Canvas in a Box

Sue explains how to insert a needlepoint canvas into a box lid, starting with the choice of box and canvas, and ended up with the prefect present.
https://sudukc.wordpress.com/2016/06/29/lighthouse-in-a-box/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 29, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

And the Award for Clever Use of Background Goes To....

...Anne Stradal!   I love the shading in the blue background.  It's just right--not obtrusive but interesting.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2015/04/a-downtime-project.html

This is one of Joan Thomasson's Christmas bulb series.  I have stitched one of the two versions of Mrs. Santa (below).  There is also Santa himself and the angel.  These aren't on Joan's website now but I see them on eBay occasionally.
http://www.stitchinstuff.com/ProductCategories.aspx

Joan Thomasson's Mrs. Santa Bulb Center 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 2, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Anne's Santa

Anne of ABS Designs has finally finished her 15 inch high Amanda Lawford Santa. This labor of love was stitched in spare moments taken from Anne's needlepoint business just for fun and display at her house.  Anne's a master of restraint as you can see from the photo (click to enlarge) and from her "Making It Simple" column in Needlepoint Now magazine.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2015/03/finally-finish.html

If you'd like to follow Anne's stitching journey, type "Amanda Lawford Santa" into the search bar in the upper left corner then click on the little magnifying glass.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 25, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Clever Use of Thread Weight

Anne of ABS Designs has created an original design as a gift for friends.  As she stitches, she is using two different stitches and two weights of threads in the same color to differentiate the border from the center of the design.   I think this is very clever!
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/12/dogs-and-cats-more-progress.html

Here's the finished design.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-zooey-finale.html

The next time you need a subtle border, remember Anne's idea.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 3, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

White on White

If you have ever struggled to pair two whites on a canvas, you will find Anne Stradal's ideas invaluable. 
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/11/christmas-angel-part-3.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 13, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Little Treat for Needlepoint Now Subscribers

Anne Stradal of ABS Designs does a column for Needlepoint Now about keeping your stitching simple.  The November-December 2014 issue features Anne's stitching of a snowman from Machelle Sommerville.  Anne just got her design back from the finisher, made into a lovely pillow, so she posted a photograph for Machelle's fans.  It's really lovely and a nice ending touch for the column!
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-rest-of-story.html

Because Machelle works at Peacock Alley in Michigan, they usually have a nice stock of her designs.
http://www.peacockalleyneedlepoint.com/machelle-somerville---.html

If you are a fan of keeping your stitching simple, then you need to visit Anne's blog and website to see her own needlepoint designs and watch her applying her simple approach to a variety of canvases.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com

http://www.absdesignsonline.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 11, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing Rollups the SuDu Way UPDATED

Sue D. has started finishing a bunch of rollup designs. 
http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2014/07/16/roll-up-finishing-has-begun/

http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2014/08/25/i-am-all-stuffed-out/

http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2014/08/26/hanger-in-the-top-piece/

http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2014/09/04/all-twisted-up-making-cording/

http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2014/09/06/all-rolled-up-the-roll-ups-are-finished-thank-goodness/

I think most of Sue's canvases are from ABS Designs, so here is the link to Anne Stradal's website so you can look at what rollup canvases are like, just in case you aren't familiar with them.  Just click on a header and explore.  UPDATE:  Sue says, "Jane, two of the roll-ups are Anne's the others were done by a local artist, Joan Lewis. She no longer is in business but if anyone wants to contact me I can see if she has any left. I will post the finished ones today."
http://www.absdesignsonline.com/cylindrical_ornaments.htm

Thanks for the correction, Sue!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 16, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Let's See What is in the Tip Jar

My tip jar isn't full of money--it's full of cool ideas from across the Internet from my stitching friends.   Tip number one is from Pepita.  Renee tells us a neat shortcut that will save time if you are stitching a challah cover.  I think it'll work nicely for any sort of pillow, too, especially if your canvas is too narrow to cover the front of a pillow.
http://needlepointofview.com/2014/07/30/623/?utm_source=feedly&utm_reader=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=623

Sue has been researching ideas for needle-blended skies for her lighthouse project, using Anne Stradal's blog.  Anne specializes in beautiful skies for her needlepoint lighthouse designs.
http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2014/07/30/hiding-out-is-such-fun/

Finally, Robin King went into overdrive to find the perfect background ideas for this Charley Harper piece.  She already had the perfect stitcher in Penny B.  Don't you just love how it turned out?!
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2014/07/potluck-by-charley-harper-and-penny-b.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 30, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Remodeling A Door

Anne Stradal of ABS Designs is restitching one of her architectural door pieces for a guild class on the Cape. Here is the Before photo with the newly repainted bare canvas for class.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/06/getting-ready-for-class.html

Here is the After photo.  Amazing what a few thread, stitch and color changes will do!  Click on the photo for a better look.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/06/remodeling-completed.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/07/readying-for-fourthducking-hurricane.html

If you love architectural detail on your canvases, you will love seeing Anne' entire line of "Doorway to the Past" canvases.
http://www.absdesignsonline.com/architectual.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 24, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Betsy and the Flag

Sue just finished stitching her Betsy Ross rollup from ABS Designs. She had a little trouble with threads and stitches but I think Betsy is wonderful. She's worth th pain! (Especially if you aren't doing the stitching and ripping!)   Happy Fourth!
http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2014/06/26/betsy-ross-stitched-and-blocking/

In case you can't wait to see how Sue finishes her Betsy, here are brief roll up instructions for two different looks from A Dragon's Tale, who offer some wonderful rollup Santas.
http://adragonstaleneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2009/06/roll-up-santas.html

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

More Background Magic from a Master

Anne Sradal of ABS Designs likes to blog-stitch various items from her line but occasionally she works on something else. I was particularly interested to read her description of why she choose the background color, thread and stitch for this Amanda Lawford stand up Santa.   Her points are very valid for all of us to remember when we are choosing our own backgrounds.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2013/10/chipping-away-at-background.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Tudor Challenge UPDATED

Anne Stradal of ABS Designs has taken up the Tudor Challenge! 
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-tudor-challenge.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/01/anne-boleyn-part-two.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/02/anne-boleyn-part.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/02/another-wife-for-henry.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/02/not-so-plain-jane.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/02/adding-some-color.html

UPDATES:  Since the above was published, there are more Queen shots.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/02/abtb.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-rose-without-thorns_17.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/02/kathryn-howard-part-two.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/02/kathryn-howard-part-three.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/02/kathryn-howard-finale.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-survivor.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/03/katherine-parr-part-two.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/03/katherine-parr-part-three.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/03/more-on-parr.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/03/katherine-parr-finale.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-german-bride.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/03/anne-of-cleves-progress-i.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/03/more-progress-on-anne-of-cleves.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/03/one-step-forward-two-steps-backward.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/04/anne-of-cleves-back-on-track.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/04/anne-of-cleves-finale.html

http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2014/04/jane-seymour-finale.html

Here's a photo of her Henry VIII, in case you want to see who Anne Boleyn and all the other wives married.  Design and stitch faster, Anne.  We can't wait to see!
http://www.absdesignsonline.com/images/Cylindrical/fantasy2.jpg

I'll keep updating this as the stable of wives grow.

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

Friday Finishing: Acrylic Boxes And Regular Frames

Vicky shows off some fun finishing ideas using small canvases and acrylic boxes and trays from Kreative Acrylics.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/need-a-finishing-idea/

Here is the company's website, just in case you need a full sized acrylic box for your mummy case!
http://www.kreativeacrylics.com

Melissa Prince also distributes acrylic boxes, just in case you want to see even more.
http://astheneedleturns.com/melissa-prince-trunk-show-boxes-and-inserts/

I also have some lovely framing to show you that Randi has done for two counted pieces she just finished.
http://twisinc.blogspot.com/2013/12/revenue-enhancement-at-framers.html

Here is an unusual bit of finishing--a snow globe.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2013/12/blog-post_21.html

There is lots of amazing stitching AND finishing here from customers of Nimble Needle.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2013/12/encore.html

Finally, it's appropriate that the final finishing for this first Friday of the new year is a new baby's ornament for the First Christmas.  We wish the little one much joy in life!
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2013/12/crossing-another-finish-line.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Angels Sing On High

I love angel canvases.  Luckily Anne Stradal of ABS Designs does also and has posted photos of her angel canvases for us to enjoy this Christmas Day.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2013/12/an-angelic-season.html

If you are enchanted like me, visit Joan Thomasson's website and explore all the angel kits she offers.
http://www.joanthomasson.com/ProductCategories.aspx

By the way, this angel stand up made into a rocking stand up is different and beautiful!
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2013/12/noreens-angel-topper-made-into-rocker.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

There's White...

There's white...and then there is WHITE. Anne shows how various shades of color look together as she chooses whites for her Amanda Lawford Santa hair and fur trim. Click on the little photo for a much better look at her thread choices and their various shades of white.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2013/11/raising-some-eyebrows.html 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Puddle Colors the John Waddell Way

Sue is working away on a chicken design using an overdyed thread for the background, and was kind enough to explain how John Waddell taught her to space the colors in the thread.
http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2013/09/26/henny-penny/

http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2013/10/01/overdye-puddle-stitching/

Here's John's website, just in case Sue's link to there breaks.
http://johnwaddellneedlepoint.com/gallery.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

When There Is No Background

Sometimes a background isn't meant to be there but you can always add one.  Anne Stadal shows just how beautiful that can be with her Joan Thomasson Peaceable Kingdom angel.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2013/09/coming-home-to-mama.html 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Cheeky Santa

Since I know many folks find faces hard, I thought everyone would be interested in how Anne Stradal of ABS Designs is stitching the rosy cheeks of her current Santa (by Amanda Lawford).
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2013/10/needle-blending-not-just-for-skies.html

Anne uses needle blending of colors very often for skies. Here is her last example--
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2013/07/two-skies-side-by-side.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Two Needle Blended Skies Aren't Identical

Take two canvases and stitch their skies with the same thread colors in the needle blending technique and they will not look alike.  Anne Stradal, master of needle blended skies, explains why here.  Thank you, Anne!  I did not know this.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2013/07/two-skies-side-by-side.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Creating a Background From Nothing

Anne Stradal has created a background for a Joan Thomasson angel where there was none. I think she did a fabulous job.  Creating something from nothing, she changed the piece to a larger size suitable for finishing as a stand up piece.  If you want to follow Anne's progress from when she started working on this last December, click on the Angels tag at the bottom of this article and all the articles about this piece will magically appear.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2013/06/peaceable-kingdom-finale.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.