The Downton Abbey Tote Bag (and more)

KJ has turned an unwanted needlepoint piece into a clever tote bag, complete with a Downton Abby theme. 
http://letsgoflyakiteuptothehighestheight.blogspot.com/2015/01/downton-abbey-tote.html

With the help of Google, I also found a needlepoint picture turned into a smashing pillow.
http://radiancefromruins.blogspot.com/2012/08/repurposed-goodwill-find.html

Not that handy with a needle yourself?  Natasha's will turn those old needlepoint belts into key fobs.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=628351093904137&id=609922445747002

FrenchDecoChic makes very nice totes from older needlepoint pieces.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FrenchDecoChic?ref=l2-shopheader-name

So what's in your attic and what do you plan to do with it?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 19, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Shakespeare and Kaffe Fasset

Kaffe Fasset takes his inspiration for tapestry designs from many sources, but he's often worked with the theatre.  This morning I got an e-newsletter from Ehrman Tapestry (the source for Kay's needlepoint) announcing his partnership with The Royal Shakespeare Company. 

He has created a needlepoint design called "Pressed Flowers" based on various flowers Shakespeare mentions in his plays.  Ehrman sells the kit.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Pressed-Flowers__PFLO.aspx#.VTOMraZH1jc

The Royal Shakespeare Company sells other goods based on the what they call his "Shakespeare's Flowers Range" on their website.
http://www.rsc.org.uk/shop/category/197df978-76c5-4c92-a486-a9a59f33dc5f/http://www.rsc.org.uk/shop/category/197df978-76c5-4c92-a486-a9a59f33dc5f/

This isn't the first time Mr. Fassett has worked with the RSC.  In 1999 he designed large floral cushions for their production of "As You Like It."  Ehrman sells smaller versions of these patterns on their website.  This is the only photograph I could find showing his designs (both sweaters and needlepoint cushions) online.  
http://www.rsc.org.uk/images/content/Photo_Galleries-2009_earlier/as-you-like-it-2000-phoebe-silvius-361x541.jpg

Here are the small versions of cushions from the 1999 RSC "As You Like It."  First, Crimson Blush--
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Crimson-Blush__CBLU.aspx#.VTONvqZH1jc

Double Yellow--
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Double-Yellow__DY.aspx#.VTONiqZH1jc

Paradise Pink--
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Paradise-Pink__PINK.aspx#.VTONcKZH1jc

and Rosa Rubicunda--
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Rosa-Rubicunda__ROSA.aspx#.VTONsKZH1jc

Remember, English tapestry kits are much different than the hand painted needlepoint designs we are familiar with in the U.S.  They are printed patterns on larger count (usually 10-12 count) and meant to be stitched with the tapestry wool that comes with the kits in continental or half cross stitch.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 19, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Third Edition of Jo Ippolito Christensen's Needlepoint Book Out Today

Today's the day when the third edition of Jo I. Christensen's Needlepoint book is officially on sale.  Because this is the third edition, folks are curious if they need to pick up the 2015 version if they have the 1978 or 1999 edition.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-needlepoint-book-jo-ippolito-christensen/1118892276?ean=9781476754086

Here's what the author says about the new version on Facebook:

"There is a tremendous amount of new information. In addition, I have completely reorganized almost all of the information, merging the old with the new. Part Two: Interpreting the Painted Canvas discusses all of the stitcher's decisions from the purchase of a canvas straight through to finishing it off with embellishments. I think that this order is more of what we stitchers actually encounter with each canvas. Dozens of people have spent countless hours and dollars contributing to this edition. The free app from the publisher is a very nice addition. The 2nd edition was 448 pages; the 3rd is 576. (Amazon has it wrong.) The 3rd edition has 1680 illustrations---225 new. I think there are 63 new stitches for a total somewhere around 450??? The number of color pages has doubled from 16 to 32. There are 132 or 133 color photos; the 2nd edition had 54 (I think). With a digital version you should be able to see more of the stitches and the texture. There is more of everything, just about. I hope you all like it!"

There are downloadable editions for the Kindle and Nook and there is an app available in both the Android and Apple stores.  You should know that the app version "features the “Stitches,” “Color,” and “Ideas” sections of THE NEEDLEPOINT BOOK in a digital format.  It will be available on the book’s on-sale date April 28 for Apple and Android products.  With purchase of the book, a code is included to download the app for free."

The app information came from the publisher when I asked about the app.  Hope all this helps you make up your mind!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 24, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Looking for a Fabulous Background?

Need a fabulous background idea? Becki Gebhart at Enriched Stitch is the one to ask.... 
http://astheneedleturns.com/wednesday-wips/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 29, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Lauren Bacall's Needlepoint Pillows and Antiques

Thanks to Judy B's mention on Facebook, I learned that Lauren Bacall's things were auctioned off by Bonham's in London March 31st. You can glimpse a needlepoint pillow and rug here.
http://gothamist.com/2015/03/09/inside_lauren_bacalls_apartment_at.php#photo-7

I rummaged through the auction catalogue and found several antiques.
http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/22741/lot/191/

http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/22741/lot/576/

There are pillows, too.  They sold for $1500 USD as one lot.  I don't think these were things she stitched else I think that would be noted as provenance.  The rest of the auction is for art, furnishings, knickknacks, a few dresses and simple jewelry.  All classics, but not needlepoint.
http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/22741/lot/282/

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