Cotton Drawstring Project Storage Bags.

Trish Burr has designed cotton project bags that might be very useful for smaller needlepoint designs. They are large enough to hold a 10 inch diameter hoop, so any 8x8 (or maybe even a 9x9) canvas on stretcher bars should be able to fit inside the drawstring opening.
https://trishburr.com/2016/06/03/cotton-project-bags/

You can purchase these from Trish's Etsy store.  Trish is in South Africa but she will ship anywhere if you are patient.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/398657725/cotton-project-bag?ref=shop_home_active_1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 3, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Rittenhouse Tour

Do you love shop tours like I do? Then you will adore visiting Rittenhouse in Philadelphia with Sheena.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/rittenhouse-needlepoint/

Of course if Philly isn't on your travel itinerary this year, you can visit the shop website.  Have fun exploring!
https://rittenhouseneedlepoint.com/home

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 22, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Bargello Stocking UPDATED

Liz Morrow of LizArt has designed and is starting to work a Bargello Christmas stocking. This red and green and gold and white beauty is being blog-stitched here.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2016/06/christmas-stocking.html

http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2016/06/christmas-stocking-finished.html

Fans of counted canvaswork and Bargello will be thrilled Liz plans to sell the chart.  Yes, please do stitch faster, Liz!

UPDATE:  Liz says she is working on the instructions and hopes to have them ready in July.

UPDATE #2:  They are ready!
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2016/07/bargello-christmas-stocking-published.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 3, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching "In the Well"

Ever hear someone mention they like to "stitch in the well?" Did you wonder what they were talking about?    Mary Agnes shows off her current project,  which is mounted on stretcher bars so that she is stitching "in the well."
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2016/05/be-merry-2.html

Some folks like stitching with their stretcher bars on top instead of behind their canvas.  This is called stitching in the well.  They say it keeps their work cleaner because it is harder to touch the canvas accidentally as they work and makes tying off on the back easier.  Personally, I think it is a matter of personal preference although if you are traveling, it makes great sense to mount your canvas this way before you pack it in your suitcase.  It protects your stitching from being rubbed by other things you've packed, especially if you put a piece of foam core or bubble wrap on the front of your canvas as further padding.

I've tried stitching with my stretcher bars on the front, and I can't see that it makes things cleaner or easier for me--but for you it might make a world of difference.  You won't know until you try.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 12, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Gilmore Girls Buy Needlepoint

Thanks to Lycelle Designs posting this snippet from the television show "Gilmore Girls," we know what the characters think about cursing in needlepoint.  Thanks, Jessica!
https://www.facebook.com/lycettedesigns/videos/287732211558955/?fref=nf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 9, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.