Rainy Days and Monsters (with Ryn and Ruth)

Ruth Schmuff has announced another in Ryn's series of small monster canvases--the Rainy Day Monster.  The canvas comes with a guide to recreate the cuteness when you need a rainy day project yourself. (second link below)
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/12/rain-rain-go-away.html

https://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/geisha-monster-b4645/

The Twelve Gnomes of Christmas

Alice Vantrease Needlepoint Designs has posted two photos of one of their twelve Christmas gnomes on their Facebook page.  
https://www.facebook.com/108210849243364/photos/pcb.832112976853144/832112373519871/?type=1&theater

This canvas is called Rudolpho and the stitch guide is from Judy Greet of Needles and Threads of Ruxton.   Contact Judy if you would like to order Rudolpho and his guide or if you are interested in any of the other gnomes.
http://www.needlesandthreadsofruxton.com

Here are all the other rollup gnomes.  They come with stitch guides, but I don't know if all the guides are by Judy.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.116559821741800.16355.108210849243364&type=1

Christmas Came Early This Year (Tony Minieri Guides)

Yes, Christmas has arrived two days early here in Chilly Hollow--Tony Minieri's website finally has some of his stitch guides available!  These are electronic guides (unless you live in countries where Tony has to collect VAT) available instantly after payment.  All the details are here.  Prices range from $35-85 per guide.
http://www.tonyminieri.com/kazoos-store/

I expect more guides will be added as Tony has time to make them available.  No, I haven't bought any yet.  I'm still trying to decide....

If you have and you want to let the rest of us know what the guides are like (some of them are likely quite old), please comment below or email me at chillyhollow at hotmail dot com.  Thanks and Merry Christmas!

Blog-Stitching Stardust

Pat Miller has started blog-stitching Stardust, one of Leigh Designs' Las Vegas Showgirls.  There are eight of these tall beauties, so even if Stardust isn't to your liking, one of her seven sisters is likely to strut into your heart.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp502x.html

The stitch guide will be available from Leigh Designs or from Pat once she is finished (probably January).  So let's sit back and watch the show!
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/12/whats-next.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/12/working-border.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/12/stitching-again.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/12/skin-and.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/12/and-more.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/12/getting-there.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/12/just-leg.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/12/feathers.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/12/working-along.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2015/01/and-onto-beads.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2015/01/all-over-place.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2015/01/beads-and-borders.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2015/01/skirt-feathers.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2015/01/just-beads.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2015/01/top-feathers.html

SnowGlobe 1 (Laura Perin Stitches Sandra Gilmore)

Laura Perin has stitched another wonderful Sandra Gilmore canvas, this time her small Snowglobe 1.  The canvas and guide are available from Fleur de Paris, which distributes Sandra's canvases or you can pick up the guide alone straight from Laura herself (second link below).
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2014/12/shakin-up-little-snow.html

http://www.laurajperindesigns.net/ljp-stitch-guides.html

Santa Up Close

If the Christmas spirit has you longing to see (and stitch!) Santa, Kimberly has you covered with her "Santa Up Close" canvas and guide.
http://akimberlydesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/wowto-busy-to-blog.html

Here's the unstitched canvas.  I think the guide is included in the price but you will need to ask the shop about that.  UPDATE:  Kimberly tells me the guide comes with the canvas, which makes this quite a deal!
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Santa-Up-Close/

Hawaii Flora with George James and David McCaskill

Carol has posted a photo on Facebook of her floral canvas from George James, with a stitch guide from David McCaskill.  It's lovely!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205182133214146&set=gm.772560976154396&type=1&theater

The canvas is called "Night Blooming Cereus" which is a cactus that only blooms in the evenings.
http://www.needlepointhi.com/catalog/artists.html

Biodiversity in the Burbs Guide

Lori Mazza of Waste Knot has finally finished her latest masterpiece, Charley Harper's Biodiversity in the Burbs!  This beauty is off to the framers while Lori and Suzanne Howren work on writing the stitch guide for it.
https://www.facebook.com/wasteknotneedlepoint/photos/a.726502374043251.1073741827.128279907198837/1004418006251685/?type=1&theater

UPDATE: It's back from the framers and off to the Woodlawn Show.  Good luck, Lori!
https://www.facebook.com/wasteknotneedlepoint/photos/a.726502374043251.1073741827.128279907198837/1042098785816940/?type=1

If you'd like to get on the waiting list for the stitch guide (or want Lori to order the canvas for you from Treglown Designs), contact her via the Waste Knot shop website.
http://www.wasteknotneedlepoint.com

Lani's Lady in a Turban is Stitched (Guide Coming Soon)

Lani has finished stitching her Lady in a Turban and is now busy writing up the stitch guide, which should be available shortly.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204001854658959&set=gm.769488756461618&type=1

Lani also designed the canvas.  You can pick up a copy of it and the guide from her by contacting her through her website.  The design is brand new, so it's not pictured there yet.
http://www.lanisneedlepoint.com

Two New Melissa Prince Guides

Melissa Prince Designs has announced two new stitch guides in the works--Michele Herron of The Bristly Thistle has stitched a gorgeous version of MP's fall lantern...
https://www.facebook.com/341998565857547/photos/np.83867873.1277706333/836369683087097/?type=1&theater&notif_t=notify_me

...and Diane Willwerth of Creative Stitches and Gifts in Dallas has created a fun guide for MP's Route 66 Birdhouse.  Contact Melissa Prince Designs for these wonderful guides.
https://www.facebook.com/341998565857547/photos/np.83867873.1277706333/836367013087364/?type=1&theater

Tommy the Ghost (Leigh Designs)

Leigh Designs' Tommy from Lil Goblins Series

I have put the final stitches in Tommy, the ghost from Leigh Designs' Lil Goblins series!
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp520x.html



Do you ever have designs tell you emphatically that they don't want the fancy foo-foo stuff?  This is one of those bossy designs.  It's a rather masculine design, after all, and little boys don't want fancy bows or sparkles or anything like that.  How do you make something interesting to stitch when it the design  refuses fancy touches?  I decided to do an ombre shaded background....

ombre shading background underway

create a sheet from a simple Bargello pattern....

The Sheet--Which Uses Glow In the Dark Threads, Naturally!

....and add candy to the fancy pumpkin pail Tommy uses to collect candy tribute from each house he visits.

Candy Ended Up Inside the Pail

As always, the stitch guide is available from Leigh Designs when your shop orders the canvas from them or you can pick up the stitch guide directly from me if Tommy is already haunting your house.  This design is particularly suitable for the stitcher who wants to move from plain tent stitching to using a few fancier threads and stitches.    Nothing is too hard but everything is fun to play with.

BOO!

Santa's Workshop (Rebecca Wood and Sherry Bray)

This magnificent Rebecca Wood Santa's Workshop was lovingly stitched by Sharon Quick according to a stitch guide from Sherry Bray.  The design is approximately 15x21 inches.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=845838538814100&set=gm.766653850078442&type=1&theater

Another Vicki Sawyer Guide (Carolyn Hedge Baird)

Carolyn Hedge Baird has created another model and stitch guide for one of Vicki Sawyer's canvases, this time for the Prickly Pear Owl.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203482847855876&set=gm.765936476816846&type=1

Carolyn has also worked up a guide for the Baby Mockingbirds canvas and...
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2014/10/baby-mockingbirds-vicki-sawyer.html

...for the Festive Owls.  Vicki's designs are turned into needlepoint canvases by Melissa Shirley Designs.
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2014/10/festival-owls-stitch-guide.html

Senor Rooster at Christmas

Janet Perry just announced her newest stitch guide for Wellesley Needlepoint's Annie Lane--Senor Rooster and his Christmas lights necklace.  Click on the photograph for a better view of the chicken and his stitches.
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/introducing-senor-rooster/

Maggie and Cynthia and Laughter

In stitch guide news, Cynthia Thomas has finished a guide for Maggie's "Laugh."  If you love birds and giggles, this one is for you.  Cynthia has posted a photograph on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=907550115929950&set=gm.761315027278991&type=1&theater

Fall Splendor (Sandra Gilmore and Laura Perin) UPDATED

Fleur de Paris has announced the newest Sandra Gilmore stitch guide written by Laura Perin--"Fall Splendor."  This lovely fall leaves, berries and acorn still life rests on a lovely
https://www.facebook.com/FleurDeParis/photos/np.83051468.1277706333/765480646838888/?type=1&notif_t=notify_me

The guide isn't available from Laura's website yet because it is so new, but your shop can order both the guide and canvas from Fleur de Paris, which distributes Sandra Gilmore's designs.
http://www.laurajperindesigns.net

UPDATE:  Laura posted two photos of this lovely design on Facebook. Use the right arrow to see the other.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=833549530019591&set=pcb.761454273931733&type=1&theater

But don't worry if you don't have a Facebook account--she also posted even more photographs and closeups on her blog.
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2014/11/fall-splendor.html

Silver Bells (Russian Maidens Series) UPDATED

Pat Miller is starting to blog-stitch Silver Bells from the new Leigh Designs' Russian maidens series!  "Silver Bells" is my personal favorite of the eight Winter Maidens, so I can't wait to see what Pat does with her.  A stitch guide will be available from Leigh Designs (if you are a shop) or from Pat directly (if you are a stitcher) once Pat finishes.
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/11/silver-bells.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/11/starting-in.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/11/lots.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/11/down-to-face.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/11/more-than-half.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/11/mixing-it-up.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/11/headdress.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/11/beads.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/11/face-and-hands.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/11/at-right.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/11/starting-gown.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/11/snowflake-dress.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/11/starting-robe.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/11/red-velvet.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/12/turkey-work.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/12/fur.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/12/on-left.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/12/more-trim.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/12/fabulous-fur.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/12/beads-and-base.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-finished-base.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/12/braided-hair.html

UPDATE:  The guide for Silver Bells is ready!  You may purchase from Pat herself or ask Leigh Designs to send you the guide when your shop orders the canvas for you.
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2015/01/silver-bells-stitch-guide.html

Here are the other seven Winter Maidens.  Stay tuned.  I will be stitching Woodland Belle and Sandy Arthur will be doing Pretty Poinsettia.  My Snow Maiden stitch guide is already available from Leigh Designs or myself.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp834x.html

Melissa Prince and Mary Susan

Mary Susan will soon complete the stitch guide for Melissa Prince's lovely "Holiday 1" canvas with pine cones and poinsettias, seen at the bottom of this article.  Contact Enriched Stitch to add this to your collection.
http://astheneedleturns.com/twas-the-night-before-christmas-class/

Annie Lane's Bull Sit Guide Ready (Sharon Quick) UPDATED

If you are a fan of Annie Lane's animal canvases, you will want to take a look at "Bull Sit" which Sharon Quick has just finished.   The guide for the cow in his car canvas will be available from Sharon shortly.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=827967867267834&set=gm.751410208269473&type=1&theater

UPDATE:  Cindy McKown also has done a guide for this charmer.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/1005811316162693/

The Colorful Patchwork Shih Tzu (Pajamas and Chocolate)

A guide for Patt and Lee's colorful Shih Tzu canvas is available from Judy Greer at Needles and Threads of Ruxton.  Here is Henry's stitching from the guide.  Pajamas and Chocolate is the hand painted line from Patt and Lee, by the way.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204314951985945&set=gm.751399571603870&type=1&theater


Contact Judy at the shop if you need this guide.
http://www.needlesandthreadsofruxton.com

SuZy Murphy has done a guide for this also.  Contact SuZy via her Facebook page (second link below).
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1916004628646260&set=gm.1390559964354491&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/suzy.murphy.16

Here's another stitcher's version using SuZy's guide.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1921874798059243&set=gm.1402090283201459&type=3&theater

A Guide to Chicken Salad (John Johanssen)

Melissa Shirley Designs just announced a stitch guide has been written by Aristeia for John Johanssen's "Chicken Salad." This is based on the late Wendy Harwood's work, and pulled together by the Aristeia staff and Wendy's daughter Amanda.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10152839928229252&id=370199729251&notif_t=notify_me

Baby Mockingbirds (Vicki Sawyer) UPDATED

Carolyn Hedge Baird has just finished stitching Vicki Sawyer's Baby Mockingbirds.  This design is distributed by Melissa Shirley who posted a photograph on her Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/370199729251/photos/pcb.10152834796744252/10152834794829252/?type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/nestndlpt/photos/a.366613130049979.87853.141607859217175/1117916774919607/?type=3&theater

Your local shop will be able to order the guide and canvas from Melissa Shirley design or you can ask  Chaparral where Carolyn works for help obtaining the canvas and guide which will be available shortly.
http://www.ndlpt.com

A guide for Baby Mockingbirds is also available from Virginia Barney.  Email her at stitchstyleblog@gmail.com or through her Stitch Style blog.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/02/finished-party-in-the-coop/

http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/02/baby-mockingbird-stitch-guide/

UPDATE:  Enriched Stitch will teach their version of Baby Mockingbirds at the shop May 30th.  I think a guide will be available with the thread kit after the class, but check with the shop to be certain.
http://astheneedleturns.com/baby-mockingbirds-class-2/

Wanda Witch (Renaissance Designs)

Carolyn Hedge Baird has done a wonderful stitch guide for Renaissance Designs' Wanda Witch with her little cat.  You can see three photos of the almost finished canvas here.  Use the side arrows to navigate.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=833640773325781&set=pcb.749477645129396&type=1&theater

You can pick up the guide via Carolyn's shop, The Chaparral.  They'll even get the canvas for you if you like.
http://www.ndlpt.com

Oliver the Owl Loves Halloween

Laura Perin is continuing to alternate creating wonderful counted designs and doing fabulous stitch guides for Sandra Gilmore canvases.  The next canvas to get the Laura Treatment is Sandra's Oliver.  You can read about Laura's special touches here.  To order, either ask you shop to get the canvas and guide from Fleur de Paris (Sandra's distributor) or you can pick up the guide itself from Laura (second link).
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2014/10/whooooo-loves-halloween.html

http://www.laurajperindesigns.net/ljp-stitch-guides.html

Who loves Oliver?  We do!

Puffin Spotted in Maryland

If you love puffins and/or Ruth Schmuff's stitch guides, you will want to pick up the canvas for Scott Church's Puffin canvas, distributed by CBK but available with the guide thrown in for free at Ruth's shop (second link).
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/10/puffin-parade.html

http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/puffin/

Suzanne Does Free Guides UPDATED AGAIN

Suzanne of the Hugs and Stitches blog is sticking her toe into stitch guide territory by offering to share the steps she took for the projects she worked on her own and posted about on her blog.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2014/10/exciting-new-project-underway.html

UPDATE:  Here is more of her Santa piece.  This is one of the designs she is doing a stitch plan for.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2014/10/progress-on-santas-suit.html

http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2014/11/santa-has-belt-and-buckle.html

http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2014/11/santa-has-new-suitjust-in-time-for-big.html

http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2014/12/mrs-clauss-fur-collar.html

Here is what Suzanne stays of what she calls "stitching plans"--

I am trying to keep up with my "stitching plans" but I will at least throw one together if someone asks for it.  So if you decide you want the plan for any of these projects that I created myself, just let me know via email and I can send you the pdf guide for reference and ideas.  Until I consider myself a professional stitch guide writer, there is no fee. And since it's free, there is no pressure for it to be perfect...so, there's THAT.   heehee

I do not re-release any guide that was written or provided by a shop/writer, only those that were my creation in entirety.  thank you.

No, Suzanne, thank YOU!

Everybody, take a browse and see if anything Suzanne has created from scratch catches your fancy.  She's willing to help you out, which is very nice of her.

UPDATE #2:  Suzanne shows off her paid guides here.  She's also added a tab on her blog with a list of her available guides (second link below).
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2015/03/stitching-plans-by-suzanne.html

http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/p/stitching-plans-by-suzanne.html

The Three Witches

Just in time for Halloween, Michele at Bristly Thistle has finished her stitch guide for Pajamas and Chocolate's "Three Witches."  I think it is charming.
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2014/10/16/three-witches-stitch-guide-complete/

I'm sure Patt (the designer--Pajamas and Chocolates is the Patt and Lee hand painted line) is very pleased.  If you are charmed as well, you can pick up the canvas and guide via Michele's shop.
http://www.bristlythistle.com/paj142.html

Festival Owls Stitch Guide

Carolyn Hedge Baird just posted on Facebook that she's nearly finished stitching the Vicki Sawyer/Melissa Shirley canvas called "Festive Owls."  You can get a good idea of what the finished piece will look like here.  I think it's magnificent!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203250884456936&set=gm.745653792178448&type=1&theater

If you are interested, use Facebook's messaging system to let Carolyn know or contact her through Chaparral Needlepoint in Houston, Texas.
http://www.ndlpt.com

Virginia at Enriched Stitch has also done a stitch guide for the Festive Owls.  You can contact her at the shop or emailing her at stitchstyleblog@gmail.com or through her Stitch Style blog.

http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/02/finished-party-in-the-coop/

Laurie Walden UPDATED

Melissa Shirley has added a profile of Laurie and the guides she has written for MSD canvases to her website.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/galcol/index.cgi?index=1311778482_8805&col=158

UPDATE:  Laurie has a website now!  If you click on the Stitch Guides section you can choose between the designers Laurie's done guides for.   Click on the designer name to see models of the finished designs.  They are a varied lot, but Laurie's done a great job on each and every one.  Since this article was written in 2014, Laurie's website is the best place for current information on guides available.
http://stitchlaw.com

Laurie's Rabbit Family from Labors of Love has been especially popular.  Laurie teaches these pieces as classes but I think you can get the guide from her if you aren't going to be in the area where she is teaches.
http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/stitched-rabbits.html

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=985960161503048&set=gm.1085793944831096&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1514892371862164&set=gm.1252463678164121&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1699535790064487&set=gm.1390400864370401&type=3&theater

A Free Stitch Guide from Palma: Seaside Shell Cracker

Seaside Shell Cracker

Palma Seljan has posted two free stitch guides for some of Melissa Shirley's little seasonal cracker canvases on Facebook, and kindly offered the guides to me to post here, too.  So here's a treat from Palma--The Seaside Shell Cracker.  The bare canvas is shown in the link below.  As you can see, there are several in this ocean-themed cracker series, all of them great fun to stitch.  Many thanks for the guide, Palma!
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/galsearch/index.cgi?index=1369675910_4619&col=

Yesterday I posted Palma's guide for the Halloween witch's hat cracker.  Use the Previous arrow at the bottom of this article to see it.   Now here is Palma's guide for the Seaside Shell Cracker.

*************************************************

Stitch Guide

Design: Seaside Crackers by Melissa Shirley - Shell

Area	Thread	Stitch
Centre Square Background	#12 Kreinik braid 9732	Skipped Tent
Shell	Oriental Linen OL 030, OL 057 #3 DMC Perle 3033	Make spokes with the DMC Perle. Then Spider Web stitch with the OL following the color design.
Sand	Weeks Dye Works 5 Pearl 1111	Upright Cross
Border	Sea Grass 134 Crystal Braid CR13	Lay the Crystal Braid and then stitch with the Sea Grass 2 vertical stitches, skip 2
Side Panels	Watercolors 127 #12 Kreink braid 9400 6 mm Twisted Bugle beads TW206-260F (link at the bottom)	Slanted Wave from “Got Stitches”? by Gone Stitching, page 12. Watercolors for the vertical stitches and Kreinik for the Diagonal. Place bugle beads at intersection.
Blue Line	#12 ThreadworX metallic 910031	Stich 2 Satin stitches vertically, 2 Satin stitches horizontally
Squares	Tila beads TL402FR-TB, TL413FR-TB	Attach to the area following color design
Light blue line	Crystal Braid CR13	Van Dyke

For the twisted bugle beads: http://www.caravanbeads.net/ProdList.asp?scat=7 

A Free Stitch Guide from Palma: Halloween Witch's Hat UPDATED

Palma's Halloween Witch Hat Cracker

Palma Seljan has posted two free stitch guides for some of Melissa Shirley's little seasonal cracker canvases on Facebook, and kindly offered the guides to me to post here, too.  So here's a treat from Palma--The Halloween Witch's Hat Cracker.  Here is the bare canvas.  As you can see, there are several in the Halloween cracker series, all of them great fun to stitch.  Many thanks for the guide, Palma!
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/galsearch/index.cgi?index=1314913556_26839&col=

Tomorrow I'll post Palma's guide for the Seaside Shell cracker.  But for now here is Palma's guide.
UPDATE:  Palma used rizo beads held on by a small round bead in her borders.  They don't appear to be listed in the guide but I think this is what she used.  The site calls them "rice droplet" beads.  They are shaped like fat rice grains and have a hole in one end only.
http://www.fusionbeads.com/3x6-5mm-Bright-Neon-Orange-Rice-Droplet-Seed-Beads

*****************************************************

Stitch Guide

Design: Halloween Crackers by Melissa Shirley – Witch Hat

Area	Thread	Stitch
Centre Square Background	#Sea Grass 113 #14 Sundance beads 422A	T-stitch Attach beads at the yellow dots
Hat	Petite Very Velvet V601 Kreinik Micro Ice Chenille 17 #11 Luminous Delica beads DB2038, DB2031, DB0756 #11 Luminous Delica beads DB2040 #14 Sundance beads 516, 422A	Sprats Hat Couch the Kreinik Attach the delica beads with basketweave stitch for the border For the flower: string the beads and tack them in place; for the petals you’ll have to string 1 time for each color one for the outer part and one for the centre.
Black line	Silk Lame Braid SL133	Continental over 2
Orange Border	Crystal Braid CR12	Van Dyke
Side Panels	#5 Painters Thread 108 Petite Sparkle Rays PS02 Petite Sparkle Rays PS52 Shimmer Blend Ribbon Floss 304 Mill Hill Petite Glass beads 42014	Cashmere with Painters Thread and Tent with PSR. This stitch I think is called “Corduroy” – it is cashmere with tent in between For the yellow area – Diagonal Roumanian For the orange area: Satin stitch String the beads and place along the balck line
Green Line	Petite Sparkle Rays PS02	Van Dyke

Snowman at Play

If you are a fan of the snowmen from Ewe and Eye and Friends (and who isn't!?), you'll want to admire the cute version done from a Terry Christopher stitch guide.
https://www.facebook.com/2thepointneedlepoint/photos/a.823291674369494.1073741833.157438187621516/823291847702810/?type=1&theater

You can reach Terry via Facebook at the shop's 2 the Point Needlepoint Designs and Fibers page or use the contact information at the 2 the Point website.
http://www.topoint.com

Autumn Stitch Guides for Melissa Shirley Designs

Melissa Shirley Designs has created an album of fall themed stitch guides on their Facebook page.  It's a fun browse, even if you don't happen to have any of Melissa's pieces to stitch.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152756568754252.1073741880.370199729251&type=1

I spotted guides by Cynthia Thomas, Laura Taylor, Beverly Churchfield, Paula Fehleisan, Fay Haverly, Wendy Harwood, Jan Ayeroff, Gina Luizzi, Tony Minieri, Robin King, Carolyn Hedge Baird, and Vicky DeAngelis for Melissa's own designs plus pieces by Mary Lake-Thompson and Debbie Mumm.  Melissa has even done a few guides for her own pieces.

Have fun exploring Thanksgiving and Fall Harvest delights by Melissa and her friends.

The Penguin Parade

Julia Snyder has done a stitch guide for the Scott Church/CBK Designs penguins carrying a Christmas tree canvas . It's available from Bedecked and Beaddazzled if you are interested.  I'm not sure if the guide comes with the canvas or if you have to buy it separately but the shop can tell you.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/09/christmas-penguins.html

Christmas is coming.  The penguins are getting ready.  Are you?

Latest Stitch Guide News From Destination Dallas September 2014

Here's all the news about stitch guides from Destination Dallas September 2014 in one place.  Latest on top!

Cynthia Thomas has done guides for Brenda Stofft's Imelda and Her Cat stand ups.  If you love Halloween, you'll adore this!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=867485406603088&set=gm.722879911122503&type=1&theater

Carolyn Hedge Baird has posted a photograph of her just finished Melissa Shirley Halloween Basket. The stitch guide will be available shortly.  Contact Carolyn via her Facebook page or through Chaparral Needlework.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202969758428961&set=gm.722037911206703&type=1

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/1139343136142843/

Leigh Designs already has a guide for one of their new series, the Lil Goblins.  It's by me, naturally!  The second link below shows the whole series of trick-or-treaters.
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2014/09/katie-boo-princess-lil-goblin.html

http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp520x.html

There are two new stitch guides for the Leigh Designs Imari series--the rooster and the dragon.  Details here.
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2014/09/more-imari-guides.html

Needle Deeva will have guides from Mary Waldsmith for five of her Fall Hearts at the Dallas show.  I think these hearts are new as I've not seen them before.  Photos of the models here-
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/719390018138159/

Cynthia Thomas has posted photographs of the Debbie Mumm/Melissa Shirley owls she has done guides for on Facebook.  Here you can see the entire set finished, courtesy of Expressions in Needle Art.  The second link shows closeups of the unfinished owls, courtesy of Cindy herself.  Use the arrows to see five of the six.
https://www.facebook.com/Needlearts/photos/a.456897073046.240935.114019093046/10153122587128047/?type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=860313593986936&set=pcb.716092401801254&type=1&theater

Lil Goblins for Halloween: Janie

Another of Leigh Designs' Lil Goblin series is about to have a stitch guide.  Pat Miller is stitching Janie in her gypsy/Mexican skirt.   You can watch Pat as she works on her blog--
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/09/lil-gobelin-janie.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/09/janie-has-ponytail.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/09/stitching-skin.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/09/a-fancy-blouse.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/09/starting-skirt.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/09/posies-and-more.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/09/background.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/09/moving-along.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/09/evening-things-out.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/09/getting-there.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/09/two-thirds.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/09/getting-there_28.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/09/coming-together.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/10/designing-jewelry.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/10/and-that-part-is-done.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/10/ready-for-candy.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/10/final-coiffure.html

http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-last-ruffle.html

Janie is coming to life!  I had no idea she had a freckled nose until Pat started work.

Now that Pat has finished stitching, Janie will head to Leigh Designs' studio to become a model and the guides will be available from either Pat herself or from Leigh Designs when your shop orders the canvas for you.
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/12/gypsy-janie.html

Classic Santa Front and Back (Patricia Sone)

Melissa Shirley just announced a new stitch guide by Patricia Sone for Melissa's double-sided Classic Santa.  Your shop can order this from Melissa Shirley when they pick up the canvases for you.

https://www.facebook.com/370199729251/photos/np.80080249.1277706333/10152738084929252/?type=1&notif_t=notify_me

Beach Table (Melissa Shirley)

Melissa Shirley's "Beach Table" has a new guide by Julia Synder.  Use the side arrows to see closeups of the various areas.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205066322044180&set=pcb.725488257528335&type=1&relevant_count=7

Here's Julia's website where you can contact her about buying a guide.  She may only sell wholesale to shops, though.
http://www.havestitchwilltravel.com/havestitchwilltravel/Welcome.html

Lani and Her Corset

If you need a special stitched piece of lingerie, how about this from Lani?  The stitch guide is by Lani also.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204347399743272&set=gm.725078714235956&type=1&theater

I believe this is the Champagne Corset, one of a series.
http://www.lanisneedlepoint.com/newdesigns2014.aspx

New Guides From Robin King

If you are a fan of Robin King's style--and who isn't?!--you will be happy to hear she has nine more stitch guides available from her classes.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2014/09/a-fun-time-at-peacock-alley-needlepoint.html

UPDATE:  And there are ten more from her visit to Needlenook of La Jolla.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2014/11/teaching-at-needle-nook-of-la-jolla.html

UPDATE #2:  Lucky thirteen--more guides came out of Robin's visit to Nimble Needle in Atlanta.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2014/12/teaching-at-nimble-needle-atlanta.html

To check the full list of Robin guides, visit the special tab on her blog to see what's available, then email Robin for prices.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/p/stitch-guides-by-robin-king.html

BeStitched with Flowers and a Bird

If you are a fan of Melissa Shirley's table bouquet series, then you'll be fascinated by what Lisa Kessler of BeStitched did with Melissa's "Spring Bouquet."
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=878306088847584&set=gm.723873551023139&type=1&theater

Talk to BeStitched if you are interested in the guide.  I'm not sure if they sell it except as a kit but since the guide uses Barbara Elmore's new ribbons, the kit might be a good investment rather than hunting all over for new ribbons.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/finished-fridays-needlepoint-pillow/

Yvonne and Lani and Amy (UPDATED WITH TONY)

Amy Bunger has done a stitch guide for Lani's "Fairy Yvonne" canvas.  Here is a photo of the piece underway.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205016312511446&set=gm.723225334421294&type=1

If you are interested, contact Amy's shop.  Please note that Amy does not stitch stitch guides alone.  They are part of a package deal, so you will have to get the thread kit and/or the canvas before Amy will sell you the guide.
http://www.amybunger.com/home.html

UPDATE:  By the way, Tony Minieri also has done a stitch guide for Yvonne.  Harriet just posted three photographs on Facebook.  Contact him to get his version if it is more your style than Amy's.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/834069690003524/

The Eagle from The Collection

There is a stitch guide available for the American eagle and flag canvas from The Collection at Stitch By Stitch in Larchmont, NY.  Here is a photograph of the piece underway.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202713589020250&set=gm.722860517791109&type=1&theater

If you are interested, contact the shop.
http://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com

Contemplating the Moon (Quail Run)

There is a stitch guide available for Quail Run's "Contemplating the Moon."
https://www.facebook.com/QuailRunNeedlework/photos/a.339586356091534.93299.326583717391798/798628876853944/?type=1&theater

Contact the shop for details.
http://www.quailrunneedlework.com

Stitch Suggestions from Fireside

Fireside Stitchery has updated their website with a list of "stitch suggestions" available for purchase.  It looks like you have to buy the threads and embellishments kit plus the stitch suggestions as a package.  The canvases are available for purchase separately.  There is a good variety of canvases from many designers available with their guides.
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/stitchGuides/index.cfm?fuseaction=GetNewInShop

The shop also has a listing of the guides they've already written.  Browse to see if the guide (hand written or typed) is already done.
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/stitchGuides/index.cfm

More Imari Guides

The latest stitch guide for the Imari series is ready for viewing on the Leigh Designs website.  This is Flaming Fowl 6287, the large rooster canvas, with stitch guide by Sandy Arthur.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Mdl6287.html

Although the stitching is finished for Dreams of the Dragon 6283, Sharon Quick hasn't totally finalized her stitch guide.  She did post a photograph on Facebook, however (link below).
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=787931814604773&set=a.787931307938157.1073741829.100001638852053&type=3&theater

Here is Sharon's Dreams of the Dragons framed.  Nice!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=795785483819406&set=gm.722294374514390&type=1&theater

I have given the numbers for these canvases since Leigh Designs has two sizes of the Imari series, the 10 inch square canvases with guides mentioned above, and six inch rounds.  The guides can be used for either size.

Katie Boo, the Princess Lil Goblin

Katie Boo, Ready for Candy!

Leigh Designs' new Lil Goblins series already has a Chilly Hollow stitch guide for Katie, the little blonde wearing a paper crown, Mary Janes and a cloak made from a blanket.  The guide is so new there's no pricing yet but it will be available next week after Destination Dallas ends and all the designers are back home, ready to ship more orders.
http://www.leighdesigns.com/Grp520x.html

Three New Guides from Pat Miller

Pat is a demon stitcher!  As proof, she has three new guides available for three Leigh Design canvases.  She's stitched the small size of the Imari Meditating Mums, a Highland stag stocking for those who want something classic and somewhat masculine for their holiday and the fun Julep cat for those looking for a touch of whimsey.  Guides are available from Leigh Designs when your shop orders the canvases for you or you can pick up the guide alone from Pat via The "Available Stitch Guides" tab on her blog.
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/09/3-new-stitch-guides.html

Carter Homan Rabbits and Vase

Terry Christopher of 2 the Point has done a wonderful guide for the Linda Carter Holman/Melissa Shirley Designs piece of two rabbits and a vase.  You can see the piece being stitched here.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202790017860013&set=gm.718193038257857&type=1&theater

Contact Terry through her shop if you need this guide.
http://www.topoint.com

The Cool Cardinal (Charley Harper)

Pat's finished the stitch guide for "Cool Cardinal", a Charley Harper design.  The canvas is available from Treglown Designs which has the rights to Charley Harper designs on needlepoint canvas, and the guide is available from Pat directly via her blog.  Click on "Available Stitch Guides" to purchase.
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/09/another-one.html

Here is the unframed canvas.
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2011/10/cool-cardinal-finish.html

Here are all Pat's cardinal canvases, framed to be hung together.  Nice!
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2011/11/cardinals-are-framed.html

Hopefully stitch guides for the other pieces are in the works so you too can have a flock this winter.
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2012/02/flying-together.html

The Paisley Pumpkin is Still Growing

Colleen at The Needle Works in Austin is working on Karen's Paisley Pumpkin, which is exclusive to the shop.  It's not done yet but if you need a paisley pumpkin in your patch, contact Needle Works (second link) and ask.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2014/08/flip-flop-double-scotch-august-31-share-a-stitch.html

http://theneedleworks.com

Laura's at The Beach UPDATED

Laura Persin has started work on her next Sandra Gilmore piece, "Shellscape."  She isn't sure when this guide will be ready.  The stitch guide is available from Fleur de Paris and Laura herself now.  It's fun to see how she is approaching this canvas.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=754793741228504&set=gm.688831737860654&type=1&theater

http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2014/07/meanwhile-back-at-beach.html

UPDATE:  The design is stitched and it is lovely!
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2014/09/back-at-beach-again.html

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=788102721230939&set=pcb.721232324620595&type=1&theater

Sheep for Halloween

Sharon Quick has just finished her Annie Lane Halloween canvas.  It's called "Sheepy Wicked" and shows a sheep wearing a witch hat beside a black cauldron full of three startled chickens.  Are they brewing up anti-wolf potions?  Or just bathtub gin?  Who knows!?!  The photo shows the finished piece inserted in Sharon's Lee bag with a bit of extra stitching on the sides to make the canvas the exact size.  Want three scheming sheep of your own?  Message Sharon via Facebook to arrange a guide for your own Halloween fun.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=787062581358363&set=pcb.713903915353436&type=1&theater

Sharon has also finished Annie Lane's "Spinning Wool."  Sharon sees the sheep getting dirtier and dirtier as they roll down the hillside.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=811421132255841&set=gm.736549729755521&type=1&theater

Melissa Shirley's Spring Bouquet

It's not exactly a club but BeStitched has three kits of Melissa Shirley's Spring Bouquet left from their retreat.  The stitch guide is by Lisa Kessler and the canvas itself is 13 count.
http://www.bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/store/spring-bouquet-pax/dp/23857?utm_source=August+2014&utm_campaign=August+2014&utm_medium=email

Melissa Shirley, Pixie Dust Added UPDATED

Take a look at this Melissa Shirley purse canvas.  It comes in three separate color ways which you can see at the bottom of the page.  Boring, right?
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/galsearch/index.cgi?index=1338579405_16070&col=&cat=

Not after Sandy Arthur gets her hands on it!  Add Sandy's pixie dust to a canvas and you get magic, as you can see from the photo below of one of the finished purses from a class Sandy did at the Needle Bug in Montgomery, Alabama.  It'll knock your socks off!

Courtesy of The Needle Bug

Sandy is finalizing the stitch guide for this.  You'll be able to pick it up from her website (first link below) and I bet the Needle Bug (second link below) will be happy to get the canvas, guide and thread kit for you in your choice of color ways.
http://duodesignsinc.com/wpsite/stitch-guides-only

http://www.theneedlebug.com

Beautiful work, Sandy.

UPDATE:  The Needle Bug wrote a blog posting about this piece with tons of photographs.  Thanks!
http://www.theneedlebug.com/blog2/2014/08/no-words-to-describe/

Melissa Shirley's Sunflower Basket

Connie Glen Camp has created a stitch guide for Melissa Shirley's Sunflower Basket design.  You can see the finished piece on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202563274787747&set=gm.711911802219314&type=1&theater

Contact Connie about picking up your own guide for this via Nashville Needleworks.
http://www.nashvilleneedleworks.com

Fireworks! The Guide

Pat Miller has finished the stitch guide for her original "Fireworks!" design.  Charmed?  Click on Available Stitch Guides on Pat's Needleart Nut blog to discover how to order.
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/2014/08/fireworks-stitch-guide.html