Rated Difficult (and Beautiful)

Mary Legallet of Whimsical Stitch has posted her weekly stitch diagram--and it's gorgeous!  It is an open stitch, perfect to give Asian flair to a canvas background and enhance the intricate shading.

https://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2026/09/09

She calls it Woven Octogons and says she thinks Meredith Willett of M's Canvashouse, The Meredith Collection, etc. created it.  It is not an easy stitch but as Mary says, work each side of the octagon before moving on to the next.  The headaches as you try to work it across your canvas will be worth it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 10, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble! (not really)

On the Go Stitches shows you how to deal with all those holes in your wooden stretcher bars.  She simply soaks them, turning occasionally, in the hottest water from her sink she can manage for around five minutes.  Let them dry in a sunny window.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DdAr5-GtrA7/

Be careful!  Boiling water burns are no joke.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow 

logging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Introducing Lou Gartner to a New Generation of Needlepointers

A Dragon's Tale just profiled Lou Gartner, interior designer and needlepoint creator, on their Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DcjlNK0GkX-/?img_index=1

I own both of his books.  His abstract malachite designs and his big cats were amazing!

https://thecarycollection.com/products/needlepoint-design-1970-gartner-louis-j-jr

Shop around for his books.  You can get them at a good price if you are patient.

https://www.amazon.com/More-Needlepoint-Design-Louis-Gartner/dp/0688029469

If you want some of his canvases, 1st Dibs has belts, rugs and more for sale.  "Blanks" are how they describe unstitched painted canvases.  Make sure you look at all the photos.  The malachite rug canvas is only one of the rugs available--there is an alphabet, a paisley, a butterfly, and more.  The cat pillow is only one of many, including a charming monkey.  There are lots of pillow and short belts or fob designs, too.

https://www.1stdibs.com/search/furniture/?q=lou%20gartner

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

New Stretcher Bars

MB Stitch Company has a new type of stretcher bars.  As I write this, there's not much information on them (they won't ship until October 2026), but if you watch the video at the link below you'll see the bars slot together differently and are made of magnetic material.  Put a set of two pairs together, then add the top matching set and your canvas is held securely without staples or tacks.  There is a slot to hold your needles on each side and you can get the matching Stitch Bridge, which is also magnetic and appears to hold small items like your metal needle threader.  

https://www.instagram.com/reels/Dc3xfiGiCoP/

Hopefully by the time this publishes more information will be on the MB Stitch Company website.

https://mbstitchco.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Interview with Colors of Praise

Needlepoint.com's September trunk show was Colors of Praise so they posted a brief interview with the mother/daughter team that runs the company.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/designer-showcase-colors-of-praise

Marie is the designer and Malin is the business brain who have teamed up to bring you the delightful Colors of Praise pieces.  Want to know more?  Visit their two websites, one for needlepoint canvases and one for decor, including finished needlepoint items like chairs, pillows, purse straps and paintings.

https://colorsofpraiseneedlepoint.com/

https://www.colorsofpraisedesign.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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