The Long Winter

Some winters seem endless, don't they?   For us winter came early with three small snows the week of Christmas and the first snow on Christmas Eve I ever remember. That was special!

Now it is rainy and warm, with temperatures in the 60s, which is about twenty degrees warmer than normal.  Good stitching weather, whether you are inside because of snow or because of rain.  Laura Perin has acknowledged this stitching time of year with a new entry in her Long Panel series--Long Winter.
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2013/01/first-new-pattern-of-2013.html

It is icy blue and just the thing to keep you cozy during those long winter nights.  Thanks, Laura!

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

World's Best Witch Hat

This little witch hat has some of the best finishing I've ever seen on such a small item.
http://dianestakingtimeouttoneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/12/merry-chritmas-happy-halloween-and.html

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

Angel with Green Collar

Petei Angel Has Hair

This morning the Petei angel has streaming wool hair (one ply of the overdyed wool Lorikeet from Gloriana in straight stitches) and the start of green beads on her elaborate collar.  There's a problem with the collar.  The beads look too yellow when attached.

The problem is with the color of the thread I'm using to attach them.  In the photo above you see it hanging down.  It's ecru.

Two Bead Colors in Collar

Now look at this photo where I have switched to a dark green floss (left side) to attach the beads. Both flosses are visible so you can see what color I used.  There is quite a difference. It is the same green bead and it isn't a transparent bead, but the floss color makes the beads more olive or more yellow in color which effects the look.  Moral of the story, I need to be more careful of the color of thread I use when beading.  It can make a huge difference.  Only a few beads are "silver lined" which means the hole is coated with silver paint.  Those probably can get by with any color of thread, although sometimes the thread shows at the base of a bead.  It's just another thing to keep in mind.

Bead Collar Fixed and Stars Strung

Last night I added a length of silver DMC memory thread as the string the stars hang from.  Next I plan to do something totally unexpected to finish her.  Stay tuned!

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

Tips on Long and Short

This little article has great tips on how to do long and short stitch.   Long and short is a crewel embroidery technique that is absolutely beautiful when well done.  (On needlepoint canvas, I use a sharp needle to put a stitch right through a thread of the underlying canvas if necessary.)  Believe me, I am going to study this religiously!
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2012/12/21/acorn-long-and-short-shaded-leaves/

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

Chandail Newsletter

Chandail's Winter newsletter is now available online.  You can read all about their clubs and classes, learn a bit about the new Painter's Threads they have in the shop, and meet some of the talented people who write the guides for their clubs.
http://www.chandailneedlework.com/module/newsletter.htm?newsletterId=9739

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