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.

https://www.thesilverneedle.com/gadgetsgiftsandaccessories.html#bench

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.

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!

https://www.facebook.com/tonyminieridesigns/posts/pfbid0PAXf81K3AhdPC75PG9oo1M1sszga8XtLx8ULs9DQcM9yyRu6PSXu23CEzre5oSB4l

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.

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.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZIqS5CBn7Z/

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.  

https://featherlight-frames.myshopify.com/products/featherlight-frames

https://featherlight-frames.myshopify.com/products/rectangle-featherlight-frames

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.

Needlepoint Snark

Design by Elm Tree Needlepoint*

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

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYNFFmBkjPo/

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!

https://www.reddit.com/r/NeedlepointSnark/?rdt=33484

*You can find the above canvas here-

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/if-you-dont-have-anything-sit-by-me-canvas

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.

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.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10242681968923361&set=gm.27041210145529454&idorvanity=108537025890131

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.

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.)

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

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.

The Julie Pischke Conch House Purse

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZKoGk-O7T0/

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.

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.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=27035255362763347&set=gm.1658430968714474&idorvanity=1012025060021738

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.

https://www.amazon.com/Clover-3114-Antique-Yarn-Threader/dp/B000GBT9JG/ref=asc_df_B000GBT9JG?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80058400531633&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=91304&hvtargid=pla-4583657885298860&psc=1&msclkid=768302f639d21703df2768d61c7bd57e

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.

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!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Db9MFLeHdBq/?img_index=1

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.

https://shopstitchsloth.com/collections/acrylic-boxes

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.

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.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYVQY8EogS8/

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

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/DY5AZuboSv9/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/DY21pHclSxb/?img_index=1

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYgF-Y7IL86/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYn1Ek3o7PP/

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.

Do You Need Stretcher Bars?

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

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

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.

https://spellboundstitchery.com/products/stretcher-bar-frame

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.

New Stitch Monday and Jennifer's Angel

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

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-215/

Here are more crossed stitches for your stitching pleasure.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-216/

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.

Needlepoint.com Interviews Elizabeth Crane Swartz

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

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/designer-showcase-elizabeth-crane-swartz

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.

https://elizabethcraneswartz.com/

https://theseagrassstudio.com/

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.

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--

https://woolfloss.com/products/x435-peace-gingham-in-red?_pos=10&_sid=828f4f38b&_ss=r

I wanted a background like this--

https://woolfloss.com/products/ki2158-bunny-with-sprinkle-ears-green-gingham?_pos=28&_sid=828f4f38b&_ss=r

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.

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.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/05/27/timeless-treasures-from-the-archives-and-morning-glories-in-the-may-june-2026-issue-of-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.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/05/29/morning-glories-by-lani-and-finishing-class-with-sue-parsons-of-west-coast-finishing/

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.

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.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/DX7jQxVSu_w/

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.

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.

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DY0eVUdxbxU/

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.

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.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DUZM93gjizK/

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.

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjCHyae1ykQ

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.

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, 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DansOZ-z-af/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DbXDdJvz0pZ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DbHUpRLTg8-/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Da2ontjTwHx/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Da0CBcczm7W/

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)

https://www.amazon.com/shop/ellenaustin?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_39YRY0PFESWQGECFEERZ&ccs_id=2a9b3fc9-2b1b-439e-8975-f323c5a9423e

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-

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYmgvKNAGS3/

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.

https://destash.rittenhouseneedlepoint.com/about/tradeIn

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.

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.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2026/05/rehoboth-beach-museums-14th-annual.html

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

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1486131113555346&set=a.461612179340583

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.