Grapes--From Start to Finish

Melita is totally fearless when it comes to her stitching. She is willing to try anything, even designing her own pieces.  In this little article, she talks about a simple design she created, stitched and finishing, all in two days!  I think she's won this week's Smart Cookie Award, don't you?
http://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2014/01/01/bunch-of-grapes/

The next time you have a present to get, think about making one, just like Melita.

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.

More Great Online Shops

People online are constantly asking what's a good shop to order from?  With so many of us living far from a shop, we end up ordered online a lot more than we would like, so naturally we want recommendations of shops with good customer service who stock the items we want. Mary Corbet has done her part by highlighting the shops that advertise on her blog.   She is very selective when it comes to choosing advertisers so this is a good list to start from, especially since it includes a lot of specialty shops that needlepointers won't know about.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/01/introductions-all-around-for-all-your-needlework-needs.html

By the way, I'll be updating my 2010 list of great shops for needlepointers later this month since I see a lot of folks show up at Blog just to read that list.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Bama Girl is Done

The Young Needlepointer has finished her Ray Crawford piece. It's adorable! Click on each photo for a better look.
http://theyoungneedlepointer.blogspot.com/2013/12/bama-girl-finish.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.

All About Needle Painting

Elizabeth is participating in a Needle Quest this year. Apparently each month a different technique will be explored and January's is needle painting. So she has listed her project and all the resources there are to learn and practice needle painting either online or in books.  This is a very useful summary of the technique and where to find information if you want to try it yourself.  Thanks, E!
http://sew-in-love.blogspot.com/2014/01/needlequest-2014-january-technique.html#.UsQdc3nnnHg

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.

Market is About to Begin

The TNNA trade show is about to begin in San Diego.  Many of the designers and manufacturers of our favorite items are setting up their booths and many shop owners have arrived, ready to balance their checkbook, look at everything, and then place their bets as to what you will want to buy from them later this year. In most cases, orders are placed and the items will be shipped in 2-3 months, so the newest won't show up in the shops until the spring. I know it is hard to wait but the designers can't afford to create a lot of inventory before the show that no one orders.   The one exception is the Sample It! display which offers a limited number of items that a shop can pay for and take home right now.  Your shop owner will be taking classes, picking up new tricks and techniques and cool new designs to bring home to their customers so you can learn something fun.  Needlepoint Etc. has already posted about the Sandy Arthur class Gussie took yesterday.
http://needlepointetc.wordpress.com/2014/01/10/thursday-january-9/

Here's the teacher list.  Click on the class links to see the models they will be teaching.
http://www.tnna.org/?WinterTeachers

As has been my practice for the last year, I have a tab called TNNA Winter 2014 San Diego where I'll list all the updated websites, Facebook photos and blog information I can find.  Click there to see the latest on top.    There are some shop websites and blogs you should keep your eye on in case a huge and ever-changing list of eye candy is really more than you want.  First of all, Chandail has praised to put photos of new things they see at Market on their website.  Here's the link--
http://www.chandailneedlework.com/market.htm

Amy Bunger usually posts new things on her website pretty quickly, although you will want to keep an eye on her Facebook pages (Amy's Golden Strand and also Amy Bunger), too.  She promises a en percent discount if you place an order during the show.  (Remember, you are going to have to wait until the orders are filled.)
http://www.amybunger.com/market.html

Colleen almost always blogs about all the goodies she's seen on the Needle Works blog.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com

Pocket Full of Stitches often blogs once they get home.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2014/01/new-from-san-diego.html

It looks likely that Enriched Stitch will do the same on their blog.
http://astheneedleturns.com/category/as-the-needle-turns/

Vicky DeAngelis usually has lots of photos but not normally until she gets home from working the shows.  Still, keep an eye on her blog.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com

If you have a favorite designer, check their website.  Raymond Crawford, Needle Deeva and Patt and Lee already have updated their site to show off their newest things.  You may have to wait until Sunday or Monday to see things, though.  It has been traditional for designers to not show the general public their newest items until after the shows end.  Just keep checking back.

If you have a Facebook account, check your favorite designer's FB page, too.  I have seen an accelerating trend of posting the newest things there first as it is quick and easy, and much cheaper than having your webmaster update your website.

It is an exciting time, and I'll check for new items as often as I can.  If you find something fabulous, post the link in the Comments here so we can all see what caught your eye.

Now if you will excuse me, I have to go update the TNNA Winter show info!

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.