The Scotland Needlework Retreat

Last spring Caroline and her mom went on the Scotland needlework retreat hosted by Needlework Travel.  Spoiler:  they had a blast!

https://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2026/07/23/needlepoint-journey/

If you are charmed, the 2027 tours are to Ireland and Spain.  Start saving up now!

https://needleworktravel.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 24, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Lamb's Wool (But in Silk)

Mary Corbet mentioned an old ecclesiastical piece of the Lamb of God she stitched recently.  

https://www.needlenthread.com/2007/04/embroidery-project-update-almost.html

I found the wool on the sheep to be especially lovely.  Mary created it with two strands of Soie d'Alger silk using stem stitches.  Then she wrapped some of the stem stitches with flat silk to make the bumpy texture.  This is the first "woolly" lamb actually done in silk I've ever seen.

Very clever, Mary!  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 21, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Does Your Spool Need a Hug?

Carolyn Hedge Baird reminded me about thread spool huggers, wonderful for keeping the ends of threads secure if your spools don't have any way of catching the loose end built in.

https://newbrothread-official.com/products/new-brothread-thread-spool-savers-spool-huggers-prevent-thread-tails-from-unwinding-no-loose-ends-for-sewing-and-embroidery-machine-thread-spools

I've used these and like them.  Shop around as prices vary greatly and there are a lot of manufacturers of these things.  Note that if you use Q-Snaps, these also hold fabric around the Q-snaps nicely, too.

https://123stitch.com/item/Allary-Fabric-Huggers-or-Spool-Huggers-Pack-of-12/123-5385

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 24, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Travel Tips for Airplanes

The Stitch Ladi has sensible travel tips for flying with needlepoint.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Da00uRSEgpi/?img_index=1

P.S. Read the comments for more good advice.

If you don't have an Instagram account, you can read the article on her website.

https://thestitchladi.com/blogs/news/traveling-with-needlepoint?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=bio&utm_campaign=travel-tips

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 23, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Using Knitting Yarns for Needlepoint Designs

Oz Needlepoint just visited a local knitting store (Monarch Knitting--their website is the second link below) to pick up yarns for a crochet project and for her needlepoint.

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

Here is an example of using knitting yarn by Charlotte Oliver Needleworks.  (By the way, the background stitch is called Upright Latticework and the diagram can be found in Jo I. Christensen's The Needlepoint Book.)

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

You do get a lot of yarn in one skein so I'd recommend checking out threads that would work well for Santa beards, animal fur, etc.  Then you can use it lots of places and share with your stitching buddies.

https://www.monarchknitting.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 23, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Attach Tassels

Stitch with Hope demonstrates how to attach pre-made tassels to your canvas.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Das9b_EFKj7/?img_index=1

I'm not sure which Etsy seller she used but these tassels look like the pre-made ones she used.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1545634117/cotton-tassels-tiny-tassels-colorful?ls=a&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pre+made+tiny+tassels&ref=sc_gallery-1-2&plkey=Euv_I2TyIYYvSkOWMSarA4Cu9Kff%3ALT38aca0d5e80c4335dc6534c56240225850c1d953

However, tassels are very easy to make yourself.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

I Thought I'd Seen It All!

I thought when it came to needlepoint, I'd seen it all.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZX42BrO1yx/

I was wrong.  A needlepoint canvas vending machine??!!!

https://edithsmary.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Mary Corbet Reviews DMC's New Embroidery Transfer Pen

You've probably seen or at least heard of the transfer pens that can be used to mark your canvas and which are supposed to be water soluble.  DMC has a new fine-tipped embroidery transfer pen that Mary Corbet has been testing. 

https://www.needlenthread.com/2026/07/dmc-fine-tipped-embroidery-transfer-pen.html

She likes it and says it does a fine line if you use steady pressure.  She says cool water does "erase" the line but there is a residue left behind that might turn brown over time.  I would add that heat sets the blue ink, so don't leave your stitching in a car in the summer or iron over these lines.  In my experience, sometimes they vanish overnight without any water being applied if it is very humid.  I've had them never vanish at all, even with cold water used on a Q tip.  So these are products to be used with caution, but they are very useful for marking your background area or perhaps marking the center of the top, bottom, right and left sides of your needlepoint canvas.  I use mine for that sort of thing often as the blue line areas will be cut off in the end or covered in finishing.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 21, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Rated Difficult (and Beautiful)

Mary Legallet of Whimsical Stitch has posted her weekly stitch diagram--and it's gorgeous!  It is an open stitch, perfect to give Asian flair to a canvas background and enhance the intricate shading.

https://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2026/09/09

She calls it Woven Octogons and says she thinks Meredith Willett of M's Canvashouse, The Meredith Collection, etc. created it.  It is not an easy stitch but as Mary says, work each side of the octagon before moving on to the next.  The headaches as you try to work it across your canvas will be worth it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble! (not really)

On the Go Stitches shows you how to deal with all those holes in your wooden stretcher bars.  She simply soaks them, turning occasionally, in the hottest water from her sink she can manage for around five minutes.  Let them dry in a sunny window.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DdAr5-GtrA7/

Be careful!  Boiling water burns are no joke.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow 

logging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Introducing Lou Gartner to a New Generation of Needlepointers

A Dragon's Tale just profiled Lou Gartner, interior designer and needlepoint creator, on their Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DcjlNK0GkX-/?img_index=1

I own both of his books.  His abstract malachite designs and his big cats were amazing!

https://thecarycollection.com/products/needlepoint-design-1970-gartner-louis-j-jr

Shop around for his books.  You can get them at a good price if you are patient.

https://www.amazon.com/More-Needlepoint-Design-Louis-Gartner/dp/0688029469

If you want some of his canvases, 1st Dibs has belts, rugs and more for sale.  "Blanks" are how they describe unstitched painted canvases.  Make sure you look at all the photos.  The malachite rug canvas is only one of the rugs available--there is an alphabet, a paisley, a butterfly, and more.  The cat pillow is only one of many, including a charming monkey.  There are lots of pillow and short belts or fob designs, too.

https://www.1stdibs.com/search/furniture/?q=lou%20gartner

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

New Stretcher Bars

MB Stitch Company has a new type of stretcher bars.  As I write this, there's not much information on them (they won't ship until October 2026), but if you watch the video at the link below you'll see the bars slot together differently and are made of magnetic material.  Put a set of two pairs together, then add the top matching set and your canvas is held securely without staples or tacks.  There is a slot to hold your needles on each side and you can get the matching Stitch Bridge, which is also magnetic and appears to hold small items like your metal needle threader.  

https://www.instagram.com/reels/Dc3xfiGiCoP/

Hopefully by the time this publishes more information will be on the MB Stitch Company website.

https://mbstitchco.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Interview with Colors of Praise

Needlepoint.com's September trunk show was Colors of Praise so they posted a brief interview with the mother/daughter team that runs the company.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/designer-showcase-colors-of-praise

Marie is the designer and Malin is the business brain who have teamed up to bring you the delightful Colors of Praise pieces.  Want to know more?  Visit their two websites, one for needlepoint canvases and one for decor, including finished needlepoint items like chairs, pillows, purse straps and paintings.

https://colorsofpraiseneedlepoint.com/

https://www.colorsofpraisedesign.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Ruching Wired Ribbon Tutorial

TSM Needlepoint just posted a quick tutorial on ruching wired ribbon on their Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Dcv_r98xqfK/

I'll just add that you need to avoid using your good scissors to trim the wires.  They will dull quickly and a scissors sharpener is hard to find these days.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The Lullaabee Light/Magnifier

The Needlepointer is selling a light/magnifier I've not seen before.

https://theneedlepointer.com/products/large-view-4x-hands-free-needlepoint-magnifier?se_activity_id=176581411058&syclid=daan1ksdalas73ccc00g&utm_campaign=A+Little+More+Light.+A+Lot+More+Detail.+%F0%9F%92%A1_176581411058&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

It comes in black or white, has a pretty big footprint on your table so it should be stable as you bend the magnifier to the right angle for your stitching, and costs $129 plus tax and shipping.  The lights are 48 LEDs, it magnifies four times, and is powered by rechargeable batteries using USB-C.  The base has a slot where you can park a phone or perhaps a small tablet.  The manufacturer is Lullaabee, based in the Netherlands.

https://lullaabee.com/products/led-magnifying-desk-lamp-with-48-lights

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 31, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pretty Isn't Enough

How do you choose the canvas to stitch?  Ruth Schmuff of Bedecked and Beadazzled says for her, "Pretty isn't enough."  Instead, she looks for something fun that has room for experimentation.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/08/pretty-isnt-enough/

If that sounds like something you might enjoy, browse Ruth's blog where she showcases her classes and stitch guides.  Heck, if that makes you run screaming from the room, take a look anyway.  Ruth just might convince you to see needlepoint through her eyes for once.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/not-your-grandmothers-needlepoint/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 21, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Destashing on Your Smart Phone

Are you the sort of person who loves haunting the stash sale websites?  Do you have them all bookmarked on your computer and check them during down times, just hoping for that great bargain?  Then Needlepoint Destashing has a trick for you to put their website on your smart phone.

Warning!  This may lead to overspending your budget!  Don't say I didn't tell you that Needlepoint Destashing should be renamed Temptation Central!!!!

You can create a quick launch button that takes you straight to their website from your smart phone just like any other app you use a lot.  This is how you set it up--

On an iPhone or iPad:

1. Open www.NeedlepointDestashing.com in Safari.
2. Tap the Share button.
3. Scroll down and choose Add to Home Screen.
4. Tap Add.

On an Android device:

1. Open www.NeedlepointDestashing.com in Chrome.
2. Tap the three-dot menu.
3. Choose Add to Home screen.
4. Follow the prompts to add it.

That's it.  With this shortcut you are now ready to shop until you drop!

Happy browsing, folks.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

I Have Clutch Envy

I never liked clutch-style purses much--until I saw this one!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1545804927226443

Now I want something similar, right down to the Japanese Shigori kimono fabric on the back side. The canvas is from Tapisserie in London who also arranged the finishing.  

https://www.tapisserie.co.uk/

Kudos!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Patricia Sone Recommends Salt and Pepper

This short video from Patricia Sone tackles the eternal question, do you stitch light colors or dark colors first?  Patricia says she was taught "Salt and Pepper."  In other words, she typcially does the lighter colors first.  She does point out there are exceptions to every rule, of course.  But do white or pale colors first, then tackle the dark colors.

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

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Gay Ann Roger's Annual Sale Starts Thursday

Gay Ann Roger's annual sale of her counted canvaswork designs will open Thursday, October 22, at 8 a.m. California time.  You can see a preview of her two new designs (one large, one small) at her website on October 21.

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

Her new large Armada portrait of Queen Elizabeth 1 will be for sale, as well as some of her redwork samplers.  Other items will be in the sale as well.  Be ready to start shopping at 8 a.m. California time.  Gay Ann's pieces sell out fast, particularly her portraits of royalty.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 23, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.