More Bullions Resources

In yesterday's comments Rachel mentioned the bullion stitch tutorial on White Threads which is Yvette Stanton's blog.  Yvette is an Australian needlework author and publisher.  I've heard of her Left Handed Embroider's Companion (which comes in a Right Handed version) but didn't know she had a website and I haven't seen her books.  So I went looking for her site and found the following three part tutorial on making bullion knots.  (Note that we can't use hoops with needlepoint canvas but I expect a frame will do.)
http://vettycreations.com.au/white-threads/2010/03/02/tips-for-working-better-bullion-stitch/

http://vettycreations.com.au/white-threads/2010/03/03/bullion-stitch-thread-twist-and-wrapping-direction/

http://vettycreations.com.au/white-threads/2010/03/04/bullion-stitch-to-hoop-or-not-to-hoop/

Yvette also mentioned Mary Corbet's brief article on choosing the right needles for making bullion and French knots.  Note that some folks don't think the needle matters.  I myself do just as good bullions with smaller tapestry needles as with thin milliner's needles.   I don't see a difference in my bullions when all I change is the needle.  But if it helps you, use a thin eyed needle.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2010/06/perfect-french-knots-perfect-bullions.html

Oh, yes, I did add more beads to Luna's dress last night.

Thanks for the additional resources, Rachel.  We appreciate it!

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

Resources To Make Beads and Bullions Easier

I'm attaching a lot of beads to Luna and I'm also thinking about using bullions for her fingers and fingernails.  Lots of folks hate making bullions but there are resources online to help you conquer them as well as explain how to best attach beads to needlepoint.

Let's talk bullions first.  Once you read what Kathy Fenchel says about bullion knots I think they will be less intimidating.
http://www.needlepoint.org/StitchOfTheMonth/2006/may.php

I've mentioned before Gay Ann Roger has a four part technique series on making beautiful bullions on her website.  Start reading the tips here.
http://www.gayannrogers.com/site_2/Techniques_1.html

A great many folks recommend the lasso technique to attach scattered beads on your NP canvas.  Needlepoint Now has a great diagram on their website that shows just how to do it.
http://www.needlepointnow.com/video_instruction_so.html#b_tabasco

If you are packing an area full of beads, try the beaded brick stitch which Robin King explains brilliantly here.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2010/04/beading-pumpkin-balloon.html

There are many other ways of attaching beads but these two techniques will get you through most beading situations.

Now I'm headed back to my beading and basketweaving!

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

Today Only - 25% Off In Stock Items

Sorry, with the time difference I didn't know abou this sale until the day was almost over.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2010/11/today-only.html

UPDATE:  The sale is over.  Sorry!

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

No Beads & Basketweave Today

I'm sure by now you are very tired of photos of beads and basketweave on Luna's gown.  It takes a lot of work to look good!  But getting there makes for boring blog entries.   Let's go look at some other fabulous things, shall we?

French Knot has their latest newsletter out and in it they mention all the fabulous Halloween pieces on their website that come with stitch guides.  I've added a brief article about this on the CH Stitch Guides blog.  With Halloween in our rear window, now's the time to start on next year's fun.  Luna's going to need friends, after all!  (Do vampires have friends?)
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2010/11/french-knot-does-halloween.html

LizArt has two new charts available.  You can see them (and the link to the purchase site) here.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-designs-on-website.html

Personally, I am holding out for Liz Morrow's newest piece, Vegas Nights.  The chart for it isn't ready yet as she just finished stitching it, but I think it is worth waiting for!   Hurry Liz.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/vegas-nights-finished.html

Lots of folks are interested in finding a sorority- or fraternity-themed painted canvas.  Betsy B's got you covered.  Pocket Full of Stitches shows off some of the avaialble pieces on their website.  There are some new charts in stock there, too.  See?  I don't totally ignore the counted canvaswork lovers!
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2010/10/fraternity-boys.html

http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2010/10/chart-books-and-betsy-b.html

Finally, I have something beautiful and inspirational for you to see--the NeedleArtNut's Lacquered Leaves piece (designer, Betty Chen Louis) which is magnificent.  If you want to watch this unfold, click on "Lacquered Leaves" in the right hand column and work from the bottom up.  It's worth following. Betty Chen Louis is a fabulously creative designer.  It's not often I see things I've never seen before on the Internet but this is one of those times.  Great work, Pat!
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2010/10/lacquered-leaves-is-finished.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2010/10/better-photo.html

NeedleArtNut also runs the Stitching Destashing Blog.  She happens to have some great books for sale at very good prices, including a copy of Pageant of Pattern for $6 plus shipping.  Move fast, though.  She had two copies for sale last night....
http://stitchingdestashing.blogspot.com/

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

A Third Color of Bead

I've added a third color of bead-a transparent gray-silver Delica that I think is size 14 (but the label doesn't say).  It provides a highlight at the hem and really looks good in person.  The Delica crystal beads are slightly larger than the rounded black and gunmetal beads but not noticeably so since I am not using many of them.

The photo doesn't show the gleam, but they add a bit of life to the hem.

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