Visit the Exemplary in Michigan UPDATED

NAN's annual exhibit of needle art opens April 8 in Troy, Michigan.   It's only there for a week so don't miss it if you are in the area.
https://www.facebook.com/118153386709/photos/a.369271916709.162590.118153386709/10153272544031710/?type=3&theater

http://needleart.org

UPDATE: NAN has started posting photographs of award winners on their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/National-Academy-of-Needlearts-118153386709/?fref=photo

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 6, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New: A Seam Ripper/Laying Tool Combo

In Stitches is just back from the Nashville TNNA show, which is mostly cross stitch. They came home with a tool that is new to me--a seam ripper/laying tool combination.  You can see it on their blog in the last photo.  Those who visit In Stitches after leaving the Woodlawn Exhibit can take a peek at them in person.  (In Stitches is very close to Woodlawn Plantation.)
http://institchesshopblog.blogspot.com/2016/03/nashville-3.html

The original intention is for these to be a stiletto/seam ripper but the stiletto end works well as a laying tool.
http://suffolkshakershop.com/Sewing_Accessories.php

These are also available in polished acrylic instead of wood.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/255924847/polished-acrylic-seam-ripper-stiletto

If you like dual use tools, you should shop around to find one that suits your personal style.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 20, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Suzanne Does Casaguidi (Casalguidi?)

Ever been tempted to do something really adventuresome on a canvas and didn't because you were afraid it would "ruin" the design?   Suzanne just charged ahead with her idea and I think it really paid off.  Sure it's not perfect but it looks great.  
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2016/03/casaguidi-anyone.html

The next time you have a crazy impulse, just try it.  Ok?

Hugs to all the adventuresome needlepointers out there!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 19, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Palais Royal Tool Box

Hands Across the Sea has a fascinating article about needlework tools and storage boxes from Palais Royal.  You can learn a bit about this French "shopping mall" and see some of the incredible work available in 18th-19th Century France.
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/ultimate-easter-egg-discerning-needleworker-2/

If you are intrigued, visit Gay Ann Roger's My Needlework Tools website to explore more vintage tools of all kinds.
http://myneedleworkbox.com/tools.html

If you are ready to buy, Carolyn Meacham offers only the highest quality items.  She also sells via eBay.
http://www.elegantarts.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 19, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Run Bunny Run--A Mystery UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff has announced her latest mystery class--Zecca's "Run Bunny Run."  Classes will start in May and run through August, 2016.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/03/whats-new.html

Even though Ruth's shop Bedecked and Beaddazzled is no longer a brick and mortar shop, local stitchers will be able to meet at her headquarters while folks who aren't local can do the class via mail order.  Here's the first lesson complete--with sequins!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/05/its-raining-sequins.html

The second lesson stitches the bunny with the new Capri thread from Rainbow Gallery.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/06/deeee-lightful.html

Now Ruth adds flowers and birds.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/07/its-life-changing-flower.html

And more flowers and crystals, too!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/07/a-very-special-bunny-came-to-town.html

Plus beaded cabochons!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/08/the-bunny-is-hopping.html

And here is the final result, both framed and as a standup.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/04/hoppy-easter.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 19, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.