Tightening Stretcher Bars the Easy Way (Mopsey Designs)

This short video explains how to tighten canvases on stretcher bars without having to take the design off the bars.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DC2P_qdP5rX/

Clever!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 27, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Exclusives from Needlepoint Junction

Are you looking for something unique that not everyone and their brother-in-law are stitching?  Look no further than the shop exclusive page on Needlepoint Junction's website.

https://shopneedlepointjunction.com/collections/exclusives

I'm particularly found of the Gingerbread Dreams Mini Sock on 13 count (I've seen it stitched with both the pink background and a deep blue) but there is plenty to love and enjoy here like the birdhouse and cardinal or the napkin ring canvases with Beth Gantz napkin ring frames.  Gayla Elliott fans will swoon over her Autumn canvas!

Then there are the Nordic mini socks and sweater designs....

Not to mention the leather self-finishing frames from Jenny Henry!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 27, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Review of Laying Tools

Melita is trying to organize her stash, getting rid of things that are duplicates or that she doesn't use.  In the process she found all her laying tools and showed them to us.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/11/24/laying-tools/

Personally, I love my trolley needle for stranded threads.  I wear it on my left thumb and like Melita, I've never stabbed myself with it.  Wooden laying tools (I like the shorter, fatter ones since I have little hands) seem to work better for cotton threads.  I adore my tekobari for silk flosses; nothing tames them better!  I also have a bone laying tool I almost never use and a nut pick from my nutcracker set that is fabulous for taming silk ribbons.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 25, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ribbed Spider Web Roses

The Wool and the Floss posted a video tutorial on their Instagram on creating ribbed spider web roses.  If you prefer written instructions, they posted a step-by-step guide in the description, too.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_oDANNvjZ8/

They appear to be using silk ribbons from Tilli Thomas and Treenway Silks, by the way, but I prefer silk ribbon from River Silks whenever possible because of the huge color range and their durability.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 8, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Repurposing Cigarette Cases

Melita has a lovely mother-of-pearl cigarette case she is going to use as needle storage.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/11/22/a-repurposed-needlecase/

You can find lots of cigarette cases online.  Right now the fabric ones that held a cardboard packet of cigarettes and a book of matches are easily found.  Modern Art Nouveau enameled ones are lovely and not very expensive, either.  If you want antiques, especially silver, you'll pay more.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LittlePresentsStore?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=1746972355&from_page=listing

As always, shop around.  Prices vary a lot for these items.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow 

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 23, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Next Level Needlepoint Coming April 2025

Emma Homet's second book, Next Level Needlepoint, is ready for pre-order!  Available April 2025.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/8699214880155593/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 22, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Entice: The Movie

Needlepoint.com has a short video about Rainbow Gallery's Entice (rayon and metallic blend).  

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/thread-talks-all-about-entice

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 21, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Magnets

Saturnalia Stitching has a great idea--finish your smaller needlepoint as a magnet!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DChpUB1P9pz/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 20, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Fix Blog

Needlepoint Fix (the online class, video and stitch diagram program from Lisa Kessler of BeStitched) has a blog!

https://www.needlepointfix.com/blog

Currently, you can read about the timeless appeal of needlepoint Christmas ornaments and stockings, discover how to see needlepoint designer look books, discover how to access some of the many stitch diagram videos from Needlepoint Fix for free, and much more.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 19, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Art Deco Tree

Brenda's Needlepoint Studio is stitching the "Art Deco Tree" by Deborah Reichart from ANG's Needle Pointers magazine, the November 2024 issue.  She's going to lead this as a class for an ANG chapter so she's taking notes to make the stitching easier for everyone.  So far, it is a beauty!

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2025/01/art-deco-tree-1725.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 7, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monogram and Alphabet Charts

This morning I set up a new tab under the photo header of Blog- called "Monogram and Alphabet Sources."  I've listed the books and online sources for charted lettering for monograms and lettering as on a stocking top.  If you know of other good sources, please let me know at chilly hollow at hot mail dot com.  Thanks!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 19, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching Summer Fireworks (Ann-Marie Anderson-Mayes)

Melita is stitching "Summer Fireworks," a free counted piece from Ann-Marie Anderson-Mayes of Beautiful Stitches.

\https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/11/16/summer-fireworks-by-ann-marie-anderson-mayes/

Melita got some good tips on stitching order from other folks in her chapter stitching this.  If you are tempted, here is Ann-Marie's website with her free designs.  Note that there is a video to help you with "Summer Fireworks."

https://beautifulstitches.com.au/free-patterns/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 17, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Organize Stash with Serendipity

Ellen at Serendipity Needleworks is going to organize her stash this summer and invites us all to join in.

https://www.serendipityneedleworks.com/needlepoint-ufos/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 16, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Thimble for Those Allergic to Nickel

The Royal School of Needlework in England sells thimbles that are nickel free.

https://royal-needlework.org.uk/product/prym-thimble/

If you or a friend are allergic to metal jewelry, it's most like the nickel in the alloys you are reacting to, so these are a great find for someone who can't normally use a thimble.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 17, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: Fine Merino Wool Collections from AFE

The Royal School of Embroidery sells color sets of fine Australian merino wool (think crewel weight) from the Japanese thread company AFE.  There are seven sets of colors, all beautiful and all hand dyed in Japan.

https://royal-needlework.org.uk/product/fine-merino-crewel-wool-colour-packs-by-art-fiber-endo/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 17, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Printed versus Painted

Hedgehog Needlepoint tackles the question of printed versus painted canvases.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DCXZaW7vDrj/

Hedgehog's airport travel tags are all printed but I think some of their other canvases are painted.  I'm not sure about that, though.

Many canvases are printed these days.  Here's a JudyAnn design. Her work is printed and then touched up with a brush.

https://judyannneedlepoint.com/product/swiftie-needlepoint-canvas/

Here is the famous "Elizabeth's Closet" from Moore Stitching.  It's also printed.  (I've stitched several canvases from Moore Stitching and found them very well done.)

https://moorestitching.com/products/elizabeth-s-closet

There are many more examples.  Just like painted canvases, some printed canvases are very well done and some aren't.  Take a careful look before you buy.  Your favorite shop can guide you to hand painted canvases if not knowing exactly what color goes where is a problem for you.  But many printed canvases are well worth adding to your stash these days.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NJNA Talks Christmas Decoration Storage

NJNA's latest chapter newsletter is full of ANG news, new clubs, some cute magnets and some important tips for storing your needlepoint holiday decorations from Diversions Needlepoint.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2024/12/28/whats-happening-at-njna-12-28-24/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 29, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

ThreadworX's Floss and Overdyed Kreinik

Needlepoint.com's latest video showcases overdyed cotton floss and overdyed Kreinik from ThreadworX.  These are beautiful threads, with lovely colors, and the Kreinik size 8 and 12 overdoes are so pretty!

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/thread-talks-all-about-threadworx

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 27, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Food for Thought

I enjoy reading Dr. Jessica Grimm's blog about Medieval ecclesiastical embroidery but this posting really gave me something to think about--these embroideries were mass produced (well, what goes for mass production in a pre-industrial society) but the embellishments, materials and stitches chosen made each individual.   Dr. Grimm makes the point this resembles painted canvases today.

https://www.jessicagrimm.com/blog/mass-produced-medieval-goldwork-embroidery-the-adoration-of-the-magi

Bet you never thought you had so much in common with folks in the 15th and 16th Century!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 12, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NJNA News Updated

The latest e-newsletter from the New Jersey Needle Artists Chapter of ANG is out.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2025/01/11/whats-happening-at-njna-1-11-25/

It's full of ANG news, both local and national, plus news of shop and designer moves, new designs and clubs, a new tool and much more!

UPDATE:  NJNA has another January update full of ANG news, new designs, clubs and products.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2025/01/25/whats-happening-at-njna-1-25-25/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 12, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Beading Awl

I just noticed Ruth of Bedecked and Beadazzled sells something called a beading awl.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/beading-awl/

It appears to have a fine sharp tip.  Beaders use it to move beads around and to help with knots in beading thread.  The beading awl has a comfortable grip and is made from Tulip which is known for their fine needles.  Just FYI.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 9, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Dale of Norway in Needlepoint

Eleonore found a real treasure in Norway--a needlepoint of the Dale, Norway sweater factory.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=8555514431125554&set=gm.8020097344734020&idorvanity=108537025890131

Dale of Norway's sweaters are famous and worth every penny according to folks who own one.  

https://eu.daleofnorway.com/

As Eleonore continued on her trip to Denmark, she found this fire screen stitched by Louis XIV's mistress. That's Louis the Sun King of France.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=8578805128796484&set=gm.8043598962383858&idorvanity=108537025890131

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Let's Talk Blackwork

Sarah asked Lisa at BeStitched to talk about blackwork, especially for backgrounds.  Here is what Lisa says on the shop's Instagram page--

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBzkapBSrwx/?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA%3D%3D

The threads used in the examples were all perle type threads such as Soy Luster from Dream House Ventures

https://www.needlenthread.com/2008/10/soy-luster-embroidery-thread-made-from.html

Floche (DMC)

https://www.needlenthread.com/2016/09/3-good-reasons-to-try-dmc-floche.html

Elegance (Rainbow Gallery)

https://www.rainbowgallery.com/product/elegance/

Tranquility (Treenway Silks)

https://www.treenwaysilks.com/productlist.php?category=1&secondary=8

Petite Silk Lame Braid (Rainbow Gallery)

https://123stitch.com/Rainbow_Gallery_Petite_Silk_Lame_Braid.html

size 4 Kreinik very fine braid (Rainbow Gallery)

https://www.kreinik.com/store/Very-Fine-4-Braid.html

However, you can use any thread type.  It's just easier to do blackwork with a non-strandable thread.

If you aren't familiar with "tuck stitches" you can read about them here.  I call them the locking L, the pin stitch, etc.  

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2010/06/anchoring-ends-when-stitching-light.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 1, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sea Shell Santa (Janet Zickler Casey)

Brenda of Brenda's Needlepoint Studio is working another Janet Z. Casey Santa, this time the Sea Shell Santa.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2024/10/santa-sea-shell-102924.html

By the way, the spools of YLI ribbon floss are the old packaging.  It's usually only available on the square frames now.  Metallic ribbon floss is a bit stiffer than the regular ribbon floss, so that may be part of the problem, or maybe this is just a really old spool of thread.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 30, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Coco Frank Visits the Shops

Coco Frank has held several pop up events at various needlepoint shops in 2024.  

https://cocofrankstudio.com/blogs/blog/recap-lns-pop-ups-2024

In this article she writes about visiting shops as a designer, using Waste Knot (my not-so-local shop) as an example.  I think all the photos were taken in this Arlington, Virginia store, which is certainly worth a visit.  I'm lucky it's a good hour drive one way or I'd be bankrupt!  (Lori does mail order very well, though.)

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 30, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

One Stitcher's Take on AI

I thought Mary Corbet's essay on artificial intelligence in charted embroidery was quite interesting.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/10/i-am-not-real-artificial-intelligence-in-the-needlework-world.html

I don't have any experience with AI except by watching friends use it to create artwork but I can see it being used to create charted needlepoint--with the same problems that those who like painted needlepoint find with printed or non-handpainted designs.  What do you think?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 29, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Feet for Standups

Paula's Halloween poison bottle display is amazing!  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/8556818077728608/

Check out the "feet" on the bottles.  She doesn't say, but I think they might be lampwork beads.  If you need something for the bottom of your standup, browse Etsy searching for "lampwork beads" or "dreadlock beads."  It's possible that clay beads shaped like animals might work, too.  Pay careful attention to the size of the bead.  You'll need something that's big enough to not be overwhelmed by the stitching and that will adequately support your standup.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 28, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Creating Twisted Woven Leaves: The Movie

Ruth Schmuff shows us how to make a twisted, woven leaf.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBhCOEqRE9u/

It's a lot easier than you'd expect!  The next time you need some dimension and glitter in a leaf, use Ruth's video.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 26, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Storing Rainbow Gallery Threads

Laurel found an Etsy seller who uses 3-D printing to create storage boxes for Rainbow Gallery threads.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10227822416173431&set=gm.8524120754331674&idorvanity=108537025890131

The boxes are stackable but each only holds 10 cards.  The comments in the Facebook link above list alternatives for those who own quite a few Rainbow Gallery cards.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1808463723/needle-point-thread-bobbin-storage-box

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 23, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Happy Stitching with KC Needlepoint

KC Needlepoint has a new venture called Happy Stitching.

https://www.happystitching.com/

The website is a one-stop shopping needlepoint experience where you can buy a kit with everything you need including self-finishing items.  They even have a section of video tutorials to help folks who've not needlepointed or perhaps not used self-finishing goods before.  It's a great idea.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 22, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint and Basket Making on Nantucket

Janet of JCB Stitches on Instagram was able to tour Nantucket's Hadwen House, which owns the collection of the former Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum.  Why is that of interest to us needlepointers?  There are a set of chairs with needlepoint seats featuring baskets, made for the former museum to honor various people.  Use the right side arrow to see many of them.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBbP52Vx26E/?img_index=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 22. 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Overdyed Kreinik: The Movie

The Needle Bug in Atlanta talks about ThreadworX's overdyed Kreinik.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBY1FnJRV8b/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 21, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

KC Needlepoint Supports Hearts for Hospice

KC Needlepoint makes it easy for you to contribute to the Hearts for Hospice program.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/stitch-to-support-hearts-for-hospice?_pos=2&_sid=2b92b5bd8&_ss=r

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 19, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitch By Stitch Larchmont's Stitcher of the Month

I found out about Stitch by Stitch's Stitcher of the Month on the last day of 2024, so this is a bit late, but it's still fun to see what a newish stitcher has done!

https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/pages/stitcher-of-the-month-joanne-kilkeary?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=Zecca%20Trunk%20Show&utm_id=01JFMR0V4ET3HYSRWGEPA1NQ9M&_kx=aciAEP_6-iF8xhuhZaomyeVfXs3OTnBm8ABNyi7AVoeLP-pURN12gtHcuDiqxXhe.SwCMrn

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 31, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Gathered Stitch Snow: The Movie

Melissa at The Wool and The Floss demonstrates using gathered stitch to create clumps of snow on her tree.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBFHZaTvau3/

By the way, Happy New Year!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 14, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.