Cure for Streaky Perle Cotton Stitches

Mary Agnes at Needle Nicely has a great tip for avoiding the streaky look you sometimes get with perle cotton threads.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2016/03/streaky-perle-cotton-stitches.html

Very clever, MA!  I think you just won today's Smart Cookie Award.

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.

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.