In the Market for Waterfront Property?

While looking for something else, I stumbled across this listing for waterfront land in Michigan.
http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/Needlepoint-Dr_Curtis_MI_49820_M40834-11962

Note the address.

It isn't for sale right now but if I win the lottery I might try to buy it and put a little house with a big stitching porch on it for retreats.  Wouldn't that be fun?!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 10, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ghost, the Embroidery Video

"Ghost" is a music video from the indie band Husky that features a computer-generated ethnic embroidery style that looks like a mix of cross stitch, needlepoint and Day of the Dead imagery.
https://vimeo.com/216098603

Clemstamation did the animation.  I don't see any more work done in this style but animation that copies hand embroidery is both fun for us stitchers to see and a hopeful sign that younger people are interested in doing thing with needles.
http://www.clemstamation.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 7, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Smoothing Threads: Kreinik's Introduction to Laying Tools

The Kreinik blog has a terrific article on laying tools and using them to smooth threads.  It explains why you would want to smooth a thread and shows you how to turn items you already have into inexpensive laying tools.  There are links to further information at the bottom of the article as well.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-easiest-way-to-make-prettier.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 7, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Birthstone Santas

Now here's something new and fun—Birthstone Santas!  I think they'd make a fun holiday display using the birthdays of your family or special friends.
http://www.redroosterstitchery.com

These are exclusive to the shop.  Contact them for further information.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 8, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Straw Silk, the Lists

Straw Hat in Straw Silk

Silk Road Fibers has created a color list of all their available Straw Silk threads. This ribbon-like flat thread is a mix of silk and paper.  It looks like raffia, and can be used on either 13 or 18 count, depending on the stitch you want.  For tent stitches or long stitches on 18 count, you can split it down the middle to get a thinner thread.  Use a needle to get the split going at a cut end, then pull the two parts apart slowly and carefully.
http://silkroadfiber.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Silk-Road-Fiber-Color-List-6.2017.pdf

I used a lot of Straw Silk on Leigh Designs "Japanese Tea House."  The tree bark and the lower layer of leaves are in Straw Silk.  So is the mass of bushes in the lower right corner.  I've used it in places on many other designs but not in such profusion as here.  It was perfect for the plants on this piece.
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2013/11/tantalizing-glimpses.html

I also used it for the straw hat worn by the "Miami Gold Digger," again from Leigh Designs.  The photo of the hat is above.  Once again it was the absolutely perfect thread for this section of my canvas.

If you prefer a look at the color card, here it is.
http://silkroadfiber.com/straw-silk-fiber/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 7, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.