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.

Ruching Wired Ribbon Tutorial

TSM Needlepoint just posted a quick tutorial on ruching wired ribbon on their Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Dcv_r98xqfK/

I'll just add that you need to avoid using your good scissors to trim the wires.  They will dull quickly and a scissors sharpener is hard to find these days.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The Lullaabee Light/Magnifier

The Needlepointer is selling a light/magnifier I've not seen before.

https://theneedlepointer.com/products/large-view-4x-hands-free-needlepoint-magnifier?se_activity_id=176581411058&syclid=daan1ksdalas73ccc00g&utm_campaign=A+Little+More+Light.+A+Lot+More+Detail.+%F0%9F%92%A1_176581411058&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

It comes in black or white, has a pretty big footprint on your table so it should be stable as you bend the magnifier to the right angle for your stitching, and costs $129 plus tax and shipping.  The lights are 48 LEDs, it magnifies four times, and is powered by rechargeable batteries using USB-C.  The base has a slot where you can park a phone or perhaps a small tablet.  The manufacturer is Lullaabee, based in the Netherlands.

https://lullaabee.com/products/led-magnifying-desk-lamp-with-48-lights

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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