Oasis Needlepoint Has a New Artist

If you are looking for something a little different for your next piece and you like animals, you will be charmed by the animal designs that Madeleine-Elizabeth Harwell is doing for Oasis Needlepoint.
https://www.oasisneedlepoint.com/madeleine-elizabeth

Madeleine-Elizabeth is a new, young artist whose elephant and peacock designs are definitely winners in my eyes.
https://www.oasisneedlepoint.com/copy-of-cases-inserts

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 11, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Stitch Circles

Needlepoint.com has written a nice article with ideas for stitching circles.  Of course they are promoting their classes that include some of the tips they mention but it's still a good read.  After all, circles are hard to do well on the grid of needlepoint canvas.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/tips-and-ideas-for-stitching-round-objects-in-needlepoint?goal=0_6eed0b10d5-9847a637f4-579725333&mc_cid=9847a637f4&mc_eid=3a360cb48b

Other ideas:

Couch a spiral of thread working from the center out
Use any stitch you want and then cover the jagged edge with an outline of stem stitch
Cut out a fabric circle (Ultrasuede or felt work well) and stitch it to the canvas with tiny stitches in a matching color.
Cover the circles with round sequins or paillettes or spangles

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright  May 11, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tina Francis Interviewed

Stitchery Stories interviews Tina Francis of Tina Francis Tapestry in their weekly series.
https://www.stitcherystories.com/tinafrancis/

Because Tina operates out of Birmingham, England, you may not be familiar with her designs.  She does tapestry kits using Appleton and Anchor wool on printed canvas or charts (your choice), among other things.  She's very fond of Bargello, too.  She also sells charts for a Use Your Stash series to encourage folks to use up bits of leftover threads from other projects.
http://www.tina-francis-tapestry.co.uk/shop/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TinaFrancisTapestry

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 10, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Miniature Scissors from Japan

I find Japanese scissors to be very high quality so I was thrilled when someone on Facebook mentioned Cohana Seiko Mini Scissors.  They are said to cut very well.
https://www.connectingthreads.com/cohana-seki-mini-scissors/p/82673?media=PPCBNBT&msclkid=75b6ae003e521c5ed084f2d58c665742&utm_source=media&utm_medium=marketing&utm_campaign=PPCBNBT

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 10, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Smart Cookie Award for July Goes To….

The Smart Cookie Sward for July goes to Barbara, who has a really clever storage idea for her magnets.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2417437294974798&set=gm.2237140156363130&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Hobby Lobby has lots of metal flower items online, although what is in stock at your local shop will vary.  If wall decor doesn't work for you, look at metal trash cans or perhaps desk top items.
https://www.hobbylobby.com/search/?text=metal+flowers

For a flatter item, search Etsy for metal magnet boards.
https://www.etsy.com/search?q=metal%20magnet%20board

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 10, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.