Dalmation Dog Technique

Helen M. Stevens is a world-class British embroider who does spectacular natural scenes.  She posted a tip for stitching creatures with spots on her Facebook page.  For those without a FB account, I'll quote Helen as she talks about the spotted butterfly example she posted--  "If you work the spots and other markings FIRST, and then flood the rest of the radial stitching in around them, you will achieve a smooth, even texture for the wing - not unlike the effect on the creature itself. Working the spots on top of the base colour will create an uneven, unconvincing texture...."  Helen calls this the Dalmation Dog technique.  By radial stitching she means satin stitch laid carefully but not necessarily covering the background fabric completely.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=759821530009531&set=gm.24380079934934194&idorvanity=129229193779273

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 7, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pleated Wings from Jenny Adin-Christie

I am in awe of Jenny Adin-Christie's talent, so I follow her on Instagram where I found this tutorial on making pleated ribbon wing edges.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C814FWfo9hF/

It's so easy!  Couch the ribbon down with a matching color of thread, do a second stitch in the middle of the ribbon to secure it, bend the ribbon up (or down), and repeat all along the edge of your wing.  The video is rather long but worth watching to the end to see how Jenny secures the end, that she used a waxed thread, and how she started and ended threads and ended her ribbon.  She is stitching on felt mounted on gauze so needlepointers can just take the end of their ribbon down through a hole and secure it on the back side instead of using another row of pleated ribbon to cover the end.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 1, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Helen Stevens' Tutorial on Stitching Trees

The British embroiderer Helen M. Stevens has posted a three part tutorial on stitching trees on her Instagram.  You'll need to use a sharp needle to put the stitches exactly where you want them on needlepoint canvas.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6wdgNWqAbn/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6yeJsFqD6Q/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C66MNriKgPz/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6_Vef_qxM-/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C7E2C9NKZ61/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C7HFa1RqMTd/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 16, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Embroidering a Face and Hair

Thanks to Kreinik's mentioning this, we can watch Lihn N.W. embroider a face and hair in the YouTube video.  This is being done on linen with DMC cotton flosses but a lot of the stitches and techniques will work on needlepoint canvas just as well, particularly if you use a sharp needle to place your stitches wherever you want instead of using a tapestry needle that only goes into the holes in needlepoint canvas.  You might also want to make note of the DMC colors used to include in your skin thread toolbox:  DMC variegated floss 69 (using the darker, medium and lighter parts of the skein for shading) and regular cotton floss 3774.  The hair colors used were DMC regular floss 938, 632, and 3064 to get the auburn hair shading.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DFahVBRBY8

Thanks, Kreinik!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 29, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Braided Stitch Flower: The Movie

Anjiara demonstrates what she calls braided stitch on a round flower.  It's lovely!  And unusual.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5-9jrQqNz8/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 23, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

One Simple Stitch Revised

Helen Stevens' book, One Simple Stitch, has been revised and republished as an ebook.

https://helenmstevens.online/products/ONE-SIMPLE-STITCH-c164432857

The digital download version has links to YouTube demonstration videos, making this an excellent teaching tool.

Not familiar with Helen's amazing nature embroidery?  Explore her website and prepare to be astounded!

https://helenmstevens.online/products/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 1, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tracy Franklin Interview

Textile Artist has a wonderful interview with the British embroiderer Tracy Franklin.

https://www.textileartist.org/tracy-a-franklin-a-break-with-tradition/

I first noticed Tracy through her goldwork but she does crewel, pulled work and many other types of embroidery which you can see on her website.

https://www.tracyafranklin.com/

If you want to read more about Tracy and her embroidery, this older article from Piecework magazine may be of interest.

https://pieceworkmagazine.com/postcard-from-scotland-durham-cathedral-a-conversation-with-embroiderer-tracy-a-franklin/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 29, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Trish Burr's Free Needle Painting Stitch-A-Long

Trish Burr, who is famous for her classes and books on exquisite needle painting, is doing a free stitch-a-long for folks subscribed to her blog.  Even if you aren't interested in trying needle painting yourself, the instructions from a master of this technique are worth reading.  There are lots of tips that are interesting, even if this is being stitched on linen instead of needlepoint canvas.

https://trishburr.com/2020/09/15/project-12-mini-journal/

https://trishburr.com/2020/09/15/stitch-along-clarification/

https://trishburr.com/2020/09/18/stitch-along-part-one/

https://trishburr.com/2020/09/25/stitch-along-part-two/

https://trishburr.com/2020/09/28/mini-journal-layout/

https://trishburr.com/2020/10/02/stitch-along-part-three/

https://trishburr.com/2020/10/09/stitch-along-part-four/

https://trishburr.com/2020/10/28/o-christmas-tree/

https://trishburr.com/2020/12/06/construction-of-mini-journal/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 25, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Profiling Jenny Adin-Christie

Today I'd like to profile the needlework of Jenny Adin-Christie, who is a British embroiderer with magic fingers, to say the least!  Kathy at the Unbroken Thread recently took a class (the Minerva Mirror) from Jenny.  Let's start there.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2015/08/19/bath-textile-summer-school-day-2/

Interested?  Here are some stunning close ups of Jenny's needlework.
https://bordertextilegroup.wordpress.com/june-jenny-adin-christie/

Here's an interview, with a nice tip about avoiding magnification whenever possible, plus the story how Paul McCarthy ended up with his own slate frame.
https://egausa.org/needle-arts-magazine/profile-jenny-adin-christie/

Finally, here's Jenny's website. I encourage you to explore her whitework, goldwork, stumpwork and embroidery.
http://jennyadin-christieembroidery.com/Home.html

One talented lady!UPDATED

UPDATE:  Fiber Talk has interviewed Jenny.  Great listen!  Thanks for the tip, Gary.
https://wetalkfiber.com/2019/05/12/fiber-talk-with-jenny-adin-christie/?fbclid=IwAR0BrSaAf-OEQDSKIHFlcJbuN0K3CtWOvgP3q9J2OODbTg3mdPxcZhHPQGc

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 28, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mary Corbett Reviews The Amazing Stitching Handbook for Kids

Mary Corbett has done another of her great book reviews, this time about Kristine Nichols' new book, The Amazing Stitching Handbook for Kids.  Mary really likes this book although she does say that it doesn't go into great depth on any type of needle technique.  It is a great introduction for beginners of any age.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2019/05/the-amazing-stitching-handbook-for-kids.html

If you know someone you think would like to learn needlework, why not pick up a copy of this book and send it to them with some stitching supplies this summer?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 8, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Ultimate Hair Stylist

The embroidery artist Bernite Broiderie is a master hair stylist.
https://mymodernmet.com/3d-embroidery-hairstyles-bernita-broderie/?fbclid=IwAR0N-tXw41t37OkYXK8ErUHHp9xluEM87-ZZwSRUrl4yE8byQTbI4QpYXUU

Bernita has an Etsy shop.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BernitaBroderie?source=aw&utm_source=affiliate_window&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=us_location_buyer&utm_term=3657&awc=6220_1556116168_afa22e7f12d8139b9e3990e66b94f240&utm_content=259915

She also has an Instagram account and...
https://www.instagram.com/bernita_broderie/

…a Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/BernitaBroderiee/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 24, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Embroidered Treasures: Flowers

There's a new book out on historical embroidery, based on floral items in the collection of the Embroiders Guild of the United Kingdom.  Mary Corbet has done a nice review and overview of the book.  If you are interested in historical needlework, you probably will want to track this one down.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/01/embroidered-treasures-flowers-book-review.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 17, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Learning a Fine Raised Line from Anna Scott

Anna Scott teaches how to create a fine raised line for a stem in this blog posting.  Anna is working on a crewel design which means to recreate what she does you'll need to use a sharp needle so you can pierce the needlepoint canvas threads, but this technique will work nicely for plant stems, lettering or any fine line you want to emphasize in your needlepoint.
http://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2017/05/fine-raised-stems.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 30, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Embroiderer's Watch

When you get your tax refund, you might want to buy yourself the perfect embroiderer's watch.
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/metiers-d-arts-stitches-time/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 16, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tutorial: Stitching a Dimensional Star

Diana Maria Castro has devised a clever way to stitch a dimensional star. This works for stars with an odd number of points. To do this on needlepoint canvas you will need a sharp needle so you can put the stitches right where you want them. Diana Maria says you can work any size star this way but I imagine a very small star would be difficult. Still, it will be fun to try!
http://www.dimensionalembroidery.com/tutorial-star-tucker.html

By the way, Diana Maria has some nice stitch tutorial videos. I'll add the link here and at the bottom of Blog's page with the other stitch tutorials.
http://www.dimensionalembroidery.com/tutorials.html 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 3, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Finished Edge (with Cross Stitches, Beads and Buttonhole Stitches)

Janet Granger is working a Carolyn Pearce set of embroidery smalls, i.e., stitched tools, that has been fun to watch grow.  Today's example has a very clever way to finish the edge of the current piece that I think has particular relevance to those who finish their own ornaments.  Wouldn't this make a clever edging?!
https://janetgranger.wordpress.com/2016/02/04/home-sweet-home-workbox-33-edging/

Penny, you were absolutely right--counted thread and embroidery folks have a lot to teach us needlepointers!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 4, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Food For Thought When Transferring a Design

Rachel does a lot of embroidery that involves getting the design outline onto linen and fabrics.  She's written an interesting article on the various ways she's accomplished this with an emphasis on their pluses and minuses.  I've used the "light box" method she describes successfully on needlepoint canvas and I also baste lines on canvas occasionally, especially when I want to mark out background areas or borders.   I don't use a marking pen much as they are so inconsistent depending on the weather.  I've had marks never disappear and had them disappear overnight.
http://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/2016/02/16/transferring-designs/

All these things come into play when you are trying to transfer a design but remember, whichever way you decide to work, patience is your friend.  None of these techniques are fast.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 16, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Frame with Arm Rest

Here's something totally new in the world of frames--an arm rest! 
http://www.margaretlee.com.au/store/frames--accessories/supporting-frame-with-hand.html

The frame is from Margaret Lee Embroideries which is an Australian company specializing in Japanese and Chinese embroidery.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 24, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Helen Stevens' New Website

Helen M. Stevens has a new website!  DO NOT miss the videos or overlook her photo gallery as she is an amazing embroiderer and an interesting teacher.  I loved the spider video with its tips.  Even though Helen is working on a different fabric than needlepointers use, you can use her techniques just by switching to a sharp needle to make it easier to place that stitch (or spider's leg) just where you want it.
http://www.helenmstevens.info

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 2, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Embroiderers to the Royal Family

I fought you'd enjoy watching this video profile of Hand and Lock that Susan Elliott of Plays with Needles fame posted the link to.  The company is famous for their gold work, couture embroidery and military insignia.  Amazing to think that hand embroidery is still a viable profession in the 21st Century!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iitj3ipEvk&feature=youtu.be

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 30, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.