Painted Stitches Ribbon Sampler (Barbara Bergsten)

Jan at StitchLady's Adventures is going to stitch Barbara Bergsten's "Painted Stitches Ribbon Sampler."  This is a painted design on 14 count, so Jan will be using much thicker threads than I usually work.  (I'm an 18 count gal.)  So this is going to be very interesting!  You can see the unstitched canvas and the threads Jan will use in her first posting about this project.

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2026/01/19/painted-stitches-ribbon-sampler/

Despite a few small hitches, Jan's working away on her ribbon sampler.

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2026/01/26/stitches-ribbon-sampler/

And it is done, so now she's doing a few original designs on bookmarks, just for fun.

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2026/02/09/2nd-finish/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 20, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wrapped Back Stitch: The Movie

Colleen at The Wool and The Floss demonstrates wrapped back stitch, which gives you a smooth curved line.  It's perfect for stems, leaf veins, whiskers, even straight hair (although if you do rows of this, it is a bit tricky to wrap without catching neighboring threads).

https://www.facebook.com/reel/907245541792120

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 19, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Using a 3-D Printer in Needlepoint

I've always been intrigued by 3-D printers but I never thought they'd be useful in needlepoint until I discovered what Debbie Rowley of DeeBee Designs uses them for!

https://debbeesdesigns.com/storing-threads/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 19, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Woodlawn 2026 Exhibit

Despite the cold and rain, Melita took advantage of a break in the weather to visit the Woodlawn exhibit.  She summarizes what she saw here with an emphasis on counted pieces as that is her thing.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/03/07/woodlawns-63rd-annual-needlework-show-2026/

Woodlawn posted the list of award winners on their website.

https://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/2026-award-winners

Many thanks for those of us who can't make it to Alexandria, Virginia this year!  As more folks post about the show, I'll add to this article.

https://www.funinfairfaxva.com/march-needlework-exhibition-at-woodlawn/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 8, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Price of Success

Needlenook of La Jolla posted a photo of a huge pile of boxes on their Instagram account with this statement--"I'm working on a bigger mountain today! And as hard and quickly as humanly possible. This will make about 100 packages in the last 2 days!

The needlepoint industry has been inundated with excessive amounts of orders in recent months. So many new stitchers have come on board! Which is exciting in a way, but in a way it makes for a long wait. Between the orders and the shortage of Zweigart canvas from Germany and qualified painters, orders are taking a very long time to be filled. The designers are really feeling the brunt of it. So I am going to say at the very minimum it could be 5-6 months... and that is not an exact science! I am sorry that I don't have better news than that. Please be patient with us, give us some grace. We are all in this together, wish I had better news than that."

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTn_FhvEsb0/

Here is A Dragon's Tale's view of the situation from a designer's perspective.  I've also heard that white 18 count canvas is hard to get right now.  Go for ecru or the colored canvases like pale blue instead.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DUG9DO9ERU3/

We are used to instant gratification but needlepoint isn't Amazon or Walmart--it's a collection of small businesses trying very hard to make a large group of customers happy.  Be patient and keep looking for something small and cute that's available now to tide you over while you wait.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 18, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hurrah! Jane Aurich Designs Available Again!!

"Snow Queen in Ice Forest Stocking" from Jane Aurich's Nutcracker designs

I was thrilled last month to realize that Jane Aurich's designs are available once more.  You can browse her incredible work on her website and Instagram.  She created amazing Nutcracker pieces, beautiful stockings (there is a series with beautifully detailed birds), Southwestern designs, wonderful Santas --and an occasional charming Mrs. Santa-- small floral ornaments and scissor cases, and some detailed animal designs.  There are a few new designs called Plain Jane from Jane's daughter Letitia, which are simplified versions of the more detailed originals, meant to tempt newer stitchers to test the waters with her designs.

https://janeaurichdesigns.com/

https://www.instagram.com/janeaurichdesigns/

You can order some of the smaller designs (mostly Christmas Santas, angels and a few adorable animals) from the Jane Aurich Etsy shop.  You can also visit two shops that carry Jane Aurich's work--What's the Point? Needlepoint in Ohio and Three Kittens Needle Arts in Minnesota.  

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JaneAurichDesigns?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=4416858482&from_page=listing

Long time needlepointers will remember Jane's twin sister, Joy Juarez, whose work is available now through Fleur de Paris.  Joy was equally talented but with her own style.  I am thrilled that their work has outlived them and their classic pieces are available to modern needlepoint artists.

https://www.fleurdeparis.com/product-category/canvas_designs/joy-juarez/

Here's to Jane & Joy, needlepoint artists extraordinary!  💕

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 3, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: Color Dreams Naturals

Ruth Schmuff has great news for lovers of bamboo threads like Rainbow Gallery's Mandarin Floss-she has a new thread called Color Dreams Naturals, a blend of silk and bamboo.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/01/hair-hips-and-a-whole-lotta-fluff/

It isn't on the Bedecked and Beadazzled website yet, so I don't know if it is a floss or perle-type thread, but I'll update this as soon as it's widely available.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 17, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NBC News Talks Analog Hobbies

Debbie Woodward of Painted Pony found this short news clip about how younger people are taking up hobbies that get them off their phones and computers.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/765963615898766

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 15, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mustache: The Movie

The Wool and the Floss has a great idea for a mustache that has both thin and thick areas:  alternate basketweave with Colonial knots.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1883147888962442

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 12, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Quick Stitchly Demo

If you are curious about software used to create your own needlepoint chart, you'll want to watch the short video that Vintage Point Finds posted to Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTTf4k_kyuI/

Once you have your design, you have to transfer it to needlepoint canvas. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTggmHQDe5n/

Stitchly was created for cross stitch so you can't diagram fancy stitches with it.  Here is their website if you want to explore more.

https://stitchly.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 11, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Separate Strands of Thread: The Movie

Poppy Monk demonstrates how --and how not to-- separate threads that you need to ply in these two short videos.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/how-to-separate-strands-of-needlepoint-thread

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow 

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 11, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Why You Should Sign and Date Your Needlepoint

Quail Run makes a compelling case for adding your name and the date to a piece after you finish it.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1296752679146800&set=a.635108881977853

For those who don't have a Facebook account, I'm going to quote Quail Run in full--

"Should I add my initials to my projects?

Whether or not to add your initials and a date to your needlepoint projects is a personal choice. Here are some good reasons to add this to your project.

- It turns your piece into a documented heirloom — in 50–100 years, people will know exactly who made it and when.
- It’s a long-standing tradition in samplers and fine needlework (think 18th- and 19th-century schoolgirl samplers — almost all are signed).
- If the piece is a gift (baby blanket, wedding pillow, Christmas stocking, etc.), future generations often treasure knowing “Great-Grandma Jane made this in 2025.”
- It gives you a little pride-of-ownership “I DID THIS” moment every time you look at it.
- On the back or in an inconspicuous spot, it doesn’t affect the design at all but still marks it as yours.

**Popular compromises people use:**
- Stitch initials + year very small on the front, often in a corner or worked into the border so it looks intentional.
- Stitch them on waste canvas and attach to back when finishing.
- Add a tiny stitched label on the back when the piece is made into a pillow or framed.
- Use a monogram that’s part of the original chart (many designers now include optional alphabet charts).

Personal take from years of seeing thousands of finished needlepoints: 90 % of the pieces that become cherished family treasures are the ones that are signed and dated. The unsigned ones often end up with notes like “We think Aunt Susan stitched this… maybe in the 90s?”

So unless the design really fights against it, most experienced stitchers say: sign it (even tiny and discreet). You worked too hard not to!"

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 

nd at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Thread Conversion Charts

With so many threads becoming unavailable, it's a good time to post a link to this website that maintains an extension list of thread conversion charts.

https://www.needlepointers.com/main/ShowArticles.aspx?NavID=3980

Of course folks who work mostly counted canvaswork are used to switching brands but all of us need to figure out substitutions occasionally.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 10, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: RIver Silks is Moving to Virginia

I've just read in the March 2026 newsletter from NJNA that River Silks' founder, Jean Krynicki, is retiring. Her three daughters are taking over the business and as part of that process, moving the company to Virginia.  River Silks stopped taking orders in January and will concentrate on getting everything packed up and moved from Washington State.  Stay tuned, in other words.

https://www.riversilks.com/

I'm a huge fan of River Silks (it's beautiful and durable stuff and available in many widths) so I am thrilled to hear the business will continue even after Jean retires.  Good luck with the move, folks.  We eagerly await your rebirth in Virginia!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 8, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Daylight's Anita Lamp

Barbara's Needlepoint shows off the Anita Lamp from Daylight in this Facebook unboxing video.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1436804947788439

For those who don't have a Facebook account, I found the Anita table lamp here.  There is a floor lamp version, too.  Both have Daylight bulbs, so that the colors are true.  There appears to be a tray to hold your threads (I don't know if it comes with the lamp or costs extra) and the lamp itself is adjustable.  The magnifier is also somewhat adjustable and you can change the smart phone clamp to view the screen horizontally or vertically.  It doesn't look like the clamp itself adjusts enought to hold anything other than a phone, however.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpiS6ZpF2Ec

Many thanks to Barbara's Needlepoint for alerting us to this lamp.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 8, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: ColorSpun

The Needlepointer is selling a thread new to me called ColorSpun.  It comes on cards with 10 yards.  Some of the threads seem to be a polyester metallic while others are all silk.  I believe it is made in China.  

https://theneedlepointer.com/collections/colorspun-threads?se_activity_id=169757933810&syclid=d5f5b2dum0as73eac510&utm_campaign=Don%27t+Miss+Out+on+Our+Hidden+Fiber+Treasures%21_169757933810&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email&page=1#e19de7cd4f6baf9aa2285ae72cc5bb1c

It looks like the company sells a wide range of thread types in a lot of colors.  Their website sells knitting and crochet yarns and cotton floss.

https://colourspun.com/shop/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 7, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Garden Mafia Mystery (Lane Tree Lily)

Ruth Schmuff is planning her spring mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled.   It is a bird canvas, but not one of those sweet birdie things--she's doing a bold, colorful piece in primary colors from Lane Tree Lily called "The Garden Mafia" that shows those flying pigs as they really are--Those Who Must Be Obeyed (fed)!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/02/the-garden-mafia-has-arrived/

I'll update this as Ruth posts progress photos of the portrait of this gang.  Stay tuned....

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 15, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ai and Needlepoint

Pop Needle Arts has some advice on using ChatGPT to learn needlepoint-JUST DON'T.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTG3Xd0jhSv/

There are much better resources available online.  All you have to do is look around here and you can find more information than you'll ever need, even if you don't know other needlepointers, have a needlepoint shop nearby, or have much to spend on long distance kits and/or classes.

Speaking of Ai, it is telling people that Stitchers Garden in Napierville, Illinois is now closed to in-store shopping.  WRONG!  It is actually a shop in Brentwood, Tennessee with the same name that is closing.  So don't trust Ai.  Or at least be very very specific.  (There's a Stitchers Garden in Arkansas, too.)  Add the shop city and state at the very least if you are asking Ai about a shop's hours.  All Ai does is search the Internet for nouns and verbs.  Once it gets a hit, it stops and spits out an answer.  As you can see, the answer was wrong because the searchers weren't specific enough.  After all, Ai is not that bright.  We have to think for it.  

By the way, here's Stitchers Garden in Illinios in case you want to wave at them (or do a little shopping--we don't judge).

https://www.stitchersgardenil.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 6, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Stitch Monday Builds a Castle

Ridgewood Needlepoint has chosen a new canvas for 2026--Colors of Praise's "Castle MC502." There are three other versions of this castle which are not as detailed, all on 18 count.  Here is MC516, which is 7 inches square.  Love that garland!

https://colorsofpraiseneedlepoint.com/products/mc516-7x7-18m?_pos=19&_sid=d60f1c905&_ss=r

MC507 is 6 inches square with some lovely greenery.

https://colorsofpraiseneedlepoint.com/products/mc507-6x6-18m?_pos=21&_sid=d60f1c905&_ss=r

MC508 is a tiny piece at 3 1/4 inches by 5 inches, perfect for the miniature lover.   This belongs inside an Easter egg, doesn't it?

https://colorsofpraiseneedlepoint.com/products/mc508-3-25x5-18m?_pos=22&_sid=d60f1c905&_ss=r

Stephanie is working the 18 count version of MC502.  Most shops stock the original 13 count but you can get the 18 count from Bedecked and Beadazzled, which also has a stitch guide.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/castle/

Now let's watch Stephanie stitch!

The first step is picking threads and stitching the lake.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-195/

The next step is to work the grass around the lake and stitch the path.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-196/

Now Stephanie is creating mountains with an Airplane Stitch variation.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-199/

She continues the mountains with a Chevon stitch variation and gifts us two other chevon-type stitches that will make nice mountains, too.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-201/

Now the castle roofs have a stitch, which has many different names.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-202/

Stephenie tackles the sky, clouds and the blooming tree.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-203/

Next she works the urn and the wall in preparation for the ribbonwork that will go on top of these areas.  Easier to do the background first in those instances.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-204/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 6, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Kevin Lustik on Display

During March 2026 Jadite Galleries in NYC will be displaying and selling Kevin Lustik's needlepoint creations.  (And they sell on their website, which is a great way to browse the show from a distance.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVYi3shjlq_/

https://jadite.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 2, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Disco Man UPDATED

Bicoastal Stitches/Le Fil Studio's new "Dancing Under Disco" adds to their Disco line in the flashiest way possible.  <cue The Bee Gees>   This video shows off the finished standup and talks about the threads used.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTGzbS9kmut/

https://lefilstudio.com/collections/disco

Music track while you admire the finishing--

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUID0jSh2Ic

UPDATE:  Morgan Julia has added a Disco Pop Bar Cart to her line, in case you need more sparkle balls.  (This is a pre-order, expected in about 20 weeks.)

https://morganjuliadesigns.com/products/disco-pop-bar-cart?_kx=_J_rdnNvxpl-p5ox0M-sxKe_dW8vBdau0gAV5QbqAX3Q5z_adzzshb4gk-wH2HbP.RWeQns

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright Jauary 5, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Clever Idea for Christmas Stockings (and Other Things)

Mary found custom buttons on Amazon.  They read "Handmade with Love By GrandMary."  You'll find them by searching for Personalized Wooden or Personalized Leather Buttons.  There are a lot of various styles, too.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122264850578233864&set=gm.24961997713450718&idorvanity=108537025890131

She puts them on her Christmas stockings but they'll work for many things, so Mary won the Smart Cookie Award in January 2026!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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