Double Woven Diagram

The Flying Needles in Florida is continuing their stitch of the month series on their website with a variation of Double Woven Stitch.

https://theflyingneedles.com/blogs/news/double-woven-stitch?se_activity_id=159456461026&syclid=cuib3r5h7t4s73bd2glg&utm_campaign=New+12+Stitches+in+12+Months+Stitch_159456461026&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

You can see the 2025 stitches here-

https://theflyingneedles.com/pages/stitch-library

Sadly, the 2024 stitches are no longer on their website but you can download each month's stitch and keep it for reference later.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 6, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint.com Has an App Now

Needlepoint.com has created an app to make shopping easier for those of us who are smart phone users.  You can read about it here and learn why it'll make your life easier if you download it from the iOS or Android store.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/all-about-our-new-app

BeStitched in Scottsdale, AZ also has an app to download.  I don't know of other shops that have taken this step but I bet there are more!  After all, smart phones are in nearly everyone's hands these days, even if we only use them for phone calls.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 26, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kreinik Metallic Now Has 15 Yards Per Card

Kreinik has announced that their size 4 Very Fine Braid and their size 8 Fine Braid now come 15 yards to a card.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHoowETur-f/

The cards originally had 12 yards for the size 4 braid and 10 yards for size 8 but they've increased the yardage to 15 yards for both sizes.  No word on other sizes of their metallics yet.  By the way, Kreinik spools of size 4 had 12 yards and the other sizes (including size 8) had 11 yards.  So this is a nice upgrade.

Please be patient as the new owners of Kreinik work out how to make the metallics on the new equipment they bought and how to package and sell it to our wonderful shops.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 26, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Le Stitch Comes to Vero Beach

If you are going to be in Vero Beach, Florida for a while, you'll want to check out the new Vero Beach chapter of Le Stitch.  It's a great way to socialize while you stitch, with the bonus of learning from and teaching others all your accumulated needlepoint wisdom!  Sharing is fun, after all.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10161274209733131&set=gm.9402105216533219&idorvanity=108537025890131

Follow the Le Stitch Vero Beach happenings on their Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/lestitchverobeach/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow 

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 26, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Stitch Sloth

Stitch Sloth is organizational software for needlepointers.  You can organize and track projects and post progress photos.  There is a stash inventory system, too.  Plus you can connect with other stitchers and find shops in an area that support your crafting needs.  

https://stitchsloth.com/welcome-to-stitch-sloth-your-ultimate-needlepoint-companion/

Fiber Talk interviewed the company on their podcast so you can hear more about Stitch Sloth and how it works, what it costs, etc.

https://wetalkfiber.com/2025/03/30/fiber-talk-with-ilene-nebrasky-of-stitch-sloth/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow 

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 24, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Google Removes Another Important Page

Google has removed "Tutorials and Tips" from the section of important articles at the top of Blog.  I updated it with a new tutorial I found for textured hair, which triggers the "removed for Community Guideline violations" message.  No idea why this happens, but I suspect that Ai does the vetting now and it doesn't like old articles being updated with new information.  How to create hair using Tent Stitches on a Stick isn't violating any of the rules!  

Please be patient.  I've appealed the removal.  Normally it takes anywhere from 2 hours to a day for something to be restored but this is a holiday weekend.  Eventually it should return and you can learn how to do another hair style with your threads and canvas.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 26, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The NJNA Mid-May Newsletter

As usual the New Jersey Needleartists chapter of ANG has published their mid-May newsletter full of ANG and ANG chapter news.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2025/05/17/whats-happening-at-njna-5-17-25/

The newsletter is full of shop and designer news, new items you'll want to check out and of course some fun tips and tricks to make your stitching easier and better.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 18, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Guess Who Just Turned Ten Years Old?!

KC Needlepoint just turned ten!  You can read about the history of the shop and their plans to celebrate this milestone birthday on their blog.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/were-celebrating-ten-years-of-kc-needlepoint

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 24, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Photographing Your Needlepoint

Melita, like many of us, is interested in how to successfully photograph our finished needlework. Apparently the designer Jennifer Riefenberg does a class on this topic which Melita has taken.  It's available via Zoom, too.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/19/photographing-needlepoint-and-or-fiber-art/

Melita found an article on basic needlework photography with your smart phone at TextileArtist.  

https://www.textileartist.org/how-to-photograph-textile-art/

I've had my best luck taking photos outside in the early morning.  If you have a framed piece with glass, try taking a photo standing slightly to the side to avoid as much glare as possible.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 20, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Walking the Waters Edge for Sale at NAN

Are you a fan of Diane Herrmann's "Walking the Water's Edge"?  This teaching piece has been discontinued but Diane is donating the chart to the National Academy of Needlearts to sell as a fund raiser.  All the details are here, including what materials you'll need to order to go with the instructions.

https://needleart.org/walking-the-waters-edge-by-diane-herrmann/

This is very nice of you, Diane!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 17, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Souffle Skies (Ridgewood Needlepoint)

Stephanie at Ridgewood Needlepoint stitched a quick baby gift and realized that her sky (done in Souffle Stitch) could be done in three different variations of that stitch, so she diagrammed them all for us.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-160/

She also used a cashmere variation for both sand...

and cookies!

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-161/

The final section is a water stitch called Scallops A which is also diagrammed as Scallops B for wider rows of color in the water.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-162/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 17, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ripping Beads Help

Betsy at Fireside Stitchery has fully beaded an area on her canvas and decided the bead color was wrong, so she's ripping out the beads.  Betsy got some interesting tips for ripping beads in the comments:  Cynthia Thomas puts cling wrap on the front area where the beads are, turns the canvas over, and cuts the beading thread from the back side.  Leslie puts masking tape on the front area where the beads will come out, then cuts from the back.  The tape captures the beads.  

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10232557257145389&set=gm.9343400975736977&idorvanity=108537025890131

Clever ideas, folks!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 17, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Free Key Fob Designer from NeedlePaint.com

Needlepaint.com has unveiled their new StitchPerfect Giclee Printing process with a free design-your-own-key-fob page on their website (second link below).  Note that the Facebook page has a video embedded in the Comments for more information.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10162401371241013&set=gm.9330082013735540&idorvanity=108537025890131

https://www.needlepaint.com/key-fob-designer/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJCXqxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVYRtRpiiTQ6tPOptC8578qXPKBZ7EqCAd44EpXNT-L8SzFkVZwS2rp3tQ_aem_yerRkX1T0xxXz-9f7SP1pA#/

Congratulations to Seth and the NeedlePaint team!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 15, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Melita Goes to NAN 2025

Lucky Melita Glavin has gone to the National Academy of Needle Arts' seminar in Michigan and is reporting in for the rest of us.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/14/2025-national-academy-of-needlearts-nan-assembly/

NAN hasn't started yet so Melita visited two (The Knotted Needle and the new location for The Wool and The Floss) of the four shops in the area.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/15/exploring-around-detroit-motown-museum-knotted-needle-and-the-wool-and-the-floss/

Melita met several interesting people at the opening banquet and has lots of news for us, including the fact that Diane Herrman's "Walking the Water's Edge" is being retired but the instructions will be sold to benefit NAN.  Great news!  If you aren't familiar with this design, check out the second link below.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/16/2025-national-academy-of-needlearts-nan-assembly-opening-banquet-the-exemplary-and-the-needleworks/

https://needleart.org/walking-the-waters-edge-by-diane-herrmann/

Melita's started her first class and attended some events.  A good time was had!

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/17/flowering-maple-with-celeste-chalasani-at-national-needlearts-academy-nan-and-closing-banquet/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/18/flowering-maple-with-celeste-chalasani-at-national-needlearts-academy-nan/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 15, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Abigail Cecile Talks Glue and Needlepoint Finishing

The designer and teacher Abigail Cecile talks about using glue in ornament finishing on her blog.

https://www.abigailcecile.com/blogs/how-to-guides/can-i-use-glue-in-needlepoint-finishing?omnisendContactID=61d4f71be5b2120022be7c19&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+GLUE...can+you+use+it+to+finish+needlepoint%3F+%2867d485a81e11743857234742%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

Spoiler:  Yes, it's fine, but there are things you need to think about before you grab the glue bottle.  Because Abigail Cecile studied at the Royal School in England and teaching finishing, she's well away of all the things you'll want to consider before you take that step.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 15, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tips on Choosing A Needlepoint Project

Needlepoint.com's latest blog posting is called "How to Choose the Right Needlepoint Kit for You."

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/how-to-choose-the-right-needlepoint-kit-for-your-style

The shop sells a lot of kits that include threads, embellishments, stitch guide and canvas.  They also rate their kits as to difficulty level, which is helpful if you are unsure.

Also keep in mind if you are just starting out that threads you have to separate and combine again in the needle's eye is a bit harder than a thread that you just cut off the skein or card and thread into the needle.  If you have any questions, just ask.  Most shops, including Needlepoint.com, are happy to help you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 13, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The EZ Beader from The Collection

Lauren at BeStitched loves the EZ Beader from The Collection.   She shows it off on the shop's Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHCWIEoy6FI/

It's a wooden disk with a magnet on the back and a sticky beading mat on the front.  Park it on your canvas to have your beads easily at hand.

https://theneedleworks.com/shop/the-ez-beader-magnetic/

The Collection also makes a nice colorless beading thread.  As always, shop around.  Prices vary slightly on this item.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 11, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Can't Find YLI's Metallic Ribbon Floss?

Suzanne says that if you need YLI's Metallic Ribbon Floss but can't find it, you can substitute YLI's Quilt Highlights Metallic.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/9085441034866307/

Quilt Highlights Metallic comes on a 100 yard spool.  Metallic Ribbon Floss comes on a 14.76 yard plastic frame.  You might need to share with all your stitching friends if you go the Quilt Highlights Metallic route!

Thanks for the tip, Suzanne.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 2, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Italian Embroidery Scissors

If you are in the market for a pair of high-quality Italian embroidery scissors, Tricia Nguyen of Thistle Threads now sells Guilietta Embroidery Scissors.  They are 3.75 inches long but the very sharp tips are only an inch long.  They are suitable for whitework and other precision cutting.

https://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/collections/new/products/giulietta-embroidery-scissors

These are not cheap scissors but Tricia's price is good compared to other places that have them for sale.  

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.

Needle Threading Tips

If you have trouble threading your needle, Poppy Monk's got a series of tips that might help.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/needlepoint-tips-threading-your-needle

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 8, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Goldwork Butterflies for Charity

Alison Cole has a new book out, A Kaledescope of Goldwork Butterflies.   The book can only be ordered directly from Alison herself in Australia as she is dedicating all the profits to research into the extremely rare disease that killed her daughter. 

https://alisoncoleembroidery.com.au/product/a-kaleidoscope-of-goldwork-butterflies/

Mary Corbet has done a review on her website.  She points out that shipping costs from Australia are expensive but if you go in with friends and order multiple copies, the shipping costs stay the same (within reason, bet it costs more if you and 100 of your buddies order).  

https://www.needlenthread.com/2025/03/goldwork-butterflies-for-a-good-cause.html

I have not seen this book but all of the Alison Cole books I have seen have been gorgeous and inspirational.  I think this one will be the same.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 8, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitcher of the Month Interview (Stitch by Stitch Larchmont)

Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY has posted their interview with their May 2025 Stitcher of the Month--Susan Carusi, who has the good sense to live in my home state of Tennessee now.  Check out those standups and 3D pieces!

https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/pages/stitcher-of-the-month-susan-carusi

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 6, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Penny Linn's Store is Open!

It's exciting news time in Connecticut as Penny Linn has opened their needlepoint store in Norwalk, Connecticut.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGs5p7ORqvH/

Want to learn more about Penny Linn?  Watch this video from the Today Show.

https://www.today.com/video/penny-linn-ceo-talks-introducing-needlepoint-to-a-new-generation-233335365875?search=penny%20linn

The shop address is 161 Rowayton Avenue, Norwalk, CT.   They are open Tuesday - Sunday currently.  Check their Instagram for hours.  Of course you can always shop online.

https://pennylinn.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 6, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Enriched Stitch Visits The Caron Collection

Enriched Stitch got to visit the Caron Collection's warehouse and posted a video to their Instagram account.   It is wonderful to peek behind the scenes at where wonderful threads are born.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DG0nI_muViI/

Caron dyes Watercolours, Impressions, Waterlilies, Rachel, Soie Cristale, Snow, and much more!  You can explore on the Caron website and of course your favorite needlepoint store.

https://www.caron-net.com/threads.html

Why is Suzie of Enriched Stitch visiting the Caron Collection?  She just bought it!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGobkVEyrN3/?img_index=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 6, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NJNA in May

The New Jersey Needle Artists chapter of ANG has posted their early May 2025 newsletter.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2025/05/03/whats-happening-at-njna-5-3-25/

Because this is a chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild, there is a lot of ANG news.  There are also new and classic products profiled (with lots of pictures),  and some interesting superstitions about stitching and also tips for stitchers.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 4, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Melita Meets The Stitching Fox

Melita has been on the move!  She recently visited Lundrum, South Carolina, hope of The Stitching Fox, and posted photos of the shop and the lovely apartment (available for rent when not used by visiting teachers) upstairs.  

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/04/stitching-fox-in-landrum-sc/

If you don't plan to visit SC soon, don't worry--Stitching Fox's website is always available for a visit.

https://www.stitchingfox.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 5, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Jan's Taking Nights in White Satin Class (Jennifer Riefenberg)

Jan recently took a pilot class from Jennifer Riefenberg called "Nights in White Satin."  This will be taught at the ANG Seminar this August so Jan participated in the pilot class to help the teacher iron out any bugs in the instructions or major questions stitchers might have before the class actually happens.

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2025/03/04/nights-in-white-satin/

This is a really pretty counted project!

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2025/03/13/nights-in-white-satin-2/

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2025/03/21/making-progress-3/

The three layer partial Rhodes area is done!

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2025/03/29/nights-in-white-satin-3/

It's finished and lovely.

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2025/04/20/nights-in-white-satin-finished/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 5, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Custom Dog Portraits

A Dragons Tale Direct on Etsy is now offering miniature custom dog portraits.  These are roughly 2 inches square on 18 count canvas.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1237192746/small-custom-pet-portrait-needlepoint?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=needlepoint+dog&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&frs=1&sts=1&content_source=48699c5fcd4d8926d12814ea4f6c2e51ed045cb9%253A1237192746&organic_search_click=1&logging_key=48699c5fcd4d8926d12814ea4f6c2e51ed045cb9%3A1237192746

If you aren't familiar with Deborah's work, explore her website (below) as well as her Etsy shop (above).

https://adragonstaleneedlepoint.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 9, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New and Not New

MM Designs has a website!  You may not be familiar with March Mattingly's work but those double sided bunnies that are attached at the ears were wildly popular (for good reason) at one time.  I'm glad they are available from MM Designs again.

https://www.mmdesignsneedlepoint.com/works

Charts from Threedles aren't new, either, but Kurdy Biggs has updated her website so you can now order directly.  Hurrah! (Don't miss the videos.  They are very helpful when you are working Jean Hilton-type stitches.)

https://threedles.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 1, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Self Finishing Tables for Larger Designs UPDATED

Are you looking sadly at all those self-finishing products for smaller pieces while you only have large items to finish?  Not to worry!  The Wool and the Floss shows off their new self finishing tables, available in four colors and a dark (walnut?) stain.  The tables are available in a size that works for 8" and 10" square designs and a size that works for 12" and 14" square designs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJE9SyYtOCp/

The tables are made of maple and put together without nails, screws or glue with mortise and tenon joints.  The glass is museum glass to reduce glare.  Custom colors are available but they suggest sending a Sherwin Williams color number to assure you get the shade you want.  There's an extra charge for this, of course.  By the way, shipping is $90 if you aren't local and you can expect your table to arrive in about six weeks.  These are made to order.

https://woolfloss.com/products/handmade-self-finishing-table-for-needlepoint-w-f-exclusive

UPDATE:  There is now a limited edition black painted table.  Order ASAP before they run out.

https://www.facebook.com/thewoolandthefloss/posts/pfbid02rb4VKuYDPWHRaEGyC2agpofKE4rTXQs9fHbVVC1dwMYMK4nAd1LvUcArJw8UMjqsl

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 1, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Railroading with The Wool and the Floss

If you have two strands of something but no laying tool, you can adopt a technique cross stitches use called "railroading" to keep your stitches flat and straight.  The Wool and The Floss demonstrates railroading on their Instagram account in this short video.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGxz24FRKt4/

It works great!

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.