Create a Tiny Christmas Light

Colleen at The Wool and The Floss has a really clever way of making a dimensional Christmas bulb for this cute moose canvas.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1468994904890148

For those without a Facebook account, Colleen uses Flair, ties a knot in the end, then she goes down through the painted Christmas bulb, leaving the knot on the top.  Next, she creates a second knot with a French knot.  These two knots are padding.  The third step is to do satin stitches over the knots.  Then she ties off because she plans an open stitch background, so each Christmas tree light tangled around the antlers needs to be started/stopped right there, instead of dragging the Flair to another light bulb.  That would show though the open stitch background.

Smart!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Dimensional Leaf Stitches: The Movie

Since yesterday was Santa beard stitches, I thought today should be Christmas tree leaf stitches! Chaparral in Dallas has a nice video on their Instagram account showing how to create 3-D leaves for a tree.  (This also works for bird feathers or dragon scales or even flower petals.). Please note you can substitute a large needle for the small laying tool as the foundation for your stitches.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_BdTWIP1fJ/

I learned this stitch as woven picots and use memory wire as the foundation.  You can also use a thread like perle cotton for a foundation although I find that a bit harder.  Here are diagrams.  Once you have the memory wire in place for the outside legs, loop thread up from C over the tip of the memory wire triangle, and start to weave it over and under the memory wire and the C leg of thread.

As you can see, all you need is the foundation and you can weave your standup leaf to the size you want for whatever you are creating.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 24, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Gingham Stitchery Introduces Krissy Johnson Designs

The Gingham Stitchery has a new designer--Krissy Johnson Designs.  This video introduces Krissy and some of the new items (some inserts, some dimensional, some ornaments) from her talented brain that debut at the March 2024 Spring Market.  These aren't on the Gingham Stitchery website yet, so pay attention!

It's a fun look at a new designer, her life, how she got into needlepoint and of course the designs she has created for our stitching pleasure, including her adjustable four prong fork for making bows of all sizes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4d-uFxPZD5/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 14, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Treasure Trees

NeedlePaint has something new in their line of printed designs--a dimensional Christmas tree that opens up to show a hidden surprise!  The trees come in two sizes and Peggy explains how she assembled them in this interesting article.  

https://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2024/01/29/needlepoint-treasure-trees/

If you want to try this, the larger tree will be easier to assemble.  Smaller items are harder because our fingers get in the way!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 30, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Dimensional Dog with Stitch Diagrams

Stephanie at Ridgewood Needlepoint is stitching one of the Sew Much Fun dimensional stuffed animals as part of their New Stitch Monday series.  These designs come with stitch guides but Stephanie is using her own stitches.  In this first entry from Ridgewood about this piece, she explains Scotch and Cashmere variation and includes a diagram.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-102/

Stephanie did more Scotch stitch combos for her dog.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-103/

The next two sections have stripes, one Stephanie made up when she miscounted the section.  It looks fabulous, proving that mistakes are when we get really creative.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-104/

The back of the first leg has a very pretty Hungarian variation.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-105/

More of the first leg, this time a Milanese variation.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-106/

The last of the first leg, using a Parisian stitch which is one of my favorites.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-107/

Now the second leg is started.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-108/

More on leg number two.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-109/

I think we are working one of the two front legs now.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-110/

The front leg with lots of stripes was apparently a lot of fun.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-111/

The second front leg is cute.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-112/

This is the last of the front leg stitching.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-113/

The ears, head and gussets are the last things to be stitched.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-114/

Here are good photos of the finished dog, posted by Stephanie to Needlepoint Nation.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/7221488861261543/

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1100672771574068&set=pcb.1100685498239462

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 9, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sew Much Fun To Drool Over

Stitch by Stitch Larchmont is having a Sew Much Fun trunk show, so their June newsletter is full of photos of the designer's models.  Time to pour your favorite beverage and enjoy the show!

https://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/so/e6OXUMMTx?languageTag=en&cid=68c6d8c4-6311-4db7-a6af-6c56ebef78b3

Many of Sew Much Fun's pieces have stitch guides.  You may need to ask your favorite shop to get the guide for you as it may not be included with the canvases but if you like embellishment, you won't want to pass a guide up if it is available.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 30, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved

Making Santa's New Ride Dimensional

NeedlePaint.com has two new Santa designs, both dimensional.  One is a blue station wagon, the other is a red truck.  Peggy explains how the station wagon was stitched and shows how she finishes these items (NeedlePaint sells printed designs, kits and does finishing) which is quite interesting.  

https://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2021/08/18/new-3-dimensional-needlepoint-kits/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 19, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sue Hawkin's Dimensional Needlepoint

Looking for something a little different?  How about browsing Sue Hawkin's website to admire her dimensional houses, camper vans and beach shacks?

https://suehawkins.com/shop/

Sue's in the United Kingdom, so the little houses are all English-style sheds and cottages.  They are worked from charts.  I'm told Sue ships very quickly so you can have a camper van ornament ready to hang on your Christmas tree by early December if you raid your stash.  Her sewing box with fobs is a little more elaborate but it's charming.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 7, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Visit the Needlepointer in 3-D UPDATED

Here's something you don't see every day—a 3-D tour of a needlepoint shop!  You can "walk" into their thread room, explore the current Alice Peterson trunk show, and click on blue dots to read more about certain items.
https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=EaQVhuiHdRv&fbclid=IwAR2_TF41v3t3z2DCTLz_0OiBjmNCAF-wodw-VEOLcYcj5yPbkrnjnTn2ydo

The Needlepointer in Edmond, Washington posted this.  Have fun exploring!

UPDATE:  I think I should attach a warning here.  I've heard from other Facebook group admins that some folks have problems with 3-D images. I have heard of someone with traumatic brain injury who gets bad migraines from them.   If you have vision issues or migraines, avoid this like the plague!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 13, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Grow Your Canvas Volume One: Flowers UPDATED

Lisa Kessler of BeStitched has announced the first book in a planned series on creating dimension on needlepoint canvases is available for pre-order.  Volume One is Flowers.
https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/products/how-to-grow-your-canvas-volume-i-flowers?_pos=1&_sid=6edff5382&_ss=r&inf_contact_key=1e631bdb458e1d17a469884a931561a3

Stay tuned!

UPDATE:  Nicole posted some photos of the book on Facebook.  It looks like a great specialty book for those who stitch a lot of florals.  Use the right side arrows to see more.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157899851782290&set=pcb.2669362553140886&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 18, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Creating Distance through Sparkle (Or Lack Thereof)

Melita got to take a pilot class from Nancy Cucci and showed it off on her blog.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2019/11/04/sisters-from-nancy-cuccis-pilot-class/

The thing I find fascinating is that Nancy put all silk squares in the background and made them small.  The medium-sized squares use silk and metallics.  The large ones use silk and beads.  The sparkle and size of the squares make them seem closer or further away.  Fascinating!  Who knew you could create depth in your design this way?!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 4, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Ruche Petite Sparkle Rays: The Movie

BeStitched has a nice video showing how to ruche Petite Sparkle Rays and attach it to your canvas for a dimensional effect.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULaCHfkRuUI&feature=youtu.be&inf_contact_key=5cc8ef9b7bd56dd80e058a8a62a0b187

This works for many Rainbow Gallery threads.  If you ruche Flair, you should use a big size 18 needle (or larger if you have one) and perle cotton to put a thread inside the Flair tube first.  This is easiest to do if you poke the needle through using the eye first so you don't accidentally pierce the tube of thread with the sharper end.  Once you have perle cotton inside the Flair, just scrunch it up until you have a ruched look.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 28, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NJNA Visits Nashville Needleworks

Some of the NJNA crew has been in Nashville, Tennessee so naturally they visited Nashville Needleworks.  
https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2019/02/25/nashville-needleworks/

I think the needle felted rabbit that Brenda Stofft teaches is shown here.
https://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/artemis-3-d-bunny-by-brenda-stofft/

You can visit the shop website if you don't plan to be in Middle Tennessee soon.
https://nashvilleneedleworks.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 25, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Repousse Stitch Tutorial UPDATED

The newest newsletter from Needlepoint for Fun has a tutorial for repousse stitch.  This is a raised wrapping technique perfect for a snake, a cat's tail, a rope, raised edge of a mirror, anything narrow and long on your canvas that you want to have a 3-D effect.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/how-to-do-a-repousse-stitch-in-needlepoint-and-the-best-places-to-use-it.htm

There are other explanations of the technique in the Techniques and Tips tab at the top of the page under the title.

UPDATE:  Ruth shows how to create a dragonfly tail.  (There are two parts.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/DA8qg_XMhMI/

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

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 24, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Carol Martine, Artist in Dimensional Needlepoint UPDATED

Carol Martine has decided to do more dimensional needlepoint. Her blog shows off three pieces she's already finished. Now I cannot wait to see what she is working on now!
https://carolmartinedotcom.wordpress.com/2018/06/13/original-expressive-needlepoint-things-past/

Here is what Carol is starting.  What do you think?
https://carolmartinedotcom.wordpress.com/2018/06/14/new-plunge-into-original-needlepoint-piece-june-2018/

She's trying to pick her focal point and establish a good layout.  Note that she has labeled some areas of the design to remind herself of the dimensional effect she wants.
https://carolmartinedotcom.wordpress.com/2018/06/18/the-evolution-of-the-needlepoint-piece/

Carol stenciled the background pattern around the border, using various colors but making sure each color was used in three locations.  I thought that interesting.
https://carolmartinedotcom.wordpress.com/2018/06/21/the-evolution-of-the-needlepoint-piece-some-more-steps/

Carol has started with the padding for leaves on her background border once she traced the stems and leaves onto the border.
https://carolmartinedotcom.wordpress.com/2018/06/27/evolution-of-the-needlepoint-continues/

Now the stenciled background has been stitched and some of the leaves are in.
https://carolmartinedotcom.wordpress.com/2018/07/01/the-needlepoint-evolution-closing-in-on-the-end-of-the-background-layer/

Carol's having way too much fun with silk ribbon!
https://carolmartinedotcom.wordpress.com/2018/07/15/the-needlepoint-evolution-continuing-step-by-step/

Now that Carol's thinking about the center of her design, she'll pulling supplies as a way to help focus her ideas.
https://carolmartinedotcom.wordpress.com/2018/07/30/progress-notes-on-new-needlepoint/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 14, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Medici on Film

Needle Works has posted a video of the dimensional needle felted cat named Medici (after the shop cat) that Brenda Stofft has designed and which Brenda will teach in the shop this September.  It's pretty amazing! I don't usually post about classes but this is so astounding that I wanted everyone to see it.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2018/06/medici-is-in-the-house.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 4, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Needle Felt a Mushroom

Lalabug has a wonderful video showing how to needle felt a mushroom that i thought you'd enjoy.  It creates a dimensional item that could be added to your needlepoint later.
https://www.lalabugdesigns.com/blog/mushroomtutorial

The techniques used are ones used to create this needle felted cat from Brenda Stofft.  Brenda will teach this at Needle Works in Texas next September.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2018/05/medici-is-in-the-house.html

If you are more interested in needle felting onto needlepoint canvas instead of creating a dimensional item, I have helpful information and a tutorial here.
https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/p/needle-felting-needlepoint-canvas.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 28, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Raised Embroidery: A Book Review

Jessica Grimm has written an interesting review of the latest book from the Royal School of Needlework—Raised Embroidery by Kelley Aldridge.
http://www.jessicagrimm.com/blog/book-review-rsn-raised-embroidery

Although this book is written for those interested in embroidery, not needlepoint, the raised and dimensional techniques can be adapted to needlepoint canvas with a little ingenuity (and often using a sharp needle instead of a tapestry needle to pierce the canvas threads to place a stitch just where you need it instead of just in the holes).

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 26, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Royal School Tackles Raised Embroidery

The Royal School of Needlework has a new book out, this time on raised embroidery techniques, including stumpwork, raised stitches, padding and more techniques that make an embroidery more 3-D looking. Mary Corbet has done a review here to give you a flavor of this book and help you decide if it is something you might be interested in.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2017/04/raised-embroidery-techniques-projects-pure-inspiration.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 28, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Making a Sewing Bird, Step by Step

Are you familiar with Melissa Shirley's Stitching Birds series?  It looks like they are discontinued but Melissa still has some in stock.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/galsearch/index.cgi?index=1231727968_26504&col=

You will want to see how Sue made up her sewing bird.  It's fascinating and makes me understand that professional finishers are worth every penny.
https://sudukc.wordpress.com/2016/07/13/3d-finishing-melissa-shirley-sewing-bird-part-1/

https://sudukc.wordpress.com/2016/07/20/3d-finishing-melissa-shirley-sewing-bird-part-2/

You can see another finished stitching bird on the Nimble Needle blog.  Lovely!
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2013/12/finished-work-customers-pride-and-joy.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright  July 20, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.