Interviews with KCN and Elizabeth Bradley

Needlepoint.com had two trunk shows in September and decided to interview both designers.  It makes for a fun read.  One interview is with a few of the stable of KCN Designers...

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/designer-showcase-kcn-designers

...and the other is with Elizabeth Bradley.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/designer-showcase-elizabeth-bradley-design

Hint:  You can browse the various KCN designers on KC Needlepoint.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/

Elizabeth Bradley Design's website is here.

https://americas.elizabethbradley.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 4, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Visiting Elizabeth Bradley

Apparently one can visit the Elizabeth Bradley production facility in Wales.   They have classes and retreats in Bangor, North Wales.

https://americas.elizabethbradley.com/blogs/elizabeth-bradley/join-us-for-one-of-a-kind-experiences-in-wales-this-september

There is a video showing the packaging facility at work making kits on the Elizabeth Bradley website.

https://americas.elizabethbradley.com/pages/our-story-new

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The New Bradley Needlepoint Company

Kirk and Bradley just announced that they, Burnett and Bradley, Needlepoint to Go, Associated Talents and Two Sisters are now one company under the Bradley Needlepoint Company name.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=616131730559884&set=a.414779294028463

You can visit the new Bradley Needlepoint Company at their website.

https://bradleyneedlepoint.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 4, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Chelsea Pensioners and Needlepoint

Elizabeth Bradley has posted a bit about the inspiration behind their Chelsea Pensioners line of small designs on their blog.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/5097844086959375/

You can see the three Pensioners designs plus the poppy here--

https://needlepoint.com/pages/search-results-page?q=chelsea+pensioner

The Kirk and Bradley "garden" kits are here--

https://elizabethbradley.com/collections/kirk-and-bradley-for-elizabeth-bradley-needlepoint-kits

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 18, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Tip from Elizabeth Bradley

Elizabeth Bradley has a great tip for using those color blocks printed on needlepoint kits:  tie a bit of your thread to the proper block to aid in knowing what thread goes where.

https://www.facebook.com/ebneedlepoint/photos/a.531300420264423/5192588240802261/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 23, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Unusual Needlepoint Projects

This morning I have two unusual needlepoint projects for your viewing pleasure.  Enriched Stitch shows off baby booties.  The canvases are by Danae Designs.

https://www.facebook.com/TheEnrichedStitch/posts/5513919711973632

Elizabeth Bradley shows off a customer's finishing of their floral pillow designs made into cubes.

https://www.facebook.com/ebneedlepoint/photos/a.531300420264423/5147962401931512/

Needlepoint is a texture you can use many, many ways!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Beginner Kits for Victorian Cross Stitch

Elizabeth Bradley now has what they call starter kits for learning Victorian Cross Stitch.  They are small, inexpensive projects that will get you familiar with Victorian cross stitch before you tackle one of their larger projects.

https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/web-view?a=TxAVmM&c=01EY909FHC6PR7KJ94JR0X7ZVR&k=7a10b448c26bc37500fd2dd53e549d49&g=V7hYYX&m=SYJvgA&r=CVF3GWY

There are six floral designs based on some of their larger pieces.  The designs are 3x5 inches, but if you add more background to make them 3 1/2 x 7 inches, you can finish them as glasses cases.  

https://needlepoint.com/collections/elizabeth-bradley-starter-kits?_kx=spGqMUEEs3Pe26tF9Jkghd_FvizqCNqZrcu-EtTsuNa-X-jY5kdJAFI_-tT2BvST.TxAVmM

Elizabeth Bradley's website has videos for both right handed and left handed stitch that demonstrate how to do Victorian cross stitch and how to use the stitch to create a vertical line for stems, etc.  There are diagrams for both versions of the stitch, too.

https://elizabethbradley.com/blogs/elizabeth-bradley/elizabeth-bradley-tips-techniques?_kx=spGqMUEEs3Pe26tF9Jkghd_FvizqCNqZrcu-EtTsuNa-X-jY5kdJAFI_-tT2BvST.TxAVmM

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 12, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved

The Latest from Needlepoint.com

The latest from Needlepoint.com includes information about how to best shop either in person or through their website, that they are the US distributor of Elizabeth Bradley designs and wool, and some of the new thread lines they are adding.  

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/a-look-inside-needlepoint-com

If anything sounds great, just visit their website.

https://needlepoint.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 22, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved

Elizabeth Bradley Sells Large Acrylic Trays

Elizabeth Bradley now sells acrylic trays that are 16 inches square.  They allow you to change out designs with the seasons.
https://americas.elizabethbradley.com/products/large-acrylic-tray?fbclid=IwAR1eVK0WhdaSudiWr4-3uwNlVqFWINCPeQ0ID78BK-et3zW7XMumJehLXEA

Elizabeth Bradley obviously had their 16 inch square kits in mind for these trays.
https://americas.elizabethbradley.com/collections/16-inch-needlepoint-kits

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 18, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Back History of Needlepoint.com

I enjoyed this little walk down memorial lane, remembering and learning the history of Needlepoint.com, which is a shop, a distributor, and educator—and a center of needlepoint fun!
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/the-history-of-needlepoint-com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 11, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint For Fun Looks at Victorian Cross Stitch

Many stitchers prefer stitching in hand, that is, they don't use a frame for their needlepoint.  They simply hold their stitching in one hand while stitching with the other.  This is particularly popular with small items or for rugs.  It's hard to find a large enough rug frame but you can roll a rug and stitch with it on your lap.  Elizabeth Bradley recommends Victorian Cross Stitch for their rugs which are never done on a frame, but stitched in hand.  Here is how the stitch is done.
https://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/the-victorian-cross-stitch-for-needlepoint.htm

Note that you always work from right towards the left.  Elizabeth Bradley tells folks to work from the bottom up but they also say you can work from the top down.  I did this stitch once on an Elizabeth Bradley project and found it uses a lot of thread, thus making it a very sturdy stitch for rugs.  (It also is a bit hard on the hands for those with arthritis.)  I don't think you are supposed to turn the canvas to work the rows right to left each time. I think you are supposed to tie off the row before you return to the right to work it.

For more information and videos, see the Elizabeth Bradley website.
https://americas.elizabethbradley.com/pages/needlepoint-kit-videos

https://youtu.be/jmuK92cC3-s

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 15, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

All About Elizabeth Bradley's Pre-Stitched Pillows

Needlepoint for Fun's latest e-newsletter profiles Elizabeth Bradley's pre-stitched items.  If you ever wondered where these were stitched and by whom, you'll enjoy reading this.
http://www.icontact-archive.com/3sPNpcHW2d6IBVeY4CRghHkGpZ04OnST?w=4

These pre-stitched pillows, stools, lavender bags and tassel trims are called Elizabeth Bradley Home. The entire line can be seen here.
http://elizabethbradleyhome.us/shop/

The unstitched Elizabeth Bradley items are located here.  The kits are cheaper than the finished items but of course you will have to pay to have them finished yourself if you are not handy with a sewing machine.
https://www.elizabethbradley.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 1, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finding 10-12 Count Canvas

Margaret asked about finding 10-12 count canvas (both painted and plain) on Facebook's Needlepoint Nation. The answers were very useful so I am quoting them here for those who want a larger count, especially now that 13 and 18 count canvases are the norm.

Elizabeth Bradley kits come on 10 count canvas, as do the Ehrman Tapestry designs.
http://www.elizabethbradley.com/theamericas/

Occasionally some of the Ehrman canvases are 8 or 12 count.  Check before you buy.  Elizabeth Bradley and Erhman designs are kits, with tapestry wool included.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com

Old World Designs has a series of 10 count canvases that come with coordinating tote bags.
https://www.oldworlddesigns.com/shop/c/p/OWD-Hydrangea-Tote-Bag-x26531509.htm


Jean Smith has some lovely florals on 10 count...
http://www.jeansmithdesigns.com

… and Cat's Cradle also has some nice 10 counts.  Your favorite shop can order from Jean Smith or Cat's Cradle for you.
http://www.catscradleneedlepoint.com

Needlepoint.com also carries 10 point canvases.
https://needlepoint.com

Designers' Desk and other shops carry 10 and 12 count plain canvas so you can work all sorts of designs from books and charts on them.
http://designersdeskusa.com

Have fun looking!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 9, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint.com's A La Carte Retreat Report

I thought you'd love to hear about the annual retreat that Needlepoint.com holds each year.  This year the retreat was held in Raleigh close to Needlepoint.com's shop.  The canvases taught are from the Burnet and Bradley, Kirk and Bradley and Elizabeth Bradley lines, which are owned by the company that also owns the shop, by the way.  The designers are all different, so there is a lot of variety on offer and plenty of classes you can mix and match to suit your own desires.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2017/03/kicking-off-retreat/

http://stitchstyleblog.com/2017/03/day-two/

Planning for the 2018 retreat is already underway.  Check Needlepoint.com's website for the latest information.
https://needlepoint.com/retreat.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 19, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Needlepoint.com Retreat 2016

Ginny has been very busy teaching at Needlepoint.com's retreat but she took time out to share photos and a bit about the fun.
http://www.terrydryden.com/-blog/2016/3/11/tiebele-nights-kits-available-now.html

http://stitchstyleblog.com/2016/03/raleigh-retreat-saturday-classes/

Keep an eye on the Needlepoint.com website for more classes and retreats news.
http://www.needlepoint.com/events

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 12, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: A Collection of Designs Sold

Apparently Janet Burnett of A Collection of Designs has sold her company to the conglomerate that owns Needlepoint.com, Kirk and Hamilton, and Elizabeth Bradley Designs. I'm told the new entity is being referred to as Kirk and Bradley and Burnett in advertising, but on the ACOD website it is called Burnett and Bradley.
http://www.acollectionofdesigns.com/aboutus.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 18, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Now Appearing at Woodlawn UPDATED

I've started assembling links to items about Woodlawn.  First, Melita has sent this profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II to the show. 
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2015/02/04/the-queen-is-visiting-woodlawn/

The New Jersey Needle Artists have all submitted "Frankies" to the show.*  If you are curious about the process, Sue describes it here.  The second link below shows off the various Frankies in all their glory.  The third is Linda's trip to see the show and the Frankies on display.
http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/02/06/ten-frankies-now-entered-in-woodlawn-exhibit/

http://njneedleartists.org/njna-workshops/frankie/

http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/03/22/woodlawn-needlework-exhibition-ii/

Here are the Frankies.  Photographs are only allowed if the stitcher wants to pose.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/832643590146134/

*UPDATE:  I forgot not everyone is familiar with Michael Boren's tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright's stained glass pieces.  This is his "Frankie" chart.
http://www.stitchplay.com/kits.html

And this link is all about Sue's first trip to Woodlawn.
http://blog.njneedleartists.org/2015/03/16/woodlawn-needlework-exhibit-wow/

Brenda went to Woodlawn with friends and won ribbons!
http://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2015/03/woodlawn-52nd-annual-needlework.html

In Stitches is the counted thread/knitting/needlepoint shop very close to Woodlawn.  They posted this photo on their FB page.  Since the photo was taken inside Woodlawn I assume this rug will be shown there.
https://www.facebook.com/521595701209417/photos/a.533100450058942.1073741828.521595701209417/798046886897629/?type=1&theater

In Stitches also talks a bit about a customer's pieces at the show in this blog entry.
http://institchesshopblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/woodlawn.html

Lynn posted a photo of her prize winning lobster on a checked tablecloth on Facebook. Isn't it charming!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=980956608581795&set=gm.831389933604833&type=1

Rona found this video (in Farsi?) taken at Woodlawn in 2013.  They don't normally allow photos but apparently this was taken for educational purposes. It not only shows off the range of items on display but gives you a feel for the old house.   Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXBKJdx17ds&sns=fb

UPDATED AGAIN:  Melita reports on what she saw at Woodland.
https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2015/03/30/woodlawn-roadtrip-2015/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 5, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Virginia Goes NC

Virginia's been on a road trip to North Carolina.  Naturally, she made sure she made lots of needlepoint-related stops!  First she visited the offices of Kirk and Bradley/Elizabeth Bradley, then she went to Needlepoint.com.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/02/behind-the-scenes-at-kirk-and-bradley/

http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/02/elizabeth-bradley-home/

Then she stopped at Adornment Needlepoint.  I've heard great things about this shop!
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/02/road-trip-round-day-two/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 10, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

"If I Can Do It While Watching Netflix, All the Better"

The Ugly Ducking House blog takes up needlepoint, just because. 
http://www.uglyducklinghouse.com/needlepoint-art-diy/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 4, 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.