How to Create A Sampler

Lorraine of Color Complements took Jo Christensen's book and her own hand dyed threads (but you can shop your stash) and created an original sampler of stitches. She taught herself new stitches, discovered ones she liked and would use again, and created something very pretty.   It's pretty easy, too!  So grab one of your stitch books and see what you can create.
http://colourcomplements.com/2014/12/needlepoint-stitch-sampler.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 19, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Free Four-Way Christmas Tree Pattern UPDATED

Kimberly has gifted us with a free chart she designed for Rainbow Gallery in 1999. Some things are classics and this four way Christmas tree with a star on top is one of them.  The little pattern between trees looks like an angel to me.  Hope you have time to stitch one or two of these for next year during the football games and after holiday relaxing time.
http://akimberlydesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/merry-christmas.html

Thank you, Kimberly!

UPDATE:  Kimberly has posted a photo of another color ways of her free four-way tree pattern. Neat!
http://akimberlydesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/little-birds-pillow.html

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

PFOS' Ornament Exchange

Pocket Full of Stitches had a Christmas party with an ornament exchange again this year. I thought you'd like to see the staff and the wonderful things they stitched for each other. After all, Christmas may be over but the fun lingers on! 
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-party-ornament-exchange.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 18, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Books, Glorious Books

If you love stitching books, Mary Corbet's listing of perfect embroidery gift books is something you should not miss.   Mary gives a brief review of books on embroidery, crewel, needle painting, silk ribbon embroidery, and more.  If you have Christmas money burning a hole in your pocket, Mary understands and gives a short description of each book, plus where to get a copy in both the States and abroad.  Thanks, Mary!
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/12/great-embroidery-books-christmas-gifts.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 20, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Just a Thought Needlework Stand

Mary Corbet reviewed the Just a Thought Needlework Stand on her site recently.   In case you are in the market for a floor stand, her review will make it easy for you to understand how it works and whether it might be the right stand for your stitching next as she compares the Just a Thought floor stand to the Needlework System Four floor and table stands and to the Necessaire Floor Stand.  Follow the link to the JAT website for further information.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/12/just-a-thought-needlework-stand-review.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 16, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.