Rare Earth Magnet Warning

Go Stitch Studio (which sells needle minders) reminds us that rare earth magnets, while strong, are also brittle.  I have to say that I've never had this happen to me, but then I don't sell needle minders so I don't have a ton of them.  The worst I've ever had happen is a rhinestone has fallen out and those are easily glued back in position with glue and a toothpick.

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

So don't be freaked out.  Have a little browese at Go Stitch Studio instead.  (Don't miss the Le Tigere matchbox needle minder!)

https://gostitchstudio.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 4, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bird Needlepoint Art

One of Carolyn Hedge Baird's students allowed Carolyn to photograph and show off her collection of Melissa Shirley bird canvases.  They are amazing!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DUTfC_RifL8/?img_index=1

These are large canvases, all on 13 count from what I remember.  Many have stitch guides available.  Here are a few examples currently in stock at Melissa Shirley Designs.

https://melissashirleydesigns.com/galsearch/index.cgi?index=1447185220_4115&col=

https://melissashirleydesigns.com/galsearch/index.cgi?index=1338571497_19943&col=

https://melissashirleydesigns.com/galsearch/index.cgi?index=1132156499_9544&col=

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 4, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

I Couldn't Stop Giggling

Mywifeplaysmahjong and majwithbrooke have collaborated on this bit of Instagram humor involving needlepoint and mahjong.

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

I couldn't stop giggling.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 4, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Let's Talk Tension

Let's talk tension--and I don't mean worry and fretting--I mean stitch tension.  As Poppy Monk points out on their blog, stitch tension is an important but overlooked means of improving the look of your stitching.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/stitch-chill-the-guide-to-perfect-needlepoint-tension

I've discovered stitching when I'm upset or worried is not a good idea if I want my stitching to match previous stitching, so having an all tent stitch project I can pick up to relax at those times works well for me since I find it easier to control tension in basketweave than in any other stitch.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 2, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

UK Church Kneelers Full of Charm

Simon Martin Art takes us on a tour of church kneelers in Norfolk, on the east coast of England.  Use the right side arrows to see dozens of them.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DUAfk9YDaB3/?img_index=1

They are charming!  Wonder why there is a kneeler with dice?  My favorite is the tractor one.  That was stitched by a farmer's wife.  The tractor is the most important piece of machinery a modern farmer owns.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.co

 and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 31, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.