Saturday, September 5, 2026

BREAKING NEWS: Trio is Being Discontinued

Barbara's Needlepoint just confirmed the rumors:  Trio is being discontinued.

If you aren't familar with Trio, it's the 3 ply version of Silk N Ivory, available in the same colors.  Both are 50% silk and 50% Merino wool and are distributed by Brown Paper Packages.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 5, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Melita Admits a Tool Caddy Addiction

Melita admits she has three tool caddies, one for each stitch location in her house.

She's getting rid of things she doesn't use, which is a good idea.

I have a tiny tool box with my favorite scissors and other small items and a small Stash N Store which was a gift from a friend.  I also have a needle case for the needles I am currently using.  In case you aren't familiar with the Stash N Store, this is what they look like.

Here is the lipstick case for my needles.  It's made by Dritz and called the Twist N Select.  

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.

Friday, September 4, 2026

Stitch Videos from The Stitch Method Needlepoint

The Stitch Method Needlepoint has started posting stitches on their YouTube channel to teach you how to work them.

Heidi's website also has links to the stitches but there some items are free and some are not.  Of course you will have fun looking at their canvases, whether you are in the mood to buy or not.  (The "Cathederals of the World" series is unique.)

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 21, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, September 3, 2026

The Royal School Restores Needlepoint

The Royal School of Embroidery not only stitches brand new pieces of needle art, they do restoration, such as fixing the burnt area on this needlepoint stool.

Instead of putting a patch behind the hole, they reweave the area, which is probably stronger in the long run for a family heirloom that is used.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 
nd at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 21, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Ten Count Projects Pair Beautifully with Wool Threads

Raymond Crawford reminds us that 10 count projects pair beautifully with wool.  Eyes not what they were?  Raymond's got your back!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
 
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 
nd at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 18, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, August 31, 2026

New Stitch Monday Talks Sky Stitches

Stephanie at Ridgewood Needlepoint likes to use overdyed threads for sky stitches.  Here are some of her favorites, diagrammed for you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 15, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, August 30, 2026

The Thread Estimator, Coming Soon

Heather.Rae.Atelier will have The Thread Estimator out soon.  I'm assuming this is an app but I don't know which flavor phone it will work on or any of the details.  It assumes you are using tent stitches or mosaic, so it has limitations.


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 14, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Turkey Work the Brick Stitch Way

The Wool and The Floss posted a cute Blue Ridge Stitchery design that is covered in silk ribbon embroidery, prompting requests for directions to create the flower loops.

It is turkeywork, but done with the tie down stitch done vertically over two threads instead of horizonally over two threads.  You can see how here.

Of course once the loops are in, they are not cut for this piece.  You need the ribbon loft to create the illusion of rhododendron in bloom.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 14, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, August 28, 2026

Thread Organization and Storage

Thanks to Fiber Talk, I've learned about the thread organization tools that Luxky Jonquil sells.  Click on "Thread Organization" to see all their products.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 16, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Or Nue Hearts by Brenda Kocher

Melita's local EGA chapter is going to stitch Branda Kocher's Or Nue Hearts.  So Melita got the instructions, canvas and threads and kitted it all for everyone.  The first step is learning to lace the canvas on stretcher bars if you don't have the right sizes.  It's a good thing to know!  

Melita's also stitching Brenda Kocher's Or Nue Lotus Blossom.  It's very pretty!

Everything is framed and looks great.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 13, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Bonnie Alexander Designs Available Again

The Stitching Fox is now distributing Bonnie Alexander's equestrian-themed designs.  I didn't know Bonnie was a horsewoman....  There are horses, dogs, foxes, kittens, other animals, even fairies.
https://www.stitchingfox.com/collections/bonnie-alexander?se_activity_id=170721214715&sort_by=created-descending&syclid=d8ml53of33bs73aod9cg&utm_campaign=The+Bonnie+Alexander+Revival+begins_170721214715&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 13, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

The Bayeux Tapestry From a Scientific Point of View

Mary Corbet has a link to a fascinating (although an hour long) video about the Bayeux Tapestry viewed from various sciences.

If historial embroidery is your thing, you shouldn't miss this.  Here's the direct link.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 17, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, August 24, 2026

Self Finishing Items from House of Cartonnage UPDATED

Stitch-Stash shows off the self-finishing items available from House of Cartonnage.

They are expensive, but these fabric-covered boxes, matchboxes and bag tags are handmade and very elegant.

UPDATE:  Nimble Needle Atlanta has some of their boxes now, too.

Use the side arrows here to see the styles and colors.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 12, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, August 23, 2026

The NYC Needlepoint Shop Guide

ThreadHouseNeedlepoint on Instagram has listed all the needlepoint stores in New York City in one convenient location.  

A Dragon's Tale has done the same.  Time to plan your trip to the Big Apple!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 21, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Interviewing Atlantic Blue Canvas

Needlepoint.com is having a trunk show from Atlantic Blue and interviewed the founder, Caroline.

You can see the full range of Atlantic Blue's work on their website.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 10, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, August 21, 2026

K's Creation Has The Bench

This isn't a new tool, a friend had one nearly 30 years ago, but K's Creation's Bench is just as useful now as it was then.  Scroll 3/4 way down the page to see their collapsable footstool, that is three inches high when closed but opens to five inches high when open and locked into position.  It's great for travel or just supporting your feet when your chair is too far off the floor.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 9, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Ouch!

Tony Minieri Designs posted yesterday (June 8, 2026) that Luis Nuez took a bad fall and shattered his elbow.  He had surgery to fix the damage and is probably nearly recovered now.  But if you were wondering why things were moving a little slowly over at Tony's castle, that's why.  Hope you feel great now, Luis!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 9, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Featherlight Frames' Stretcher Bars Review

Oz Needle and Thread does a quick video review of Featherlight Frames' stretcher bars.  Bottom line:  she finds them light plus easy to hold and store.  These are wider than traditional stretcher bars so they may be easier to hold if you have hand issues.

It looks like you buy these in sets of four.  You can order custom sizes, too, as long as they are at least 6 inches up to 16 inches.  


I don't know if these can be taken apart so you can mix and match sizes the way you do with traditional stretcher bars.  They won't slot together with the traditional bars, though.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 8, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Needlepoint Snark

Design by Elm Tree Needlepoint*


Gosh, I feel old!  I had no idea there was a subReddit for needlepoint snark!

Of course, I only use Reddit to find technical information about Beloved's complicated and finicky PC.  Looks like I've been missing the fun!

*You can find the above canvas here-
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 7, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, August 17, 2026

Gus and "Jack" Talk Needlepoint

Gus reports to Needlepoint Nation that he used an Ai program (chatGPT) he calls "Jack" to get ideas for the threads and stitches to use for the leaf veins on his current project.

For those without a Facebook account or who don't have membership in NP Nation, I'll quote Gus here--

"AI (artificial intelligence) chose the threads and stitches for the veins on this leaf! I picked out the leaf threads and stitches but didn’t know what thread to use for the veins which change colors. Asked AI, and “Jack” as I have named him, gave me three options of threads, three options for stitches with links to buy them! He even asked me if it “is 13 or 18 count”?!! I thought I was talking to a stitcher!!! Ha! I like the results!"

It's the first time I've heard of anyone using Ai for help with their project but it won't be the last.  I've been trying to teach Grok about needlepoint, without much success I could see, although Grok picked up the basics fast.  I think Ai would handle items like choosing colors and color theory well, although it doesn't seem able to diagnose problems just by looking at a canvas yet.  Any experienced needlepointer can do that.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 7, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Beautiful Recycling of Old Ribbon Sampler

These ribbon samplers were all the rage in the 1990-2000 era.  This one was framed and glued onto backing, but it's been recycled into the back of a barn coat.  It looks magnificent!  (Click the right arrow to see the original being unglued as much as possible.)

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 6, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, August 15, 2026

The Julie Pischke Conch House Purse

Here's another custom leather purse, finished at Pinnel Custom Leather.  

Worth every penny!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 6, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, August 14, 2026

A Needle Threader for Thicker Threads

Someone on Facebook recommends this needle threader from Clover for wool threads.  Looks like they are using tapestry wool, the sort that comes from Ehrman kits.

Apparently this is called the Clover Antique Yarn Threader.  Shop around.  These tools vary greatly in price.  This one cost from less than $8 to $18, depending on the vendor.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 3, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, August 13, 2026

Breaking News: The Classic Stitch Has a New Owner (Almost)

The Classic Stitch in Winnetka, Illinois will change hands in September 2026.  The new owner will be Third Coast Stitches!  Third Coast also plans to open a third new shop in Spring 2027 in Wayzata, Minnesota.  Big moves and big plans.  Stop in at The Classic Stitch before too long to wish Jane H. a fun retirement, folks.  She's been a stalwart needlepoint supporter for us all!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 13, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thread Organizer Boxes

The Stitch Sloth is selling acrylic thread organizer boxes.  Hopefully by the time this publishes, all the different types will be back in stock.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 2, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Rose Lane Stitchery Goes to Paris

Rose Lane Stitchery went to Paris and Florence and of course she went to all the needlepoint shops she could find! First stop is Tapisseries de la Bucherie, which is right across the bridge from Notre Dame.

Next she visited Florence, Italy where she shopped at Ricamo & Cucito.


Back in Paris, she went to Saint-Ouen Flea Market (particularly Marché Vernaisonwhere she shopped and learned about Textile Tours of Paris.

Next, Masion Sajou!  It's across the street and down a litte alley from Versailles.

Annie's Bouquet (a ten minute walk from the Louvre) was the next stop.

What a fun trip, Rose Lane Stitchery took us on!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 1, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Do You Need Stretcher Bars?

Spellbound Stitchery has tackled the shortage of stretcher bars their own way--they are making their own!

Here is what's currently available. Note that they are 3/4 inches wide and made of pine so they are very similar to the traditional stretcher bars, not the minis.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 1, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, August 10, 2026

New Stitch Monday and Jennifer's Angel

New Stitch Monday tackles a lovely angel, creating interesting robes from a variation of Staggered Cross Stitch.

Here are more crossed stitches for your stitching pleasure.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 1, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Needlepoint.com Interviews Elizabeth Crane Swartz

Needlepoint.com interviews Elizabeth Crane Swartz on their shop blog.

I didn't know Elizabeth designed jewelry or that she recently took over Seagrass Studio, a lovely small needlepoint shop in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Intrigued?  Explore more about Elizabeth's work and Seagrass Studio at these links.


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 
nd at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 31, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Gingham on the Diagonal



This is my nephew's dog, Lolly Parton.  I stitched an ornament for him featuring Lolly one Christmas but I ran into a problem--I wanted to do a gingham background but with the squares turned on their points to make a diamond.  This is regular gingham checks--

I wanted a background like this--

I tried to stitch squares in all tent stitches but as usual with tent stitches, the left sides looked jagged.  I mentioned my dilemna to Gay Ann Rogers, who immediately fixed the problem with a sketch that I've diagrammed for you for clarity's sake.  Perfect!


Isn't that clever?  Gay Ann Rogers combined tent and reverse tent to create diamond shapes that have smooth edges!  Gay Ann graciously allowed me to share her idea here so that we all can do great gingham diamonds, too.  Thanks, GAR!  You are the best!

(By the way, I found it easiest to work the NW and SE parts of the diamond first, then add the NE and SW sections --they are the same colors in the top diamond on the diagram-- but you do what makes sense to you.)

Here's Lolly's ornament, by the way.  Perfect.





Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 30, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, August 7, 2026

A Quick Look at Needle Pointers

Melita gives us a quick look at what's inside the May/June 2026 issue of ANG's Needle Pointers magazine.

Sue Parsons of West Coast Finishing does a fabulous finishing job.  I didn't know she did classes on finishing as well.

If you join the American Needlepoint Guild (ANG), you'll get the magazine as part of your dues.  Members can also browse the issues online now.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 29, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Take a Look at These Miniatures

Just for fun, I thought you'd enjoy seeing these miniature stitching pieces for a dollhouse.  They are being auctioned by D. Thomas Miniatures.  I took a quick look at his Instagram account and spotted a needlepoint pillow and stockings and some lovely rugs, too.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 27, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Padded Satin Stitch: The Movie

Want to learn padded satin stitch?  KatiePeoples makes it look easy with her video tutorial on Instagram.  It appears she is using wool thread for the padding and a flat ribbon like thread such as Neon Rays+ for the top layer.  Note she uses a laying tool to make the flat ribbon thread lie flat.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 27, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Unusual Finishing for a Fireplace

Seaside Needlepoint shows off an unusual finishing--hang your framed piece in front of your firescreen.  It can be removed when you want to have a fire.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 7, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, August 3, 2026

10 Versus 12

Ehrman, the famous British tapestry kit company, has posted a video showing the difference between their 10 count and 12 count designs.  In Britain these are called "mesh" instead of count but you get the idea.  Even if you aren't interested in the difference, it's fun to see two of their designs and see how their kits are packaged with tapestry wool.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 25, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, August 2, 2026

Non-Needlepoint Items Used for Needlepoint

The most frequent non-traditional item I use for my needlepoint is the nut pick from my nutcracker set:  it's perfect as a laying tool for flat ribbon-like threads.  But I'm an amateur compared to Stitched with Ellen who uses all sorts of interesting things for her stitching--a kitchen cabinet from Wayfair, a geode rock stand for her 4 inch ornament, a picture frame holder, fishing line, a rolling cart, jewelry bags to hold threads, fun tacks, a small jewelry case used for orts, a needle puller, a tackle box, lights, 





If you are intriqued, you can find most of these at Ellen's Amazon storefront.  (Note if you buy, she gets a small commission.  Just FYI)

By the way, if you find a kitchen cabinet you like on Wayfair, read the reviews and if you can pay to have it assembled, it might be worth it.  We've bought from Wayfair over the years and find the instructions for assembly are often not clear and sometimes are outright wrong.  Study the pictures and read the description for hints on build quality, too.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 2, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sell Your Stash/Buy Someone Else's Stash

Rittenhouse Needlepoint in Philadelphia has started their Rittenhouse Destash program.  You can sell your unneeded items to Rittenhouse for cash or store credit.  You can also shop other people's unneeded items through Rittenhouse Destash.  Read all about it on their Instagram page-

Here is the Rittenhouse Destash website.  You can buy and sell through here.  How the program works is clearly laid out on the home page.  Just select "Shop" or "Sell" and get started.  When I wrote this article there were 18 pages of bargains to browse if you are buying.  The retail price and discount price if you buy from Rittenhouse Destash are clearly marked.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
 
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 24, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Rehoboth Beach Museum's 14th Annual Needlework Exhibit.

Beth reminds us that the 2026 Rehoboth Beach Museum's Annual Needlework Exhibit will be September 11 through November 1 in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Exhibitors can drop off their work at the museum August 23-29.  Registration forms are now available (July 2026).

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 14, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, July 31, 2026

Christmas (Beards) in July

Carolyn Hedge Baird is celebrating Christmas in July with some great beard stitch ideas on Facebook.

For those without a Facebook account, Carolyn recommends these stitches for Santa's beard, all diagrammed in her book Merry Easter Eggs.

1. Parisian stripe with wool and filled in with 2 strands Fuzzy Stuff or 3 strands Wisper
2.Criss cross Hungarian filled in with a French knot
3. Rows of chain stitch doing gray first
4. Brick stitch
5. Long and short
6.French knots on stems
7. Wrapped lazy daisies using whole strand of Lorikeet
8. Turkey tufting

Merry Easter Eggs has a lot of great ideas in it.  Shop around if your favorite shop doesn't have a copy, though.  Prices vary a bit for this older, but still fabulous, book.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 25, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, July 30, 2026

NJNA News for July 2026

The New Jersey Needle Artists chapter of ANG is at it again with their bi-weekly newsletter.  Besides the normal ANG news, there is plenty about new designs and products.  It's a Don't Miss for sure!

The second posting for July has a lot of ANG news.  There's are new shops, a new needle minder, Morgan Julia's shop in NJ needs full time help, mahjong designs, a new color in Rachel Barri's pouches, a new project bag and a new light that attaches to the Lowry floor stand plus a recommendation for a cheap effective tool to remove thumbtacks from your stretcher bars.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
 
logging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.co
© Copyright July 12, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Breaking News: Needle Nook of La Jolla is Expanding

Needle Nook of La Jolla is going to expand!  Currently, it occupies two shops with another shop beteen them, but the middle store is available so it will soon occupy all three spaces.  Good news!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 29, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Note About the July/August 2026 Needle Pointers Magazine

Melita writes a column for ANG's Needle Pointers magazine, which you get as part of your subscription to the American Needlepoint Guild.  Unfortunately, her latest article had to be moved so it won't be near another article on the same topic.  Just keep an eye out for September/October's issue so you get the full story.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 28, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

"Whatever Happened to Needlepoint Card Table Covers?"

Back in the early 1980s, my godmother asked (rhetorically) whatever happened to all those needlepointed card table covers that were all the rage among her friends in the 1960s.    I couldn't answer her then, but now I suspect they were tucked away, waiting for card games and mahjong to come back in style.



Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 28, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mary Corbet Raves About Richly Stitched Landscape Embroidery

Mary Corbet just posted a rave review about Cassandra Dias' new book, Richly Stitched Landscape Embroidery.  Mary says this book is a really good teacher of the technique.  It's done with a lot of colors of DMC cotton floss to add depth and shadows and the end result is magnificent.

The pieces are stitching on a natural color of duck canvas but the technique will work on needlepoint canvas if you switch to a sharp needle such as a beading needle, crewel needle, etc.  That makes this a great book for those who want to stitch clouds, trees or other landscape elements naturalistically.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 23, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, July 27, 2026

How Hard is Messy Beading?

How hard is messy beading?  Not hard at all!  Just watch this short video that The Wool and The Floss posted showing how it is done.

Easy peasy!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 23, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, July 26, 2026

JudyAnn Apologizes

JudyAnn Needlepoint recently was asked to paint a Waffle House canvas by a customer who furnished a rough design that was said to be the customer's own work.

Turns out it was actually a design by One Part Whimsy that is currently sold out.  JudyAnn is horrified and apologized to One Part Whimsy.  I know JudyAnn from way back and I am sure she didn't know her customer was trying to get a sold out design by lying to JudyAnn about where the original came from.  

If you are the miscreant, shame on you for putting a nice lady like JudyAnn in such a position!  

If you are a designer, I urge you to avoid logos or any sort of brand image as the copyright pitfalls are huge.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 24, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, July 25, 2026

Secret Garden: A Mystery by Mary Charles and Ruth Schmuff

The newest mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzles is Mary Charles' "Secret Garden."

Ruth started by stitching the house and the wall around the property.

Now we have grass, the four stone balls on the wall pillars, the gate itself and the little roof over the door.


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 19, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, July 24, 2026

Fiber Talk Interviews the Finishing Fairy

This week Fiber Talk interviews Amanda, The Finishing Fairy.  You'll learn how Amanda became the Finishing Fairy, how she finishes and teaches finishing, and learn tips on ways to insure quality finishing while you are stitching a project, such as use stretcher bars if you are using metallic (metallic threads don't stretch well so they don't block well) and stitch a few extra rows all around the edge, particularly if you have beads close to the edge of the design.

You can visit the Finishing Fairy website, or...

...visit Amanda at the social media you prefer.




Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 18, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, July 23, 2026

Wrapped Chain Stitch Tutorial

Lynndlpt over at Instagram has posted a video tutorial on using wrapped chain stitch for lettering.

The chain stitch is worked in Petite Very Velvet for the narrower part of the letters and regular Very Velvet for the wider parts.  The wraps over the underlying chain stitch are worked with Neon Rays.

Note that Lynndlpt used a flat iron (the kind for hair but buy a cheap one to use just for threads--no hair product on your threads, please!) to smooth the Neon Rays, a laying tool to help the Neon Rays lay flat, and Fray Check to protect the Neon Rays once they are stitched.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 18, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Two Striped Cats (Patt and Lee)

Jan at StitchLady is stitching one of the iconic Patt and Lee pieces, the double striped cats.  Jan stitched this originally in the colors it was painted and had so much fun, she decided to stitch it again, this time in cat fur colors.  The first step is doing the black outlines of the two cats.

The smaller cat is done. I vote No for eyes.

Looks like Jan is choosing browns, tans and golds for the larger cat.

The big cat is nearly done, so Jan is pondering the background.

The cats are finished.  Now Jan has to decide on the background color and stitch.

Jan runs into a dyelot issue with her background.

Almost done!

Finally done.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 18, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

How Long Does It Take to Paint A Canvas?

Clare at Oz Needle and Thread explains how long it takes her to paint some of her canvases.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 17, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved

Monday, July 20, 2026

Threadaholic Alert--Thirteen Silk

Fireside Stitchery has just posted a short video showing the new Thirteen Silk.

It is a single strand, is intended for 13 count canvas, and resembles a thicker Vineyard Silk.  It's made by Wiltex Threads who also do Vineyard Silk, so I expect it is 100% Chinese silk just like Vineyard is.  You can see the colors on Fireside's website.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 17, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, July 19, 2026

Neck Hung Light/Magnifiers

Recently somone asked for recommenations for light/magnifiers that you wear around your neck. Someone suggested this light/magnifer from Toolhelper.  It appears to be lightweight, has 24 LED lighs, is easy to adjust and comes with a charger.  It is available in black or white and the lights are dimmable.  It's inexpensive, but it looks like the lens is acrylic which means it may scratch easily.  There is a video showing how to assemble the light/magnifier if you are interested.  

A much more expensive option are CraftOptics glasses.  This is a pair of glasses that are made to match your prescription (or the magnification you prefer) with a magnifer you swing into position (or out of the way) and have a built in light.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 16, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, July 18, 2026

The Becco Round Canvas Patches

KC Needlepoint now sells Round Canvas Patches and the Becco Patch Kit to stick any small key fob canvas on your Becco bag or any other canvas bag.  I'm not sure of the size of the self finishing Round Canvas Patch but the patch kit enables you to stick it on your tote bag with Velcro.  The first link below has a video.  Check with KC Needlepoint for specifics.



Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 14, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, July 17, 2026

Threadaholic Alert: New Painters Thread Ribbon Floss Colors

Thanks to Homestead Needle Arts, I've learned that Painters Threads ribbon floss has four new colors:  Ivory, Ebony, Poinsettia and Holly (aka, white, black, red and green).

This is dyed Shimmer ribbon floss from YLI per Homestead.  Their other colors used to be in skeins.  I'm not sure if only the four new colors are on spools or if Painters Threads is starting to use spools for all their ribbon flosses.

If you aren't familiar with Painters Threads, you can see the range of what they offer in many types of thread in the same colors here.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 13, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Fraymeworks Frames

You'll want to check out the Fraymeworks Frames, sold by Needlepoint Clubhouse, that work as stretcher bars and a frame for the finished piece both.  They are available in several sizes and shapes.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
 
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 11, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Introducing George

Sign of the Arrow's Limited Edition design for 2026 is out and it's "George" --as in George Washington.  I think this is the second year in a row that their limited edition design is only available as a painted canvas, not also as a chart, which is a shame.  There are still counted canvas lovers out there, after all, and having both canvas and chart available is a great way to cater to both types of stitchers.  

It looks like you can buy just the canvas, or the canvas and thread kit, and you can add the matching needle minder as an extra this year.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 4, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

How to Organize Your Threads

Ehrman has just posted a great video on how to organize your threads before you start to stitch one of their kits.  It's full of useful tips for those canvases that have printed color blocks on the edge of one side.

If you have a little free time, you can explore Ehrman's YouTube channel. It has some great profiles of their designers!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 11, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, July 13, 2026

Corner Minders for Mini Stretcher Bars

There is a new tool to help keep your stretcher bars square--Corner Minders.  They clip onto the back side of your stretcher bars once you have them assembled and keep them square.  Looks like they fit the mini stretcher bars only as I write this.  Keep them away from heat as they are 3-D printed and excessive temperatures will effect the material they are made of.



Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 11, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, July 12, 2026

Another Threadaholic Alert: Tiny Starry

Moondrake Company has a new thread called Tiny Starry.

It is a variegated thread with a tiny bit of metallic, sized for 13 count canvas.  It is 75% Merino wool, 20% nylon and 5% Silver Stellina Sparkle (whatever that is).  Each skein contains forty-three yards.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 9, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Threadaholic Alert: SIlk Wrapped Purl

Stitching Fox in South Carolina now carries Silk Wrapped Purl.  It looks like a coiled spring and is couched with the matching thread onto your canvas or cut into short lengths and attached like a bead if a bead was shaped like a U.  Use the right side arrow to glimpse some of the colors available.

Silk wrapped purl is a thread created for stumpwork, particularly those adorable 17th Century reproduction caskets.  These are some of the ways it can be used--


It comes in various thicknesses. Stitching Fox sells size 4 packaged with the matching couching thread.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 8, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, July 10, 2026

The Vintage Love Affair

Laura from House of Janet is a vintage needlepoint lover.  She's drawn to the colors, the subject matter, and the frames.  What about you?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 7, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.