Daylight's Anita Lamp

Barbara's Needlepoint shows off the Anita Lamp from Daylight in this Facebook unboxing video.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1436804947788439

For those who don't have a Facebook account, I found the Anita table lamp here.  There is a floor lamp version, too.  Both have Daylight bulbs, so that the colors are true.  There appears to be a tray to hold your threads (I don't know if it comes with the lamp or costs extra) and the lamp itself is adjustable.  The magnifier is also somewhat adjustable and you can change the smart phone clamp to view the screen horizontally or vertically.  It doesn't look like the clamp itself adjusts enought to hold anything other than a phone, however.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpiS6ZpF2Ec

Many thanks to Barbara's Needlepoint for alerting us to this lamp.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Rehoming Ann Hanson's Limited Edition Santas

Every year Ann Hanson does a limited edition Santa for Barbara's Needlepoint.  They are small in number and highly sought after.  You can see a typical Ann Hanson Santa (not a limited edition one which tend to be larger and much more detailed) on the Barbara's Needlepoint website at the link below.  The 2025 Limited Edition Santa is also visible on this page lower down in the You Might Also Like section.

https://www.barbarasneedlepoint.com/products/ann-hanson-small-cyclamen-santa

Barbara's Needlepoint gets a lot of inquiries about finding one of these Limited Edition Santas from previous years, so if you or a family member has one of the limited edition Santas and you know it's not going ot be stitched, talk to Barbara's Needlepoint who can help you with a valuation of your Santa, they'll discuss a buy-back or help you get in contact with someone looking for that particular Santa.

After all, Santa needs a good home where he'll be stitched and enjoyed each holiday season, so help Barbara's customers out if you can.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 10, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Easy Way to a Fabulous Beard and Great Hair (and a Cute Sheep)

Sharon Wollman of SM Wollman Designs (you remember her--she used to make pumpkins out of vintage needlepoint) shows off her Santa's beard, made the easy way with Gloriana Lorikeet wool.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/787129097021398

Basically, you secure the thread on the back side, come up where you want a coil of beard to start, separate one ply from the bundle of nine, then holding that single ply, slide the rest down toward the canvas.  It'll bunch up and twist.  Put it on your canvas, poke and prod it into position, then couch down so it stays.

Sharon used Gloriana's 9 ply wool called Lorikeet in their "Winter White" color, but Gloriana has a lot of shades of white, brown, tan, charcoal, gray, etc. to use for animal fur as well as beards and hair. I really like Lorikeet myself.  It's the thinnest wool you can get these days and perfect for all sorts of touches on people or animals.

https://www.nashvilleneedleworks.com/collections/thread/Lorikeet

After the beard, Sharon moved on to Santa's hair.  This is what it looks like.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1376730551123473&set=a.632862522176950

This is done in messy basketweave.  Barbara from Barbara's Needlepoint demonstrates how to achieve this look in a video Sharon posted.  Basically you simply do basketweave but don't pull all the stitches tight.  They'll twist and raise up off the canvas.  With the right wool-look thread, you too can have hair that looks like you forgot your comb!

https://www.facebook.com/barbaras.needlepoint/videos/653597189085386

The next lesson is twisted lazy daisy stitch, done with two threads (Wisper and Lorikeet again) and two needles.  It makes an adorable sheep!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1098041699083068

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 11, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Barbara's Needlepoint Has a New Owner

Barbara's Needlepoint in Sioux Falls, South Dakota has a new owner!

https://www.instagram.com/p/C8xg2wLOMfk/

Barbara has sold the shop to her daughter-in-law Katie, who's been working at the shop for a while now.  Barbara herself isn't retiring exactly; she's now going to just run the finishing department.  Have fun, ladies!  Hope the new roles are great fun for you two.

If you've not visited the shop website, here's their address.

https://www.barbarasneedlepoint.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 29, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Barbara's Needlepoint Christmas

Barbara's Needlepoint is starting to show off customer's holiday stitching.  (You'll need to log into Facebook to see these lovely pictures.). First, the shop shows off a customer's garland of Kelly Clark handbell canvases.  Make sure you check the comments for most photos of similar garlands.

https://www.facebook.com/barbaras.needlepoint/posts/pfbid0BrecWupGtZ98ZBPAHKJFDLVP8DyUNUpjoeRDcLRVCvqc2G1ZtweWwDN9wtzcGnowl  

Next is Ginny's Christmas tree, full of Ann Hanson limited edition Santas and Melissa Shirley ornaments.  I think I spotted Joy Jurich and Kirk and Bradley designs on the tree as well as a small Lee kimono.

https://www.facebook.com/barbaras.needlepoint/posts/pfbid023gZrHucTQUNWGSarsWUAaKnBktWXsHTeaBtdBcKPU3f6BQJHc1FdrnAVrJnWPKVsl

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 14, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Basket of Chicks (Cindy and Beth and Helen of Barbara's Needlepoint)

Cindy and Beth's Basket of Chicks star was stitched using a guide by Helen.  Contact Barbara's Needlepoint for the canvas and guide.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=682991887166515&set=a.453077796824593

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 31, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Accessories for Strawberries UPDATED

If you have succombed to the fun of stitching the strawberry shaped canvases that Barbara's Needlepoint has pioneered, you are not alone.  In fact, there are so many strawberry stitchers that Michele Ink Designs now sells metal strawberry tops.

http://michelleink.com/michelle-ink.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2Hfb6x_4t0LC546qo5eNTbmC3ImPYwSbIdm0J5Ks6NzzIjgGxkXjq-lxI

These can also be purchased through the Michele Ink Designs Etsy store.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/michelleinkdesigns/?etsrc=sdt

UPDATE:  The strawberry caps are now available in three sizes.

https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2023/03/fine-silver-accessories.html

If you haven't heard of needlepoint strawberries, here is a link to some of Barbara's Needlepoint's designs made up.

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/89/e5/a0/89e5a0630dfe99fc5c1b1ca0335b11e9.jpg

Here are what the canvsaes look like before they are stitched and finished.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JudyannNeedlepoint?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=916243758&section_id=29364625

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 5, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Aster + Daisy

I enjoy seeing the work from in-house artists at Barbara's Needlepoint, so I was excited to realize that Aster + Daisy is the Beth from Beth and Cindy at Barbara's.

https://www.facebook.com/AsterandDaisyNeedlepointDesigns

Following the links, I found her Instagram account, which has lovely photos of some designs I've never seen before.  Don't you just love that Santa and Mrs. Santa star!?!  It's available in either a white or black background, too.  Spring Floral is amazing, as well, but I'm in love with the pumpkin with the witch's hat.  Lots to see and admire (and call Barbara's to order).

https://www.instagram.com/asteranddaisydesigns/?r=nametag&fbclid=IwAR2A6moPWIj_XKhUlDzmaDsDn-XxK-rrRI93bdU-aZNL04x_PuVwEQf7Dp0

UPDATE:  Aster and Daisy Designs now has an Etsy shop, too.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/AsterandDaisyDesign
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 19, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Barbara Has Bead Answers

Barbara of Barbara's Needlepoint has a nice video about beginning beading on needlepoint canvas posted on the shop's Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=saved&v=597160977921641

Here's the shop website if you have questions or see a canvas you like.

https://www.barbarasneedlepoint.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 6, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ann Hanson Bunnies Galore!

Barbara's Needlepoint has posted ten years' worth of Ann Hanson bunnies on their Instagram page.   Start here-

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbX1GuFskJw/

When you finish drooling, use the big outside arrow on the left to see two more pages of Ann's work.  I think she does the chicks and sheep also.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 22, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Barbara's Needlepoint Has a Website !!!!!

Barbara's Needlepoint in Souix Falls, South Dakota has a website now!

https://www.barbarasneedlepoint.com

Oh boy oh boy oh boy!

Barbara's Needlepoint has in-house artists that you will love.  Check Ann Hanson's work, the Cindy and Beth Designs section, and of course Barbara's own Under the Rainbow designs.  They are also known for superb in-house finishing but there aren't many photos of that available yet. 

Have fun browsing.  They are a great shop and I'm glad they have a website where we can browse and buy now.  Not everyone is on Facebook, after all.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 17, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Under the Rainbow Has a New Owner

Barbara's Needlepoint just announced they purchased the Under the Rainbow line from Jane Monroe, who wanted to retire.  Fans of the Under the Rainbow designs can now order by calling Barbara's Needlepoint in South Dakota or by contacting them through their Facebook page.  (The shop doesn't have a website.)
https://www.facebook.com/107558659287177/photos/a.629766710399700.1073741860.107558659287177/1861204477255911/?type=3&theater

We wish Jane a happy retirement and Under the Rainbow Needlepoint Designs a long life!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.co
 and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 22, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Custom Pet Portraits UPDATED

Those of us with companion animals in our families sometimes need a custom portrait of our cat and dog (or parrot or whatever) friends.  I thought I'd compile a listing of folks who will paint a portrait of your pet from a photograph.  Here they are, in alphabetical order.  (By the way, most of the examples are of dogs.  Apparently most customers want dog portraits.)

Alice Twiggs Van Trease, Needles and Threads of Ruxton, is said to do lovely dog portraits. I haven't found any examples to show you.  Sorry.

http://needlesandthreadsofruxton.com

Barbara's Needlepoint has a painter (Cindy) who does lovely dogs.  Contact Barbara's Needlepoint via their Facebook page to arrange this at the second link below.
https://www.facebook.com/107558659287177/photos/a.471227749586931.100490.107558659287177/1082334315142935/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/Barbaras-Needlepoint-107558659287177/

https://www.facebook.com/107558659287177/photos/pcb.1369658023077228/1369657099743987/?type=3&theater

Heidi does very nice dog portraits.  You can view Heidi's designs on Flickr by searching Heidi Stanley or heididesigns. She can be reached by email at jonrheidir@gmail.com.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1622699111329011&set=pcb.933002363443589&type=3&theater

She also has an Instagram page.
https://www.instagram.com/heidistanleydesigns/

Labors of Love does a series of very nice cat and dog canvases but they will also do a custom portrait for you.
https://www.facebook.com/laborsofloveneedlepoint/photos/a.163225933826831.39001.163219983827426/692426104240142/?type=3&theater

Some of their customs are at the bottom of this page.
http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/cats-and-dogs.html

Lisa Ferguson does nice dog portraits that are like the animals but not too complicated to stitch.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206643238509378&set=pcb.1094417757302048&type=3&theater

Contact her via her FB page (second link below).
https://www.facebook.com/lisa.ferguson.710

Sandra Gilmore/Blue Moon Studio will do custom dog portraits.  Contact her via her distributor, Fleur de Paris.
https://www.facebook.com/needlehearts18900/photos/pcb.512520835601438/512519772268211/?type=3&theater

Jackie at Smiling Cat Studios does a lovely dog that doesn't appear too complex to stitch.  The only contact information I have for her is via Needlepoint Breeze (second link below).
https://www.facebook.com/Needlepointbreeze6/photos/a.487770404613196.113970.487766711280232/1195481983842031/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/Needlepointbreeze6/

Gail Hendrix at Squiggee does nice dog portraits.
http://squiggeedesigns.com

My Pink Sugar Life does pop art style portraits.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/253390010/hand-painted-pop-art-pet-portrait-of?ref=shop_home_active_4

Tammy Syrigos Irrera does fabulous dog and cat portraits.  Contact her via her Facebook page.  You can see a lot of examples of her work there, too.  UPDATE:  Tammy is temporarily closing her custom painting business as she needs to concentrate on her ill parents right now.  (January 2019)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10207366421909027&set=pb.1540727335.-2207520000.1474036636.&type=3&theater

UPDATE:  As Mary Agnes reminds us, many local shops have painters who will do custom pet portraits.  Just ask if you are lucky enough to have a shop nearby.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 16, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Picking a Finisher

The Facebook page Diane's Stitchin in the Mitten has posted photo albums of finishing done by various folks some who will take finishing directly and some which you have to contact via a shop.  This is helpful so you can see if someone has experience in the type of finishing you want done. The first photo album is work by Angela Shaddon.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1623244944605504&id=1439608229635844

Here is finishing arranged by Barbara's Needlepoint.  The shop has great finishers on their staff.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1623521527911179&id=1439608229635844

These designs were finished by folks chosen by Bedecked and Beaddazzled in Baltimore.
https://www.facebook.com/1439608229635844/photos/pcb.1623883044541694/1623881041208561/?type=3&theater

These were finished at Chaparral and at Chapel Hill Needlepoint.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1624146631182002&id=1439608229635844

These were finished at Marlene's.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1624436884486310&id=1439608229635844

All of these were finished through shops--Needlepoint.com, Nimble Needle in Atlanta and Peacock Alley.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1625092711087394&id=1439608229635844

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 4, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Barbara's Needlepoint is Raising Money

Barbara's Needlepoint is raising money for an employee who is about to give birth to a baby who will need major surgery. This limited edition Ann Santa will be auctioned to raise funds. The details are on Facebook as Barbara's doesn't have a website.  Contact the shop for more information. 
https://www.facebook.com/107558659287177/photos/a.629766710399700.1073741860.107558659287177/907462875963414/?type=1&theater

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 21, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Peter Ashe Stocking (Video)

If you are a fan of Peter Ashe canvases or Santas, you'll want to see the video Barbara's Needlepoint posted on Facebook showing the stocking that a customer stitched. Sorry it's sideways but this was the shop's first video and it is full of information about the threads and stitches used on this Santa stocking.
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=779322395444130&set=vb.107558659287177&type=2&theater&notif_t=notify_me

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 8, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ann Hanson's House, a Pictorial Visit

Barbara's Needlepoint in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is a wonderful shop that uses several local artists to design canvases that are gorgeous. My favorite works in the shop come from the talented brush of Ann Hanson.  Ann creates a limited edition Santa for the shop each year that is always classic and lovely, plus her rabbits are fabulous.  I felt very lucky to find Carolyn Hedge Baird took photos of Ann's house when she taught at the shop.  If you have a Facebook account, here is the photo album full of Ann's needlepoint.  Enjoy!
https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.h.baird/media_set?set=a.10200845045032454.1073741827.1353909662&type=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Where I Want to Spend Easter....

Carolyn Hedge Baird has taken a tour of Barbara's Needlepoint, a fabulous shop (and home of the painted canvas designer Ann Hanson) in South Dakota that doesn't have a website, just a Facebook page.  It looks like the perfect place to spend Easter.  (Or Christmas or any durn day of the week, in fact!)  Carolyn has featured a lot of Ann's rabbit canvases here and promised a later blog posting about Ann's yearly limited edition Santa canvases.
http://www.livingwithneedlepoint.com/2013/04/03/easter-at-barbaras-needlepoint/

In fact, I'll postpone posting this to Blog in the hopes that Carolyn does a write up on those Santas.  Stay tuned!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Remember the Name Ann Hanson UPDATED

Linda fell hard for a canvas by Ann Hanson, the in-house artist for Barbara's Needlepoint, that she saw on Facebook. So she ordered it and got the threads and a brief guide that explains where to use the threads.  Linda has been having great fun working on this classic design using mostly basketweave.  Here's what she said about the piece.
http://nystitchingsisters.blogspot.com/2013/02/almost-finished.html

UPDATE:  Linda's done!
http://nystitchingsisters.blogspot.com/2013/03/santa-ornament-finished.html

Barbara's Needlepoint doesn't have a website so if it wasn't for their postings on Facebook, Linda never would have fallen in love and I wouldn't have seen Ann Hanson's work.  Ann does a limited edition Santa canvas for the shop each year.  They are all beautiful but when they are gone, they are GONE.  Ann doesn't repaint them, sadly.  Not to worry, though.  She does other wonderful work for the shop.  If you have a Facebook account, visit Barbara's Needlepoint and browse the photo albums to catch glimpses of her designs.  Roll down to the 2012 photo albums and look for Ann's Available Santas to see the limited edition Santas that haven't sold out yet.  This link may work for those who don't have a FB account. This is the 2013 Santa from Ann Hanson.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=503187233057649&set=a.471227749586931.100490.107558659287177&type=1&theater

This is one of Ann's rabbits.  Perfection!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=488355084540864&set=a.488354974540875.103166.107558659287177&type=3&theater

Ann's a real talent.  I wish I could see more of her work.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monthly Club Update

From Barbara's Needlepoint, Sioux Falls, SD

Ridgewood Needlepoint is reporting they've signed up for a Kelly Clark monthly club called Tremendous Trees which will start "in the spring."  Since there are no photos on Kelly's website yet, we are lucky that Pocket Full of Stitches has posted some preliminary photographs.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/12/kellys-trees.html

Chandail's Poison Bottles Club (Kirk and Hamilton) has photos of all the finished models now.  Just click on the little yellow text under the thumbnail photos.
http://www.chandailneedlework.com/series/Poison%20Bottles.php

What's the Point? is introducing two new clubs--one a Kathy Schenkel Mrs. Santa Prepares for Christmas club that goes with their previous Mr. Santa Prepares set, and the other is Labors of Love's Victorian Toys club.  Details on each club are here.
http://www.whatsthepoint.biz/

Needle Orts is continuing their club of Rebecca Wood's 4th of July pieces and their Twas the Night Before Christmas mini socks.  I don't know the designer for that one.  Sorry.
http://www.needleorts.com/upcoming_events.html

I hadn't seen their Flamingo ornament club before.  Or their Dolly Mommas. Hilarious!
http://www.needleorts.com/category_results.cfm?Category=17

http://needleorts.com/results.cfm?SubCategory=14

Needleworks has added photos of more finished models for their Kelly Clark monthly angel club to their blog.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2012/01/happy-new-year-a-little-late.html

Beth's Needlepoint has added new models to their Brenda Stofft Santa's Wild Ride club.
http://www.bethsneedlepoint.com/Dot_ClubsExec.asp?idClubCategory=8

http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2011/11/fleas-navidad.html

If you are a Do-It-Yourself type stitcher, Stitch Boutique of Boston has some fun Santa ornaments from The Collection which would make a lovely collection.
http://www.stitchboutiqueboston.com/canvases-christmas-c-2_47/

The final "club" I have to tell you about isn't a monthly club, it's an annual limited edition Santa from They don't have a website, but they have started posting photographs of finished Santas from previous years on their Facebook page.  If you have an account, you can see the photo albums here.  The photograph above is the 2012 Limited Edition Santa, which I believe was designed by Ann Hanson.  Here are links to other Santas.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.228741063826035.77121.100000704292923&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.101706963196113.3794.100000704292923&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.101435103223299.3193.100000704292923&type=3

If you love stitching Santas but want something that not every stitcher has, you should look into Ann Hansen's Santas.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com