Saturday, December 5, 2020

Breaking News: A New Shop!

Aiken, South Carolina has a new shop!  Needlepoint Cottage is having their grand opening December 5, 8, 9 and 10 with a sale.  They are located at 226 Park Avenue, Aiken, SC and are open 10-4 p.m. each day.

They hope to have their website ready in January for us online shoppers.  Meanwhile, all the Carolina people, go support this new venture.

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

Friday, December 4, 2020

Gifts for the New (or Not) Stitcher

It's that time of year when we are racking our brains, trying to find the perfect gift for a stitching friend—or for a brand new stitcher.  I thought I'd assemble a few gift ideas from a couple of shops to make it easy to do mail order.  Remember, the delivery services are overwhelmed so if you don't have a local you can visit, order ASAP.  Already the post office's Priority Mail which normally takes two days is taking six!

First up, you can't stitch without scissors or needles.  How about these cute (and sharp) little pastel scissors?  They are great for a beginner or for a spare pair, or for travel.  These come in pink, lavender and blue but only pink are in stock right now at this shop.

You always need needles.  Bohin needles are wonderful.  Gift your stitching friends an assortment and remind them to keep spares in their wallets.  Size 22 is perfect for 18 count canvas but if your buddy prefers 13 count designs, buy them size 18 or 20.  

Many stitchers love magnets to put on their canvas to temporarily park a needle until they need it again.  They come in many styles and sizes, so you can find one that suits anyone.

How about a tote bag for that project canvas, threads and tools?  These come in various sizes and protect your project when you travel.  A bonus is you can easily see which project to grab when you are ready to stitch.

Of course you can gift a friend a stitch dictionary so they always have great stitches to choose from.  Stitches to Go is a classic and it is small enough to go anywhere.  True, it doesn't tell you where to use the stitches, but this little book distills the three volumes of the fabulous Stitches for Effect series into one little volume.

Another great portable choice is Carole Lake's Just in the Knick of Time, a book with both useful stitches and information on how and where to use them.

If you want to spend just a little more, how about you gift someone a fabulous cyberclass to keep them entertained this winter?  There's something to appeal to almost anyone here.

Hope this gives you some good gift ideas, even if it is just for your own wish list.

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

Thursday, December 3, 2020

A New Designer~

Stitch By Stitch in Larchmont, NY has a trunk show from a new designer—Pink Petals!  There are lots of sayings and fun Christmas pieces, as well as cute animals.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 30, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Pointing It Out Talks BELTS!

Megan and Melissa talk about belts, how to stitch them and what to do with them in this podcast.

You'll learn about buying a belt, how to size it, and to think about end result you want.  You'll learn what a keeper is, that Megan calls herself the belt psycho, how to measure the belt size,  the dude factor, the turn rows, colors, buckle types, standard widths, grommet belts, the million dollar belt story, making key fobs from leftover belts, how to lengthen a belt, D ring belts, dog collars and leashes, camera and guitar straps, trays, the stitches and threads to use, how to stitch a long belt, etc.

Who knew belts had so much!?  Of course Megan and Melissa are the Belt Queens!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 26, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Breaking News! A New Whimsical Stitch Book! UPDATED

Great news!  There will be a new Whimsical Stitch book out in January 2021.

UPDATE:  According to Needle Nook of La Jolla, there are six chapters on Balanced, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight Stitches plus a beading ideas chapter.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 30, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.