K's Creation Lap Frame and Portable Footstool

The Needlepointer has a neat video available that shows off the K's lap frame and their collapsable portable footstool.
https://vimeo.com/397483713

The lap frame is available in three sizes:  the baby base will hold stretcher bars or scroll frames that are between 9-13 inches in width, the standard base will adjust from 13-22 inches in width. and the large base will adjust from 22-36 inches in width.
http://kscreations.com/lap_original.htm

These can be purchased with what is called a Universal Clamp that will hold stretcher bars (regular and minis), scroll frames and Q-snaps.
http://kscreations.com/configurations.htm

Talk to your favorite shop about options before you order so you get the right lap stand for you.  And if you are "vertically challenged" think about getting the footstool, too.
http://kscreations.com/acc_rest.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 7, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Jane Zimmerman Talks Or Nue on Needlepoint Canvas

Recently I realized Jane Zimmerman has made some of her writings about or nue available for free online.  I was particularly interested in her article about doing or nue on needlepoint canvas or Congress cloth.  She tells you exactly how to do this, from the types of metallic thread to couch to the number of plies of the various silk brands available when this article was written.  
https://janezimmerman.com/Site/Techniques/Or%20Nue-canvas.pdf

If you want to read what she says about traditional or nue, here's the article.  Note that the articles are nearly the same but there are some tips that apply only to those working on needlepoint canvas or on linen fabric.
https://janezimmerman.com/Site/Techniques/Or%20Nue.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 3, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint A to Z

Do you like puzzles?  If so, you'll want to get this puzzle which is called Needlepoint A to Z.
https://www.bookdepository.com/Needlepoint-Z-1000-Piece-Panoramic-Puzzle-Galison/9780735365308

Many thanks to Susan who was gifted one of these puzzles and let Needlepoint Nation know about it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 7, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Gold Work Guild

I just stumbled across mention of The Gold Work Guild.  Based in England, they have workshops, lots of information about goldwork techniques on their website, and they list exhibitions and events of interest to the student of this technique.  I don't see cyberclasses but you might convince them in this time of pandemic to try one. 
http://www.thegoldworkguild.com

Have fun exploring.  Their Gallery section is full of inspiring examples of goldwork, even if you aren't interested in learning to do this yourself.

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

Tracy Franklin Demonstrates Long and Short Stitch

Needlepointers love the shading you can achieve on leaves and flower petals with long and short stitch, but it seems daunting.  Luckily Tracy Franklin has posted a tutorial that shows how it is done step by step.
http://tracyafranklin.blogspot.com/2020/08/a-basic-silk-shading-tutorial.html

Note that Tracy is stitching with what appears to be crewel wool on linen.  If you work on needlepoint canvas, you'll need a sharp needle instead of a tapestry needle so you can angle the stitches exactly where you want them.  You can't skip steps.   Tracy outlined the leaf shape with split stitch first and that always has to be done.  Then she worked the first half of her leaf in three rows.  You can't rush this by attempting only two rows and if you omit the split stitch edge, the leaf stitches won't lay well.  Patience is key here.

Read through Tracy's blog for more tips on shading and some fascinating interviews.

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