The Fly Fisherman's Stocking

The Renegade Needlepointer just finished a Christmas stocking for her son-in-law, an avid fly fisherman. She has some interesting customization and tips for stitching such a piece.
http://renegadeneedlepointer.com/2016/03/02/i-do-not-like-to-excercise/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 2, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Stumpwork Masterclass (Review)

Alison Cole, who is very well known for her gold work, has written an exhaustive book on stumpwork called The Stumpwork Masterclass. Mary Corbet managed to get a copy (Alison is in Australia)  and has a lovely review on her website. 
http://www.needlenthread.com/2016/02/stumpwork-masterclass-by-alison-cole-book-review.html

Not everyone who needlepoints is going to be interested in this book but it is an exhaustive treatment of stumpwork in the 17th Century and how it is done today.  If it is anything like Alison's two gold work books, the photos alone are worth the price of the book.  If you haven't seen Alison's work before, you will want to visit her website to drool over her work, check out her kits and of course, think about buying one (or all) of her books.
https://www.alisoncoleembroidery.com.au

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 29, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

DIY Storage Box

Peg bought plans on Etsy to build a thread storage box.   The shop is in Australia but since you can use Paypal for payment and it is a digital download of a PDF file for the plans, it is an easy purchase.  If you are handy with tools you might be interested in this.
https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/255038312/plans-for-an-18-drawer-floss-box?ref=shop_home_active_1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 28, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing Video by Starke Art Designs

Folks who do their own finishing will want to see this video by Kelly Starke Maichele of Starke Art Designs on how to finish open topped ornaments the easy way. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbhM76LfWPM&feature=youtu.be

You can reach Kelly to arrange finishing via Osterville Needlepoint.
http://www.ostervilleneedlepointshop.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 27, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Box Beads (Sundance)

Sundance's Box Beads

Recently Sundance sent me a selection of their new "box" beads to play with.   As you can see from the photo, these are perfectly square beads that are 3mm on each side.  The holes in the middle of each bead are relatively large.

Box Beads in Corners of Gold Digger Miami

I used Sundance's box beads as accents in the corners of my Gold Digger Miami piece from Leigh Designs.  The photo above is a test using gold and red beads so I could decide which color I liked best.  (I went with the red.)  I was able to use a doubled strand of overdyed cotton to go through each bead 3-4 times to secure it, so those center holes will take a very fat thread, probably even a strand of Impressions or something similar in diameter.  The beads themselves stand up high off the canvas and are slightly larger than a normal round size 11/0 bead.

Very nice and the color selection is large, which is always a plus.   I certainly will be using these again!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 25, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.