I Have Been Busy

One of the two big things I've been meaning to do this fall has been finished--I have added a tab to Blog that lists all sorts of online resources to teach yourself to needlepoint or to move from tent stitches to fancier stitches and threads. It's just a beginning, a stab at trying to help new stitchers or stitchers wanting to stretch their skills, but it's better than nothing. 

One thing I'd like to add to the "Teach Yourself Needlepoint & Embellishment" tab is a listing of shops that have beginner kits available for those who want to dabble in needlepoint without spending a fortune.  Many of us aren't close to a shop so getting supplies via mail order means we need to be able to get blank canvas and threads, or a small painted design and threads, plus a packet of needles in one place.  If you as a shop owner do this, or if you as a customer know your shop provides this service, please let me know so I can update the article with a list of shops.

You can either email me at chillyhollowathotmaildotcom or you can leave a Comment below.  Thanks!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 16, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wooden Halloween Ornaments from Melissa Shirley

While I was looking for something totally different, I stumbled across wooden Halloween ornaments from Melissa Shirley. I remember she sold a few designs this way at least five years ago so if you love wooden ornaments for your decorating, this is a great way to combine needlepoint design with wood to enhance your castle for Halloween. 
http://www.anitchtostitch.com/detail.cfm?ID=383

http://www.anitchtostitch.com/detail.cfm?ID=384

http://www.anitchtostitch.com/detail.cfm?ID=385

Did I mention they are on sale...?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 9, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hug Me

Shops and stitchers rave about the Hug Me line of stitching bags. I've not seen these in person so I was skeptical about them until I saw this morning on Pocket Full of Stitches' website that shows all the pockets and zips inside. Now THAT'S a BAG! 
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2014/10/hug-me-company-bags.html

Here is the company website so you can drool some more.
http://www.hugmebags.com/styles.php

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 31, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Looking Over Sandy's Shoulder

If you are a fan of Sandy Arthur's stitching like I am, you are dying to see how her latest cyberclass "Mod Ornaments" is going.  Sandy just shipped the first lesson, so I imagine a lot of folks are standing by their mailboxes, impatiently tapping their foot.  Here's a peek.  This is a mystery class so no one but the author (Sandy) knows how the story will go.
http://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2014/11/oh-boy-oh-boy-oh-boy-day-today-we-sent.html

The canvas is by Eye Candy.  Once the cyberclass is over, your local shop will be able to order the canvas and guide for you in case you are kicking yourself that you missed out.  Stay tuned for more updates!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 14, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

For My Counting Friends

This posting is for my counted canvaswork friends who will love seeing four different color ways of Threedles' 2012 ornament design.  Jan is stitching these as presents (plus a small one for herself) and using a variety of color schemes, all of which are beautiful.
http://threadmedley.wordpress.com/2014/10/31/threedles-2012-ornament-finales/

If you are not familiar with Kurdy Briggs' work, here is her website.  Every year she does a small Christmas ornament design.  I am not sure if these are available after the year has passed but I do know the 2014 ornament is at the bottom of this page.
http://www.threedles.com/06012011/2014/2014Designs.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright  October 31, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.