More Christmas in July (with Teeth)

The Christmas Alligator Stitched

Yesterday's Christmas in July finishing links reminded me that I hadn't shown off my Jude Designs Christmas alligator yet. It came back from West Coast Finishing about two weeks ago but the heavy rains meant a good photo wasn't possible then. When the rain turned into HotandHumid, I took photos for you to see.   So without further ado, here is Needlepoint by Jude's "Santa Al."
http://www.spicyneedlepoint.com/Christmas_Halloween/default.htm 

Green Velvet Backing

Several people asked about the string of lights attached around the alligator and wrapped around his support pole. These are from the scrapbooking section of my local crafts emporium.   They are little plastic molded light bulbs on a string couched into position.  I sent West Coast Finishing the leftovers and they wrapped them around the support, too.
http://www.joann.com/jolee-s-by-you-holiday-lights/prd47670/

Pedestal with Sparkly Blue Ball to Match Ornament Hanging from Alligator's Tail

West Coast Finishing did a lovely job.  I requested something sturdy and masculine since this is a gift for my brother but otherwise let Sue Parsons do whatever she liked.  I think she did great!

Rickrack and Gold Trim on Edge-No Foofoo Ribbons for This Alligator!

This is the perfect present for the man who never decorates the Christmas tree due to the mess he makes, don't you think?  Hahaha

Many thanks to Sue.  You are the best!

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.

The SWAN's QE2 Toolbox

Stephanie's stitching SWAN group has met and this time Stephanie has photographed an amazing stitcher's toolbox with a Queen Elizabeth II Royal Jubilee theme.   The compartments fold out to reveal the tools the owner needs when she needs them, then become compact again for storage.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2013/07/incredible-tribute.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.

For the Peacock Lovers

Enriched Stitched shows off a class piece and a customer's stitching, both peacock designs.  The peacock ginger jar is a design from Melissa Shirley, while the peacock among flowers is from Maggie.
http://astheneedleturns.com/masterpieces/

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

So many shops have Christmas canvases on sale in July that I thought I'd show off some terrific Christmas pieces, just to inspire you in case you bought something holiday you are stitching madly to make finishing deadlines in September and October.   One of Ridgewood's customers stitched a Melissa Shirley double sided angel to use as a Christmas tree topper.  Isn't that an amazing face?  Hope Melissa has seen this one!
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2013/07/blog-post_17.html

Ruth Schmuff is working on this wonderful Christmas Village scene, also from Melissa Shirley.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/07/happy-4th-of-july.html

Shelly Tribbey has a wonderful round set of Twelve Days of Christmas ornaments.  You can see several of them finished here.
http://www.needlenook.com/stitchers-corner/

Finally, Barbara Bergsten has her set of six Santa Stitches finished and displayed.  I would love to see these in reds, greens and golds!
http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2013/07/santa-stitches-needlepoint.html

Stitch faster, there are only 155 days left until Christmas!

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.

Stitching In The Well

Brenda's written up a lovely article about how she attaches her canvas to stretcher bars with thumbtacks and with the canvas on the bottom, not the top.   This is called "stitching in the well."
http://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2013/07/stitching-in-well-and-framers-tool-to.html

I know several folks who prefer this way of using their stretcher bars.  I suggest you try it on a smaller piece and see what you think. It might just work well for you.  By the way, Brenda shows off a new gadget for the stitcher's toolbox that I've never seen or heard of before--the framer's tool.  She uses it to push in her thumbtacks.  Folks who always dread that chore might take note.  The official name seems to be "picture framer's bradset."
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/pictureframersbradset.aspx

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.