How to Attach a Slip and Why

Did you ever read about Mary, Queen of Scots' needlework and wonder what slips were and why her needlepoint was attached that way?
http://marie-stuart.co.uk/embroidery.htm

The Floss Box has a fun tutorial about attaching slips that will help you understand how they were done.  This is something you might even consider doing yourself.
https://www.theflossbox.com/tutorials/embroidery-slips-tutorial/?fbclid=IwAR33dP0dPtFhCdrlV8oT6XOpwa-8g25aAJEcYc_ktASfqWa1QFPkD7c25UY

Or if you are a history buff, you might recreate some of Her Royal Highness' work using one of these English kits and charts from Sew Much Fun.
http://www.sewexciting.com/sections/58/dundonald_designs/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 7, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: Sue Spargo Threads

Thanks to a recent newsletter from Inspirations magazine in Australia, I have learned that the famous quilt designer and teacher Sue Spargo sells threads perfect for quilting and hand embroidery.

There appear to be three threads:  Eleganza, which is a perle Egyptian cotton in size 8,
https://www.inspirationsstudios.com/product/sue-spargo-thread-pack-eleganza/

Eleganza Variegated, which is the variegated version of regular Eleganza, still in size 8 perle cotton,
https://www.inspirationsstudios.com/product/sue-spargo-thread-pack-eleganza-variegated/

and Ellana, which is a thin fine Merino wool/acrylic blend.  I don't know the diameter of this but I suspect it is thinner than crewel wool.
https://www.inspirationsstudios.com/product/sue-spargo-thread-pack-ellana/

Inspirations sells thread packs which you can purchase above.  These threads are made in conjunction with Wonderfil, which sells another two Sue Spargo-branded threads:  Razzle (which is a size 8 nylon perle thread that is available in both solid colors and variegated) and Dazzle (which is a six ply metallic rayon bend, also in size 8).  They also sell Sue's wool fabric in coordinated colors.
https://www.wonderfil.ca/sue-spargo-collection

If you want something truly different, this is worth exploration although the website is wholesale only.  They do offer help in finding stores, however.   If you know any rabid quilters, you might want to raid their stash!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 22, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint From A Beginner's Perspective

I found this article about starting needlepoint very interesting.  
https://www.herlifemagazine.com/blog/fine-things/needlepoint-is-back/?fbclid=IwAR1WjGl4Uwuazpmnq1jMQNL5fyXVGWGGinlQMyTsm6axC7P6u7mXL9ya3nQ

Most beginners start with kits they find locally and don't do fancy stitches or light coverage (although some jump right in to what might be a little harder).  You can have a lot of fun browsing Ehrman Tapestry's online catalogue.  Note that these are printed designs meant to be stitched entirely in wool and they are usually 10 or 12 stitches to the inch, instead of the more typical 13 and 18 count for hand painted designs.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com

You can buy Elizabeth Bradley kits (which like other English designers are printed, use wool and are larger count) from their website.  This is their American website.
https://americas.elizabethbradley.com

Alice Peterson usually only sells wholesale except for their Stitch and Zip kits, which are self finishing and very popular among those looking for a quick gift or a carry along project for a trip.
alice peterson needlepoint stitch and zip

The two shops that the author mentions are Aristeia in California…
https://www.aristeianeedlepoint.com

…and The Needlepointer in Washington State.
https://www.theneedlepointer.com

Both are fabulous shops although the online shopping is better at The Needlepointer, and the Gallery of finished pieces at Aristeia will blow your socks off.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 6, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Design Your Own Finishing Fabric

Not all of us are as creative as Morgan Julia Designs but we can all use Etsy or Spoonflower to find or design fabrics that will coordinate or enhance our stitching.
https://morganjuliadesigns.com/blogs/news/creating-my-own-fabric-for-finishing?fbclid=IwAR3ds_yojrrYZ8fUcp4cEQTD0hhFJCaqFqSaqKjWb4jt0ksOjWZsjKIZbM8

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 18, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Lady with Lime Green Background: A Mystery (Plus Red Head on Teal)

The Winter 2020 mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled is going to be all about this lovely Lady with a Lime Green Background from Colors of Praise.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/12/lady-with-lime-green-background/

As Ruth works her magic, I'll update this article so you can follow along.

UPDATES:  The first area Ruth tackled is the face.  Check out the special touches that brought all that tent stitch to life.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/01/faces-and-details/

Next, Ruth created wallpaper for the background.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/01/wallpaper/

Now she tackles the hair and the flower in the lady's hair.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/02/the-curls/

The next areas are her patterned clothes and headband.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/03/patterns/

The patterns on her clothes have sequins!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/04/sequins/

The peacock feather is beaded and the leaves in her hair are doing with short lengths of metal threads.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/04/stumpwork/

Here's a video to try and show the sparkle on this piece.
https://www.facebook.com/ruth.schmuff/videos/4252873121393353/

Ruth is also doing the companion piece of a lady with red hair on a teal background.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/03/a-new-lady/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 16, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.