Thursday, May 14, 2026

Why Susan Needlepoints

Susan at Quail Run explains why she needlepoints.  I think she speaks for many of us, don't you?  Plus, it's just fun!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 
nd at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 11, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Creating a Plump Little Bunny

Sharon of SM Wollman Designs just posted a video of the little bunny her Ann Hanson (I think) Santa is holding.   Sharon used trapunto to make the rabbit rounded and dimensional.

It's an easy technique.  Note that she stitched the bunny as usual first, then she pinned a rectangle of muslin to the back of the canvas behind Mr. Bunny.  (You can cut the slit in the middle before you pin it on if you are nervous about cutting the canvas when you slit the muslin after it is attached.)  Then you turn the canvas back over and backstitch around the shape of the rabbit.  Normally I use one ply of cotton floss in either a matching or contrasting color, depending on whether I want a bit of a shadow or not.  It helps to make your backstitches small and pretty close together.  Once the muslin is backstitched into place, stuff the muslin with as much padding (I use cotton batting) as needed to make the bunny rounded and dimensional as you want, then stitch the slit togethre to close it.

It's quite easy to do and gives a lovely effect.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 10, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Stitch Strategy Interview

Fiber Talk's just interviewed Hayley and Madeline of Stitch Strategy, a marketing company focused on the world of needlepoint designers and shops.  It's fun to hear their perspective on the growth of needlepoint, the sorts of services they offer, and how younger stitchers are shaking up the world of needlepoint.



Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright Marh 9, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, May 11, 2026

Handcrafted Needlework Tools

If you love wooden needlework tools, you'll want to check out what Mary Corbet is selling.  There are crochet hooks, seam ripper/stilettos, and keychain needle cases.  She also has some lovely enameled needle minders that are not like anything else on the market.

As I write this, some of the items are already sold out but they may be restocked by the time this publishes.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 29, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, May 10, 2026

The Self Finishing Match Box

House of Cartonnage in Paris has a new product--the self finishing matchbox!

Tariffs are impacting the business (which sells boxes, clutches and classes on how to make your own box) somewhat so we'll have to see how Sabrine manages her unique business for those of us not in the Netherlands or the EU.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 18, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.