The Joys of Counted Canvaswork

The latest e-newletter from Louise's Needlework is out and as usually it has some interesting items. My favorite section was Susan's essay on the fun she has with counted canvaswork.
https://media.rainpos.com/530/news_blast_april_final_pdf.pdf

I don't do much counted work myself (I cannot count reliably to three some nights) but it is always interesting to see it being done.  There's nothing quite like seeing a blank canvas start to develop a design and of course you can indulge yourself with lots of color play by choosing your favorites.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 4, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Uses for Needlepoint

Martha posed an interesting question over at Facebook's Needlepoint Nation—how can needlepoint be finished? The list is HUGE!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/2132457333498080/?sale_post_id=2132457333498080

Great question, Martha!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 27, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Woodstock for Christmas Background

I like to work my backgrounds first when I stitch a canvas. My Woodstock Christmas Logo piece needs to have some background worked before anything else anyway since there is going to be a lot of compensation necessary. Working a row across the middle of the design will help me make sure I don't make a mistake trying to work the background around the guitar and the dove.

I wanted a stitch that runs vertically since that will echo the way the guitar lays.  I like to choose background stitches that resemble a main part of my design whenever possible.  I really liked this stitch that Mary Legallet described on her Whimsical Stitch blog.
http://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2018/07/25

But there's a problem.  If you look at the diagram you'll see there are many stitch intersections that are not covered in thread.  I wanted to use a dark Christmas green on my background instead of the olive green that it is painted.  I can't have any empty spots of olive green showing through.  So I had to modify the stitch somehow.  This is what I came up with.



The first row in the diagram (black stitches) I stitched with two plies of a dark green Splendor silk floss.  The second row I used the same Splendor for the long stitches (red in the diagram) but used a similar shade of green in Kreinik size 16 braid for the short stitches (blue).  That adds a touch of sparkle to this piece, which is a Christmas ornament, after all.  It will have to stand out among many other ornaments and Christmas tree lights.

This is how it looks.  Now I want to finish the background and then decide what to do next.  Of course anyone else stitching this can finish the background last if they wish, but I think it's smart to at least have one row established that you can work from as you stitch the top and bottom areas above and below the row.



By the way, I'm listing all my blog stitching articles about Woodstock Christmas on the Chilly Hollow Stitch Guide blog as they are published.  You can go there by clicking on the photo of the flying carpet in the right hand column.  Then look for Woodstock Christmas Blog Stitching among the tabs.  Want to return back here?  Click on the flying carpet again.

I'll see you flower children back here next week.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 7, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Handle Stitching a Rug

The bi-monthly newsletter from Needlepoint Now is out and it has a great way to stitch a rug canvas, sent in by Ann.  Basically you roll the bottom of the rug around empty paper towel cardboard centers, then clip them to stay closed.  Then use frame weights to hold the top of the rug to a table.  You can sit at the table and stitch with the rolled end in your lap out of the way.  There's no need for a huge and expensive custom rug frame.  Very clever!
https://needlepointnow.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/j/CC841E4F1B402B832540EF23F30FEDED/D89D82459BF7DCF144D0DD5392A9C75A

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 23, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sandy Talks Needles

Sandy Arthur talks about the needles she likes and uses a lot in her blog.  Since Sandy is one of the most talented stitchers I know, this is durn interesting!
https://sandyarthur.blogspot.com/2019/03/saying-goodbye-to-march-i-am-amazed-at.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 31, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.