Two Enabling Points for Denise

Thanks to Denise at the Stitching Sisters blog, I know that Fireside Stitchery's new website is up and running. Not everything is in place, but there are 55 pages of a virtual trunk show for HP Designs. I am in 7th Heaven!
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/index.cfm

Of course there are many other things to see, including a sale of Rebecca Wood stockings, but I'll let you explore for yourself.

The image above is HP Designs' Art Deco cat on page 7 of the trunk show. I used it because the black and white color scheme are enlivened by two shades of sage green and the cat's yellow eyes, an interesting touch for a monochromatic color scheme. That's one reason I love looking at all the eye candy--when I am searching for color ideas, seeing pieces like this spark ideas. Thanks, Denise!

Jane/Chilly Hollow
Main blog at http://blog.360.yahoo.com/chillyhollow

PFOS, With Links

Hurrah! Pocket Full of Stitches has finally put their newsletter online. And it has links! You can head to various websites to see more about most anything that catches your eye just with a click.
http://www.pfos.com/Newsletter/February2009/PocketFullofStitchesFebruary2009Newsletter1.HTM

Have fun browsing!

Jane/Chilly Hollow
Main blog at http://blog.360.yahoo.com/chillyhollow

Belted

One can always buy a pre-made NP belt, but what's the fun in that?
http://thetrad.blogspot.com/2008/07/trad-needlepoint-belts.html

Wouldn't you rather customize a belt to your own style and interests? The fashion bloggers agree!
http://guestofaguest.com/things-we-love/the-case-for-th-needlepoint-belt/

One of my neighbors made herself several belts before she gave up NP for golf. Here's the shop she swears by. Make sure you read the Stitching and Finishing Hints but remember each finisher works differently. Check with the folks finishing your belt for their tips.
http://www.needlepointbelts.com/

Mandy's eBay store carries belts by the score. I don't know anything about her customer service, however.
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Mandys-Needlepoint-Belt-Canvas__W0QQ_armrsZ1

Here are more shops with belts. Again, I am not familiar with their customer service. Mary Mac does ribbon finishing.
http://www.marymac.biz/

Eye of the Needle has children's belts, dog collars and cumberbunds.
http://www.theeyeoftheneedle.com/secure/nfoscomm/catalog/

But the best selection of all is at Bristly Thistle, which comes highly recommended.
http://www.bristlythistle.com/belts1.html

Remember, you can finish belts as headbands or frame them in a long rectangle. The ends can be made up as key fobs.

Jane/Chilly Hollow
Main blog at http://blog.360.yahoo.com/chillyhollow

Fun with Finishing

Are you as entranced by finished NP pieces as I am?

Ruth at Becked and Beaddazzled has a new page full of finishing done through her shop. Choose a category and explore! There are custom boxes, fun little standup signs and lovely frames and purses, all finished in Ruth's cheerful and unusual style.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/finishing.php

Speaking of finishing, you can see some finished pieces from Needle Works of Austin's customers on their blog. Some are made up and some have the stitching finished but the final touches not done yet. All are fascinating to see, especially for someone like me who rarely gets to see other stitchers' work except through the magic of the Internet.
http://www.theneedleworks.typepad.com/

On a slightly related topic, you can see finished models of the class projects Libby Sturdy is going to teach at Ruth's shop in late April. There is a teapot house (wonderful!) and two snowmen celebrating snow days (ditto). Libby works from line drawn canvases and her kits tell you exactly what to stitch where to have your version of her designs turn into something really great.
http://tistheseason.org/blog/ruthsBlog.html

If you aren't familiar with Libby's designs, here is her website. Click on New Designs on the left side of the page for the latest fun if you are familiar with her work already. Otherwise, just click everywhere! LOL
http://www.justlibbydesigns.com/

Nice job everybody!

Jane/Chilly Hollow
Main blog at http://blog.360.yahoo.com/chillyhollow

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!‏ (updated)

It's Fat Tuesday, time to party Mardi Gras style!

The dancing chicken is from Stitch Niche's website, the New Canvases February 4th page. I'm sorry I don't know the designer.

http://www.needlepointyaya.com/

Don't fail to check out the Newsletter section. The January and February newsletters each have a new useful and unusual stitch explained.

Here's to the green and purple and gold. Bet if you are close enough to visit Stitch Niche, they'll throw some beads for you.

UPDATE: The chicken canvas is by Cheryl Schaeffer Designs. I found it here.
http://www.cherylschaeffer.com/category_results.cfm?Category=26

Jane/Chilly Hollow
Main blog at http://blog.360.yahoo.com/chillyhollow