Eliminate Basketweave Ridges

Poppy Monk Needlepoint's blog has five tips to make your basketweave smooth.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/five-tips-for-smoother-needlepoint-basketweave

I'll add my own tip:  If you are a beginner, avoid tightly twisted perle cotton threads.  Wools and wool/silk blends are more forgiving and will spread a bit to fill the holes and lie nicely next to each other.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 9, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Making Silk Ribbon Roses: The Movie

Coco Frank Studio demonstrates making ribbon roses with a Colonial knot and running stitches.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1389009942414877

It's pretty easy if you are familiar with Colonial knots, just a little fiddly.  Looks just like a rose when you are done!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 8, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Four Fun Background Stitches

Let's wrap up February with some fun background stitches, courtesy of Poppy Monk.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/needlepoint-kits-with-fun-background-stitches

When you are trying to choose a background stitch that is decorative, make sure you can do at least three repeats of the pattern.  Otherwise, the fancy stitch won't show up well and you are better off with something small and plain.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 5, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hearts for Hospice Book

The Hearts for Hospice program has a book!  It is 38 pages, spiral bound, with 13 hearts and over 50 stitches, for $20.  Contact heartsforhospiceofficial@gmail.com to order.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1209051254734346&set=a.397588615880618

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 7, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The NJNA April 2026 Report

The New Jersey Needle Artists Chapter of ANG's bi-weekly newsletter is out.  It's full of ANG news, of course, but there is much more:  new books, new threads, new shops, new designs, and even needlepoint socks!

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2026/04/11/whats-happening-at-njna-4-11-26/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 12, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.