The Next Big Thing

In Stitches-Atlanta just posted a video on Facebook that shows Laura Taylor demonstrating how to bead letters using stem stitches. This is the next big thing--stringing beads on various stitches.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=690630157661180&set=vb.351241641600035&type=2&theater

Try it with a Rhodes stitch for berries....

Rachel also mentions something in her Tudor Rose class on 17th Century embroidery techniques and threads that I think is starting to intrigue needlepoint teachers and stitch guide designers--using multiple threads in one stitch.  This technique is as old as needlepoint.
http://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2014/06/03/starting-on-the-tudor-rose/

This is a bit about the class Rachel is taking, in case you are intrigued.
http://thistle-threads.com.mytempweb.com/teaching/projects/17thcentury/17thcent_tudorrose.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 5, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Dollhouse Needlepoint

Janet Granger has had a customer of her miniature needlepoint designs share photos of several of her dollhouses with Janet's needlepoint in place.   Isn't this fun?
http://janetgranger.wordpress.com/2014/05/08/dollhouse-inspiration-from-denmark/

Folks who feel they don't have the time to do a needlepoint rug should consider doing a miniature.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 9, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tropicana Tips from Ada

Ada Hayden of Eye Candy is a really nice lady. Not only does she give Needlepoint Now magazine some free designs to publish, she adds great photos and additional information to her blog so that when you get your May-June issue and fall in love with Ada's Tropicana Cuff Bracelet, you can visit her blog for additional information and photos. 
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2014/05/introducing-new-design-tropicana-cuff.html

My copy hasn't come yet so I'll just stare at Ada's photos and dream of Tropicana and warmer weather....

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 7, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Time Travel

Thanks to Anny, I discovered this Textile Conservation Studio video that digitally recreates a 400 year old tapestry.   The tapestry is one of a series of tapestries from Hardwick Hall, home of Bess of Hardwick who stitched with Mary, Queen of Scots when Mary was confined at Bess's home by order of Queen Elizabeth I.
http://nttextileconservationstudio.wordpress.com/2014/04/25/gideon-through-time/

It is amazing how things change over 400 years!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© May 9, Copyright 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

All About the System Four Floor Frame UPDATED

If you are in the market for a floor frame and can't try one out before you buy, Needle in a Haystack's thorough review is going to be a Must Read. 
http://needlestack.typepad.com/whats_new/2014/05/needlework-system-4-stands-review.html

The most important thing in shopping for a floor frame is to analyze how and where you stitch, then see if the particular features of the floor stand you are considering will work in that location and with your stitching style.  Doesn't matter how great a frame is, if you can't lay in bed and stitch with it if that is how you prefer to work, it is not the frame for you.

UPDATE:  Donna says she uses this stand from the side but as the comment section at the NIAH site was closed, she asked me to mention it here, just in case you need your floor frame off to one side instead of in front of you.  It's versatile and will work either way.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 3, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.