Winter Color

You know how finishing really changes the look of a piece?  Even the same design worked by the same stitch guide will turn out differently when you turn two finishers loose on it. Exhibit No. One--what Ruth Schmuff did framing Zecca's lotus piece.  This is a perfect jolt of color for the depths of winter!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/02/fun-frames.html

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

The Mathematician in Stitches

Janet Perry just spotted this fascinating use of math to create a design. First, read her explanation of Pascal's Triangle, then head to the original site to enjoy!
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/mathematics-in-needlepoint-creating-pascals-triangle/

http://curvebank.calstatela.edu/ptriangle/ptriangle.htm

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

Reminder

Just a reminder, the Japanese Festival of Broken Needles (Hari Kyuo) is tomorrow, February 8th.  I do not practice Shinto, but I do believe in honoring the tools that have served me so well, so I when I discard all my needles before starting a new project with brand new needles, the old go into a little box to await the next Hari Kuyo.  Tomorrow I will take them out, wrap them carefully in aluminum foil for safety's sake, then wrap the little packet in fancy wrapping paper with a bow.  Then they will ceremoniously put away in the trash can, for removal.  I certainly am grateful for all the work they have done over the last twelve months and for all the fun they have brought into my life.

Susan is collecting links and comments about how stitchers are marking this day.
http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2013/02/growing-up-with-tea.html

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

iPhone Cases to Stitch

Needle in a Haystack shows off the new stitchable iPhone cases. Looks like they are going to be available in two sizes (the latest iPhone is larger than the old ones) and there are charts to work from if you don't want to stitch or bead your own design.
http://needlestack.typepad.com/whats_new/2013/02/new-stitchable-iphone-case-coming.html

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

Remember my Rabbit in a Kimono?

My Rabbit Geisha in Close Up

If you liked the Rabbit Geisha piece I stitched a few years back, you will want to see Jane's companion piece, the Cat in a Kimono.  The stitch guide for this was written for Jane by Tony Minieri. It's magnificent and has her cat's green eyes.
http://janew1102.typepad.com/my_weblog/2013/02/dont-tell-nora.html

These are designs from Brenda Stofft.  The Geisha Rabbit piece is here, and...
http://www.brendastofftdesign.com/#!rabbits-and-hares/cegp

...you can see the unstitched Cat in a Kimono here.  Well done, Jane!
http://www.brendastofftdesign.com/#!this-and-that/c1vha

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