Tudor Embroidery

Cynthia Jackson's been very busy of late.   She's received a grant to further her research and writing about 16th Century Tudor embroidery and her website is starting to show the fruits of all this work.

https://tudorembroidery.com/

You may not be very interested in our stitching ancestors, but I am and I wanted to post about this so you could explore Cynthia's work and that of the Royal School of Embroidery.  After all, these are our sort of people!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 6, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Stitch Monday and the Giant Pink Nutcracker

Ridgewood Needlepoint is stitching Raymond Crawford's "Giant Pink Nutcracker," so Stephanie's New Stitch Monday column is focusing on that for now.  The nutcracker has the fanciest striped pants you'll ever see!

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-219/

First, the shoulder epaulets.  These stitches will work in many small areas.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-220/

The arms are next.  The stitch used is perfect for stripes anywhere you need texture.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-221/

Now she worked the cuff.  Note that all these stitches will work on other clothing designs.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-222/

Next up are the sock tops, folded down over his boots.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-223/

Now Stephanie has finished the sock legs, using a Milanese stitch variation.  She also gives us a second variation since this stitch works really well in small areas.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-224/

The giant pink nutcracker now has cupcake shoes!  I want a pair, don't you?

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-225/

Mr. Pink's jacket is underway.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-226/

Double Stitch is one of my favorites, too!

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-227/

Mr. Pink has a belt now.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-228/

Mr. Pink has his crown done except for the pudding on top.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-229/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 6, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

What is the difference between US and UK needlepointers?

Ever ponder why needlepoint shops in the UK call needlepoint "tapestry"?  Turns out that isn't the only difference!  The Fabled Thread explains the differences on their Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DaXDG9GiA_c/?img_index=1

Want to know more about The Fabled Thread?  You can read their origin story here--

https://www.instagram.com/p/DPQXspvCOpc/?img_index=19

You can do a little retail therapy at The Fabled Thread website.  Note that they sell both embroidery and "tapestry" kits.  Pick your poison here and explore.

https://thefabledthread.com/

AND they sell frames.  Fun, colorful and whimsical frames!  Plus they sell paint your own frames for the more adventerous stitcher.  They will also show you how to paint them.  Win-win.

https://thefabledthread.com/shop/frames

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

BREAKING NEWS! Straw Silk is Returning!

Homestead Needle Arts says that Straw Silk is returning.  The owner of Silk Road Fibers is rolling it out slowly as there is illness in the family so don't expect it to be widely available just yet.  Be patient.  Small businesses (which most of needlepoint is) can't turn on a dime like Walmart or Amazon.

If you aren't familiar with this thread, Needlepoint.com explains all here.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/all-about-straw-silk-fibers

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 25, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Trend in Finishing: Cartonnage

I've started to notice a new trend in finishing--cartonnage.  Cartonnage is a French-derived word for cardboard craft.  In other words, making boxes from cardboard, usually covered in fabric.  House of Cartonnage in Paris was the first company I became aware of that does this sort of thing.  

https://www.houseofcartonnage.com/

https://www.instagram.com/houseofcartonnage/

They sell self-finishing boxes and matchboxes, available at some US needlepoint stores.

https://stitch-stash.com/collections/house-of-cartonnage-boxes

House of Cartonnage also teaches the craft.  Here is their tips page if you aren't going to be in Paris to take a class.  (Note that there is a video on how to finish your needlepoint before adding it to your box.)

https://www.houseofcartonnage.com/tips

Petal Box Studio is in the US.  They make boxes of all sizes and types:  matchboxes, card boxes, regular boxes, plus they also finish the small Funda Scully boxes.  Their work is all custom.  

https://www.petal-box-studio.com/

https://www.instagram.com/petalbox_studio/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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