Playing with A Color Change

Colour Complements is showing off their threads by stitching a chart from Needlepoint Now in various overdyed threads.  This version is pastels with dots of dark purple and dark green.
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/05/iris-needlepoint-stitch-sample.html

This version is purple and lime paired with a border of a grayed blue with overdyed Kreinik.
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/06/iris-2-summer-collection-colours-hand-dyed.html

The third version adds overdyed Kreinik to add a pop of color to the pastels with the gray-blue border threads and darker center squares.
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/06/iris-3-needlepoint-hand-dyed-threads.html

The fourth version plays with the placement of the overdyed Kreinik and the purple and lime.
https://colourcomplements.com/2020/06/iris-4-needlepoint-hand-dyed-threads.html

It's always fun to see the same chart done in different colors!  In the last link, scroll down and compare all four versions to see how changing the same threads to different positions changes the look—and these are all mostly greens.  The changes would be even more dramatic if you were using blues and yellows and reds and blacks, for example.

If you are charmed, Lorraine can get you the threads you want.  She's in Canada but she ships to the USA a lot.  The design is available in the January-February 2020 issue of Needlepoint Now magazine which you can buy on their website still. It's on sale for $4 for the month of May.  It is by Diane Grant. Diane's original version is in purples with yellow accents.
https://www.needlepointnow.com/product/january-february-2020/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 27, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

And Now For Something New from Hook and Harbor

Hook and Harbor is a new designer who sells her work on Etsy.  Recently I mentioned her Harry Potter canvas.  It's not on the shop right now but I did notice she's doing something new—a mystery ornament of the month based on a theme and a thread of the month. UPDATE:  When I wrote this 10 days ago there were no Harry Potter themed canvases but they are back, including a new chocolate frog canvas, and there's a Hogwarts mystery club, too.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/HookandHarborCo?

Here is what Hook and Harbor says about the Monthly Mystery Ornament Club:

"Join us for a monthly mystery club where each month you will receive an exclusive ornament canvas that corresponds to the theme for that month! These designs will be exclusive to club members until after a full calendar year when they will be added to the shop. So whether you want to increase your ornament stash or just gift yourself some happy mail, this is the club for you!

The theme will be announced prior to the start of each month and orders will be open until the first 7th of that month. Ornaments will be shipped out during the third week of the month. Ornament design size and canvas mesh will vary based on theme/design."

The thread of the month choices are a custom dyed thread that looks like the inspiration photo posted.  The photo is posted before the first of the month and orders are taken from the first until the 7th of the month.  Thread club orders are also shipped in the third week of the month.

It's a different approach and an interesting one.  Good luck with this, Kate!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 4, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Interviewing Kate Dickerson

The latest interview the Pointing It Out podcast has done with Kate Dickerson. It's a fun one and reveals that Kate's a Francophile and a lover of Lily Pulitzer—and her idea for a new French Nativity set based on the santons ("little saints") of Provence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTkQJsi7aZo

Not familiar with Kate Dickerson's line?  Here's her website.
https://www.katedickerson.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 5, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Elizabeth Bradley Sells Large Acrylic Trays

Elizabeth Bradley now sells acrylic trays that are 16 inches square.  They allow you to change out designs with the seasons.
https://americas.elizabethbradley.com/products/large-acrylic-tray?fbclid=IwAR1eVK0WhdaSudiWr4-3uwNlVqFWINCPeQ0ID78BK-et3zW7XMumJehLXEA

Elizabeth Bradley obviously had their 16 inch square kits in mind for these trays.
https://americas.elizabethbradley.com/collections/16-inch-needlepoint-kits

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 18, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mary Corbet Advocates for Blunt-Tipped Laying Tools

The amazing Mary Corbet has done a lovely article about blunt laying tools and why you need them.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2020/06/the-dull-tool-why-you-need-one.html

The one she uses is the Coleshill Collection's Stiletto Pewter Laying Tool, seen here.
http://www.coleshillcollection.com/accessories/stitching-aids/stilleto-pewter-laying-tool.html

Their Victorian Ring Laying Tool also looks blunt tipped.  It is similar to our trolley needle here in the States, so if you love trolley needles (I do but a lot of folks are afraid they will poke their eye since you wear them on a finger or thumb), check this out.
http://www.coleshillcollection.com/accessories/stitching-aids/victorian-ring-laying-tool.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 1, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.