A Book on Making Tote Bags

Thanks to the Needlework Retailer, I know there's a new book out on how to sew your own tote bag.

https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2022/08/build-a-bag-book-tote-bags.html

There are reuseable templates for fifteen variations of tote bags apparently.  

https://www.debbieshoresewing.com/shop/brands/debbie-shore/debbie-shore-build-a-bag-tote-bags-book/

If you are curious, the author Debbie Shore has at least two YouTube videos on making two styles of tote.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6Td9vSl5uA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33aR25znAVE

If you have a sewing machine and do quilting it looks like these would be pretty easy and you could use your stitched needlepoint as pockets or even as one side of a tote if they are large enough.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 25, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A DIY Acrylic Tray

Patricia wins the Smart Cookie Award for September with this Do It Yourself lucite tray.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/122934116489655/permalink/413035970812800/

For those who don't have a Facebook account, Patrica described how she did this:  "...purchased Lucite tray from Amazon ( about $20). They come is multiple sizes. Choose one closest to your canvas. Very carefully (to the 32nd) measured the inside on the tray and went to Lowes where they will cut to size a piece of plexi ($15) that ultimately will be used to cover canvas once placed in tray. Then went to Michael’s and ordered a custom double mat with spacer and a piece of card stock.. ( $70). Total spent $105 compared to hundreds for a custom tray from LNS. Cut cardstock to fit bottom of tray. Layer canvas down on top of cardstock and adhered with the tiniest dot of glue stick. Layer custom mat on top of canvas and covered with plexi. I don’t plan on serving liquids with this so no need to seal. Fit is super tight."

Congratulations to Patricia for this very clever way to create a lucite tray.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 24, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tips for Photographing Needlework

EGA has a lovely article on their website about photographing your needlework.

https://egausa.org/tips-for-taking-photographs-of-your-needlework/

I've learned to photograph framed pieces that have glass slightly from the side to avoid most of the glare.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 23, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Need a Needlepoint Appraisal?

I just stumbled across the website for The Needle's Worth, which is Willette Vaughn's website for her needlework appraisal business.  She's in south Alabama I think.

https://theneedlesworth.com

I know ANG certifies needlework appraisers so if you are a member, you might look at their website to see if any are listed.  A local museum with a large textile collection is also a good place to ask for recommendations.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 23, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stained Glass Hearts

Colour Complements in Canada has a fun take on stained glass hearts that would be easy to copy.

https://colourcomplements.com/2022/08/stained-glass.html

If you are making hearts for the Hearts for Hospice program and have a stash of overdyed threads you can dip into, give it a try.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 23, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.