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.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DX9sZWvPBNb/

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

Threadaholic Alert--Thirteen Silk

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

https://www.facebook.com/reel/810631461864935/

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.

https://firesidestitchery.com/search?q=thirteen+silk&type=product

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.

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.  

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMPGM8V2?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_FFAQ9GRFQCEXHA1B25RN&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_FFAQ9GRFQCEXHA1B25RN&social_share=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_FFAQ9GRFQCEXHA1B25RN&rsd=vbO%2B25C2ldjCPhmU9T15yWaulBTss7SdXi0%2F5qAsvnaBoQv22T698KXfXHp7WZ7Qfdf6U%2FzrUshwUNx9bhPfn9JQ1e1mSXaTAcMwlh4k0A5GboAq&edk=AQIDAHi1lw%2FM8UbbSMD9ScOOFEmBMHMthHeEhqDaQYPJUAX3jQHMtySCspFGBUmlqAUKE5WhAAAAfjB8BgkqhkiG9w0BBwagbzBtAgEAMGgGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQM6UgPWgfS%2FPKbLO2gAgEQgDvfu1U4Csj15rbWGaF65y2lbhrx2J0nXa0IxFzVNDR%2F5zsKqQFrip8FO33NM3%2BhKspDftCvlL7Z%2FH2bkA%3D%3D&th=1

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.  

https://craftoptics.com/about-our-products/

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.

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.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/our-latest-self-finishing-option

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/becco-bags/products/round-canvas-patch

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/collections/becco-bags/products/becco-patch-kit?_su_rec=dyJVp6XZCxO3r_0L5GFtUb7ZENtxnL58-jV5rEyW8km1ni615VosCoHYw6i6n2d30WIZQCx43HLZSylcHMJYn7Tk4hXlSpBs8xuXsDnk_s_ObeBCGf9Feg2WX47zmjN5YwCWqnVrlWS8OQq_MnmFMed2OmdTZdqC4XkV68dkZi8H3-02DoKzSVIprEH08jwVuh0qlOXsVBxSLYMyrUeSlH9C4u1Fl1IEatEUvLDolt_LNdYKOxlFLKIUvK9cX7-aUyw7UdgC2_4RR2lO3gXeJiZ1d2oLShRuheRl7H6ohGNcsGA5XatBDu3F5ZomRtfdZVN0McrevBjQYg&_su_rec_id=a9c26a37-8e63-41c1-9452-ac33ca67ee85-1778528433

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.

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).

https://www.homesteadneedlearts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_7326.jpg

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.

https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/ten

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.

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.

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.

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.  

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/2026-Limited-Edition.html?soid=1102635760603&aid=Q18sdCXCMOI

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.

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6rw-bLChpI

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

https://www.youtube.com/@EhrmanTapestry

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.

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.

https://shopelizabethbrooke.com/products/corner-minders

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1488009719458237

https://woolfloss.com/products/corner-minders?_pos=2&_sid=d75345cf1&_ss=r

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.

Another Threadaholic Alert: Tiny Starry

Moondrake Company has a new thread called Tiny Starry.

https://morganjuliadesigns.com/products/tiny-starry-neon-crush

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.

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.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYD0MT2jUa6/?img_index=1

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--

https://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2018/11/how-are-silk-purls-used.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MykPnuTwra4

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

https://www.stitchingfox.com/products/silk-wrapped-purl?_pos=1&_sid=63e622000&_ss=r

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.

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?

https://www.instagram.com/p/DX9_z4FgdSq/?img_index=1

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.

Wool Felt

Sally Mavor is a renowned artist whose amazing embroideries feature in books and art exhibits.  She uses a lot of felt as the basis for her embroideries and in this article she talks about how she uses wool felt, where she buys it, and the difference between what she does and felting.

https://weefolkstudio.com/2026/05/03/why-i-love-wool-felt/

If you use fabrics occasionally in your needlepoint (I personally have used Ultrasuede, felt, netting and lamé), you'll be very interested in her recommended sources for good quality felt.  Note that 100% wool felt is more expensive and heavier than synthetic blends.  I don't find the felt you get at the big box craft stores to be very good, especially if you can order better stuff online.

Wool Felt--

https://achildsdream.com/

This Etsy store is in Canada and also sells wool roving for those who want to do felting.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheOliveSparrow?section_id=20052857&fbclid=IwAR06YuzT8-zXfGgOyvYtVHTn9JYRtj_Hmp8wGMI0XCfHD6u1OJIIDNMcWb4

Rayon/Wool Blend--

https://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetemmajean?ref=l2-shopheader-name&dd_referrer=

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 4, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitch and Finishing Tutorials by The Needlepointer

The Needlepointer is starting to post video tutorials for stitches...

https://theneedlepointer.com/pages/video-gallery?se_activity_id=173136314610&syclid=d7s889520gnc73dq0id0&utm_campaign=Learn+Needlepoint+Techniques+Here_173136314610&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

...and for finishing techniques.

https://theneedlepointer.com/pages/finishing-tutorial?se_activity_id=173136314610&syclid=d7s889jmdvgc73bjv2j0&utm_campaign=Learn+Needlepoint+Techniques+Here_173136314610&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 May 4, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Secure Your Ribbons!

Tired of your silk ribbon falling out of the needle's eye?  Patricia Sone shows you how to secure the ribbon so it will never fall out.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/3228663617441371

She is using River Silks silk ribbon, which is my preferred silk ribbon because it is so sturdy.  It is not a tender ribbon.  It is practically indistructable -although I don't advocate setting fire to it!  It also comes in  a many great colors and 4mm, 7mm and 13mm widths.  I never use anything else if I can help it.

You can't order from River Silks directly but your favorite shop will probably stock it. They are in the midst of moving to Virginia, so right now things are a little disorganized but their fabulous ribbons will be easily available again shortly.

https://riversilks.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 4, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Let Me Introduce You to Jenny Henry

Have you met Jenny Henry?  If not, you can read about her decades (Yikes!  Has it been that long?!) as a needlepoint designer here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXcHtBhkVo4/?img_index=1

If you already know Jenny, go visit her website.  She does lovely ornaments (that Bookshop is a keeper), stockings both large and small, frames, 3-D mini ornament houses, fabulous animals (the sheep and tiger are sold out but the swan's still available), and geometrics and more.  The newest designs are posted on her Instagram page (second link below).

https://www.jennyhenrydesigns.com/

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

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.

Mary's Open Background Stitch Tip

Mary of Whimsical Stitch is doing background stitch postings this month on her blog as she's promoting her new book all about background stitches (Mary's Whimsical Stitches Volume 5: Backgrounds).  It's not out yet but Ruth Schmuff has a preview--

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/marys-whimsical-stitches-5/

In Mary's first posting about background stitches she mentions something important about open background stitches--if you don't like the look, don't worry.  You can still use them and have those holes muted if your finisher or framer puts a thin fabric behind your canvas.  

https://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2026/07/01

Heck, you can even put a thin fabric OVER your stitches.  I've done that to protect a purse that had embellished stitches I wanted to protect from snags.  I've even put a gauzy fabric over the background section of a canvas only to give it a misty look.  Just because you don't like open stitches, doesn't mean you can't use them.  Add a bead or a cross stitch or tent stitch in the open areas, put fabric behind the stitching, or simply step away from your canvas and give it a look.  Often all it takes to make you like open stitches is the normal viewing distance.

How many of us have people over who look at our stitching as closely as we do when we are creating a piece?  The answer is none. (Unless you invite me, of course.  I am dying to see the clever things you did up close and personal.)

UPDATE:  Mary's posted a bit about Volume 5.

https://www.facebook.com/whimsicalstitch/posts/pfbid02rakmpBFefca9o6k1L25XGPVCR8JqiDbtRf32PsaA4CCEWbb7QcTM3zusbW9rqLw3l

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The Star Spangled Santa (Janet Z. Casey)

The Sun City Stitcher is about to start work on Janet Zickler Casey's "Star Spangled Santa."

https://www.suncitystitcher.com/2026/04/tin-toppers-star-spangled-santa.html

I don't think this design is still available but you'll still have fun browsing Janet's designs on her website.

http://www.jzcdesigns.com/index.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Easy Sparkle

Morgan Julia shows off a customer's fabulous use of sequins on this lovely New York landscape.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1798349508123349

It looks like flat, slightly irridescent sequins were attached at very regular intervals all over the design.  I think something like these 4mm sequins were used.

https://www.ccartwright.com/collections/4mm-flat-iridescent-sequins

Happy 4th of July, NYC!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Embroidery Stitches for Embellished Needlepoint

Poppy Monk Needlepoint has started an interesting series on using embroidery stitches to embellish your needlepoint projects.  The first stitch is chain stitch, great for outlines, curves and drawing attention to sections of your design you want to highlight.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/using-embroidery-stitches-in-needlepoint-part-1-the-chain-stitch

The second article in the series talks about how many fancy stitches versus plain ones to use.  You don't want to go overboard (unless you are stitching a portrait of Dolly Parton--then too much is a good thing!) and you need to consider just how durable your want your stitching to be.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/decorative-needlepoint-stitches-how-many-is-too-many

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 22, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Pick Threads for Your Canvas

Third Coast Stitches has written a nice essay that helps you choose threads for your canvas.

https://thirdcoaststitches.com/blogs/news/how-to-kit-a-canvas-fiber-selection

I have my own ideas about how to choose threads.  First up, if you don't like using a thread, don't buy it unless there's nothing else that will give you the effect you want.  

Secondly, perle cottons are a great option for backgrounds as they cover well, come in a wide range of colors, are easy to stitch with (unless you are doing basketweave where they show flaws easily), and are cheap so you can buy lots of it for a big background without breaking the bank.  Cotton floss is also a good choice for main elements due the wide range of colors and the relatively low cost.  Save the expensive silks and metallics for special touches here and there.

Thirdly, you can change colors, but be cautious here.  I've stitched with pale green and pale lavender for a background and had them blend together so you could barely tell the difference.  The skeins looked very different sitting on the table but stitch with them and Color Magic happened--the differences disappeared.  A good rule is to pick a light and dark color or perhaps a light and medium, instead of two lights, two darks or two mediums.  Learn to take a black and white photo to check for color contrast.  If two colors appear gray in your phone photo, they will blend together in Real Life.  

Fourthly, don't be afraid to rip.  Sometimes it is the only way forward.  It's not a disaster, just a learning experience. If you don't make mistakes stitching, you aren't getting better.  My best stitching has happened when I had to adjust for an error.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

WARNING! Gay Ann Rogers Eagle Birthday Heart Sale

Gay Ann Rogers announced yesterday afternoon she'll have a sale tomorrow (July 2) for her brand new 250th Birthday heart featuring an American eagle.

https://www.gayannrogers.com/index.html

Set your alarms.  This one will sell out fast.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Christmas in July

Pocket Full of Stitches is just now getting around to posting about their annual Christmas ornamnet exchange.   As usual, all the ornaments are charming.

https://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2026/04/annual-ornament-exchange-little-or-lot.html

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.