The Anna Pearson Annual Retreat in Italy

English needlepointers often head to Italy with Anna Pearson each year. Their retreat sounds fabulous! 
http://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/12/annual-needlepoint-retreat-in-italy.html

If you are interested in going in 2015, contact Anna via her website.
http://www.needle-point.co.uk

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

When in Doubt, Take a Mystery Class UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff has announced her new mystery class for the winter--Amy Bruecken's "When In Doubt, Twirl."   It is a fun piece on 13 count and there is a class in February and one in March, so it'll be a quick piece to do to compete the winter doldrums.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/12/when-in-doubt-twirl.html

UPDATE:  Lesson one--
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/02/twirl.html

UPDATE:  The second and final lesson--
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/03/and-twirling-we-will-go.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 14, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: Coloured Spiral from Golden Hinde (and more)

This message is for all my fellow threadaholics--Mary Corbet has found something called coloured spiral at the Golden Hinde website in the UK. 
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/12/mesmerized-by-thread-2.html

I know you "need" some because I "need" some, too!  Spiral Posh, anyone?
http://www.golden-hinde.co.uk/Gold-Work/1768/goldwork-embroidery-supplies-coloured-spiral.html

By the way, if this is a little too thick or wide for your current canvas, check out what Julia Snyder did with Access Commodities' silk wrapped purl in a class for Bedecked and Beadazzled.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/12/be-merry.html

Parma Violet, anyone?
http://www.hedgehoghandworks.com/catalog/metal_threads_silk_wrapped_pearl_purl.php

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

Horse Hair for Whiskers

Heather just noticed this great idea on Etsy--use horse hair for whiskers! Don't have a horse handy? Not to worry--the Etsy store sells little packets of it.  There's enough for you and your entire stitching circle to do whiskers on their dog and cat ornaments.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/205553220/light-or-dark-horse-hair-for-whiskers?ref=favs_view_1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 8, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Dag Nab It

I meant to title this "Snag Nab It" as that's the tool I wanted to mention today but I flubbed the title and it's so funny, I left it.  The Snag Nab It is a needle with a spiral at the point end that carries loose threads from the front of a knitted fabric to the back.  The original use was to fix snags but we stitchers use it to carry loose thread ends to the back side.  The first section shows the needle in close up and how it is used on clothing.  Shop around as the prices vary.
http://thriftylittlemom.com/2014/01/10/diy-fashion-repair-secrets-from-retailors/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 23, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.