Fiber Talk Interviews Master Framer David Lantrip

Want to know more about framing your needlepoint?  Fiber Talk just interviewed David Lantrip, a master framer.  You can hear the interview here or...

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/03/15/framing-answers-with-master-framer-david-lantrip/

,,,you can watch it on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nr2Zy8UFtSo

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Magical Color Class (Jennifer Riefenberg)

Melita Glavin is taking a color class from Jennifer Riefenberg.   You can work the cool colors sampler or the warm colors sampler, but luckily for us, Melita's classmate is Kathy Rees so Melita worked the cool colors piece while Kathy worked the warm colors.  Then Melita posted photos of each so we could see the differences.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/03/16/magical-color-with-jennifer-riefenberg-day-1/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/03/17/magical-color-with-jennifer-riefenberg-day-2/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/04/01/magical-color-with-jennifer-riefenberg-step-1/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

May 2026 NJNA Chapter News

The New Jersey Needle Artists chapter of ANG is back with their bi-weekly newsletter.  There is ANG Seminar news, including the adorable frame weights that are available.  Lowry has a new gadget that attaches to your floor stand to allow you to watch your tablet, laptop or phone as you stitch.  They also have a new spring green color for those who want more excitement in their life.  Daylight also has a new light that goes around your neck and shows true color.  It is called the DuoNeck Go.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2026/05/09/whats-happening-at-njna-5-9-26/

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.

https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/collections/fraymeworks-frames?_kx=di6BKbqlX0z0_r-FgYg7VgX_cnHap6E52Vd1c3YUq6g.W43bG6

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.

A Tip for Stitching Background

Ever get confused working background stitches around central design elements?  Louise's Needlework has a great trick to make it easier.  You do have to work the background first, though, at least the area near the design element that breaks up the background.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1559860389473899&set=a.539149581544990

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The 2026 NAN Exemplary

Melita went to this year's Exemplary, which is what the National Academy of Needlearts calls their yearly seminar exhibit, and won ribbons!  MAJOR ribbons!  Here is her report.  Eventually NAN will put photos of the 2026 winners on their website but it's too early for that yet.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/03/13/2026-national-academy-of-needlearts-nan-assembly/

UPDATE:  The People's Choice winner for 2026 was an Alison Cole goldwork poppy stitched by Helen G.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1458739096292936&set=a.562869925879862

Good luck to Mary Alice Stinton who took a tumble at NAN.  I think she's fine, just needed to go home to recover.  

UPDATE #2:  Barbara Richardson won the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1477788584387987&set=a.562869925879862

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 14, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved

Margaret Bendig's Fourth of July Heart

Brenda's Needlepoint Studio is going to teach Margaret Bendig's "Fourth of July Heart" with her ANG chapter in Delaware.  Here is the pre-work for the heart.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2026/03/heart-fourth-of-july-31326.html

Note that since the original threads are no longer available, Rainbow Gallery's Neon Rays were substituted and found to work beautifully.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2026/05/may-9-2026-i-placed-last-stitch-on-this.html

The design was published in the July 2008 Needle Pointers magazine, so if you are an ANG member, you may have this copy in your magazine pile.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 14, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Watch the Easter Bunny Grow

Aster+Daisy posted a video to TikTok showing Beth's Easter bunny and eggs stocking being painted.  It's fascinating to watch.  

https://www.tiktok.com/@bethstromberg/video/7616440616410483998?_r=1&_t=ZP-94dZTBRYTi3

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 14, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

What Type of Scissors Are Best?

Thanks to EGA's Greater Pacific Region, I learned about this article on TextileArtist about various scissor brands and what works best for various types of needlework.

https://www.textileartist.org/embroidery-scissors/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQg_CNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzdkFsamY2cEZsUzN0RTdIc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgQSoBmic2T-gCs1kbLZUDcajPFxXr_TF4_-oKXhwIDOuNJh0kaarh3N2YQB_aem_Ip2Q5Fd7L1nyOSQf6vSGoQ#:~:text=straight%20embroidery%20scissors.-,Small%20straight%20embroidery%20scissors,are%20made%20by%20many%20manufacturers

There are plenty of links if something catches your eye.  I'd recommend small 3-4 inch long scissors for needlepoint that fit your fingers well.  If you travel with scissors, go with a cheaper brand you don't mind losing in transit.  Keep the good ones at home in a place where no one will grab them to cut paper, plastic or other non-textile items that dull blades fast.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 13, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tips for Travel with Needlepoint & New Travel Projects

With summer vacation only a few weeks away, Coco Frank has posted some quick travel tips on their blog.

https://cocofrankstudio.com/blogs/blog/tips-for-traveling-with-needlepoint?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=Spring+Break+-+Travel+Rounds&utm_id=01KKESKY8SHWD7W8XMJV4VQ60K&_kx=fpwRhZR6oWBP-QRpljb7pZMDJB9SEzHyKJegAKdmP8-TPQzDcjAtm1ktAvh5CV4x.XYMb7E

Speaking of travel, Princess and Me has something different when it comes to travel canvases--destination glasses case designs!  Note that all of their designs come with stitch guides.  

https://mailchi.mp/stitchedupneedleworks/spring-is-coming-6427573?e=07414d94b0

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Why Susan Needlepoints

Susan at Quail Run explains why she needlepoints.  I think she speaks for many of us, don't you?  Plus, it's just fun!

https://quailrunneedlework.com/why-i-needlepoint/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 

nd at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Creating a Plump Little Bunny

Sharon of SM Wollman Designs just posted a video of the little bunny her Ann Hanson (I think) Santa is holding.   Sharon used trapunto to make the rabbit rounded and dimensional.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/944578154751319

It's an easy technique.  Note that she stitched the bunny as usual first, then she pinned a rectangle of muslin to the back of the canvas behind Mr. Bunny.  (You can cut the slit in the middle before you pin it on if you are nervous about cutting the canvas when you slit the muslin after it is attached.)  Then you turn the canvas back over and backstitch around the shape of the rabbit.  Normally I use one ply of cotton floss in either a matching or contrasting color, depending on whether I want a bit of a shadow or not.  It helps to make your backstitches small and pretty close together.  Once the muslin is backstitched into place, stuff the muslin with as much padding (I use cotton batting) as needed to make the bunny rounded and dimensional as you want, then stitch the slit together to close it.

It's quite easy to do and gives a lovely effect.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Stitch Strategy Interview

Fiber Talk's just interviewed Hayley and Madeline of Stitch Strategy, a marketing company focused on the world of needlepoint designers and shops.  It's fun to hear their perspective on the growth of needlepoint, the sorts of services they offer, and how younger stitchers are shaking up the world of needlepoint.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5DIRTr0JnU

https://thestitchstrategy.com/

https://thestitchstrategy.substack.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright Marh 9, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Handcrafted Needlework Tools

If you love wooden needlework tools, you'll want to check out what Mary Corbet is selling.  There are crochet hooks, seam ripper/stilettos, and keychain needle cases.  She also has some lovely enameled needle minders that are not like anything else on the market.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2026/01/tools-today-theyre-beautiful-and-theyre-here.html

As I write this, some of the items are already sold out but they may be restocked by the time this publishes.  

https://shop.needlenthread.com/products

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 29, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Self Finishing Match Box

House of Cartonnage in Paris has a new product--the self finishing matchbox!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DSz7e4VjKkr/?img_index=1

Tariffs are impacting the business (which sells boxes, clutches and classes on how to make your own box) somewhat so we'll have to see how Sabrine manages her unique business for those of us not in the Netherlands or the EU.  

https://www.houseofcartonnage.com/

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.

A Fun Birthday Finish

Cara at Waste Knot Want Knot Finishing has turned a birthday cake canvas into a darling sigh for the back of the birthday boy or girl's chair.

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

Clever!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Threadaholic Alert: DMC Met Retors Cotton

Pam asked the members of Needlepoint Nation about DMC's Met Retors Cotton.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/25982994091351070/

I'll summarize the discussion here for those without a Facebook account--this thread is fairly cheap ($1.31-1.59 for a ten meter skein) and is a sort of cotton tapestry thread.  You don't ply it, just use it as it comes off the skein although some folks have plied it and say it is thicker than one ply of regular DMC cotton floss.  Folks really like it on 13 count, but a few have used it on 18 count.  It's a little tender so shorter lengths are recommended.  Some compare it to Very Velvet as it has a matte look.  It makes great cording.  

Cathe Ray (owner of Needle in a Haystack and a thread expert) says that mat cotton (retors) has been around for 50 years but it fell out of favor due to the stale color selection.  She's happy that it is now available again with new colors in the line.  

You can see it on the DMC website here.  There are 230 colors available.

https://www.dmc.com/US/en/products/retors-mat-cotton

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Add a Second Design to Your Basket Purse

Jessica Tongel shows us how to add a new ornament to the top of a Nantucket basket purse.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DT3bmtzkciD/

I didn't know the Erica Wilson store sold the classic Nantucket basket purses.  They are currently sold out, though.  :(

https://ericawilson.com/collections/the-needlepoint-nantucket-lightship-basket%E2%84%A2

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.

Jennifer Riefenberg's "Heron"

Jan of the Stitch Lady blog has just taken a pilot class from Jennifer Riefenberg.  This class will be offered at ANG's 2026 Seminar and the designer wanted a group of people to test drive the instructions.  Jan volunteered to work "Heron."  She's right--it is beautiful!

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2026/03/01/heron/

The heron also has a lot of compensation.

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2026/03/15/the-heron/

But it is lovely.

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2026/04/20/playing-and-stitching/

Looks great!

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2026/05/05/finished/

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.

How to Anchor Thread Without a Knot

Want to learn the easy way to anchor threads without a knot?  Watch the video gabrielle.ndlpt did for her Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVOf2BGES2R/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 27, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Chuck Pinnell Leather Bags Are Worth The Money

This is why you scrimp and save to send your needlepoint to Chuck Pinnell Leather for finishing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DX2FKMEOLdb/

The canvas design is from Zoe Pischke, who I think is Julie Pischke's daughter.  Julie designed some fabulous carpet bags for needlepoint back in the day.  Looks like Zoe has inherited her eye for what works on large bags.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Hockey is Big at Harvard (So Is Needlepoint)

Hockey is big at Harvard--really big!  I was charmed to read that Joe Bertagna (Class of '73) not only was a big hockey star back in the day, he's a major needlepointer who just auctioned off his Boston sports needlepoint pieces for charity.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVJ4g3vEpTQ/?img_index=1

Here's the actual article from the March 2026 issue of Harvard Magazine.

https://www.harvardmagazine.com/alumni/harvard-joe-bertagna-hockey-sports-needle-point

Way to go, Joe!  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 27, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitch School (Needlepoint Now Magazine Publication)

Needlepoint Now magazine is coming out with a book called Stitch School!  I haven't seen it yet since as I write this it's not out yet but apparently there are matching videos for those who are visual learners.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DWaHO91jgdN/

https://www.amkpublications.com/

This is called Volume One, so hopefully it will do well and the magazine will publish more volumes.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 28, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Secure Thread When Doing Long Stitches

Patricia Sone has posted a short video on her Instagram account showing us how to use a pin stitch (I call these Locking L stitches because of their shape) to secure a thread before you work a series of long stitches.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVMji6DDgP0/

It's really pretty easy.  This is a technique used in Japanese embroidery and it does hold well.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 26, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Cope without Wooden Stretcher Bars UPDATED

Needle Works in Austin, Texas has decided to address the difficulty of getting stretcher bars by using 3-D printed versions.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1582063297258238&set=a.708268907971019

These are plastic but it's easy to push in thumbtacks or staples.  Once you finish your project, yank out the staples/tacks and put them away.  These are the same width as regular stretcher bars.  Just like the wooden version, you can reuse them over and over again.  NWKS says they are sturdy and available in white, teal blue or beige plastic.  The shop is working to have the size printed on them, too.  They also say you can mix them with wooden stretcher bars in case you have a pair of 9 inchers but need 7 inchers for that 7x9 inch canvas.  You cannot mix the 3-D printed bars with mini stretcher bars, though.  The 3-D ones are the width of regular stretcher bars.  They cost between $6-8 for a pair of two.

These are not online yet but call or email the shop to order.  Kudos to the folks in Texas for coming up with a unique solution to the shortage of traditional wooden stretcher bars.

https://theneedleworks.com/

UPDATE:  Sara Leigh at Rain City Needlepoint gives a review of the 3-D printed stretcher bars they stock in the shop.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/959974363685453

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 29, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.