Monday, December 7, 2020

The Footstool UPDATED

Rachel of Vertuosew Adventures is going to create a canvas footstool using inspiration from her grandmother and stash threads.  It will replace a footstool her grandmother stitched that her mother has worn out.


UPDATE:  More progress on the sections of the footstool.




And it is DONE!

It's really easy to come up with something fun to stitch from your stash, even if you don't have an old footstool that needs a cover.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 1, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, December 6, 2020

The Crafty Attic

I stumbled across The Crafty Attic by chance.  It is a UK shop that specializes in goldwork and stumpwork supplies, plus silk and organdy ribbons, needles and more.  The shop carries a great many ribbon widths, which is especially nice, and is a fun browse since it has a lot of demonstration videos.  Hopefully it's a good source of supplies for our British needlepointers.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 1, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, December 5, 2020

Breaking News: A New Shop!

Aiken, South Carolina has a new shop!  Needlepoint Cottage is having their grand opening December 5, 8, 9 and 10 with a sale.  They are located at 226 Park Avenue, Aiken, SC and are open 10-4 p.m. each day.

They hope to have their website ready in January for us online shoppers.  Meanwhile, all the Carolina people, go support this new venture.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 4, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, December 4, 2020

Gifts for the New (or Not) Stitcher

It's that time of year when we are racking our brains, trying to find the perfect gift for a stitching friend—or for a brand new stitcher.  I thought I'd assemble a few gift ideas from a couple of shops to make it easy to do mail order.  Remember, the delivery services are overwhelmed so if you don't have a local you can visit, order ASAP.  Already the post office's Priority Mail which normally takes two days is taking six!

First up, you can't stitch without scissors or needles.  How about these cute (and sharp) little pastel scissors?  They are great for a beginner or for a spare pair, or for travel.  These come in pink, lavender and blue but only pink are in stock right now at this shop.

You always need needles.  Bohin needles are wonderful.  Gift your stitching friends an assortment and remind them to keep spares in their wallets.  Size 22 is perfect for 18 count canvas but if your buddy prefers 13 count designs, buy them size 18 or 20.  

Many stitchers love magnets to put on their canvas to temporarily park a needle until they need it again.  They come in many styles and sizes, so you can find one that suits anyone.

How about a tote bag for that project canvas, threads and tools?  These come in various sizes and protect your project when you travel.  A bonus is you can easily see which project to grab when you are ready to stitch.

Of course you can gift a friend a stitch dictionary so they always have great stitches to choose from.  Stitches to Go is a classic and it is small enough to go anywhere.  True, it doesn't tell you where to use the stitches, but this little book distills the three volumes of the fabulous Stitches for Effect series into one little volume.

Another great portable choice is Carole Lake's Just in the Knick of Time, a book with both useful stitches and information on how and where to use them.

If you want to spend just a little more, how about you gift someone a fabulous cyberclass to keep them entertained this winter?  There's something to appeal to almost anyone here.

Hope this gives you some good gift ideas, even if it is just for your own wish list.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 3, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, December 3, 2020

A New Designer~

Stitch By Stitch in Larchmont, NY has a trunk show from a new designer—Pink Petals!  There are lots of sayings and fun Christmas pieces, as well as cute animals.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 30, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.