Wednesday, April 30, 2025

March Stitcher of the Month - Stitch By Stitch Larchmont

Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY just revealed their March 2025 Stitcher of the Month--Sandi Mahfouz!  Sandi started out with counted canvaswork but recently was seduced by painted canvases.  Now she's turning out masterpieces in embellishment.  There's nothing like a versatile stitcher!

I know this will publish the end of April but there's been lots and lots of needlepoint news in March!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 4, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Lustik Needlepoints for Sale

Great news for fans of Kevin Lustik's funny needlepoint originals--he's putting some up for sale through Wilder Nightingale Fine Art!

If you like sly humor and fun needlepoint, take a little browse.  Don't dawdle, though.  Two pieces have already sold.

If you aren't familiar with Kevin's original designs, use the search function in the upper left hand corner to see more and learn more about Kevin himself.  Or read this interview with NIU Alumni Association.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 1, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, April 28, 2025

Google Strikes Again

If you are trying to look at the Monthly Clubs tab at the top of the page, you'll get an error message because Blogger has removed it for "violating Community guidelines."

What did I do?  I added a new link to a new monthly club.  That apparently triggers an automatic removal these days.  This has been happening for over a year now with any of my tabs with lots of links to needlepoint knowledge.  I update something, it gets removed for no real reason, I ask for the decision to be reviewed by a human (I think the removal is done by Ai), and it'll be restored later today.

So please be patient and try again late today or tomorrow.  

I'm sorry but there's nothing I can do about this.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 28, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Susan Portra Holiday Ornaments

Brenda has been stitching Susan Portra's "Holiday Ornaments" since 2017.










Some of the charts were published in Needlepoint Now but some weren't.  

















And Brenda is done!  Now for the finishing....

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 8, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, April 27, 2025

New Napkin Ring Kits from Moore Stitching

New from Moore Stitching--napkin ring kits.

Looks like she uses Aileen's Clear Gel Tacky Glue to attach the finished needlepoint.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 27, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, April 26, 2025

Wellesley Needlepoint Is Moving

Wellesley Needlepoint's Boston location is moving!

The old store closes April 26, 2025 and the new location will open May 3 at 11 a.m.  The new address will be 715 Boylston Street, Suite 410, Boston, MA.

Go visit and have fun seeing the new digs!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 25, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, April 25, 2025

Threadaholic Alert: Radiance Metallic UPDATED

The Meredith Collection has instroduced a new metallic thread called Radiance Metallic.  You can order from M's Canvashouse or your favorite shop.  Labors of Love and Stitch-Stash also have it.

The spools are $6.50 for 12 yards.  There are 102 colors.  Sir Needlepoint says the thread is spun, not woven like most metallics.  That might make it easier to stitch through fabric if you do surface embroidery but I'm not certain about that.

Stitch-Stash says there are three sizes: 
Mini which is the size of Petite Silk Lame but is all metallic with three or four? strands;
18 which is thicker than Mini and is meant for stitching on 18 count and has 18 yards per spool; 
and 13 which isn't out yet (coming Fall 2025) which is meant for stitching on 13 count.

Stitch-Stash did a video review.  Spoiler:  They love it!

It looks like each size Radiance has a different price with the smallest in diameter having the smallest cost but it's early days yet to be sure of that.  What's the Point? Needlepoint has posted a closeup photo of spools.  It looks like sewing thread a bit.  

UPDATE:  I asked Judith what she thought about the two sizes of Radiance she's using on her 18 count pig canvas.    To quote Judith for those without a Facebook account, she says, "I like both the Radiance 18 ct and Radiance Mini so far. I used the Radiance 18 ct for the vertical darning stitches on the far right side of the canvas, and the Radiance Mini doubled in the needle in the Movement Stitch on the top left and single for the Stem Stitch fireworks on the top right. The ends fray like crazy, but it’s something we’ve dealt with in other threads. It has a lot of body and holds its shape well. It isn’t difficult to stitch with and I do like it for effects. I am curious to see how other stitchers use it."

Looks like Radiance 18 covers well on 18 count canvas with vertical stitches but Judith used it doubled in the Movement Stitch.  Your mileage may vary as stitch tension and the stitch used affects how well a stitch covers.

UPDATE #2:  Lori at Waste Knot did a short video on Radiance.  Right now her shop only carries size 18.  She recommends you use a short tail in your needle's eye because it will fray a bit there.

UPDATE #3:  Lori at Waste Knot shows off Radiance on a project she's working with three shades of it.

Update #4:  Melita played around a bit with Radiance she had left over from an ANG Seminar class she took.  She doesn't say what size Radiance she used but I'm guess it's Radiance 18, not Radiance Mini (which is the smaller size).  By the way, I love stitching with Accentuate!  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 25, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, April 24, 2025

New Scissors and New Thread Color

Mary Corbet has managed to get her hands on the new Dovo scissors in the style called Anne.

Dovo scissors were discontinued but the company has started to make them again.  Mary thinks she'll be able to get them fairly regularly now but don't dawdle if you want a pair.  Whoops!  Sold out already.  Ask to be on her wait list for the next shipment.

Mary also got a shipment of the Au Ver a Soie metallics in shades of purple, which are new--and beautiful!  You can pick up sets of various colors in her shop.  Right now Mary carries mostly size 8 (yes, just the same as Kreinik's size 8) although she does have a gold in size 4.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 24, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Stephanie Is Dancing with Stitches Each New Stitch Monday

Stephanie at Ridgewood Stitchery has started a new project, Ellen Skidmore's "Dance."  This is a discontinued canvas from the Meredith Collection.  Stephanie's first stitch is for the dress.  She choose an open stitch but filled in the open spot as she's not a light coverage stitcher.

Next she tackles the background grass and found a nice stitch for it, topped with some grass sprigs.

Stephanie tackled a lot of small areas on the design--the skin of the dancer, the "piano keys" border of the skirt, and the dancing shoes.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 24, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Creating A Twisted Cord Rose The Easy Way

Melissa at The Wool and The Floss shows us how to make a twisted cord rose.

It's easy:  twist and couch.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 5, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, April 21, 2025

The Needlepoint Clubhouse Goes to Dianne's

Right after Christmas, the Needlepoint Clubhouse in St. Louis visited Dianne's house which was still decorated for the holidays.  It's amazing and fun!


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 2, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, April 20, 2025

Planet Earth 6 Ply Silk

Needlepoint.com's latest thread video is all about Planet Earth's 6 Ply Silk.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 22, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Smathers and Branson Sells Needlepoint Shoes

Smathers and Branson has added ladies needlepoint shoes to their line of pre-stitched needlepoint items.  Two different needlepoint patterns are available.  I'm assuming the sizes are US shoe sizes since S&B is an American company.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 20, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, April 18, 2025

Easy Embellishment

The Wool and the Floss has an easy embellishment trick--sew on buttons!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 15, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Stitch Vault Has Stitched Samples in Color Now

KC Needlepoint's Stitch Vault now has stitched examples (in color) of the stitches they diagram on their website.

A lot of folks want to see what a stitch looks like on canvas.  This is a great addition for those of us who can't imagine a stitch just from a diagram.

Kudos to KC Needlepoint!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 16. 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Vineyard Silk Now on Cards

Thanks to Stitch-Stash, I've learned that Vineyard Silk now comes two ways:  on the regular 30 yard skein and...

...on 15 yard cards for when you only need a little bit of a color!  Wiltex calls this Vineyard On The Go.

What's the Point? Needlepoint has posted a photo of the oval cards on their Facebook page.

Well done, Wiltex.  Options are always good.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 16, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Caskets and More to Enjoy

Tricia Nguyễn has updated her Thistle Threads website and added a Student Gallery where you can admire the reproduction embroidery items, many caskets, her students have created.

There are five pages of photographs.  To move to another page, click on "Gallery" just under the Thistle Threads header and pick another gallery page.  

If something particularly catches your eye, look for links to further information and videos.  Some of the photos have extra photos you can access from the first photo.  Look for side arrows or dots on the bottom of the photo.

Have fun exploring the creativity of these amazing works.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 18, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, April 14, 2025

Melita Has Plans for Susan Portra's Cabochons Series

Melita plans to stitch all of Susan Portra's Cabochons series.

She is missing #11 and #12 and is seeking information on them.  Please check your stash!

Melita started with Love from the Cabochon series since it was kitted already.

And it's done!  


Now she worked Joy, which is also finished (and very pretty).

Next up is Charity, which turned out to be a great teaching project.  It's also a lovely design.

Charity is done and made up into an ornament.  You'll enjoy reading the finishing tips, Melita added.

Peace is next.  Melita thinks the thread colors will temper All That Pink.  I like pink myself, but what I noticed was the nice arrangement of the boxes on this one.  Very jazzy!


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 14, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, April 13, 2025

A Free Alphabet Chart from Saturnalia

Saturnalia Stitching has posted a free small alphabet chart to their Instagram page.

The letters are 7 stitches high and 5 wide, small enough for a discrete monogram or message in your needlepoint background.   Use the side arrow to see the matching numbers chart.

Thanks!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 13, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, April 12, 2025

NAN Announces Death of Carlene Harwick

The National Academy of Needleartists has announced the passing of Carlene Harwick, designer, needlework judge, and teacher of so many of us through NAN and the American Needlepoint Guild.

Everyone who knew her thought she was a wonderful lady.  We mourn our loss today.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 12, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Products, Designs, Clubs, and More Courtesy of NJNA

The New Jersey Needle Artists Chapter of ANG has published their early April newsletter.  There is plenty of American Needlepoint Guild news, both national and local, plus news of new designs, products, clubs, and much more!  Thank you for keeping us all up to date, NJNA!

Ok, who needs a Fluffity Fluffity Fluffer?!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
 
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 6, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, April 11, 2025

Rainbow Ribbons Pillow (Kam Wenzloff)

Melita and her Main Line Chapter of ANG stitched Kam Wenzloff's "Rainbow Ribbons" design as a chapter project.  Melita had hers finished into a pillow, which you can see here along with the other color ways ANG members came up with. Everyone used overdyes from Colour Complements (second link below).


If you are tempted to try this, it was in the November/December 2019 issue of ANG's Needle Pointers magazine.  This is available to members only but you can often find copies for sale on eBay.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 12, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Threads for Snow

Melita took a class with Serendipity Needleworks on snow stitches, so she raided her stash for white threads.

It's fun to see what she came up with and read how she likes stitching with them.  Remember, your mileage will vary!  Which means that a thread one person hates is another's favorite so try everything you can before you make up your mind.  

This would make a great needlework gathering--get all your stitching buddies to bring in every white thread/metallic thread/unusual thread they own so everyone can play with them.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 11, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Tail End Weaver

KC Needlepoint is now selling Loran's Tail End Weaver.

These have been around for ages.  (Mine has an irridescent star at the end.)  However, what Loran is selling is nice because you get two of them.  They are small enough that you might want to have a travel tool and one at home.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 10, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

The Smart Cookie's Stocking Storage

Fredna wins the Smart Cookie Award this month for her clever use of a Petite Trunk to store her Christmas stockings.

She used the largest of the Christmas-themed storage trunks.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 10, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, April 7, 2025

Couching Embellishments: The Movie

Fire and Iris shows how to attach those miniature Christmas tree lights to your canvas.

Be careful.  Some will need glue to keep them from sliding off the cord.  Personally, I just enlarge a hole a tad and take the loose end to the back to secure, but this will work as well.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, April 6, 2025

The "Tube" Leaf by Ruth Schmuff

I don't know what to call this besides a "tube" leaf, but it's a fun and easy way to create a slightly dimensional leaf on your needlepoint, demonstrated by Ruth Schmuff, genius-in-residence at Bedecked and Beadazzled.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 8, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, April 5, 2025

Mystery Class: Window of Opportunity (Zecca)

Ruth at Bedecked and Beadazzled will offer a class this month featuring "Window of Opportunity" from Zecca as her spring mystery.  There won't be any Zoom classes with this triptych, just kits sent to your house.

The fun has begun with an all over background and one stealthy orange cat!



Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 3, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, April 3, 2025

A Book for Sampler/History Lovers

Mary Corbet got her hands on the Witney Antiques 2024 catalogue "Choice and Precious Works," which besides being a catalogue of their sale, is also a wonderful historical examination of samplers and other needlework from the 17th and 18th Centuries.

I am not into samplers but this intrigues me.  You can buy it (plus volume one) at Thistle Threads but don't hesitate.  This is likely to sell out.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 5, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Martini Glasses with Stars from Mary Legallet

Mary Legallet of Whimsical Stitch has posted a really neat background stitch that I call Martini Glass with Stars.  (She calls it Martini with Snowflakes.)

Mary doesn't do stitch sequences on her diagrams and this is a darning stitch that is open with lots of blank canvas, so I suggest you experiment on scrap canvas to figure out the best way to stitch this to minimize dragged threads that will show on the front.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 9, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Japanese Ribbon Stitch: The Movie Tutorial

Melissa at The Wool and The Floss demonstrates Japanese ribbon stitch.  (Spoiler:  It's very easy.)

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 3, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.