Best Stitches for Stems and Branches UPDATED

If you have a canvas with tree branches or plants on it or are even stitching coral or underwater plants, you'll want to read Mary Corbet's article on ten embroidery stitches she uses for plant stems and branches.  She talks about stem stitch, outline stitch, split stitch, back stitch, chain stitch and twisted chain, fly stitch, feather stitch, button hole stitch variation, and wheat ear stitch—all stitches she uses again and again to embroider vegetation.  The only thing I'll add is that Mary works on fabrics like linen and aida.  Since we are needlepointers, we may need to use a sharp needle to pierce the threads of needlepoint canvas to successfully work some of these stitches.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/08/10-hand-embroidery-stitches-for-stems-branches.html

UPDATE:  Stephanie posted this morning about progress on one of her Ewe and Eye canvases, including a great tree stitch from Amy Bunger using silk ribbon.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2018/10/planting-trees-at-white-farm.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 10, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

What I Want on My Christmas Tree This Year

Those who love 17th Century reproduction embroidery already know Rachel Kinnison's name. She makes and sells all sorts of stumpwork pieces as well as beautiful decorated frames.  She also creates a special Christmas kit each year.  This year's is my personal favorite, a tiny music box in the shape of a 17th Century stumpwork casket!   You can read a bit about it here and see it in the video Rachel made.
https://ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com/2018/08/available-now-for-preorder_6.html

Here's another look, with emphasis on the "flirty eyes."
https://ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com/2018/08/flirty-eyes.html

For more details and to pre-order, visit Rachel's website.  Remember, all proceeds go to help support the Lady's Repository Museum, which specializes in early American fashion, particular children's clothing.
https://diamondkfolkart.blogspot.com/p/2018-lt-edition-ornament-kit-peaceful.html

By the way, Rachel will be teaching two beaded stumpwork classes this year.  Isn't that dog darling?!
https://ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com/2018/08/new-2019-classes.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 6, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Why Finishers Charge So Much

If you ever wondered why on earth finishers charge so much, just watch Vanna Pfieffer (The Twisted Stitcher) finish a standup.  It takes her nearly an hour and twenty minutes, plus she doesn't show everything.  AND she's very practiced at this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEowNoFqfoQ&feature=youtu.be

Personally I think finishers are worth their weight in gold—and more!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 19, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Queen Margrethe Stitches

Denmark's Queen Margrethe II apparently does a lot of ecclesiastical needlepoint.  The Loudoun Sampler Guild has a brief article with photos of her latest antependium, which is a textile hanging for the front of an altar or lectern.  Queen Margrethe apparently does quite a bit of needlepoint for various Danish churches and also paints.
https://loudounsamplerguild.wordpress.com/2018/08/01/a-queenly-embroidery/

Nice to know the first reigning female monarch in Denmark since the 14th Century is a needlepointer like us.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 2, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Holy Cow! It's BIG!!

Enriched Stitch showed off John's latest project on their blog. Suzie estimates it took him three years and is about 3x4 feet.  And it is beautiful!
http://astheneedleturns.com/a-massive-undertaking/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 19, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.