A Tip for Stitching Background

Ever get confused working background stitches around central design elements?  Louise's Needlework has a great trick to make it easier.  You do have to work the background first, though, at least the area near the design element that breaks up the background.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1559860389473899&set=a.539149581544990

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The 2026 NAN Exemplary

Melita went to this year's Exemplary, which is what the National Academy of Needlearts calls their yearly seminar exhibit, and won ribbons!  MAJOR ribbons!  Here is her report.  Eventually NAN will put photos of the 2026 winners on their website but it's too early for that yet.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/03/13/2026-national-academy-of-needlearts-nan-assembly/

UPDATE:  The People's Choice winner for 2026 was an Alison Cole goldwork poppy stitched by Helen G.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1458739096292936&set=a.562869925879862

Good luck to Mary Alice Stinton who took a tumble at NAN.  I think she's fine, just needed to go home to recover.  

UPDATE #2:  Barbara Richardson won the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1477788584387987&set=a.562869925879862

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 14, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved

Margaret Bendig's Fourth of July Heart

Brenda's Needlepoint Studio is going to teach Margaret Bendig's "Fourth of July Heart" with her ANG chapter in Delaware.  Here is the pre-work for the heart.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2026/03/heart-fourth-of-july-31326.html

Note that since the original threads are no longer available, Rainbow Gallery's Neon Rays were substituted and found to work beautifully.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2026/05/may-9-2026-i-placed-last-stitch-on-this.html

The design was published in the July 2008 Needle Pointers magazine, so if you are an ANG member, you may have this copy in your magazine pile.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 14, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Watch the Easter Bunny Grow

Aster+Daisy posted a video to TikTok showing Beth's Easter bunny and eggs stocking being painted.  It's fascinating to watch.  

https://www.tiktok.com/@bethstromberg/video/7616440616410483998?_r=1&_t=ZP-94dZTBRYTi3

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 14, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

What Type of Scissors Are Best?

Thanks to EGA's Greater Pacific Region, I learned about this article on TextileArtist about various scissor brands and what works best for various types of needlework.

https://www.textileartist.org/embroidery-scissors/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQg_CNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzdkFsamY2cEZsUzN0RTdIc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgQSoBmic2T-gCs1kbLZUDcajPFxXr_TF4_-oKXhwIDOuNJh0kaarh3N2YQB_aem_Ip2Q5Fd7L1nyOSQf6vSGoQ#:~:text=straight%20embroidery%20scissors.-,Small%20straight%20embroidery%20scissors,are%20made%20by%20many%20manufacturers

There are plenty of links if something catches your eye.  I'd recommend small 3-4 inch long scissors for needlepoint that fit your fingers well.  If you travel with scissors, go with a cheaper brand you don't mind losing in transit.  Keep the good ones at home in a place where no one will grab them to cut paper, plastic or other non-textile items that dull blades fast.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 13, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.