Hockey is Big at Harvard (So Is Needlepoint)

Hockey is big at Harvard--really big!  I was charmed to read that Joe Bertagna (Class of '73) not only was a big hockey star back in the day, he's a major needlepointer who just auctioned off his Boston sports needlepoint pieces for charity.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVJ4g3vEpTQ/?img_index=1

Here's the actual article from the March 2026 issue of Harvard Magazine.

https://www.harvardmagazine.com/alumni/harvard-joe-bertagna-hockey-sports-needle-point

Way to go, Joe!  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 27, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitch School (Needlepoint Now Magazine Publication)

Needlepoint Now magazine is coming out with a book called Stitch School!  I haven't seen it yet since as I write this it's not out yet but apparently there are matching videos for those who are visual learners.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DWaHO91jgdN/

https://www.amkpublications.com/

This is called Volume One, so hopefully it will do well and the magazine will publish more volumes.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 28, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Secure Thread When Doing Long Stitches

Patricia Sone has posted a short video on her Instagram account showing us how to use a pin stitch (I call these Locking L stitches because of their shape) to secure a thread before you work a series of long stitches.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVMji6DDgP0/

It's really pretty easy.  This is a technique used in Japanese embroidery and it does hold well.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 26, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Cope without Wooden Stretcher Bars

Needle Works in Austin, Texas has decided to address the difficulty of getting stretcher bars by using 3-D printed versions.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1582063297258238&set=a.708268907971019

These are plastic but it's easy to push in thumbtacks or staples.  Once you finish your project, yank out the staples/tacks and put them away.  These are the same width as regular stretcher bars.  Just like the wooden version, you can reuse them over and over again.  NWKS says they are sturdy and available in white, teal blue or beige plastic.  The shop is working to have the size printed on them, too.  They also say you can mix them with wooden stretcher bars in case you have a pair of 9 inchers but need 7 inchers for that 7x9 inch canvas.  You cannot mix the 3-D printed bars with mini stretcher bars, though.  The 3-D ones are the width of regular stretcher bars.  They cost between $6-8 for a pair of two.

These are not online yet but call or email the shop to order.  Kudos to the folks in Texas for coming up with a unique solution to the shortage of traditional wooden stretcher bars.

https://theneedleworks.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 29, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Adding Embellishment to a Canvas

The Instagram account Sophie Stitches and Styles shows off her latest finish, a canvas from Plum Stitchery called "Celestial Menagerie Pillow."  Sophie very cleverly adds touches of specialty stitches here and there to highlight her favorite parts of this mostly tent stitched cutie.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVEz01tAaL6/?img_index=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 25, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.