The Circus is Not Enough

The fabulous Kaffe Fasset, in his studio, talking about his designs. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0kF3lrarCQ

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.

About Darning Stitches

SharonG Bra with Darning Stitch Deer Background*

You have probably seen darning stitch backgrounds here and there without really understanding how they are done.  Vicky DeAngelis to the rescue!  Pay close attention to the margins of her canvas where she does little | stitches to turn the thread before stitching another vertical row.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/still-love-that-man-in-uniform/

SuZy Murphy has a book that is all darning patterns called SuZy's Darn Stitches.
http://www.pfos.com/SalePages/PocketFullofStitchesNeedlepointBooks.htm

Brenda Hart's two Favorite Stitches books and her Stitches for the Millennium all have a few darning patterns in them as well.
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2012/02/26/new-needlepoint-books-from-brenda-hart-june-mcknight/

From personal experience I can tell you to use long lengths of thread as you can't stop in the middle of a row.  Threads that drag from one motif to the next will show so make sure each row is stitched the same way so that the shadows all look the same from the front.

*For new readers of Blog, the camouflage bra and tap pants set is from SharonG.  I stitched it several years ago.  Here are the links to my old articles if you are curious.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/01/camouflage-bra-and-tap-pants-set.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/01/camouflage-lingerie-threads.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/01/all-beads-are-not-alike.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/01/what-size-beads-for-what-size-lingerie.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/01/bead-and-stars-tidbits.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/02/by-way.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/02/rushing-around-before-more-snow.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/02/bra-with-beads.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/02/bra-beads.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/02/beaded-bra.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/02/better-beaded-bra-and-more.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/02/comparing-beading-techniques.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/02/now-we-wait.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/02/camo-tap-pants-done-stars-started.html

http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/02/sharong-camouflage-bra-and-tap-pants.html

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.

Define "Hand Made" UPDATED

Although this really isn't about needlepoint, I thought this article about the craft site Etsy's problems with figuring out what is hand made versus what is mass produced, it is of interest to stitchers because it touches upon the discussion about what is art and what is just a craft.   There are also some needlepoint related shops that use Etsy.  I would love to hear thoughts from folks who buy or sell there about what is going on.
http://www.dailydot.com/business/etsy-brave-new-economy-crumbling/

I certainly am going to look more carefully at any Etsy shop before I buy from them now.

UPDATE:  Liz found this article that shows Etsy exposes creators to the danger of having their work ripped off.  (Of course it isn't just Etsy when you can fun into that problem, but the site has a lot of creative types in one place whose work can be stolen by the unscrupulous.)  Thanks, Liz!
http://www.fastcodesign.com/3020194/how-a-company-gets-away-with-stealing-independent-designers-work?partner=newsletter#2

UPDATE #2:  Apparently there is an Etsy group that certifies all items made by members are actually made by that member.
http://shine.yahoo.com/work-money/is-etsy-still-etsy--members-respond-to-policy-change-over-what-is-handmade-220156294.html

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.

Carol's a Winner!

Of course we all knew Carol was a winner, but now she has the ribbons to prove it. 
http://carolscountedcanvasworkneedleworks.blogspot.com/2013/09/royal-show-needlepoint.html

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.

Blackwork for the Fan

I don't even know now where I heard about Ajisai Designs, but Valentina Sardu publishes cross stitch and blackwork charts and books that are a treat for the eyes.  It looks like she also reprints old patterns.  This is a treasure trove for fans of older designs and those who love modern blackwork. Enjoy!
http://www.ajisaipress.com/blog/cross-stitch-and-blackwork-designs/

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.