Beginning and Ending Threads Securely

Louise's Needlework has a nice short article on starting and ending threads securely.  Use the right side arrow to see all the pages.  They use inline and away waste knots, the pin stitch, the L stitch, T stitch and Bargello tuck to start or end threads securely and have diagrammed each for you.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-aBXqAtyXU/?g=5&img_index=1

I should add that Louise's Needlework has a very informative "Tips and Techniques" page on their website.  It's worth bookmarking for the next time you need expert advice.

https://www.louisesneedlework.com/hints-and-tips-for-needlepoint.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 8, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: Soft Matte Cotton Thread

Yesterday I visited my local Michael's craft store as I wanted some DMC cotton floss in a color I didn't have in the stash.  It took me a bit to find the cotton floss as the store had rearranged the aisles to make more room for a new DMC product--Soft Matte Cotton Thread.  

https://www.michaels.com/product/dmc-soft-matte-cotton-thread-10713375

Soft Matte Cotton is a thick, non-divisible thread that looks a bit like a soft cord.  I'm guessing it is about the diameter of size 3 perle cotton.  The texture and lack of shine reminds me of the loops that we used to weave potholders when I was a kid. Michael's had probably 30 colors on display but there are over 125 available on the DMC website above.

Is it something you'd use for needlepoint?  Probably not.  It looks suitable for 10 or 12 count canvas but if you are doing a rug, you'd want a more durable thread, like wool.  It would work on plastic canvas if you are teaching someone to stitch, though.  The DMC website mentions weaving and I'd think that this might be a good product if you are learning to weave.  It comes almost eleven yards to a skein and is fairly inexpensive.  I think it might make an interesting trim but it's not something I bothered to buy for my stash despite the deep, rich colors.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 11, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Beth Gantz Self Finishing Round Wooden Frames

Needlepoint.com demonstrates how to add a ribbon hanger to the Beth Gantz round wooden ornament frames, then how to cut, fold and insert your 3.75 inch design into the four inch frame. The second link below shows you Beth's wooden frames, which come in a variety of sizes and shapes.  Your favorite shop can order from Beth for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SaGFPhTXfA

https://bethgantzdesigns.com/products/self-finishing-products

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 8, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Melissa's and Megan's Journey

I imagine a lot of folks are like me on Halloween, without any little kids coming to my door for candy, so let's do something totally different and listen to the two Pointing It Out podcasts where the hosts, Melissa MacLeod of The Wool and The Floss, and Megan Holmes of the Needlepoint Clubhouse, interview each other.  

The first video is all about Melissa.  You can learn a bit about her career before needlepoint, how she became a shop owner, the impact of Covid on needlepoint, the re-branding Melissa has done, and the fact that despite her business background, she goes to Market without a budget.  

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

You can even tour Melissa's stitching room via this Instagram video.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-k0vToRDji/

The second video is all about Megan.  You can get to know her, learn a bit about her shop and discover how she's gone from shop owner to canvas distributor to new owner of Susan Roberts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBALTmmV_30

The websites for The Wool and The Floss and the Needlepoint Clubhouse are here--

https://woolfloss.com/

https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 6, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Easy Finishing Tip for Irregular Shapes: The Movie

The Nashville Needlepointer shows an easy way to outline an irregular shape on your mat board or foam core for finishing.  Hint:  Use a pin, then connect the dots and cut.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-S9V8mP7Hw/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 6, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.