Ten Tips to Improve Stitch Tension

Needlepoint for Fun has posted ten tips to improve your stitch tension on their website.
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/needlepoint-stitch-tension-basics.html

The online shop puts lots of fun information into their newsletter so make sure you sign up.

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

In Case You Thought a Teacher's Life Was Easy UPDATED

I'm reposting this with updates as it is such an important topic.

Cross your fingers for Debbie!
http://debbeesdesigns.com/DDWrdPrs/?p=1662

UPDATE:  Orna Willis goes through the same thing.
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2015/10/i-couldnt-have-said-it-better.html

MORE UPDATES:  In case you wondered why thread companies find it so hard to fill orders, here is some insight.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2014/04/we-wait-and-i-worry.html

http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/05/finer-embroidery-threads.html

We are used to a world in which things are mass produced, not a world in which things are made in small batches by artisans.    If you look at your current needlepoint project and imagine all the work that went into producing the materials you are using, well, you can see why teachers (and shops and stitchers) sometimes feel frustrated.  We are very lucky to be living when we do when so much is available but it is not a perfect world with everything you wish for at your fingertips.

Maybe in my next lifetime....

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 30, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kirsten Takes Up Needlepoint

Go! Go! Go!  After all, this **is** supposed to be fun!
http://cozymadethings.blogspot.com/2013/02/needlepoint.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 8, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

From Boring to Unique

One of the customers at Ridgewood Needlepoint wanted to make this rather plain belt more interesting to stitch.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2015/09/what-are-we-working-on-today_22.html

Yes, she's a GENIUS!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 22, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Bowdoin Belt Boys UPDATED

Thanks to Palma, I have an interesting profile of Smathers and Branson's needlepoint belt business for you to enjoy.  I had no idea of their connection to The Point of It All in D.C., or that this was a company based in Maryland.
http://www.bethesdamagazine.com/Bethesda-Magazine/July-August-2015/Smathers-Branson/index.php?cparticle=1&siarticle=0#artanc

There's an interview with the founders on Bloomberg at the end of this profile of three preppy companies.
http://video.tampabay.com/Preppy-Handbook-Inside-the-Three-Preppiest-Labels-25484962

In case you aren't familiar with Smathers and Branson's pre stitched belts, fobs, and more, here is their website.
http://smathersandbranson.com

UPDATE:  They are in the Washington Post now. By the way, it'll cost around $300 (painted canvas, threads, finishing) to stitch a belt yourself and have it finished.  This doesn't take into account your stitching time, of course.  People on Facebook say the Smathers and Branson belts are thin and not done in basketweave so they won't last the way a needlepointed belt made from scratch by a stitcher will.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/guys-arent-usually-into-needlepoint-but-this-company-sells-them-on-it/2015/12/17/e41e8c6a-a42f-11e5-b53d-972e2751f433_story.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 22, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.