Consult the Professionals

Robin reminds us to consult with our framer before finishing a piece, just in case!   By the way, the example she uses to illustrate this point is her newest class, Needle Deeva's "Flowers in a Vase."
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/09/be-sure-to-first-meet-and-greet-your_27.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

How to Open a Skein of Soy Luster

I happen to like Soy Luster (a single strand of thread made from soy; 2-3 strands covers well on 18 count, depending on your stitch) but let me tell you, opening a skein can be like opening one of the joke cans that has a spring inside.  I opened a skein to use for a geisha's hair once and it immediately tangled into a huge mess.  (Made beautiful hair, though.)  Fortunately, Dream House Ventures has posted a video that shows you how to open the skein without pain.
http://www.dreamhouseventures.com/instructional-videos.htm

Here are all the pretty colors, by the way.  Soy Luster comes in solid or shaded colors.
http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Thread/TPP_SoyLuster.html

Closeup of Soy Luster Hair, Anne Jerlow Canvas

And here is my geisha's Soy Luster hair.  It's a thread perfect for the texture of hair, fur, tree bark, and certain types of clothing effects.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Metallic Scissors

Lantern Moon has new serrated scissors for sale.   Needle in a Haystack has photos on their blog if you are interested.
http://needlestack.typepad.com/whats_new/2012/09/introducing-serrated-scissors-from-lantern-moon.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

The Queen of Bullions Speaks

I just noticed that Gay Ann Rogers' bullions booklet is for sale on her website. This 18 page publication is full of information and diagrams about stitching bullion knots.   She uses a lot of bullions in her designs so this booklet is intended to help her students.  I am not sure how long this will be available so if you are interested, act now.
http://www.gayannrogers.com/books.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Magnetic Genius UPDATED

Robin King is a genius! She's come up with the perfect way to display all those needle magnets I love to collect.  Right now the ones not holding various needles on my current canvases live stuck together in my stitching drawer.  Robin has a much better way to store and organize them.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/09/magnetic-picture-frames.html

Last week I got a nice email from Lisa at Accoutrement Designs, the makers of those fun Mag Friend needle magnets, too many of which live on my canvases.  Lisa's offered to send a magnet to CH so that I could give it away to Blog readers.  You can see many of the Mag Friends on the Accoutrement Designs website but an even better place to explore is the Accoutrement blog (second link).
http://accoutrementdesigns.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=55

If you have received your Sept-Oct. Needlepoint News (I haven't-SOB!) there is an article about the company in this new issue.
http://fobfriends.blogspot.com

Scroll down at the link below to see the new witch magnet, which is the one I have courtesy of Lisa to give away.  She has a yellow face and purple hair, like all wicked witches.   With Halloween stitching going full blast, she is going to be a perfect stitching companion.
http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2012/07/ang-seminar-fireside-stitchery.html

I'll do a random drawing of folks who either post a Comment here or email me directly at chillyhollow at hotmaildotcom on October 1st so that the winner has Miss Witch in plenty of time for Halloween.

UPDATE:  Miss Witch has arrived at her new home.
http://majtravaux.blogspot.com/2012/10/phone-blogging.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com