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.

British From Sheep to Needle: Fiber Talk Interview

Fiber Talk's latest interview is with the owner and manager of Appletons Wool, founded in 1835. You can hear about the transition from the ownership of the Appleton family, the challenge of replacing old machines, changing the labels from the old white to colorful maroon and grey, modernizing the running of the company, moving the company from London to outside Oxford, etc.  Then you can hear how this entirely British wool fiber is purchased from a wool merchant in Yorkshire, turned into yarns and sold to stitchers, not to mention how the pandemic and their tight supply chain has driven their business, and why they can no longer moth-proof their wools.  You'll learn which countries buy crewel wool and which buy tapestry wool.  And more!

https://wetalkfiber.com/2023/04/29/fiber-talk-with-di-caldron-and-debbie-obrien-appletons-wool/

You can browse the company's website, look at their wool crewel and tapestry threads (which you can buy directly from Appletons now as of a month ago) and check out their tapestry kit lines, here.

https://www.appletons.org.uk/

Appleton crewel is my absolutely favorite wool thread so I loved hearing about the company and how it works.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 7, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Something You Won't See at the Coronation

Something you won't see at King Charles III's coronation is the sacred annointing of oil.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/6119884861421954/

Here is more about the screen.

https://royal-needlework.org.uk/news/

There is more coronation embroidery news on this part of the Royal School's website.

https://royal-needlework.org.uk/news/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 1, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Jubilee Pillow

Ehrman's latest newsletter showed off the Jubilee Celebration pillow kit that Candace Bahouth created to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's fifty years ruling the United Kingdom.  

https://www.ehrmantapestry.com/queen-elizabeth-ii/

It's not a brand new design but it's a lovely one and I thought today you might enjoy seeing it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 16, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Profile of Ernest Thesiger, Actor and Embroiderer

Thanks to the Needlepointer, I discovered the British actor Ernest Thesiger was a well-known needlepointer and embroiderer.  

http://www.ernestthesiger.org/Ernest_Thesiger/Embroidery.html

It's fun to rediscover our history as needlepointers.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 16, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

UK Needlepoint Kit Designers

I just realized there are a ton of UK companies selling needlepoint kits.  So I've listed them below in alphabetical order so you can browse the websites.  Some of these only sell their own designs, some sell a variety of designers.  Note that these are usually kitted with wool, the designs are printed on the canvas, and the canvas size varies between 10, 12 and 14 count most of the time.  Painted canvases on 18 count needlepoint canvas are an American thing.  The only exceptions are Kirk and Bradley and Tapisserie's hand painted designs.

Anna Pearson Needlepoint - This designer also holds classes and retreats

https://www.anna-needlepoint-pearson.com

Beth Russell Needlepoint - Well known for their Arts and Crafts style

https://bethrussellneedlepoint.com

Cleopatria's Needle - lovely classic designs

https://www.cleopatrasneedle.co.uk

Ehrman Tapestry - The grandfather of them all with a huge range of designers they represent, look for some of their books with charts if you are a counted fan

https://www.ehrmantapestry.com

Elizabeth Bradley -  Huge range of designs in all sizes including rugs, look for some of their books with charts if you are a counted fan - This UK company is widely available through Needlepoint.com in the US, which is a sister company.

https://elizabethbradley.com/pages/shop

Fine Cell Work - Started out as a prison charity they mostly sell finished work instead of kits but they also offer finishing services. They have a brick and mortar shop now.

https://finecellwork.co.uk

Glorifilia Needlepoint - look for their books with charts if you are a counted fan

https://glorafilia.com

Jolly Red - they do wonderful easier designs, some with charming animals, and have a nice finishing service for their designs

https://www.jollyred.co.uk

Kirk and Hamilton (now Kirk and Bradley) - This UK company's painted designs are widely available through Needlepoint.com in the US, which is a sister company

https://kirkandbradley.com

Millenia Designs - Another shop with classic British designs

http://www.millennia-designs.com/tapestry.htm

One Off Needlework - Some designs are available as charts, too - they also offer finishing, such as the "cone" door stop and their bunting flag charts are darling

https://www.oneoffneedlework.co.uk

Primavera is known for their flora designs.  These are printed.

https://needlepoint-for-fun.com/search?type=product,article,page&q=primavera&ml_subscriber=1673153742846825920&ml_subscriber_hash=b2q5

Tapisserie - A fun London store with many unique hand painted designs (see Hayat below) that stocks French wool and silks and a few "fun" threads from the US to stitch them with.

https://tapisserie.co.uk

Did I forget anyone?  Email me at chillyhollow at hot maildotcom so I can update the list.

UPDATES:  Many thanks to the nice folks who helped add new UK tapestry companies to the list!

Hannah Bass - well known for her charming map designs but also has graphic letters, fun bird pillows and a set of darling animal Christmas ornaments which are cross stitches on a wooden form

https://hannahbass.com

Hayat Needlepoint - Hayat Palumbo's designs are often found in Tapisserie (apparently she founded the shop) and she is said to have an Instagram account and a small website but I haven't found them.  Her one book about needlepoint in the late 1990s is gorgeous.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 14, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

When Needlepoint Chairs Were the Height of Fashion

Hands Across the Sea tells us stories of a time when needlepoint chairs were the most fashionable thing.
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/narrative-embroidery/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 17, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Berlin Wool Work? Or Ecclesiastical Embroidery?

Hands Across the Sea is an English blogger who often talks about historical embroidery and needlepoint.  I think she's wrong that Berlin wool work is the same thing as ecclesiastical embroidery, particularly church needlepoint cushions and kneelers, but I'm willing to let her talk for the sake of the lovely pictures.
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/1298-2/

You will enjoy the video about making Surrey Knots.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LajCBqqCSg&feature=youtu.be

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 13, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bloomsbury Needlepoint

Bloomsbury, Virginia Woolf, Duncan Grant--have you heard of these names?  Whether you are interesting in British literature or style, you'll want to check out Virginia and Leonard Woolf's house, which is full of needlepoint.
http://ciaodomenica.blogspot.com/2014/03/monks-house.html

If you want to learn more, look for Bloomsbury Needlepoint, which is out of print.
https://jackiemania.wordpress.com/2014/02/16/a-musing-bloomsbury-needlepoint/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 13, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Royal Carpet

This article Jenny found and mentioned on Facebook talks in detail (with fascinating link to a black and white video showing Queen Mary and her rug) about Queen Mary's needlepoint and her carpet.
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/the-queen-stitched/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 13, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stretching

One Off Needlework talks about how they "stretch" canvases sent to them for finishing. (We call it blocking.)  Personally I think stitch tension has a lot to do with whether a piece done all in basketweave needs blocking, whether it was worked on a frame or not.  However, it's my impression that British needlepointers rarely use a frame, so that may be involved here, too.
http://www.oneoffneedlework.co.uk/blog/to-stretch-or-not/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 3, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Shakespeare and Kaffe Fasset

Kaffe Fasset takes his inspiration for tapestry designs from many sources, but he's often worked with the theatre.  This morning I got an e-newsletter from Ehrman Tapestry (the source for Kay's needlepoint) announcing his partnership with The Royal Shakespeare Company. 

He has created a needlepoint design called "Pressed Flowers" based on various flowers Shakespeare mentions in his plays.  Ehrman sells the kit.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Pressed-Flowers__PFLO.aspx#.VTOMraZH1jc

The Royal Shakespeare Company sells other goods based on the what they call his "Shakespeare's Flowers Range" on their website.
http://www.rsc.org.uk/shop/category/197df978-76c5-4c92-a486-a9a59f33dc5f/http://www.rsc.org.uk/shop/category/197df978-76c5-4c92-a486-a9a59f33dc5f/

This isn't the first time Mr. Fassett has worked with the RSC.  In 1999 he designed large floral cushions for their production of "As You Like It."  Ehrman sells smaller versions of these patterns on their website.  This is the only photograph I could find showing his designs (both sweaters and needlepoint cushions) online.  
http://www.rsc.org.uk/images/content/Photo_Galleries-2009_earlier/as-you-like-it-2000-phoebe-silvius-361x541.jpg

Here are the small versions of cushions from the 1999 RSC "As You Like It."  First, Crimson Blush--
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Crimson-Blush__CBLU.aspx#.VTONvqZH1jc

Double Yellow--
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Double-Yellow__DY.aspx#.VTONiqZH1jc

Paradise Pink--
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Paradise-Pink__PINK.aspx#.VTONcKZH1jc

and Rosa Rubicunda--
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Rosa-Rubicunda__ROSA.aspx#.VTONsKZH1jc

Remember, English tapestry kits are much different than the hand painted needlepoint designs we are familiar with in the U.S.  They are printed patterns on larger count (usually 10-12 count) and meant to be stitched with the tapestry wool that comes with the kits in continental or half cross stitch.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 19, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The 2015 Casket Tour

Tricia of Thistle Threads has announced a tour of various museums in Scotland and England this coming October 2015 to see 17th Century caskets. Ten days of studying caskets behind the scenes in museums?!  Fans of historical stitching and stumpwork, not to mention beading, are going to go wild.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2015/03/uk-casket-tour-october-14-24th-2015.html

More details are here.
http://thistle-threads.com/embroidery/grandtour/ukstudytour2015.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 7, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Chocolate, Samplers and Me

I've always known that a certain percentage of needlepointers only work needlepoint designs in all tent stitches.  But until the needlepoint group on Facebook came into being, I didn't interact much with this subset of stitchers.  After all, my main focus has been embellishment and light coverage stitching, which certainly isn't what traditional needlepoint has been.  Traditional needlepoint is full coverage, often in wools, and mostly used for utilitarian objects like upholstery, rugs and pillows.  These things need to wear like iron and stand up to use.  They are not like the framed pictures and designer models that I mostly stitch these days.

Hanging out at Needlepoint Nation on Facebook, I have made many classic NP friends and suddenly realized that not only were there many more stitchers than I realized who are into classic needlepoint, they are a bit ashamed that that's what they like best.  Some are puzzled by what I do, some are repelled by it.  Most also wonder if they are like the reproduction sampler stitchers--a bit behind the times.

You guys should always remember that the repo sampler people are actually time travelers!  They are stitching like 17-19th Century stitchers to better understand them and their time period.

Thanks to Two Nerdy History Girls (yes, that's the name of their blog--it's great fun!) I have a video that encapsulates this view of historical stitching.  The video itself is about recreating a chocolate kitchen in Hampton Court but that's just the subject matter--the real theme is honoring the craftsmen who came before us and understanding them by making the things they did in the way they did.
http://twonerdyhistorygirls.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-kings-chocolate-kitchen.html

So here is to traditional stitchers, whoever you are.  You are walking in the footsteps of our needlepoint ancestors, practicing their craft as a way of understanding them, and keeping it alive for our stitching descendants to admire, practice and enjoy!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 19, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Chinese New Year Revisited

Anna Pearson posted lots of designs inspired by China on her blog in honor of Chinese New Year. The designs are classics, as are all Anna's creations.  I missed Chinese New Year this year--too much else going on in terms of shoveling snow and ice!--but these designs are lovely and I thought you'd enjoy seeing them, even though it is no longer Feb. 19.
http://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2015/02/kung-hei-fat-choi-may-prosperity-be.html

Happy New Year, everybody!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 20, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Tribute to Elizabeth Bradley Designs

Fans of traditional needlepoint will enjoy this tribute to Elizabeth Bradley Designs.  Don't miss reading the comments!
http://www.theribboninmyjournal.com/cool-weather-means-needlework-time/

By the way, I think all Elizabeth Bradley kits come with the design on the canvas plus a chart as well.

UPDATE:  Janet Perry has reprinted a profile of the company history.
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/passion-needlepoint-blossomed-business/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 9, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hand and Lock "Since 1767" UPDATED

Thanks to Needleprint I've discovered Hand and Lock, a British embroidery company that has been in business since 1767.   They do embroidery for military uniforms, for couture houses, for churches and theatre productions, and of course for individual commissions. 
http://www.handembroidery.com

Have fun exploring the site, reading about the staff and the classes they offer.

UPDATE:  I found more information on the company plus a video on the Embroidery for Ducks blog.  Enjoy!
http://embroideryforducks.com/2011/07/25/hand-lock-part-1/

http://embroideryforducks.com/2011/07/26/hand-lock-part-2/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 12, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The SWAN's QE2 Toolbox

Stephanie's stitching SWAN group has met and this time Stephanie has photographed an amazing stitcher's toolbox with a Queen Elizabeth II Royal Jubilee theme.   The compartments fold out to reveal the tools the owner needs when she needs them, then become compact again for storage.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2013/07/incredible-tribute.html

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.

Fruitcake?

Vicky has just finished her Kirk and Hamilton piece for the Winter TNNA show in February. It's a figgy pudding! I have no idea what that is but Vicky thinks it is a bit like fruitcake.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/now-bring-us-some-figgy-pudding/

To try and get an idea of traditional British puddings I visited Ivan Day's website.  I think boiled puddings are probably the most like Vicky's figgy pudding.
http://www.historicfood.com/English%20Puddings.htm

If you want to read more about British food history and puddings, visit Ivan's blog.
http://foodhistorjottings.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/pudding-king.html

http://foodhistorjottings.blogspot.com/2012/08/one-family-and-empire-christmas-pudding.html

Whether you are interested in food or not, Vicky's very British pudding is a delight to see.

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