Beauty for a Winter's Day

Susan at Plays with Needles just went to a Japanese Embroidery get-together hosted by her teacher. She took lots of photos which you will really enjoy.  It's a feast for the eyes in the midst of winter!  Pour a hot beverage and settle down to enjoy.
http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2015/02/mid-winter-matsuri_23.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 23, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Teaching Needlepoint with Plastic Canvas Projects

Until I stumbled across Jenny Henry's posting about a plastic canvas clutch form used to make a purse from one of Jenny's counted canvaswork charts, I had no idea that plastic canvas purse forms were available.   The project (described in the second link below) looks like a fun way to introduce beginners to needlepoint.
https://jennyhenrydesigns.wordpress.com/2015/02/24/diy-union-jack-needlepoint-clutch-by-tara/

http://www.craftsunleashed.com/craft-basics-main/diy-clutch-plastic-canvas/

I found the plastic canvas form itself and the clasp hardware on the Sunshine Crafts website.  The plastic canvas form in the photo looks black but apparently it is on the clear plastic canvas according to the description.
http://www.sunshinecrafts.com/c/PC

I found Joann's Fabrics has a plastic canvas tote bag kit that is equally fun.
http://www.joann.com/cat-tote-bag-plastic-canvas-kit-12inx13inx9in/1494897.html#q=plastic+canvas&start=38

Apparently Walmart carries a plastic mesh purse form that is meant to be used for crochet but it looks like it will work for some needlepoint stitches.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/10575884?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227000016922&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40939527272&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=78876222272&veh=sem

You can see everything but the tote bag form on Lacis' website.  Apparently the clutch comes in two sizes.
http://lacis.com/catalog/data/AE_PurseFramesPlasticMeshBagsHats.html#TM23

With spring break coming up (and a lot of enforced days out of school due to the snow), this might be a neat way to keep those kids occupied and introduce them to your passion simultaneously.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 27, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Foo Foo or No Foo?

Foo foo or no? It's up to you! Ada Hayden of Eye Candy shows off her Halloween pieces that can be finished with over-the-top or minimal trims.  It's up to you.
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2015/02/would-you-like-ribbons-with-that.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 22, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching at the Library

The Embroidery Association of Canada's Regina Chapter has teamed up with the Sunrise Public Library to display various types of handwork along with books about each type.  Clever idea!
http://eac-blog.blogspot.com/2015/03/on-display-regina-stitchery-guild.html

Speaking of literacy, Funk and Weber Designs supports Mountain View Elementary School Library's literacy program with hand made bookmarks.  This is an Alaskan school (Funk and Weber is in Alaska) and their local EGA chapter has folded.  So Jen is looking for help and she needs it fast.

If you can stitch a bookmark (any technique or design except for religious themes are welcome) and ship them off to Funk and Weber, here's the place to send them--

Karen Bente

Arctic Needle

4615 E 102nd Ave

Anchorage, AK 99507

Speed is of the essence, though, since they are handed out at a ceremony in April.  Of course Funk and Weber will keep those that arrive after April 1 for next year but they really do need help ASAP!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 4, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Two Dogs on Mackenzie Childs Bench

Cindy just posted a photograph of a custom Labors of Love canvas featuring her dogs and a Mackenzie Childs-style bench on Facebook.  If you love any of these things, you need to see this gorgeous piece.  Great job, Cindy!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1555676348017387&set=p.1555676348017387&type=1&theater

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 21, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.