I am Wired

Kreinik has just announced a new wired thread, Wired Facets.  The original Facets looks a little like a string of beads and is perfect for those who like the look of a row of beads but don't want to actually have to deal with them.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2013/07/new-wired-facets.html

This is what regular Facets look like.  The photos really convey the beads effect.  This is the unwired variety.  The wired Facets will look the same except for the "bendability" factor.  Is that a word?  LOL
http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Facets.html

Kreinik already has Hot Wire, which is #16 braid with wire down the middle.   This comes in a variety of colors.  Here's information for comparison purposes.
http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Hot-Wire.html

DMC offers Memory Thread, which is wire wrapped with cotton floss.  This is what it is like.
http://www.dmc-usa.com/Products/Needlework-Threads/Specialty-Threads/Memory-Thread.aspx?technique=Embroidery

Three wired threads, three different effects.  Isn't it good to be a stitcher these days?!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Skype by Appointment

Like most fun things, I discovered by accident that the latest Needle Nook University class allows folks to ask questions via Skype by appointment.   The dimensional letters are designed and the class taught by the incomparable David McCaskill.  Looking at the design and reading the description, it occurred to me that this might be a great way for a beginner to stick their toes into the deeper waters of needlepoint fun.  If you have someone in mind to take this class, talk to David first and discover whether this is indeed something they might enjoy.
http://store.needlenook.com/JOY-p36721.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Christmas in July--Reindeer Crossing

This custom Christmas piece is one of the funniest things I've seen this month!  I hope Ridgewood posts photos of it once it is stitched and made up.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2013/06/check-out-debbies-custom-painted.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pocket Histories of Bess and Mary

Gay Ann Rogers' husband is a retired history professor, which certainly came in handy when Gay Ann developed an interest in Queen Elizabeth I and her contemporaries and designed projects using that information.   He has written small booklets on Mary, Queen of Scots and Bess of Hardwick that stitchers interested in English history might want to purchase.
http://gayannrogers.blogspot.com/2013/07/history-for-stitchers-small-booklets-on.html

I've read his supplemental material on Queen Elizabeth I which was part of Gay Ann's Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I class and found the articles interesting, scholarly and informative.  I have not seen these so I can't comment on their value.  There is a brief introduction to the booklets on Gay Ann's website plus links to purchase if you are so inclined.  I don't know how long these will be on sale so I suggest you act sooner rather than later if you are interested.
http://www.gayannrogers.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hug Me

I recently stumbled across the website for Hug Me bags, those fabric tool bags useful for any needle worker who needs to carry their projects around with them or wants a nice portable place to keep the current piece.  Here are the bags they offer.  There re a lot useful for needlepointers, from a carrying bag for the System Four floor stand to bags that will accommodate lap stands to ort and tool boxes.  They even offer snap trays and everything is available in a huge variety of styles and fabrics.
http://www.hugmebags.com/styles.php

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.