Under the Radar Background Stitches

Poppy Monk has unearthed three more unusual background stitches for our stitching pleasure.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/three-under-the-radar-needlepoint-background-stitches

I like Bamboo stitch done in silk floss with a laying tool myself.  The Hourglass stitch is a variation of Double Cross and would look nice with two different threads (and possibly colors).  Thr Bargello Wave is a classic that I like to do in perle cotton myself.  Be careful with the color as it can overwhelm an entire background.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 18, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Let's Kit Three Bears

Third Coast Stitchers has fun picking threads for three Skooter bears.

https://thirdcoaststitches.com/blogs/news/before-the-first-stitch-kitting-three-skooter-bears

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 18, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Visiting A Stitching Shop in Denver

Melita is in Denver, Colorado for the 2026 ANG National Seminar, so she visited A Stitching Shop.  It looks like a great store, with plenty of threads, painted canvases and charts, too!

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/07/17/a-stitching-shop-in-denver-co/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 18, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Who Offers Free Shipping?

With shipping costs going higher and higher, NP Nation members asked who offers free shipping? The responses are (in alphabetical order):

Colors1 (Etsy)

KC Needlepoint

Stitching Chicks (if you spend over $15)

Stitch Stash

Thanks to everyone who responded to the query and to the shops that help us out with free shipping.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 17, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Maison Preston from Paris

Maison Preston from Paris uses vintage needlepoint canvases found in Paris and takes them home to North Carolina where she turns them into wonderful tote bags and clutches.

https://www.instagram.com/maisonprestonfromparis/?g=5

This gives new life and purpose to these durable tapestries.  She also will turn your own vintage canvas that maybe your grandmother stitched into something new, but with great memories already built in. 

https://www.maisonpreston.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 16, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.