The Fun Free Sampler (Colour Complements)

Folks who want to try new stitches in a colorful sampler format have a lot to thank Lorraine of Colour Complements for this morning.  She's posted a free design in PDF form on her blog.  Here's a bit about it, including the canvas size you'll need.
http://colourcomplements.com/2015/07/needlepoint-stitch-sampler-3.html

Here's the direct link to the instructions.  All you need to do is grab a bunch of threads, your reference books (use hers or pick something from your local library or your own book collection) and start stitching in the lower left corner and work your way across to the right and then upwards.  Grab colors at random or plan ahead, it doesn't matter.  What matters is exploring threads and stitches to advance your knowledge for your more serious pieces, the ones you want to keep forever or give to a dear person in your life.  Have fun while you learn and play with color.
http://colourcomplements.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/needlepoint-stitch-summary.pdf

Here is her finished version, posted on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1470981229887632&set=gm.901968129880346&type=1&theater

Thanks, Lorraine!

By the way, Colour Complements is a Canadian hand-dyed thread company, just in case you want a special overdye for a new project, something that not everyone in your stitching circle will own.
http://colourcomplements.com

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

Melissa Shirley Retired

No, Melissa isn't retiring (although I bet she needs a vacation!)--she is retiring some of her designs.  It used to be Melissa would paint anything she had designed but this is becoming impossible with the size of her catalogue and the work custom orders require.  So some things are going to be gone for good.  There is a section of her website that shows retired designs that are still in stock right now. But if you want something here, get a shop to order right away because there's no telling how many copies are left and when they are gone--well, they are GONE.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/galcol/?col=171

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 25, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The News from Amy

The August-September 2015 newsletter from Amy's Golden Strand is now available. In it Amy talks about her Home Study for next year, new stitch guides, All Things Tudor and much, much more!  There's a free stitch diagram, as usual, and lots and lots of great stitching from Amy's customers.  Here's the direct link to the PDF file so you can enjoy Amy's latest.
http://www.amybunger.com/f/0815.pdf

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

Get Yer Red Hot DoD Magnets Here!

Tapestry Fair has quietly added to the magnet and accessories part of their website. They now offer Day of the Dead magnets using Manuel Salas' artwork, and there is more!  Check out the cat magnets, for example, or the rose.   Peggi at Tapestry Fair says that Manuel "makes the bottlecap part and then sends them to me for glitter, resin, magnets and packaging. These are done like traditional Mexican folk art with much stronger magnets."

http://www.tapestryfair.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=97

Tapestry Fair offers little "bottle cap" style frames to showcase your favorite smaller magnet, magnetic bracelet cuffs so you can wear your favorite magnet, non-magnetic scissors fobs in case you don't want to magnetize your scissors, bracelets to wear your magnets and scissors fobs until you need them, and lots more fun things.  Have a good browse while I try and decide which Day of the Day magnet I "need"--MG-14 and MG-15 are my current favorites.  Which are yours?

Peggi, can we expect more Manual Salas ladies in the near future?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 25, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Much Deserved Recognition

Kreinik has received a much-deserved award from the State of West Virginia, which is where their manufacturing facility is based. Read all about it here.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2015/07/kreinik-manufacturing-receives-governor.html

I think I'll call today Kreinik Appreciation Day and stitch something with one of their great threads.  Who'll join me?

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