Sunday, May 7, 2023

Neon Rays Tips

Louise's Needlework has some great tips for stitching with Neon Rays in this month's shop newsletter.

Basically, Jill advocates using a flat iron to smooth cut lengths of Neon Rays, and to use a metal laying tool to lay each stitch since a wooden tool can sometimes snag this tender thread.  If you are doing padded satin stitch with Neon Rays, Jill likes to use Very Velvet as padding underneath for extra depth.

Stitching Shop advocates dampening the thread or popping it by cutting a length and then pulling each end simultaneously.  They also mention using steam or a flat iron to smooth Neon Rays and have tips on keeping this slippery thread from sliding out of the needle's eye or wiggling out from the back of the canvas where the ends are buried.

If you aren't familiar with Neon Rays, this is from the Rainbow Gallery website.

If all else fails, Neon Rays+ is a good substitute.  The bit of metallic filament woven in this thread makes it easier to stitch with than the original.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 5, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Something You Won't See at the Coronation

Something you won't see at King Charles III's coronation is the sacred annointing of oil.

Here is more about the screen.

There is more coronation embroidery news on this part of the Royal School's website.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 1, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Jubilee Pillow

Ehrman's latest newsletter showed off the Jubilee Celebration pillow kit that Candace Bahouth created to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's fifty years ruling the United Kingdom.  

It's not a brand new design but it's a lovely one and I thought today you might enjoy seeing it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 16, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, May 5, 2023

Taping Canvas Edges: The Movie

Lori at Waste Knot shows how to tape needlepoint canvas edges.

Artist tape an be purchased online at art supply stores.  Note the varying widths.  I think an inch wide would work best.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 4, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stocking Versus Topper

Needlepoint.com points out the advantages of stitching a full needlepoint stocking versus the stocking topper.

In case you've never seen one, stocking toppers, also called stocking cuffs, are finished like this.

You could also look for mini socks, which are small scale stockings that can be finished either open like a full-sided stocking, or closed to be used as an ornament.  Kathy Schenkel designs lots of cute mini socks, many of which come with a felt animal to be tucked in the top of the sock.

There are lots of options.  I'd advise you to figure out the finishing deadline at your favorite shop before you decide, however.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 15, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.