Mainely Needlepoint UPDATED

Lea Wait is plotting a new series of "Mainely Needlepoint" mysteries. You can read about them here, plus Lea's other mysteries, all set in New England. Facebook readers give her earlier books good reviews, so check your local library and book shop.
http://www.keepmecurrent.com/news/writer-threads-plot-for-new-mystery-series/article_d8a52acc-95cd-11e4-9aad-af66ec486675.html

UPDATE:  Lea's "Twisted Threads" book is out!  Her publisher has even created two designs to download in its honor.  Congratulations!  (Although I think now the needlepoint canvas distributors are going to feel a bit nervous....  Read the summary to see why.)
http://sites.kensingtonbooks.com/hobbyreads/needlepoint-lea-wait.html

http://www.leawait.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 12, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Come Fly With Me

Yvette of Vetty Creations in Australia has written an interesting post on her blog about airline travel and what cutting tools you might be able to take with you on a long airplane ride.  Yvette is in Australia, by the way.  
http://vettycreations.com.au/white-threads/2015/03/05/top7-cutting-tools-needlework-flights/#sthash.KrNf9hOs.PNBZOrKW.dpbs

I'll just add that the rules and regulations vary here in the US.  What one person can travel with without problems another person can't.  I'd recommend that whatever you take with you in the cabin, or pack in your suitcase, you are willing to lose through confiscation.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 5, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needle Grabbers on Etsy

Ramona recommends these pretty needle grabbers which are for sale on Etsy.  What is a needle grabber? It's a little flexible plastic tube you use to get a needle loose that is stuck under threads or inside a bead or something.  Slide the end of the needle inside the tube, pinch it hard and pull!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/angelmoose?ref=l2-shopheader-name

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 27, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Little Light Magnifier at Golden Gate UPDATED

I've not been able to find these little "map light" style magnifiers online but Vicky DeAngelis raves about them.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/news-from-a-stitch-in-time/

A Stitch In Time says they are called the Bug Eye Magnifier.  They may have them in stock again.
http://www.needlepoint-knitting.com/shop/Accessories/ccessory-Type/eedlepoint-Accessories/p/Lighted-Bug-Eye-Magnifier-x3154170.htm

Now photos of this gadget are posted on Golden Gate's Facebook page.  Contact the shop via Facebook as they don't have a website.  After all, we all need new cool tools!
https://www.facebook.com/gardengateneedlepoint/posts/1080211105329094?ref=notif&notif_t=notify_me

https://www.facebook.com/gardengateneedlepoint/photos/a.799158240101050.1073741830.194670147216532/1080211068

UPDATE: Designers Desk also has these in stock and so does the Needlepointer.
http://files.ctctcdn.com/68b0d50b001/e8176a0e-3f47-48c1-ada8-e88b28f6aa9e.pdf

http://www.theneedlepointer.com

UPDATE #2:  The Wool and the Floss has something similar called the ReadMate.
https://www.facebook.com/133538180033327/photos/a.147926451927833.34901.133538180033327/789080394479099/?type=1&theater

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 4, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

If You Are Allergic to Beads....

Not everyone likes beads attached to needlepoint canvas.  Not everyone wants beads on their needlepoint canvas, either, but if anyone can convince you that beads have a place in needlework, that person is Jill Rigoli. Jill's been teaching a Laurel Burch/Danji design at Bedecked and Beadazzled in Maryland and thankfully, the shop owner took lots of photos. 
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/03/wheres-sun.html

What do you think?  Are you willing to try this on the right canvas?
(Tips on attaching beads can be found in the "Tutorials and Hints" tab above.)

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 1, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.