New Source for Stumpwork and Goldwork Kits

Since I am talking non-needlepoint this morning, I might as well mention this new source of gold work and stumpwork kits.  Anna Scott, the former editor of Inspirations magazine, mentioned this on her blog and when I explored, I found this wonderful stumpwork owl kit.
http://www.embellishembroidery.com.au/hootie.html 

There are books for sale, gold work kits and more.  Not all the links work but what is visible seems first rate.  If you are a threadaholic, check out all the exotic threads she sells.  (She has silk ribbons that are13mm wide!) Just remember that you are ordering from Australia so shipping may cost more and be slower than ordering from Kansas.  (Or anywhere else in the USA--Kansas just popped into my head!)

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

Henry Grace a Dieu

Fans of reproduction embroidery (particularly the 17th Century) will be charmed by the Henry Grace a Dieu project that Embroidery for Ducks has started.   This is a kit from Bothy Threads, which specializes in reproduction embroidery (second link).
http://embroideryforducks.com/2014/08/05/henry-grace-a-dieu-new-project/

http://www.bothythreads.com

Bothy offers needlepoint kits ("tapestry") as well as counted thread and cross stitch.  You may enjoy watching the tapestry video on the home page, just to see some of their silk screened pieces and their tips on doing needlepoint.  It is a really good introduction to traditional needlepoint for those coming to our art from cross stitch.

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

Vicky's Packing

Vicky is heading to Chicago for the ANG Seminar. What fun she is going to have! 
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/chicago-my-kind-of-town/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 22, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching the Moon and Stars

Colleen of The Needle Works in Austin, Texas is on vacation but she has still posted a stitch diagram perfect for a light coverage moon or stars in the night sky of your latest piece.   She mixes eyelets and Smryna Crosses and other stitches to create a sort of moon crater effect for your full moon.  Individually some of these stitches would make for nice small stars, too.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2014/08/august-15.html

Do you have trouble visualizing canvases where this would work?  This Ewe and Eye piece with the huge harvest moon in the sky is a good place to use all the various stitches Colleen has diagrammed for us.
http://store.needlenook.com/Ewe-Eye-Harvest-Moon-p30224.html

DJ Designs has a wonderful full moon over San Francisco piece where the individual stitches could be the stars while some of the larger ones could create texture and craters on the moon itself.
http://store.needlenook.com/DJ-Designs-San-Francisco-Moon-p30877.html

SharonG's Moon Shine (also available on 18 count) could use some star sparkle on the blue curved wave shape, don't you think?
http://store.needlenook.com/Sharon-G-Moon-Shine-13M-p31202.html

Hope you have a canvas in your stash where you can use this.  If not, guess you'll have to buy one, right?

Hugs from your Master Enabler....

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

Finishing Friday: Beauty

Today's finishing features a particularly lovely picture frame, beautifully finished.  I am not certain that this is a Zecca design, but I think so.
http://chapelhillneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/07/picture-perfect.html

The classic tote from BeStitched is really nice, isn't it?
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/finished-fridays-needlepoint-tote/

I've always loved this Sandra Gilmore Buddha canvas but I never would have thought to make a hanging sign from it.  Clever!
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/finish-fridays-door-hanger/

How about this gorgeous challah cover?
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/08/adrienne-stitched-up-this-lovely_21.html

I also have a lovely custom belt for you to see, based on classic buildings at the University of Virginia, that NeedlePaint created for a customer.  This is a real beauty.
http://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2014/07/22/university-of-virginia-campus-needlepoint-belt/

If your finisher is as skilled as these, your wonderfully stitched piece will be just as gorgeous.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 24, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.