Create Spring Lollipop Garden (Tamara Abdee)

Melita is taking Tamara Abdee's silk ribbon embroidery class called "Spring Lollipop Garden."

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/04/19/spring-lollipop-garden-by-tamara-abdee-day-1/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/04/20/spring-lollipop-garden-by-tamara-abdee-day-2/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/05/07/spring-lollipop-garden-by-tamara-abdee-grows/

Doesn't that look like FUN?!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright APril 20, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Scam Artists Target Needlepoint

I don't suppose we should be surprised since needlepoint is quite popular these days, but scams pretending to sell needlepoint canvases are surfacing.  The latest involves the Pippa Fraumeni "Summer" pillows that sold out as soon as they were available.

https://pippafraumeni.com/collections/pillows

I'm sure this will happen again, especially with all the new artists, many of whom sell via Etsy or brand new websites, and who are having trouble getting many of their designs from the painting services.  Their canvases will be limited, making stitchers less cautious when they spot what seems like a good deal.

Make sure any private sale is from someone reputable who can send you a dated photo of the canvas.  If you are buying from an eBay seller, check the number of their sales and their reviews.  If they are brand new, don't buy from them.  If the seller is on Etsy, read their reviews and make sure you don't buy from a brand new Etsy shop.

Anything that seems to be too good to be true is almost certainly NOT true.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 23, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: More ColorSpun Details

The Needlepointer in Sacramento, CA is selling a new thread line called ColorSpun. It is made in China.  

https://theneedlepointer.com/search?q=colorspun&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

The Needlepointer sent out an e-newsletter describing the different types of ColorSpun.  I will quote it here--

ColorSpun Stellar - brilliant metallic shimmer, best for 18 count, light coverage 13 count - 10 yards 100% polyester

ColorSpun Feather - 10 yards of "delicate silk ply" that works on both 13 and 18 count

ColorSpun Caress - 50/50 silk and cashmere blend, great for clothing and animals, works on 13 and 18 count - 10 yards on card

ColorSpun Serene - 100% Tencel, which is reconstituted cellulose fibers from eucalyptus trees - best for 18 count - 10 yards on card 

ColorSpun Etheral - silk/Tencil blend, 40% silk, 60% Tencil - plied thread that works on 13 and 18 count - softer look than Feather

UPDATE:  ColorSpun has added Aurora to their line.  It looks like tinsel and is 100% polyester.  There are 10 yards on a card.  The Needlepointer recommends one strand on 18 count and two strands on 13 count.  It is a bit like Rainbow Gallery's Arctic Rays but the tinsel isn't as closely packed.

https://theneedlepointer.com/products/colorspun-aurora?se_activity_id=173133431026&syclid=d7sic9451pjc73c7v6rg&utm_campaign=3+New+ColorSpun+Lines%21_173133431026&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

I haven't seen any of this in person.  If you have stitched with it, let us know what you think.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 20, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Stitch Monday Talks Water Stitches

Stephanie at Ridgewood talks water stitches for this week's New Stitch Monday posting.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-218/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 22, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Darning Stitches, Diagrams and Book Recommendations

Poppy Monk talks darning stitches in their latest article and recommends SharonG's book, It's About Darn Time, for diagrams of these stitches.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/raindrops-keep-falling-on-my-canvas-the-amazing-versatility-of-darning-patterns

If you can find SuZy Murphy's Suzy's Darn Stitches, it has a ton of darning stitch diagrams.

https://www.theneedlepointgallery.com/product-page/suzy-s-darn-stitches-by-suzy-murphy

Many books by Ruth Schmuff, Brenda Hart, and Mary Legallet have sections that are all about darning stitches, so check the books you own to see if you can find a chapter about these great background stitches.  Mary Legallet has some tips for you if you try to use them here--

https://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2015/6/9/whimsicalwednesday

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 19, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.