Finishing Friday: Hand Protectors

If you are stitching something likely to be handled by small children, you might want to use the clever finishing technique Terry's finisher came up with for her pirate ship and pirate standups--knobs on top!  Terry's grandsons will likely use the knobs to lift and position their pirates as they battle each other's ships.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=733218026738410&set=gm.695370047206823&type=1&theater

If worry about wear and tear and dirt have kept you from stitching a purse, you should see the ones Mary Agnes has stitched.  These are Elizabeth Turner customs.  The first one is over thirty years old. True it is a shop model but I bet it has been handled a lot over the years by eager customers.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2014/07/mary-bag-pocketbook.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 17, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Barjello Magic (in Class)

Ruth shares the fun her customers had in a Bargello class with Julia Snyder. Folks picked a canvas from her And More line, then choose stitches from her iBargello book and stitched their brains out.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/07/the-brilliance-of-bargello.html

Here's the book they used.  The second link is the only review I found.
http://store.apneedlearts.com/ibargello.html

http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/ibargello-book-review/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 21, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

So What's It Like In Embellishment Class?

Since I live so far from any shop and have never taken a canvas embellishment class, I was surprised to hear that they have several formats.   Robin King hints at how she runs embellishment classes here in her blog posting about her trip to Peacock Alley in Michigan.  Looks like she does a guide for everyone in class and they go over the stitches used in class.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2014/07/teaching-at-peacock-alley-needlepoint.html

Robin promises more photos from the class once she gets home and unpacks (and crashes).  Until then, we can get more glimpses of how Robin's class went from Diane who was lucky enough to be one of The Nine.  By the way, the anti-tarnish needle minders apparently will be more widely available in case you want to polish up your needles.  (I never use mine long enough for this to be a problem but I have acid hands.)
http://www.dianestakingtimeouttoneedlepoint.com/2014/08/an-absolutely-awesome-weekend.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 4, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Finella: A New Laying Tool

Finella Laying Tools

When I saw Pamela Harding post this on Facebook, I asked her if I could repost her message and photos here.  Pamela said yes!  Thanks, Pam!


Pamela says:  Who doesn't need a new laying tool? I now have a new one for you to try called a Finella. They were featured in the What's New column of the last issue of Needlepoint Now and a few people have asked me about them.

They are hand-made by a welder friend of mine here in Washington state to my exact specifications - who better than a needlepointer to design a laying tool? There are two types of tools - a regular laying tool with a sharp end and a tool with a rounded end which is great for working with silk ribbon, flair, or any other thread that can get caught on a point. They come in 3", 4", and 5" lengths. Made of steel they have a slight more heft than a BLT or Teko Bari. They have square ends to keep from rolling and will stick to a magnet. They have been "blued" so that your skin oils won't discolor the metal.

Finella Ribbon Laying Tools

Retail price is $25 for the 4" and $30 for the 3" and 5" (because they are handmade, these different sizes are harder to work with). 

You can contact me directly at needlearts@comcast.net, 206-406-5642, if you would like to purchase them or get more information. 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 1, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Easy, Intermediate or Advanced?

Sheena has an idea that she things will help new stitchers who are browsing for a canvas online--shops should indicate somehow whether a canvas is likely to be easy, intermediate or advanced to stitch.  This isn't a foolproof system but it is going to be useful to an inexperienced stitcher.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/appealing-younger-generation/

Here's the site that got Sheena thinking what a cleaver idea this is--
http://www.comfy-cottage.com

If you are a shop with an online presence, this isn't a bad idea to implement as you add new photos to your web store.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 21, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.