Let's Meet Kate Dickerson

Jessica of Lycette Designs just did an interview with Kate Dickerson as part of Lycette's "Women on Point" series. You'll love learning more about Kate.
http://lycettedesigns.com/women-point-kate-dickerson/

If you are intrigued but not familiar with Kate's designs, here is her website.  Have fun exploring!
http://www.katedickerson.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 25, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Storm Prep

Mary Agnes at Needle Nicely is a pro at packing for her Florida coastal store to withstand water damage from hurricanes.  With Hurricane Matthew in the news today, I thought you'd like to see what she's written about her preparations.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2016/10/havent-i-danced-this-hurricane-dance.html

Anyone who endures constant power outages will agree with Mary Agnes.  An old style plug-in phone is a must.  (We own two.)
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2016/10/old-style-telephones-that-work-when.html

Keep your fingers crossed that everyone in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas stays safe during and after the storm.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 6, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bloomie's Does Needlepoint (Badly)

I can't say that I like this one much. Even the stitching doesn't look that great.
https://www.westfield.com/products/us-bloomingdales/jonathan-adler-hong-kong-jet-set-needlepoint-decorative-pillow-9-x-12/b0b35a5d-1f10-4377-9472-4af34c1341d6

I think I'd pick up a small canvas on 13 count (like the one below), stitch it in basketweave from my stash, then make up a pillow using a velveteen remnant and I'd still have something much nicer for about the same price.
http://www.needlepoint.com/in-the-pool.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 26, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bitch with Circle Darning Stitch

Background Stitching

I've been stitching my brains out on Bitch, trying to get at least half the background area covered with my chosen background stitch.   As you can see, I choose the darning circles stitch to give a lacy effect to the design.    If you double-click on the photograph, you can see I am covering the skinny letters, not compensating around them.

I wanted something feminine and I think this works nicely.  Once I got enough circles added to the background, I tested adding beads, sequins, and stitches to the centers.  I like the plain ivory beads the best so once I have the rest of the design finished, I'll put them in the centers of some of the circles, but probably not all. 

Next time I hope to have completely covered at least the bottom two rows of text with background stitches so I can start stitching the lettering.  Stay tuned!

Pat's background is much further along than mine.  It's so pretty!
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2016/09/more-background.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2016/10/wednesday-progress.html

Katherine is trying to decide which "potty mouth" design she wants to stitch.  Potty mouth?  LOL  Pretty appropriate since if my mother were still alive and saw what I was stitching, well, she's think I was a very potty-mouthed kid!
http://bootsandbeads.blogspot.com/2016/09/potty-mouth-stitching.html

P.S.  Looks like Bitch is now available from Bloomin' Stitches in blue on a white background.  Of course the shop will order any two colors you want but it's nice to see what various combinations look like first.  That always gives me ideas.
http://www.bloominstitches.com/product-page/eb05793d-78b6-67b6-2d42-05b53859dd75

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 25, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Barbara Russell Remembered UPDATED

The Nimble Needle has written a very retrospective about the designer Barbara Russell and her work. I updated my notice of Barbara's death with the link, but I am doing a separate blog entry here so you can read a bit about Barbara from the perspective of a shop owner and see something of the range of her work.
http://nimbleneedlenj.com/barbara-russell/

Once again, here is Barbara's website in case you want to explore further.  If you haven't, you should. Her designs are gorgeous and varied.  There's something wonderful for every stitching style.
http://barbararusselldesigns.com

UPDATE:  Dianne posted photographs of a set of six custom chair seats designed by Barbara and stitched by Dianne and her mother on Facebook.  They are amazing!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10208758297373866&set=pcb.1079541848789639&type=3&theater

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 23, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.