Melita is Being Sucked in by Razzle-Dazzle

Melita is sampling Ann Strite-Kurz's "Razzle-Dazzle," which happens to be my favorite of Ann's counted designs, especially the ruby version.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/02/16/ruby-razzle-dazzle-by-ann-strite-kurz/

Melita is gathering her threads and made herself a project bag for the 18x18 canvas, which is on heavy Evertite stretcher bars.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/01/10/rough-and-ready-project-bag-for-razzle-dazzle-by-ann-strite-kurz/

Melita seems to be using olive and terracotta in her version which is in autumnal colors, based on Watercolours 123 "Spice."

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/04/02/razzle-dazzle-by-ann-strite-kurz-basting/

The central "petals" are done and look amazing!

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/04/04/razzle-dazzle-by-ann-strite-kurz-center-rosette/

Now the ribbons in the lower left quadrant are outlined.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/04/08/razzle-dazzle-by-ann-strite-kurz-ribbon-borders/

Here are all the outlines finished.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/04/13/razzle-dazzle-by-ann-strite-kurz-ribbon-borders-done/

Melita switches gears (and colors).

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/05/12/razzle-dazzle-by-ann-strite-kurz-area-1-done/

More thread swapping (and colors).

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/06/07/razzle-dazzle-by-ann-strite-kurz-area-2/

Melita found a solution to her thread color that was too light.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/07/16/razzle-dazzle-star-points-and-center/

Melita's right that Ann's patterns have a lot of steps but the outcome is magnificent.  Ann's got a mathematician's brain, in my opinion, and works everything out in the best way possible.  That amazes me, since I belong to the Slapdash Stitching Club.  Ann's backgrounds are gorgeous and you don't have to do all the steps.  Sometimes I stop after one or two because I love the effect but Ann uses 4-6 steps (and more) for her intricate backgrounds.

You can see other color versions of Razzle-Dazzle here--

https://njneedleartists.org/njna-workshops/sotm/2015-sotm-ruby-razzle-dazzle/

and another's here--

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/379357968582197386/

If you are charmed, then you can order the chart from Ann directly.  By the way, click on Designs or Books at the top of the website to browse more of Ann's incredible work.

https://www.annstritekurz.com/ask45.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 17, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Review of DMC's Eco Vita Wool

Mary Corbet has stitched a bit with DMC's new Eco Vita crewel wool, which is a naturally dyed organic wool.  You can see photos of some of the colors, Mary's stitching on linen, and get some idea of whether this is a thread you'd like to try.  Mary promises more information on Eco Vita later.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/02/preliminary-stitching-on-a-wee-wool-project.html

Frankly, I love Appleton's crewel, so "cranky" isn't a term I'd apply to it.  But everyone has a different take on threads.  A lot depends on what you are stitching with it.  I think Eco Vita would make a lovely belt in muted colors, maybe something with Medieval animals and motifs on it.

By the way, DMC has a short article about how to use Eco Vita on their website.

https://www.dmc.com/US/en/eco-vita-360?utm_source=Commonthread+Masterlist&utm_campaign=f47c5679d4-manual_weekly_Eco_Vita_Free_P_US_24_02_18&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3a652561da-f47c5679d4-82831385&ct=t(manual_weekly_Eco_Vita_Free_P_US_24_02_18)&mc_cid=f47c5679d4&mc_eid=f7c1b12c64

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 17, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hot Wire Renamed Wired Braid

I just realized that Kreinik has renamed their Hot Wire.  It's now Wired Braid.

https://123stitch.com/Kreinik-Thread-Wired-Braid

Think size 16 braid with a wire inside.  This stuff is great couched as edging for flowers, lettering, bows, anything where you need some dimension and stiffness.  

It comes in eighteen colors.

https://www.kreinik.com/store/Wired-Braid.html

You can substitute it for DMC's memory thread, although Kreinik of course is metallic, not covered in cotton floss.  My personal opinion is that the Wired Braid is a tiny bit fatter than memory thread, which might be a consideration.

https://www.kreinik.com/store/memory-thread-to-kreinik-wired-braid-conversion.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Custom Monograms

The Wool and The Floss has teamed up with Taylor Studios to offer custom monograms, available charted or as a painted name tag.  It takes about six weeks to get your digital download chart since each is custom and there is a line of folks waiting.

https://woolfloss.com/search?q=Taylor+studios

Of course there are tons of free alphabets online but if you want something classic and easy, this might be a good option for you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Tissue Box from a Brick Cover

Lycette Designs shows off one of their brick cover canvases creatively turned into a tissue box.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3ScqUos1Rw/

Her customer Rudy just drew a 3x1 inch rectangle in the middle of the top and didn't stitch that.  The finisher did the rest.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 14, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.