3AM."

I think 11th Hour is the first topical needlepoint series I've ever seen.  I'm not sure I could stitch it without feeling sick at the destruction  of an ecosystem and a way of life we are seeing on the news, but it is a magnificent statement about what is going on.

If you are not familiar with SharonG, here is her website to browse and enjoy.  The latest things aren't there yet but thanks to her generosity, you can see them above.
http://www.sharong.com

By the way, for the full impact we need music.  I recommend you listen to the music in the link here as you look at 11th Hour.
http://kotaku.com/5556788/my-highlight-of-red-dead-redemption-isthis-song

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow

Progress?

The Nordic Snowman is about half way towards becoming a mini sock.  The blue smoke pouring from your computer yesterday was me cussin' when I realized I'd put the lining together wrong.  It took a little ripping out but I am ready to resew the stocking today and then start hand sewing the trim on.  Wish me luck!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow

Preparing for Columbus and Other News

All over the U.S. needlepoint designers, tool makers, shop owners and the thread artists are packing to head to Columbus, Ohio for the TNNA trade show there.  Barbara Bergsten is finishing purses.  Isn't that Stirling Bag gorgeous?!
http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2010/06/easy-needlepoint-finishing.html

Laura Perin's released a new design based on daisies.  If you are a summer person or love daisys, you have to see it.  Hummm. Here in CH summer daisies are white but we get fall ones that are light purple with big yellow centers.  Wouldn't that be a great color scheme for this piece?
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2010/06/is-it-summer-yet.html

The Point of It All has rearranged their shop.  I just love the red walls, the window seat covered with NP pillows, and glimpses of all those cupboards.  Wonder what treasures are inside?  Next time you are in D.C., take a peek and let me know, ok?
http://blog.thepointofitallonline.com/2010/06/shop-remodel.html

Finally, Mary Corbert has written about Accentuate.  If you aren't familiar with this thin metallic thread, you should take a look at the photos and read how Mary uses it.  If your shop doesn't stock it, maybe they'll order some for you at the TNNA show.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2010/06/accentuate-thread-review.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow

Stars: Eva Marie Saint is Done

Isn't she beautiful?  Adding the borders really makes this block look good.  The next block over is called Cary Grant.

Next up, finishing that Nordic snowman stocking!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow