A New Tool UPDATED

Thanks to Thistle Threads, I've learned about Pinzette Tweezers.  
https://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/products/pinzette-tweezer

These are ergonomic and used quite a bit by couture embroiderers.  If you like to use tweezers to remove threads and your hands are arthritic, these might be a worth-while investment.  You can see more photos on Access Commodities' website.  They are wholesale only, however.
https://www.accesscommodities.com/products/accessories/pinzette-tweezers-for-easy-thread-removal

UPDATE:  More information from Mary Corbet about these fabulous tweezers.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2020/01/tweezers-for-needlework.html

Looks like Needle in a Haystack in California carries them, too.
https://needlestack.americommerce.com/Accessories/AC-Pinzette.aspx

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 26, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Do Traditional Turkeywork

Today's video from Needlepoint.com is about how to do the traditional turkeywork stitch.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/whats-the-stitch-turkey-work

There are many ways to do turkeywork-type fur, but this is how I learned to do it first.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 26, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Jolly Red in Japan

Kelly of Jolly Red just got back from a trip to Japan to promote the British company and their needlepoint designs and kits.  She had a lovely time meeting both Japanese needlepointers and other British creatives.
https://www.jollyred.co.uk/jolly-japan/

If you are not familiar with Jolly Red's kits and printed designs, click on Home at the link above and explore all of their happy pieces.  Most are on 10 or 12 count and meant to be stitched with tapestry wool, making them perfect for a fast stitch or for someone who's vision isn't as sharp as it once was.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 25, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Great Bell Chant

Christmas and Hanukkah and other holidays this time of year are not always a happy time for folks.  Some of us don't have happy family memories, some of us have lost loved ones, some of us just don't like the commercialization of what is a time with profound religious meaning for several faiths.  So for everyone who is feeling a little down this holiday season, watch the Great Bell Chant.  It is a Buddhist chant meant to help end suffering in the world and to reveal and deepen the spiritual meaning of death.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j71kOClB4DA&feature=emb_logo

Our needlepoint, particularly basketweave, is a meditative journey but it is not the only one.

Here's to a healthy 2020 for us all.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 24, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Prison Embroideries of Mary, Queen of Scots

The Victoria and Albert Museum has a wonderful article about the needlepoint stitched by Mary, Queen of Scots and her household, while she was under house arrest in England.  
https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/prison-embroideries-mary-queen-of-scots?fbclid=IwAR2nvnv7ekaum7UtxKJiy76IRo2SzrOU1Ykvitd2G6MzGPsKcGJrXC0WiuY

Many thanks to the designer Anna Pearson who mentioned this article on Facebook.

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