The Needlepointer's Finishing Newsletter

Periodically, The Needlepointer sends out an e-newletter showcasing finishing they do for customers. This is always fun to see since the canvases are usually new to me and the finishing is very well done.
http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=2b1a4dafdf1ba6e29e773aa79&id=ac1a36fe56&e=73961ee0ea

You can sign up for their newletters on their home page.  They often do a daily newsletter about their current trunk show and there is a regular monthly newsletter, too.  In other words, if you don't like getting lots of e-newsletters, don't sign up, but if you love shop newsletters with themes, this is the shop you want to follow.
http://www.theneedlepointer.com

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

Taking An Idea and Running With It

It doesn't matter if you are Halloween crazy like Ada of Eye Candy is or not, you'll want to see her take on a collage design created by Susan Kerndt.  Create a grid, add ribbons and fabric inside some of the boxes, stitch inside others, toss in some buttons and beads and there you go--Happy Halloween!
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2012/11/just-little-more-halloween.html

You can see more of Susan Kerndt's Stitching Kreations here.
http://www.caron-net.com/designerfiles/desaprilfiles/desapril.html

I particularly like Floral Fantasy.  I think most of Susan's work is for the classroom but occasionally you can find a chart from her.
http://mystitchinggallery.blogspot.com/2011/03/floral-fantasy-susan-t-kerndt-designer.html

This is a very interesting way of creating something by using what you have been collecting or have left over to make an original design.  Way to go, Ada!

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

Let's Talk Finishing Books UPDATED

Marianne at New Needlepoint asked about finishing books at the Needlepoint Group on Facebook as she was considering whether to add Pat Mazu's finishing book to her online bookstore.   Apparently it was a good choice as she has been selling them like hotcakes!  Marianne stocks the classic Sandy Higgins finishing book as well as an out of print finishing book by Katharine Ireyss.
http://www.newneedlepoint.com/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=&keywords=finishing

UPDATE:   Michele at Bristly Thistle added in the Comments below that although Amazon.com stocks Sandy Higgins' Sandy's Finishing Touches:  A Step-by-Step Guide to Finishing Needlework, they have the 2008 edition.  Most needlework shops have the later 2010 edition.  Thanks, Michele!

I have used Summer Louise's finishing tips which makes me think her books would be very helpful.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2012_10_09_archive.html

I've also used The Needlepoint Doctor for finishing ideas for odder items.  This is an out of print book so you'll have to use Marianne or other used book sellers to find it.
http://www.newneedlepoint.com/content-product_info/product_id-2435/the_needlework_doctor_by_mary_kay_davis.html

Pat's book can also be found at Stitches from the Heart who also sell her charts.  Sandy's Finishing Touches from Mrs. Higgins used to be available from her website which is gone but you can find it a lot of places now, from Nordic Needle to Marianne's shop to Amazon.com.
http://stitches-heart.com/needlepoint/pat-mazu-designs/

Anyone know of any other good finishing books, either out of print or new?

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

Clever Ideas Shared

I've been collecting clever ideas this week from all the blogs I read. Ready to be amazed? First up, Brenda Hart taught Vicky how to cleverly create handles for What's the Point tote bag ornaments with rushed River Silks ribbon.  The second link has more information about the background stitches and shows off the inside of the totes better.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/its-all-about-the-finish/

http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/its-all-about-the-finish-part-2/

If you need some tote bag ornaments for your tree, here's the website.  These are from Linda Lahm, by the way.
http://www.whatsthepoint.biz/lindalahm.cfm

Anne has a very clever (and easy to compensate) stitch for the background behind her penguin.  I especially love that she used a white metallic to simulate sparkling snow!
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-background-for-pete.html

The penguin is one of Anne's designs.  The others from the Penguins on Parade series are on her website.
http://www.absdesignsonline.com/penguins.htm

Needle Nicely just repurposed a Christmas stocking by removing the name at the top and refinishing it so that it would work as a fundraiser.  Anyone who needs to remove a name on their stocking, take note that many finishers say this is a tricky business.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2012/11/festival-of-trees-2012-donations.html

Want to see amazing chickens?  Or a great stocking top?  Needle Works is the place.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2012/11/girl-scouts-visit-the-needle-works.html

How about a Velvet Stitch beard?  Classic!
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2012/11/velvet-stitch.html

Check out the clever open stitch on Santa's bag and the beautiful open gold metallic pattern on the striped border, all courtesy of Julia Snyder's class at Bedecked and Beadazzled!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/11/can-we-bottle-her.html

There are enough great ideas here to keep us all stitching for a solid month!

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

The Helen Ashland House Challenge

ANG's cyber chapter is mostly focused on charted or counted work, which is natural given that their members meet online only. It's a bit hard to do painted canvases together, and of course painted canvases are more expensive than chart packages.  It's still fun to hear about what they get up to.  I think you'll enjoy seeing the house challenge that Melita finished and describes on her blog.
http://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2012/11/01/the-helen-ashland-house-an-ang-cyberpointers-project/

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