Where Do I Go From Here?

Last night I did more beading and basketweave while I pondered my next move on Luna.  The end is in sight for the gown so my next move is to figure out what part of Luna to stitch after the long gown is finished. Looking at her figure, the purple lining of the cloak is behind her hair. The sleeves are prominent and in one area touch the cloak lining, which means I'll want to do the lining before the sleeves or hair. The hood of her cloak is certainly behind her hair so I might want to stitch it before her hair so I don't snag any hair stitches.  The same thing is true of the cloak across her shoulders:  it is also behind her hair.  The broach, ring and fingers are going to be a problem when it comes to deciding when to stitch them.  I don't want them to snag anything next to them.

Since I like to work from the background forward, it makes sense for me to tackle the inside of her cloak, the hood and the cloak across her shoulders, and possibly the fingers and ring next.  I will start seriously thinking about them while I continue to bead and basketweave that gown.

Sorry it has taken so long but Luna's a big girl.  The canvas is on 12x20 inch stretcher bars, and Luna's gown is roughly 12 inches tall with a width that varies from 1 to 5 inches.  Lots and lots of work!

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

100 Followers, 1 Book

Sometime Friday the 100th "follower" signed up to get Blog's postings via Google's Friend Connect system.  That's amazing!  I want to celebrate so I invite any of the 100 followers to post a comment here to enter a drawing for a copy of Brenda Hart's Stitches for the Millennium.  I have a lovely pristine copy courtesy of a friend who doesn't use the book.
http://www.needlenookoflajolla.com/accessories/books_author.html

Long time readers of Blog know I love Brenda's books and use her Favorite Stitches 1 and Favorite Stitches 2 and Stitches for the Millennium constantly.  Brenda is a widely traveled teacher who constantly is coming up with interesting ideas for needlepoint canvases.  I'll let folks post comments here until next Wednesday.  That way I can announce the winner on Thursday after a random drawing of all those who comment and perhaps get the book in the mail to them by Friday.

Thanks very much for all your support.  Remember, if the comment system won't work for you, you may email me at chilly hollowathotmail dotcom to be entered in the drawing.


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

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