New Versions of iStitches

Ruth Schmuff's five volumes of the iStitches books have been rebuilt for the modern Apple device.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/06/the-stitches-you-love-rebuilt-for-today/

The app and stitches are the same (if you have the original iStitches volumes in digital form, don't worry--they still work just fine).  But the new and improved versions have new features such as Favorites and Folders, better navigation and search functions.  There is even a Master Index so you can find that favorite stitch in the volume where it is located.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Where_is_that_Stitch_VOL_One-Five.pdf

You can read more about the newest version of the iStitches volumes here.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/istitches/

If you aren't a fan of digital books or are Android only, don't worry.  You can buy any of the five regular Stitches volumes in a travel friendly size of 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-one-travel/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-two-travel/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-three-travel/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-four-travel/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-five-travel/

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.

KC Needlepoint Talks Threads

KC Needlepoint talks about various types of threads and where they work especially well in needlepoint.  It's interesting to think about the threads we like to use the most and consider branching out into other types.  Love them or hate them, threads are a fascinating study.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/exploring-different-threads

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.

NJNA in June 2026

New Jersey Needle Artists Chapter of ANG has posted their mid-June report.  There is ANG news, news of retreats, classes, app updates, clubs, System Four news and more.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2026/06/13/whats-happening-at-njna-6-13-26/

Check back at the end of the month for their update.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 

nd at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Using Radiance: The Movie

Vicky at The Stitching Fox demonstrates how to use beeswax on Radiance tails, and tells us the thread spools have a pop top just like Kreinik.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/933807776290958

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Threadaholic Alert: Starry and Soie Tissee Metal

Stitch-Stash shows off a new thread called Starry on their Instagram.

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

Patti says Starry is an overdyed wool with a touch of silver mixed in that is for 13 count needlepoint canvas.  The label says it is 75% super washed Merino wool, 20% nylon, and 5% silver.  There are 43 yards in a skein.  The thread is from Moondrake Company, which is a knitting fiber distributor.  You can see the available colors and a closeup of the thread on the Stitch-Stash website.

https://stitch-stash.com/collections/fibers

Emily's Stitchery shows off Silk Road Fiber's brand new Soie Tissee Metal.  It's so new, it isn't even on the Silk Road Fiber's website yet.  Apparently it is silk with a strand of gold, silver or white metallic woven in.

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

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

New Stitch Monday's Mahjong Sign

Ridgewood Needlepoint's "New Stitch Monday" series is tackling a mahjong sign.  First, Stephanie worked the background around the word and then beaded the letters.  (This is a 13 count design, by the way.)

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-209/

Now for the backgrounds behind the N, S. E and W.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-210/

The tile with two flowers is done. It's quite pretty.  I like fly stitch for leaves.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-211/

Pink dragons are the cutest!  And Stephanie's right--Baroque Silk is a great thread.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-212/

Now we move on to the green dragons.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-213/

The final design is the joker.  Of course the different blocks repeat so she has to finish all of them before framing.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-214/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Advice for Teaching Needlepoint to Kids

Poppy Monk Needlepoint has some fabulous advise for those who plan to teach needlepoint to kids this summer.  She lays out the benefits, strategies for teaching, and tips to make it more interesting to children.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/teaching-needlepoint-to-screen-native-kids

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.

Cases for Your Needlepoint Stockings

The Needle House in Houston, TX will stock Stocking Cases.  If you have a lot of precious needlepoint stockings, you'll want to see these!  They are made of vegan leather,  hold two stockings each, and are lined with velveteen.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZUouSgDQ9m/

Apparently Victoria Whitson is the distributor.  It is possible that the velveteen Stocking Valet can be purchased separately if you have more than a few stockings to store.  Ask your favorite shop to check on this for you.

https://www.victoriawhitsonneedlepoint.com/

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.

Hand and Lock Goldwork Video Tutorials

I've just discovered that Hand and Lock, the UK specialist embroidery company, is posting goldwork tutorials on their YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/@handandlocklondon1767/videos

If you want to brush up your goldwork techniques or just are curious, these folks know all there is to know about stitch with metal threads.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Thread Organization Apps

There was a recent discussion on Facebook about apps you can use to organize your threads.  Here is everything folks mentioned plus items I found through online research.  I haven't tried any of these.

People have used XStitch for years even though it was created for cross stitchers.  It has lots of threads in the program.  Available for iOS and Android.

https://xstitchapp.com/

StitchLog - project tracker and thread organizer - currently in beta

https://stitchlog.app/

Threadalog - thread and bead organization tool; only for Apple devices, available at the Apple store and at

https://threadalog.wixsite.com/threadalog

Pointed Needle - also called Pointed! - available for iPad and iPhone only through the Apple store; requires iOS 26.0 or later

https://www.tiktok.com/@pointedneedle/video/7624519339340762382

Thready - only for iPhone

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/thready-your-thread-tracker/id1511345898

Needlentory - Apple devices only?  (in app purchases)

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/needlentory/id1474983302

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

New Stitch Monday Shows Simple Decorative Stitches

Stephanie at Ridgewood dedicated this week's New Stitch Monday to simple decorative stitches, perfect for those who have mastered tent stitch and want to try something a bit fancier that isn't hard.  Mosaic stitch and cashmere stitch are perfect starter stitches when you are branching out.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-208/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Mohonk Retreat Report

Stitch by Stitch Larchmont just finished their annual shop retreat at Mohonk and of course members of NJNA went.  (Make sure you use the right side arrow to see all the photos in each set.)

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2026/04/02/stitch-by-stitch-mohonk-retreat/

Spoiler:  Everyone had a great time!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Breaking News: Labors of Love Needlepoint Shop Moving UPDATED

Mark just announced that the Labors of Love shop in Atlanta is moving a short distance away this summer, probably late July/early August, 2026.  The new location is close to the current shop but is double the space.  They will have to close for a couple of days to move everything and unpack, but this will give them room for more threads, classes, canvases--and fun!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1468311418312235

UPDATE:  Finishing and special orders won't be impacted by The Move.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZYW8mlvSRx/

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.

Touring M's Canvashouse (Lexington, KY)

Melita visited M's Canvashouse in Lexington, Kentucky and discovered more beads and sequins in one place than she's ever seen.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/03/30/ms-canvashouse-in-lexington-ky/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April2, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Stitch Monday Makes Snowballs

It's funny that this will post in June when cold weather is just a memory, but Ridgewood has created snowballs for a background in their latest New Stitch Monday posting.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-207/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Spellbound Stitchery Gets Real About Propelling a Business Forward

Spellbound Stitchery talks about growing pains once a new designer launches their business and then needs funding to make it grow more.

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

Small business owners are real heroes in my book.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Removing Creases from Needlepoint Canvas: The Movie

Penny Linn has posted a video on their Facebook page explaining how to get creases out of needlepoint canvas.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/915441187947520

To summarize for those who don't have a FB account, get a clean white towel, put the canvas down on top of the towel near an edge, then fold over the towel to make a sandwich of towel-canvas-towel.  Use an iron on the cotton/wool setting and press down on the towel.  Go over the entire canvas area with the iron.  You may have to do this several times.  They don't mention using steam, but you can, although it softens the canvas threads slightly so the piece is no longer quite as stiff.  Probably better to just use pretty high heat on your iron.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Threadaholic Alert: Silky Thread

Stitch-Stash is now stocking a new silk fiber called Silky Thread from Moon Drake and Company.  Here are the colors available.  There are 26 yards to a skein.  This is mulberry silk, which I think means the silkworms are fed exclusively on mulberry tree leaves.  

https://stitch-stash.com/collections/silky-thread

The thread looks like it is a loose twist meant to be used as a single strand.  Ask Stitch-Stash for specifics before you order.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 1, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Why Is Tent Stitch Called Tent Stitch?

Poppy Monk tries to get to the bottom of why tent stitches are called--tent stitches.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/needlepoint-tent-stitch-fun-facts

By the way, if you are intrigued by the essays that Poppy Monk does on their website, listen to the interview with their founder, Brenda Stimpson on Fiber Talk.  It's fascinating!

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/04/05/poppy-monk-opens-the-door-to-needlepoint/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

"Friends,"Johanna Virtanen's Mystery Class

"Friends" by Johanna Virtanen is Bedecked and Beadazzled's Mystery class for Summer 2026. What do you think is going on between the cat and the bird?!  Ruth will gradually Reveal All and I'll update this mystery class as she does.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/04/these-two-are-up-to-something/

I'm stealing this background idea for sure!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/06/a-garden-full-of-posies/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Does Taylor Swift Needlepoint? A Mystery

"Evermore" by Bexley Needlepoint via Etsy

Does Taylor Swift needlepoint?  I've been pondering this question today.  I cannot find any direct evidence for her being a needlepointer except for this--

https://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/taylor-swift-made-needlepoint-ed-sheeran-34957078

If you look carefully at the framed needlework, it appears to be embroidery. It's fitted smoothly in a hoop, which is difficult to do with needlepoint canvas.  The slightly frayed edge of the ground fabric doesn't look like needlepoint canvas to me, either.  Do you suppose it's a case of folks who wouldn't recognize needlepoint if they fell over it calling what we do "knitting" again?  Except this time it's hand embroidery being mislabeled as needlepoint?

Only Taylor Swift knows for sure.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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