All About Stretcher Bars

Amy Bunger's latest shop newsletter has a tutorial all about stretcher bars: the types available, the pluses and minues of each type, how to assemble them, now to attach canvases to them, accessories to make using stretcher bars easier, etc.  It's a useful resource for the newer stitcher or for someone just interested in how great stitchers like Amy work.
http://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/1217.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 2, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Finishing Tour

Quail Run has posted a tour of various pillow finishing styles they've arranged for customers lately. It's a good way to see what types of finishing can be done for your own pillow canvas and also is a great reference to show a shop when you take your canvas to them to have it made up into a pillow.   If you don't have any pillows in your life, this is still wonderful to see.  The finishing is superb.
http://quailrunneedlework.com/blog/post/its-all-about-the-finishing

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 2, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

All About Elizabeth Bradley's Pre-Stitched Pillows

Needlepoint for Fun's latest e-newsletter profiles Elizabeth Bradley's pre-stitched items.  If you ever wondered where these were stitched and by whom, you'll enjoy reading this.
http://www.icontact-archive.com/3sPNpcHW2d6IBVeY4CRghHkGpZ04OnST?w=4

These pre-stitched pillows, stools, lavender bags and tassel trims are called Elizabeth Bradley Home. The entire line can be seen here.
http://elizabethbradleyhome.us/shop/

The unstitched Elizabeth Bradley items are located here.  The kits are cheaper than the finished items but of course you will have to pay to have them finished yourself if you are not handy with a sewing machine.
https://www.elizabethbradley.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 1, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Look Who's in House Beautiful!

Lycette Designs is on the back of the latest House Beautiful (February 2018 issue)!  Congratulations, Jessica!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/1611020162308469/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 4, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Celebrate Failures as Necessary Part of Finding Right Answer

Tricia Nguyen talks about design choices using her stumpwork canvas as an example.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2017/09/tough-choices-when-designing-your.html

It's an important lesson—"...in engineering we celebrate these failures as a necessary part of getting to the right answer."

Think of Tricia the next time you abandon a project because you are making mistakes.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 29, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.