Charley Harper Designs for the Counted Canvasworker

Charley Harper's iconic animal prints are wildly famous among needleworkers, so much so that The Meredith Collection licenses many of them to sell as painted canvases.  But what do you do if you are a counted person who really doesn't like painted canvases?  You turn to Ann Strite-Kurz.  This is just what Sue did and you can learn a bit about the wonderful "Brrrrrrr" that she stitched using class materials from Ann on Sue's blog.
https://sudukc.wordpress.com/2018/04/27/burrrrrrrrr-ann-strite-kurz-more-catching-up/

Years ago Ann arranged with Charley Harper to turn some of his designs into counted canvaswork.  She has three classes based on his art and you can see them here in her list of available classes.  If you ask nicely, I think Ann will sell you the kit for these.  As Sue explains, her instructions are very clear, so you should be able to work these class pieces on your own.  They are not intended to be worked solo and you won't be able to ask Ann for clarification, but judging from the instructions I've seen in Ann's class materials and from what Sue says, this shouldn't be an issue for the experienced stitcher.
https://www.annstritekurz.com/classes.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 27, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stumpwork Embroidery: Techniques and Projects (A Review)

Mary Corbet has done another wonderful book review on a new book about stumpwork.  It looks like Helen Richman's book is particularly strong on teaching the creation of stumpwork figures but it sounds like a great book all around.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/03/stumpwork-embroidery-techniques-projects-book-review.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 16, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Game of Thrones Tapestry

Northern Ireland's Ulster Museum is working on a huge tapestry on linen bringing scenes from TV's Game of Thrones to life.  This article shows off the work, which will be over 252 feet long when complete, through photos and a video.  The tapestry is woven and then embellished by embroiderers to add highlights and metallics to various areas.  The project was created to highlight Irish tourism, embroidery and weaving skills.
http://www.irishnews.com/lifestyle/2017/08/21/news/the-embroiderers-behind-the-game-of-thrones-tapestry-1110186/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 16, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thread Conditioning

Most of us don't bother to condition our threads but if you ever considered it or are just plain curious, Mary Corbet has written a nice long article that considers what thread conditioners like Thread Heaven and beeswax are supposed to do and how well they hold up over time.  I found it very interesting!
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/03/on-thread-conditioning-beeswax-for-embroidery.html

Mary definitely is against using them except for goldwork, attaching buttons to clothing and by inference, adding beads to needlework.  It would be interesting to hear an opposing point of view.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 14, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Jewelry for the Mad Scientist in You

I get Fusion Bead's daily newsletter. It has new products, sales and more.  Although I do get tired of the daily spam, the sales are good and occasionally they mention a new product that looks interesting.  Today's email talks about Centerline's stitchable bracelets, crosses and pendants.
http://www.fusionbeads.com/new-products/new-centerline-charms-and-findings

The second link has a video that shows how to bead on the bracelet.  Watching the video I started to wonder if a section of needlepoint canvas could be inserted in the cuff bracelets….
http://www.fusionbeads.com/all-in-a-line-cuff-bracelet

By the way, if you are intrigued by the Xuron thread cutter used in the video, here's a bit more about it.
http://www.fusionbeads.com/Xuron-Thread-and-Fiber-Scissors

This is for the experimental needlepointer.  Have fun and tell me all about it!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 14, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.