Made in the USA: Stitch and Zip Kits

Alice Peterson just posted photos of the steps in making Stitch and Zip kits.  Use the right side arrow to see them all.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2241454485931126&set=pcb.2241455069264401&type=3&theater

If you aren't familiar with the Stitch and Zip kits, you can see them here.  They are fabulous small travel projects although it can be tricky to stitch the edges near the zipper and backing.
https://www.stitchandzipkits.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 29, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Border Queen UPDATED

Amy Bunger's doing a series of six small canvases as her home study pieces in 2019. She calls them Needlepoint Mosaics.  They are quite interesting as she's chosen tiny pieces and is adding big borders to them all.  You can see this best by looking at the cardinal (click on the dots at the top of the current picture and choose the next to last dot).  You can see the design and the borders she's building around it.
https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/store/p3168/Needlepoint_Mosaics.html

You can see more in her latest newsletter, specifically how she is adding stitches around the tiny pine cone canvas.
https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0619.pdf

UPDATE:  There are more photos of the series here in the just published newsletter.
https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0819.pdf

If you want to try this yourself, look for a small design that has a wide border of blank canvas around it.  Some of Amy's were custom painted for her so you may need to limit yourself to 1-2 inches of new border area.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 2, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Open a Skein of Boucle and Pop the Top of a Kreinik Spool

The June-July newsletter from Amy's Golden Strand is out and as usual, it is full of eye candy. It also has some great information about how best to open a skein of boucle and how to use the Kreinik spools to secure threads once you start using them.  If you've ever tangled a skein of threads or didn't know Kreinik spools have a pop top, this newsletter is for you!
https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0619.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 2, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Behind the Scenes with Gay Ann Rogers' Samplers

Gay Ann Rogers has a new website (same URL as the old one) and is practicing updating it by posting photos of her favorite samplers. These are on either needlepoint canvas or Congress cloth, not linen.  Click on a photo to read about each of them and see details and a better big photo.
http://www.gayannrogers.com/gallery/index.html

I don't know how long these will be available so don't miss reading about them.  The stories behind each are fascinating!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 30, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Essential Skills for Physicians and Engineers

Tricia Nguyen talks about hand coordination skills and their importance in the 21st Century. 
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2019/05/hand-skills-doctors-of-sewing-needed.html

Here is the NY Times article that prompted Tricia's message.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/30/well/live/surgeons-hobbies-dexterity.html?action=click&module=Discovery&pgtype=Homepage

Go forth and teach a kid needlework.  You're giving them valuable skills for life.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 31, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.