Chapel Hill Needlepoint

Chapel Hill Needlepoint at the New Shop!

2012-01-29T11:11:00.000-05:00

Exciting news!

Chapel Hill Needlepoint is now open in its new location.

Visit us at 1705A Legion Road, or call us at 919-929-3999.

Housed in the former Yarnell - Hoffer Hardware building, our new space is conveniently located with plenty of great parking.

Watch for details of our Grand Opening Celebration in February!

A great selection of new canvases, threads and accessories from the January 2012 needlework show in Phoenix will be arriving - come and see what's new!

NEW! We are excited to offer Planet Earth Silk and Opal threads in a full range of gorgeous colors. This silk is perfect for 13 count canvas. Planet Earth Opal combines silk with a metallic blending filament that will add sparkle to your project.

Please come and visit us -we look forward to seeing you!

Carson's Ornament Wrap up!

2011-12-18T14:11:00.001-05:00

Coming in almost as fast as Santa's sleigh, the last three ornaments are here!

Front

Back

Team jersey front,

and back.

Great in green, Lacrosse frog!

What's been your favorite ornament that you stitched this year?

For Her Special Day

2011-12-12T19:22:00.001-05:00

This beautiful piece was stitched by a lovely customer, Lee Willard.

Here's what she shared with us;

"I am a long time fan of Chapel Hill Needlepoint and asked Nancy about the perfect present to make for my niece, who is getting married this coming January. Nancy suggested this wonderful picture frame which I did in three beige tones (yellow-, gray- and pink-beige Impressions).

I wanted it to be really "bridey" so I completed the background in white silk. I have a tradition of making my niece crocheted Christmas snowflakes and wanted to make her a wedding present even more special.

Thanks to Nancy, it is!"

Just, Wow!

Silver and Gold!

2011-12-07T15:42:00.001-05:00

More great ornaments for Carson's Christmas!

What a lovely way to commemorate a special anniversary.

Who doesn't love a good burger and a side of fries?

And top it all off with a sweet treat.

I FEEL A LITTLE GUILTY...

2011-09-29T17:52:00.000-04:00

Hi, My name is Hannah and I'm a knitter.

OK, I seem to have another little addiction too...

I got envious of my husband's cool needlepoint keychain after he was complimented on it by a stranger.

So, I made one for me!

Is it wrong to needlepoint the word "knit"- is that cheating?

If it is, which one of them is "the other" craft?

Why does it make me feel so guilty?

Stay tuned for other little secrets I've been stitching.

Now I feel like I need to go look at some knitting magazines or cast on sweater with a nice Bargello pattern or something else to balance the scales.

SWEET AND SPOOKY!

2011-09-12T16:10:00.000-04:00

These great characters are really getting me into the spirit of fall!

Three perfectly frightful stand-ups to showcase your decorative stitches.

Remember When?

2011-09-09T18:05:00.001-04:00

If you remember this post...

Then you'll love this update!

The Chapel Hill Needlepoint belt, of Franklin Street!

Just in time for another beautiful fall in Chapel Hill

Carson's Ornaments Round Two!

2011-09-02T11:28:00.003-04:00

Here's this year's Ornaments for the furry boys!

Two- sided treats for both!

Fall Treat!

2011-08-19T10:59:00.004-04:00

Now here's a goodie bag I can get behind!

Colorful needlepoint coins, orange and grey leather, yellow tea towel lining... YUM!

Carson's Ornaments

2011-07-31T17:25:00.006-04:00

Carson's ornaments for 2011 are beginning to arrive back at the shop!

It is so exciting to see the finished results of a year's worth of fun stitching.

Here's the sweet, and the spicy!

Stay tuned for the next round!

CHN in Victoria Magazine!

2011-07-01T01:20:00.004-04:00

A Chapel Hill Needlepoint stitched canvas has been featured in the beautiful

July/August issue of Victoria Magazine!

It looks like the perfect setting to stitch on those gorgeous ferns!

New CHN Shopper Topper!

2011-03-30T17:14:00.003-04:00

We all love this brand new Chapel Hill needlepoint Topper!

With a such perfect details as a Chapel Hill Needlepoint shopping bag, a Chanel jacket in CHN blue and shiny gold bead buttons, what's not to love!

oops!

2011-03-03T12:29:00.002-05:00

Now that it's probably time to get started on Carson's ornaments for this year, here's the wrap up of last year's great ornaments!

His wrestling uniform front and back

One for the dogs.

Carson's favorite sub sandwich... pickle included!

and LL Bean style bag with Lacrosse sticks and number in his new college colors!

ROUND TWO!

2010-12-17T15:27:00.006-05:00

The next group of Carson's ornaments has arrived!

The Lincoln Memorial with Carson's senior quote on the back.

His new school mascot with his lacrosse number on back.

And one each for mom and dad!

Carson's Ornaments!

2010-12-01T12:11:00.006-05:00

The first group of Carson's twelve Ornaments came back from the finishers. This year marks a huge transition from high school to college with a great summer job in the middle.

We are so proud of him!

New Chapel Hill Needlepoint Belt!

2010-11-05T01:40:00.010-04:00

Chapel Hill Needlepoint collaborated with an artist to create this CHN shop exclusive belt!

Look for The Old Well, Forest Theater, Crook's Corner, Carolina Inn and other great landmarks!

So many great Franklin Street & Chapel Hill town landmarks all on one sharp belt, and lots of great options for stitching this new classic!

Pischke Pockets

2010-10-08T22:09:00.006-04:00

Julie Pischke has created wonderful canvases made to go directly onto their own designer tote bags. I loved these bags as soon as I saw them at the Columbus market. I was honored to have Lacy, Julie's daughter, personally deliver my order to the shop.

I got started on the Beets and Lemons that very day!

They are a quick project, designed on 10 mesh! Designed to be self-finishing for the stitcher, Chapel Hill Needlepoint will put it together if you would like. Try one of these projects for a fun new travel tote or give one of these beauties as a gift.

I am so pleased with mine!

There are 10 styles available at the moment, here are just a few;

see the rest at pischkepockets.com

Fresh From Market

2010-07-29T21:14:00.006-04:00

Here's just a taste of some new garden goodies for your summer stitching pleasure.

Delicious!

In Other News:

-The next Trunk Show is from Brenda Stofft Designs and will be here August 3rd- 24th.

-There is a Stitch-In in the shop this Sunday, August 1st from 2-4 so come on by and peek at all of the new treats.

-This summer's Sidewalk Sale starts August 5th and runs until...

So many good things are always happening at CHN!!!

BEES AND OTHER GOOD FUN FOR ALL SEASONS

2010-07-09T16:47:00.007-04:00

There are so many wonderful bee-themed canvases for those lazy days of summer stitching.

Here are two great examples of beautiful bee projects!

This simple cuff bracelet from Melissa Shirley is a real stunner.

Everyone knows how hard those bees are working, honor their effort with this sweet sampler pillow from Birds Of A Feather.

Also CHN has a big Kathy Schenkel Trunk Show- now until the end of July!

Come on by the shop to see these and so many other amazing canvases.

Stay cool!

Maggie Trunk Show!

2010-06-21T15:27:00.004-04:00

Check out these beautiful stitched samples from the Maggie Trunk Show!

So many beautiful canvases, for such a short time.

Come in and pick out your favorite this week.

This great trunk show will be here until July 1st and all trunk show canvases are 15% off.

It is a fun, colorful collection ready to stitch today.

What better theme for summer than bees?

Stay tuned for more great bee ideas from CHN!

GREAT GIFT IDEA FROM CHN!

2010-06-05T13:56:00.004-04:00

Chapel Hill Needlepoint now has this great gift for Grads and Dads!

This simple project can be stitched in a variety of school logos or with a custom monogram.

The best thing about this stunning flask is that it is a self finishing wonder, great for a last minute gift!

GUEST POST- MAYNARD IS BACK...

2010-05-07T23:59:00.000-04:00

and better than ever!
This big ol' pig is back from the finishers, made into a lovely bench and boy oh boy is he gorgeous!

When I first saw Nancy stitching this beautiful rug I admit that I got a little excited as I have a special affinity for pigs, one pig in particular. When she said that she had yet to give him a name I jumped at the chance to volunteer a very fine name from a very good pig.

When I was a little girl, my parents had a small sheep farm and they got a little piglet named Maynard. As I said before, Maynard was a good pig- you have no idea what a good pig. We raised him, my older brother and I, we loved him and he saved my life. Yup, the pig saved my life. I was about three years old when my folks were taking care of the sheep and I got caught in the wrong place when the sheep got spooked. If you know sheep you know that if one sheep goes off they all do and they move in a powerful herd. I was in the way of that herd and my parents were on the other side. To put it lightly, I was doomed. Enter Maynard the pig, who ran to me as fast as he could, tucked his head under my legs and stood up. Maynard then ran me out of the herd with me riding him... FACING BACKWARDS!

That's one good pig and a great namesake for this stunning piece. Just seeing it makes me smile.

MAYNARD... THE PIG

2010-04-27T23:29:00.006-04:00

I am so proud of this beautiful canvas.

Stay tuned for Maynard's return from the finisher, and the story of how this BIG beautiful pig got his name.

Stop by the shop to check out the Betty Smith Traditions Trunk Show.

Now until May 8th, 15% off trunk show canvases!

Back in time for SPRING!

2010-04-16T23:17:00.003-04:00

Just like magic, this;

Turned into this-

(Back)

and this.

(Front)

My beautiful new purse!

Easter Stitching

2010-03-31T23:39:00.003-04:00

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter holiday and are enjoying your projects.

There will be no Stitch-In this weekend.

Come on by after the holiday check out all of the great spring project ideas at Chapel Hill Needlepoint!

Spring Carrots

2010-03-18T15:04:00.005-04:00

Spring is here!

What better way to usher in this glorious season than with some bright spring needlepoint. This beautiful two-sided carrot ornament shines in simple colors and elaborate beadwork. (Click on the photo to check it out more closely)

Stay tuned for more great Easter ideas...

TOTE BAG

2010-03-01T15:30:00.004-05:00

Stitch your favorite LL Bean-style Bag.

I added a different twist and put my logo on it.

How fun to hang this great little bag on your tree and fill it with goodies!

Strawberry Ornament

2010-02-15T12:27:00.004-05:00

This Beautiful two-sided ornament stitched by a dear friend, shows off such stunning shaded beading on an all over background of woven stitch.

What a sweet treat!

Christmas Wrap Up!

2010-01-25T20:14:00.004-05:00

Here are the final ornaments for Christmas 2009;

I always stitch a dog ornament for Woody and Wilson. This year I found canvases that I could put both dogs on- and I personalized the cube with each of their names.

Football Frog and Jersey-

Couldn't resist making two football ornaments this year since it is Carson's last year playing . We all enjoyed our Friday nights at the games the last four years!

Peppermints on a stick-

What fun to have a personalized ornament on the tree. I put our Initials on the front of these two sided ornaments. They looked great on the tree.

And so that's it for the 2009 ornaments. I'm already working on the twelve for 2010. Keep checking to see what they are.......I'm already stitching on the first one.

Come on in and see what great ornaments you would like to make for the 2010 holiday season!

Eagle Ornament

2009-11-23T14:43:00.009-05:00

Another ornament back from the finisher's!

Carson recently completed his Eagle Board of Review, so I made him an ornament to commemorate the event. I included the year and his initials to personalize it. This ornament was stitched using Ribbon Floss and Shimmer Blend.

Carson started Scouting as a Tiger Cub in the 2nd grade and is now an Eagle Scout.

It has been a lot of fun for the entire family!

Lacrosse Jersey Ornament!

2009-11-09T13:24:00.002-05:00

Another ornament for Carson- His High School Lacrosse Jersey is an ornament I wanted to do for this year since he's a senior. The Studio Midwest will custom paint Sport Jerseys so I contacted them with the school colors and his #-44. I sent a color picture to them so they could see how the jersey looks. I'm really pleased with how it turned out!

Front

and

Back!

Sheep Ornament

2009-10-29T23:51:00.005-04:00

Kelly came in last fall, shortly after the shop opened. Kelly is a true knitter but decided to try her hand at needlepointing. I'll always remember Kelly because she is the first person I showed how to needlepoint in my new shop. She choose a fun Maggie and Co piece of a sheep. I showed her how to get started and periodically she would come by for more thread and to show me her progress. We couched the swirls on the sheep for a nice effect. Kelly brought the piece in over the summer for finishing- and now its' back. Doesn't it look great!

The Uncle Gus Bus

2009-10-29T23:46:00.004-04:00

My husband, Jim, decided last year to get his commercial bus driving license to help out with driving the activity buses to sporting events. Our son plays 3 different high school sports- football, wrestling and lacrosse. Carson's nickname is Gus, so the guys started calling Jim "Uncle Gus". This provided me with the perfect needlepoint opportunity for one of Carson's ornaments so I had an artist design an activity bus. I used water-n-ice to stitch the glass on the windows and they really look fantastic! I personalized the ornament by adding "Uncle Gus'" and ECHHS.

Hope you can keep this a secret- Christmas is still two months away!

NANCY'S STOCKING

2009-09-23T13:51:00.005-04:00

I've decided to start my Christmas Stocking this fall. I've been stitching away on Carson's ornaments and now that they are done I'm ready to start my stocking.

I have picked all my threads and I am dreaming about the decorative stitches.

This beautiful stocking is by Peter Ashe.

Please stay tuned here to see my progress.

FUN FAMILY ORNAMENTS

2009-09-23T13:19:00.004-04:00

We have so many great canvases for you to stitch ornaments for all of your family.

Here is a lovely example of an ornament series for one of our stitchers' children.

Elisabeth has three children that she stitched hat ornaments for. She wanted them personalized to make them even more special. Keep that in mind for your next project. It is fun to add a monogram or date to a project to make it really memorable!

COOK OUT ORNAMENT

2009-09-01T11:54:00.006-04:00

Here is ornament number three for Carson's christmas!

If you haven't yet had a Cook Out hamburger or milkshake this summer, Carson thinks they're #1!

Stay tuned for more of this year's ornaments as the holiday season quickly approaches.

BUTTERFINGER ORNAMENT

2009-07-10T08:52:00.016-04:00

How lucky for you if your favorite treat is a

Butterfinger Bar!

All of this indulgence and it's completely guilt-free!

Shhhhhhhh... Don't tell anyone, because this is ornament number TWO for Carson's Christmas!

We have other delicious sweets to tempt you too;

Baby Ruth, 3Musketeers, Juicy Fruit, DOUBLEMINT and Big Red.

YUM!

COOL YOUR HEELS...

2009-07-03T12:32:00.005-04:00

in needlepoint flip-flops!

These fantastic flips were stitched by our wonderful customer Kate!

(KRPT, of the comments)

What a great way to stitch a belt canvas and create needlepoint flip-flops.

ANIMAL CRACKERS

2009-06-29T23:20:00.008-04:00

I think that every child has had a box of animal crackers at some point in their lifetime. There is something so nostalgic about the artwork, box shape and the ribbon. I can remember having them at the Bronx Zoo in New York as a child. Animal Crackers were officially named Barnum's Animals crackers in 1902. During the Christmas season the package was redesigned as a circus wagon with a string attached so it could be hung as a Christmas ornament and easily carried by children. The Studio Midwest has designed a stunning needlepoint canvas to remind us all of our childhood.
I stitched mine for my son Carson. There is even enough room on the top of the box to personalize it with a name and birthday. Keep this a secret though, as I surprise him every Christmas with 12 new ornaments. Stay tuned to the blog to check on my progress on this year's ornaments......

MAD ABOUT PLAID!

2009-05-19T13:26:00.008-04:00

I am just delighted with this Studio Midwest plaid frame!

It is stitched so beautifully in Silk & Ivory!
What a stunning piece!

Back From the Finishers...

2009-03-30T11:28:00.008-04:00

and it is SPECTACULAR!

Remember this? My needlepoint purse just came back from the finishers!

The lining is pumpkin silk, the leather is soft and supple and compliments the stitching perfectly! Come by and check it out, I'm sure it will make you think about stitching a Clara Wells bag for yourself!

Chapel Hill Needlepoint is also proud to announce the four new colors of Silk & Ivory thread; Toast, Stream, Lily Pad and Marsh!

In other news, Chapel Hill Needlepoint was happy to have a visit from Barbara Bergsten of Barbara Bergsten Designs on her recent trip to North Carolina.

See you all at the shop!

SOMETIMES YOUR FRIENDS REALLY SURPRISE YOU!

2009-01-29T11:14:00.008-05:00

This Christmas several of my friends stitched a Needlepoint Sign of the Chapel Hill Needlepoint business card, to celebrate the opening of the shop. I was thoroughly surprised and cried with joy at such a thoughtful gift.

Each friend took turns stitching a section- how wonderful!

They chose all sparkling threads; Ribbon Floss Shimmer white/opal for the background, smoke blue, pale blue opal and black Shimmer for the lettering. It is just beautiful!

I am fortunate to have such good friends and customers.

Thank you all!

The Knit-Point, A Guest Post!

2008-12-27T11:11:00.011-05:00

Today's post is brought to you by the always lovely Mary Ann of Three Waters Farm, as featured on her blog.

"The Knit-Point

Mary Stowe, of Yarn’s Etc has always had an inclusive vision of fiber arts. That is how, four years ago, Three Waters Farm ended up with a pied-a-terre in Carrboro inside Mary’s store, teaching spinning and selling our homegrown-handspun and other handpainted yarns and fibers. We were happy there, next to Balloons and Tunes and across the street from the Carrboro Farmers’ Market. But last summer, Opportunity came knocking and so this past August we moved to the other side of the tracks,* into Chapel Hill, into a larger store.

Now Chapel Hill is a fine place. We are enjoying ourselves very much in our new location. We are now within stitching distance of Whole Foods, A Southern Season, and Trader Joe's and so just about everybody who eats chocolate and drinks coffee comes in and visits at least once a month.

In the spirit of the Etc. in “Yarn’s Etc.,” Mary invited Nancy McGuffin of Chapel Hill Needlepoint to join us. I admit that I have harbored a small prejudice against needlepoint, mostly concerning the fact that needlepointers have to look down, whereas knitters can spend a lot of time looking up. (This may seem irrelevant to you, but my other hobby is recreational spying and I don’t like to miss anything.)

Well. Since August I have gone from having a small prejudice about needlepoint to having a serious concern about needlepoint. It was during the Fall, while looking up from my knitting, that I first had a hunch that needlepoint might be CONTAGIOUS. Since that time, I have confirmed the theory that you are likely to catch needlepoint if you have sufficient exposure, no matter how much you wash your hands and don’t touch your face, First it happened to me (I have a weak immune system when it comes to fiber arts,) then Vicky, then Mary, then Rebecca, then Hannah and the list goes on, getting ever longer with every passing day. I know that you may think that this is preposterous, perhaps the figment of a fevered imagination, and you would be right, but look at the evidence.

*a local joke playing on the difference between the storied Town of Chapel Hill and it’s formally servile and downtrodden neighbor, the Town of Carrboro, told from the tongue-in-cheek (or maybe not) point of view of the residents of Carrboro"

What a diverse and wonderful life we lead!

HOLIDAY STITCHING!

2008-11-26T10:49:00.013-05:00

Thanksgiving is here and the Holidays are just around the corner. All of our thoughts seem to be on holiday meals , decorating and long lists of tasks to accomplish. Every day I anxiously await the arrival of the UPS Driver. Lots of Finishing is arriving at the shop and it is just so fun to see my customers' finished ornaments, pillows and belts coming back.

There is so much creativity in what the boxes hold.....

Stop by the shop to see some inspirational projects like The Nutcracker.

We have so many talented stitchers and so many wonderful projects to look forward to!

Happy Thanksgiving!

God Bless America

2008-10-07T17:06:00.009-04:00

I Stitched the pillow God Bless America by Birds of a Feather one year for the Fourth of July. Two friends of mine have done the same canvas and had it finished differently.

One friend turned hers into a piece to hang on the door of a corner hutch.

The other is an easel-back stand up for a den bookcase.

It is fun to see how we all interpret finishing the same canvas in three ways.

Let us all celebrate our diversity in this fall of the elections!

What I'm stitching.

2008-09-18T11:02:00.010-04:00

Clara Wells Needlepoint has a wonderful new collection of Bucket Bags that I first saw at the June Trade show in Columbus, Ohio. Right now I am working on Branching Buds using Silk & Ivory in Kiwi, Lime, Coffee Bean and Salsa.

The Bucket Bags come in 10 different styles. Some of my other favorites are Cocoa Starfish, Preppy and The Cheetah.

I am almost done stitching and I can't wait to send it off to the Finishers' for the leather trim work!

I just got back from the Trade Show in St. Louis and I'm very excited about all of the new canvases that came back with me! Come over to the shop and see these great new finds!

Welcome to Chapel Hill Needlepoint!

2008-09-03T21:57:00.014-04:00

New this week!

Chapel Hill Needlepoint is pleased to have

Dorothy Combs' Canvas Works and Betty Smith's Traditions Trunk Show...

Canvas Works are beautifully hand painted Geometrics and Stylized Florals in cushions, belts, brick covers and rugs.

The Traditions line has stunning and classic Florals, many of which feature Texas Wildflowers.

Trunk Show Purchases are 15% off, so stop by and get these exquisite hand painted canvases soon!