Four New LizArt Bargello Patterns ( and a Freebie!)

Fans of Bargello patterns or counted canvaswork will be thrilled to hear that Liz Morrow has released four new patterns and also has posted a free design on her website.  Details are on her blog, or...
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/new-patterns_13.html

...you can visit her website to buy.  
http://www.lizartneedlepoint.com

Here are the free designs.  Thanks, Liz!
http://www.lizartneedlepoint.com/Free_Designs.php

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Customizing Your Elephant UPDATED

I just noticed a fascinating class being offered at The Classic Stitch the end of July.   It is a line drawing of a fancy elephant that the teacher (Linda Coriossi) will help each class member customize to their own taste.   Everyone will pick the colors, the stitches and the embellishments that suit their personal style, guided by Linda to make it all painless and fun.  It sounds like a fascinating and different class.
http://www.theclassicstitch.com

The canvas is a Tapestry Fair design and Robin King worked on the guide so you know the stitch diagrams are going to be first rate.  I don't see the design on the Tapestry Fair website but they are well known for their classic elephant pieces.  Wish I was going to be there!

UPDATE:  Peggi from Tapestry Fair writes, "Hi Jane - This design isn't on the website, since it was done exclusively for Linda to use for classes. She taught this class in Phoenix at Family Arts, and it looked like a lot of fun for students who wanted a one of a kind canvas.'

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching Portraits

A lot of folks find stitching faces hard, so when I saw this posting by Quail Run of a tribute to the stitcher's mother, I had to put it here for everyone to see.
http://sonorandesertstitching.blogspot.com/2013/05/happy-mothers-day.html

I've also got an interesting article about how to make stitched eyes look more realistic.  It illustrates just how much impact one stitch has on facial expression.
http://www.funkandweber.com/create-eye-sparkles-in-cross-stitch/

I encourage you to go slowly with faces and rip out until you get it just right, especially since it probably is just a few stitches that are giving you the effect you don't want.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Finisher's Role

The finisher is responsible for elevating our stitching from the box under the bed or the back of the drawer to a showstopper on display.  In the link below, Anne shows off her little penguin stockings, one for a girl and one for a boy, that she designed for siblings.  Her local shop turned her designs into real Christmas treats that can be cherished for years.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2013/05/from-start-to-finish.html

Diane's just gotten finishing back as well.  She has the fascinating earmuff ornaments from Linda Lahn, a Renaissance Designs puppies bookmark, and a cute Painted Pony angel to show off here.
http://www.dianestakingtimeouttoneedlepoint.com/2013/05/finishing-from-angela.html

Wait'll you see Patti's stitching!  The finishing is different on each design to match the use Patti planned for it.
http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=2b1a4dafdf1ba6e29e773aa79&id=b13bf99ee8&e=73961ee0ea

Associated Talents' Skeletor

Rear View

Remember Skeletor, the small Halloween ornament from Associated Talents?  I call him Bob.  Bob's a 2 1/2 inch square Halloween ornament from Associated Talents that I finished over a year ago and put away.  Now Skeletor has been at West Coast Finishing, becoming the ornament of my dreams!
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2012/04/so-what-has-jane-been-stitching.htmlhttp://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2012/04/serendipitous-bob.html

Boxed Sides with Pompoms

Many thanks to Sue Parsons at West Coast Finishing for coming up with a way to enhance Bob without overwhelming this small piece.  Finishers are the unsung heroes of the world of needlepoint!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Listening to Kids

Pepita's experience designing to a child's requirements is both a charming story and a great idea.
http://needlepointofview.com/2013/05/08/tefillin-bet-hamikdash/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tefillin-bet-hamikdash

By the way, if you are looking for Judaic canvases, follow the link to do some fun browsing at Pepita's other website.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.