Saturday, April 26, 2014

A Little Bit of History

I thought the history buffs among us might like to visit Carolyn Meacham's website to see two small Berlin woodwork charts she has for sale.   If we were Victorians, these ancestors of counted canvaswork charts would be what we used to stitch from.
http://elegantarts.com/product_info.php?products_id=538

Carolyn is an antiques dealer who specializes in needlework items.  Gay Ann Rogers talks about many of the unique items that Carolyn sells through eBay auctions in her Shining Needle Society classroom.  Visiting Carolyn's website and eBay auctions is a great way to learn about the history of needlepoint by studying the tools that our stitching ancestors used.  Besides, where else will you see a solid gold needle case in the shape of the bust of a Roman matron?  (click on "My Collection")

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 23, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Iris Cyberclass

Laura Perin has announced her summer cyberclass--the Iris.  The design is actually called "Fleur-de-Lis" and will be available in purples or in blues.  The class will start in July and registration is open now.
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2014/04/its-iris-time.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 26,  2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bunny Time

Spring is the time when rabbits run wild (except in Chilly Hollow where we only see bunny tracks in the winter as having large dogs tends to keep rabbits at bay).  Nimble Needle in New Jersey is following this trend by showing off some of their bunny canvases, which range from the amazing Elizabeth Turner portrait of a black and white rabbit to the gourd piece wearing a needlepoint front shirt.  In between is a classic crewel portrait and a Victorian bunny egg.  Something for everyone who loves rabbit themes!
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2014/04/bunnies-rabbits-and-hares.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 20, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Wonderful Display

Some days I just want to sit and look at lovely finished projects. So this morning I have two photo galleries for you to explore and enjoy. The first is from Amy Bunger's shop. These are customer class pieces and finished stitch guide models as far as I can tell.  Use the Next command to move through the album, admiring the lovely stitching and interesting effects.  If you fall in love, I'm sure Amy and her staff can help you with the canvas and a guide or lesson plan and the threads.
http://www.amybunger.com/albums/album_image/6262614/7263528.htm

Next let's head north from Memphis to New Jersey, where the New Jersey Needle Artists Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild has a gallery of finished member pieces that is a joy to browse.   Click on a photo and then use the right and left side arrows to navigate through the fun.
http://njneedleartists.org/photo-gallery/

Many thanks to the shops and guilds who post their wonderful needle art online!  You are an inspiration to us all.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 1, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.