Gay Ann Rogers Sale October 16

Gay Ann Roger's big annual sale starts this week on Thursday, October 16.

https://www.gayannrogers.com/index.html

She's retiring her Seasons ladies, so this is your last chance to grab the chart.  A few of her Queen Elizabeth I kits will be available, but not many.  Her Tudor samplers and the Pride and Prejudice Needle Book will also be available, plus other items.

If you love Gay Ann's work, don't miss the sale.  It starts at 8 a.m. California time this coming Thursday.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 15, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fair Exhibit Winners

Late summer and early fall is the time for the county and state fairs, with all their exhibits, including needlework.  I've collected all the photos folks have posted of their exhibited pieces.  Congratulations to all and thanks for showing off how lovely your needlepoint can be.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=24664947696422599&set=gm.24117378121246019&idorvanity=108537025890131

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=764629299281917&set=gm.24116978151286016&idorvanity=108537025890131

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=24850055354578498&set=gm.24299075856409577&idorvanity=108537025890131

Jenny's done some award winning Indiana-themed pieces for their state fair.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/24125062617144236/

The judges couldn't find an errors in Mara's counted piece!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=766076312470549&set=gm.24131050886545409&idorvanity=108537025890131

This looks rather plain in the photo, but trust me--Jane Zimmerman pieces are stunning in person!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/24156356060681558/

Willie got a second place ribbon for her four seasonal cat designs.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/egastitchalong/permalink/2600014103684117/

Jeanne got two blue ribbons but only one was for needlepoint.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/24298949706422192/

Susan got a blue ribbon for her Pippin collage.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1417948703064096&set=a.608045704054404

Susan managed two blue ribbons at the Oregon state fair.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/24385726881077807/

Linn brought home TWO ribbons!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/24459740157009812/

This pink and white beauty got a blue ribbon.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=24561171466867184&set=a.1073057616105233

Rachel got two ribbons (and shows off other stitchers' work) on her Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DPKIBVIkt5X/?img_index=1

Kelly's so proud of someone who got a blue ribbon for one of her designs!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10231571068322110&set=a.1202311020230

Chronically Online Ndlpt won a blue ribbon for Mr. Frog.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DPnDdeJjJxO/?img_index=1

Jennifer's mom won a blue ribbon AND a best of show at the Texas State Fair!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DPg27bqjZ97/

Brenda's Valentine set took second place.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=28431364903181135&set=a.575553572522309

Finally, Brenda reminds us that no matter who won ribbons, each piece is gorgeous and introduces people to the art of needlepoint, so keep up that great stitching!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=24578493648468299&set=a.1073057616105233

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 2, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Make Your Own Porcupine Laying Tool

Melita learned how to make a porcupine laying tool!

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/13/porcupine-quill-laying-tool/

I've never seen one of these in person and before this, never wondered how they were made.  Interesting!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 14, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

There's a New Thread in Town (Soie Tissée) UPDATED

Silk Road Fibers has a new thread--Soie Tissée (pronounced swah t-say)--is an intricately woven thread of seven lustrous strands of 100% silk according to Stitch-Stash.  You can see photos of many of the colors (shared with Straw Silk) on the Stitch-Stash website.  

https://stitch-stash.com/collections/soie-tissee

Judging from the photos, it looks like a flat braid.  I haven't gotten my hands on any yet.  There's more information on the Silk Road Fibers website.

https://silkroadfiber.com/soi-tissee/

By the way, Silk Road Fibers' website says Straw Silk will return in early 2026.

UPDATE:  Thistle Needleworks posted photos of the colors plus closeups of what it looks like stitched on their Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/ThistleNeedleworks/posts/pfbid0Hh4d8kxFJkF7urJbLPaRBVctDUfEmAe4zKHFFEbf2DRHJ3aM2V39BSQDonJSgdfRl

UPDATE #2:  There is also Soie Tissee Metal now (Spring 2026).  Apparently it is silk with a strand of gold, silver or white metallic woven in.

A Crafty Veteran likes the Soie Tissee Metal.  He says to use a laying tool or your finger to lay it flat as it is a ribbon-like shape.  It didn't fray at the end and reminds him of Silk Lame but with fuller coverage.

https://www.facebook.com/acraftyveteran/posts/pfbid026WBXUEzzDYau2CSZzmLAh1JPyF1DmN1cxeJXm3wmRvVJsLqeJrZrfnutqQVFBxKyl

UPDATE #3:  The Wool and The Floss ladies talk about Soie Tissee.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1386843686611827

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 2, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Stitch Monday Does Basket Stitches

Ridgewood's New Stitch Monday blog entries has taken up stitches perfect for creating baskets on your needlepoint.  Stephanie starts us out with three stitches, with both diagrams and stitch samples.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-175/

Here are three more, all suitable for roofs, too.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-176/

And the last set of basket-like stitches is here!

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-177/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 21, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.