The Julie Pischke Conch House Purse

Here's another custom leather purse, finished at Pinnel Custom Leather.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZKoGk-O7T0/

Worth every penny!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Chuck Pinnell Leather Bags Are Worth The Money UPDATED

This is why you scrimp and save to send your needlepoint to Chuck Pinnell Leather for finishing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DX2FKMEOLdb/

The canvas design is from Zoe Pischke, who I think is Julie Pischke's daughter.  Julie designed some fabulous carpet bags for needlepoint back in the day.  Looks like Zoe has inherited her eye for what works on large bags.

UPDATE:  This bag is an Initial K Studio design, made up into the South Beach Cobalt Zag bag.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ-ByGxuOlX/

UPDATE #2:  Chuck is on a roll with this Jeni Sandberg canvas.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DaK5D5qOXG5/

UPDATE #3:  How about this Alice Peterson canvas?

https://www.instagram.com/p/Db6hyskvh2X/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 3, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Three Palms Needlework in Bradenton, FL UPDATED

The owner of Julie Pischke Designs has decided to open a needlepoint shop!  It will be called Three Palms Needlework. 

https://www.instagram.com/threepalmsneedlework/

UPDATE:  The shop website is now live.

https://threepalmsneedlework.com/

UPDATE:  The shop is located at 3269 81st Ct East, Bradenton, FL 34211.  It will open May 6, 2024 and will be open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and by appointment.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6fRqLvNVjt/

Good luck!  We never can have too many shops!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 2, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Julie Pischke Designs is Reborn UPDATE

One of the fun things about visiting family in the Florida Keys was a stop at Julie Pischke's shop Island Needlework in Key West. 

http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2010/11/island-inspired.html

The shop has closed and Julie is retired but Julie Pischke Designs is being reborn.  The tropical flowers and foliage, the sea creatures, the colors, the fun conch houses--everything's still there, even those fabulous carpet bags.

https://www.instagram.com/juliepischkedesigns/

Have fun browsing!  

https://juliepischkedesigns.com/

UPDATE:  Needlepoint Junction is one of the few shops carrying Julie's designs right now.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=875943374116858&set=a.627970782247453

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 24, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Julie Pischke Designs is Sold

I just learned that Julie Pischke has sold her line of needlepoint canvases to the owner of Grande Stitches in Boca Grande, Florida.  I'm told Julie is taking a much deserved vacation, then will be designing for the line but avoiding all the paperwork.  Her Island Needlework shop in Key West will stay open during the season for now, but the building is for sale so it is likely it will be closing before long.  You can browse her work on the Julie Pischke Needlepoint website if you aren't familiar with Julie's tropical themes and Key West houses.
https://juliepischke.com

Here is the shop that will carry her designs and manage the wholesale line for other shop owners to purchase.
http://grandestitches.com

Good luck, Julie!  Have fun in semi-retirement!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 11, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bring Your Stitching to Life

Many of you have heard Susan Portra's motto, "Bring Your Canvas to Life." I am pretty sure that this is NOT what she meant!  But you know, bringing painted canvases to life is just what we do, except we mostly use needle and thread.
http://needlepointland.com/category/video/

The above is an introduction to Erin McGrath, the mind behind Needlepoint Land.  Pour yourself your favorite beverage and start exploring!  I'm not going to tell you what you'll find but there is gold here.  It is up to you to roam around and find the buried treasure.

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.

Introducing Old World Designs' New Totes

Have you liked the Julie Pischke tote bag canvases (usually on 10-12 count so they are a quick stitch) that come with their own bag? Except none of the canvases really grabbed you? Old World Designs has introduced a similar tote bag series.
http://www.oldworlddesigns.com/totes.html

You can see the original Pischke Pockets canvases in the links below  I have no idea if Julie designed Old World Designs' versions, but they sure look similar to me.  (By the way, the link to the standalone Pischke Pockets site that has a video of how to attach the canvas to the bag doesn't work. I think that website has been taken down.)
http://www.juliepischke.com/categories/Pischke-Pockets/

http://www.needlepoint.com/designers/pischke-pockets.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.

New Kits from Needlepoint.com

Needlepoint.com has updated their website page for the kits they offer.  The shop is in Raleigh, NC which is only 4-5 hours from the North Carolina beaches, so there are lots of wonderful summery designs available.  Lots of their kits are on larger 10 or 12 count and come with wool.  These are meant to be tent stitched.  However, not everything is a throwback design.  They also offer canvases with stitch guides and plenty of fancy threads and stitches.  Your choice!
http://www.needlepoint.com/kits/needlepoint-university.html

The above link has changed.  Thanks for letting me know, Jen!
http://www.needlepoint.com/kits/needlepoint-kits.html

Pick whatever seems perfect for your summer vacation and everything will arrive, ready to start stitching without delay.

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.

Trunk Shows, Newsletters and More

Roanoke Squirrel Clip on From Labors of Love

Needle House's latest newsletter heads off the summary of trunk shows and sales for this week.  The newsletter link is on their home page.  Just scroll down to the bottom and click on Summer-July to see the latest news, find out how to stitch the Tudor Stitch, and enjoy some British-themed designs.  It's also fun to click on the Projects to Stitch page to see their latest clubs and individual pieces that can be kitted up for easy stitching this summer.
http://www.theneedlehouse.com/jm/

Fireside Stitchery just announced an Edie and Ginger trunk show (ten percent off the canvases plus a free stitch guide and ten percent off the threads if you buy them at the same time).  These classic designs are distributed by CBK now.   Edie and Ginger created the craze for frog shaped frame weights and some classics like the Froggy Wizard of Oz and the surf frog, not to mention the frogs frolicking at the pool, are included in the trunk show.    You can also find their famous fairy tale pillow designs, intricate little vignettes of the stories we know so well, and many other timeless designs like the heart lady series or their intricate Christmas stockings that are going to look fabulous all in basketweave.
http://www.firesidestitchery.com/fs/handPaintedCanvas/index.cfm?fuseaction=GETVirtualTrunkShows&saleId=132&saleTypeId=1

Ridgewood Needlepoint has Cooper Oaks canvases everywhere.  Their June trunk show canvases are twenty percent off and there are 500 to choose from!
http://www.ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/

BeStitched is having a SharonG trunk show (20 percent off).  Check the Sharong.com website for canvases, then head to the BeStitched website to order.
http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/

Peacock Alley is having an Associated Talents trunk show.  AT is another favorite designer or mine, so I am thrilled to see all the models and canvases on the Peahen's site.  Remember, many of these canvases have a free stitch guide on the AT website, so check there once you have chosen favorites to see if you can download a free guide to help you get started.
http://www.peacockalleyneedlepoint.com/Peacock_Alley_Needlepoint/Home.html

http://www.atneedlepoint.com/

Bedecked and Beadazzled has the Labors of Love (20 percent off) at the shop.  Browse the Labors of Love website (second link) and then give them a call.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/whatsNew.php

http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/

The Chaparral is having A Collection of Designs over for a trunk show that ends June 23.  They don't post images of trunk shows on their website (but there is contact info for those who want to buy).  Click on the second link to browse ACOD's wonderful pieces.
http://www.ndlpt.com/

http://www.acollectionofdesigns.com/gallery.htm

Rebecca Wood's trunk show (20 percent off) is at Thistle Needleworks in Connecticut.  If you don't like close enough to visit, go to their online shop Alex Paras Needlearts.
http://store.apneedlearts.com/rewodetrshju.html

Are you a fan of the clip on bird canvases from Labors of Love?  But you aren't wild about birds or perhaps you have already stitched as many birds as you like and want something a bit different but similar?  Then I have a treat for you--Yarn Explosion in Roanoke has an exclusive clip on squirrel design that you can order.   You can see the canvas above.  Just contact them at the second link for the details.
http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/gallery.php?category=2

http://yarnexplosion.com/

The Classic Stitch in Illinois has invited The Studio to be their trunk show for June.  Are you a fan of their "topper" canvases?  If so, give Classic Stitch a call to see if your favorite little outfit is available.
http://www.theclassicstitch.com/

http://www.thestudiokc.com/midwest/toppers.html

Barbara Bergsten's designs are appearing at Sign of the Arrow this month.  Follow the links to the shop site.
http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2012/06/bbd-needlepoint-trunk-show-june.html

The Nimble Needle in Atlanta has two trunk shows for June:  the Julia belt collection and Sandra Gilmore's Once in a Blue Moon canvases. The second link is their website with contact information in case you need help selecting just the right belt canvas or want to get the price for that Gilmore canvas you've had your eye on.
http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=45d1a2a693824b7bef0df6f6c&id=55f53df049&e=dc439ad853

http://www.atlantanimbleneedle.com/index.html

Ridgewood has the Cooper Oaks trunk show at their shop (20 percent off).
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/06/we-are-happy-to-announce-cooper-oaks.html

The Needlepointer's trunk show for June is from Birds of a Feather.  Check their website for details.
http://www.theneedlepointer.com/trunkshows.php

Bristly Thistle has Point of It All Designs as their current trunk show (20 percent off). You can see a preview of the collection here.
http://www.harborwireless.com/Email/PDtrunk.htm

All  patriotic-themed canvases are 25 percent off at Stitch By Stitch during June to celebrate Flag Day.
http://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/

Eye Candy (and the rest of Ruth Schmuff's designs) is appearing at Barbara's Needlepoint in Souix Falls.  Check out the photos and follow the links to Barbara's Facebook page as the shop doesn't have a website.
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2012/06/trunk-show-update.html

Finally, Old World Designs is having a Julia, Beth Gantz and an Associated Talents trunk show in june plus a Julie Pischke trunk show in July! Read all about it in their newsletter.
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=livfunbab&v=001EXWmPNxFGZsuoLluUIqHKXmqLfjQOLayp0V968jbOOryFbUE_-j1AlALipJwUJVpl4A7c7g4cqYfYoxcVIEZL6GaIvZUtVoXJtOTQLsDIYJCAA2QGjwJFQ%3D%3D


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

How to Prevent Dandruff (and Why)

Diane is about to start stitching a large nutcracker canvas with a huge amount of white background. She has decided to paint the white background so that no matter what stitch Amy Bunger recommends when Diane takes this canvas to an Amy class, no white bits of canvas (often called "dandruff") show.  Here's how she learned to paint out white background.
http://dianestakingtimeouttoneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/05/dry-brushing-nutcracker-canvas.html

If you are unfamiliar with canvas dandruff, or want to know other ways of preventing it, settle down with Joni Stevenson for another terrific explanation of stitching techniques and how to improve your finished project.
http://creative-stitch.blogspot.com/2012/05/canvas-coverage.html

http://creative-stitch.blogspot.com/2012/05/look-at-cross-stitch-and-fabric.html


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

Julie Pischke Day in Raleigh UPDATED

If you are a fan of Julie Pischke and especially of her new Pischke Pocket kits, make a beeline for North Carolina on October 5 and 6 to participate in Needlepoint.com's next Pischke Pocket Day, which will have Julie herself present.  There are some details on the website but you should call or email the shop for further information.
http://www.needlepoint.com/upcoming-events.html

If you haven't seen the Pischke Pockets, here is Julie's site that showcases them.
http://pischkepockets.com/news/

Her other needlepoint canvases are on the regular website.
http://juliepischke.com/

UPDATE:  Photos of all the fun at Julie Day in Raleigh.
http://www.needlepoint.com/blog/?p=816

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

Events for Needlepointers

Shops are starting to get creative with special events for their customers.  For example, Old World Designs is following up their road trip to see Melissa Shirley's studio with a visit on June 30th to Maggie/Ewe and Eye.  If you are in the Menlo Park, CA area on this date, call the shop to register.
http://oldworlddesigns.com/events.html

Needlepoint.com is having a Pischke Pocket Party.  At The BEACH!  A Pischke tote bag is included for ocean-side stitching and a good time for all is guaranteed.
http://www.needlepoint.com/upcoming-events.html

They are also having a Julie Pischke trunk show with 20% off.  You don't have to be present to get the discount, Internet shoppers.  Details here-
http://www.needlepoint.com/all-canvases/julie-pischke-trunk-show.html

(Don't forget their gingerbread retreat next November.  That one is in Ashville, North Carolina.)
http://www.needlepoint.com/upcoming-events.html

Finally, they are holding a Background class June 8.  Learn how to transform that little ornament into a WOW! piece by creative backgrounding.
http://www.needlepoint.com/upcoming-events.html

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

The Easter Bunny (and Friends)

With today being Easter (and Passover just past) I thought you'd enjoy seeing some Easter themed pieces.  First, look at the darling Easter houses that Robin has stitched.
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2011/04/where-does-easter-bunny-live-and-shop.html

Vicky has an Easter Egg house she's getting ready to stitch.  Look at those cute chicks! This canvas is by Needle Deeva and there is a matching bunny and basket house (second link).
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/04/14/easter-parade/

http://store.apneedlearts.com/fahath.html

Lastly, notice who shows up in the comments to give Vicky some really great pointers for stitching her house.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/04/17/looking-for-inspiration/

By the way, Vicky drops a hint about an article that will appear in Needlepoint Now (Vicky is the projects editor for the magazine) in the next few issues.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/04/15/almost-finished-with-that-pische-pocket/

Happy Easter, everyone.  Eat a chocolate bunny for me!

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

Gone Shopping, Part Three

My final posting about Friday's big shopping spree mostly covers the various bags, totes and purses I saw at Waste Knot.  There were so many I thought I'd do a separate article about them.

Most of us have seen photographs of various purses you can buy that have spaces in the front for a needlepoint canvas to be attached.  I was lucky enough to see a great many of these in display and be able to tell you about the things you don't see in photos.

I'd always wondered about the Lee nylon totes.  Photos don't show how high quality they are.  Some have a faux leather trim inside the top margin as well as handles.  All have zips and pockets and the hardware looks sturdy.  I think this are a good buy if you don't want a leather purse.

The Lee leather purses are of outstanding quality--heavy leather, with good quality insides, zipped dividers, pockets, etc.  There are many sizes and styles.  Waste Knot had all black leather ones but they come in other colors.  Refer to the New Lee Needle Arts site for more styles and colors.
http://www.newleesneedlearts.com/files/catalog/Lees_Leather_Goods_Catalog_2010_pt1.pdf

If you like the easy of stitch and zip purses, you may be interested in the Sophia purses.  Here's a better photo (you can just glimpse them in the Lee leather purses photo.  They come in many styles but I can't find a link online to show you.

There are purse canvases, of course.  None are more beautiful than Mindy's.  Waste Knot was having a Mindy trunk show so I snapped this photo of two amazing purses and the handles that come with them.  You should look at Mindy's website for other styles, each of which has an amazing handle included.
http://www.mindysneedlepoint.com/Mindys_Needlework_Factory/purses.html

If you want a quick stitch tote bag, check out Julie Pischke's tote canvases which are on 10 count.  These are called Pischke Pockets.  The canvas and matching tote bag are sold together. All you do is add thread!  There's even a "how to" video on the JP tote website to help you attach the canvas to the tote bag yourself.  Trust me, it is not hard.  Check out the video and other styles on the Pischke Pockets website.  Other more traditional tote bags are on the regular Julie Pischke website.
http://pischkepockets.com/

http://www.islandneedlepoint.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=26&osCsid=dd9a4a745ef129ec4786be2970cd4074

Many needlepoint bags are not meant to be decorated--they are intended for the needleworker on the move who has to take a project or two along.  The bags in the front are the great Ashland Sky bags that Leigh Designs distributes.  The pink and green ones in the back are Walker mesh bags.

There are many more bags on display at Waste Knot.  These are all project bags from various sources.  As you can see, there's something for everyone!

My final photo is not a bag at all, but Trubey's tuffet.  The canvases you see are intended to cover the tuffet.  They are all floral, all with a slightly different background color.  Lori says she's seen this made up with trim dividing the sections and that it looks great finished with trim to unify the various areas.  This would be an interesting and unique project for someone's house.  If you are more traditional, Lori has two sizes of solid wood footstools you can see in the background which accommodate square canvases in their tops. These are sturdy and well made and will last a lifetime.

Hope you enjoyed shopping with me.  I am still working on Cha's background as I'm not willing to handle silk ribbons in this heat.  Today's supposed to only be 96, so things are improving.  The high yesterday was 101 with a heat index of 106 degrees.  No, I don't live in the desert, it just feels like it all along the east coast.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow

New Stitch Guide Source and Sales

Julie Pischke's Sassy Sea Horse

Last night I--you guessed it--did more tent stitches in Cha's background.  Today I'll be able to continue stitching the left wing.  It just took a very long time to surround the area with tent stitches so that I wouldn't disturb the wing stitches by doing background next to them.  On the positive side, there is only about a quarter of the background left to stitch after this week's background stitch marathon. Look on the bright side, I always say!

I posted a new entry on the CH Stitch Guides blog this morning.  It's all about French Knot in Texas, their revamped website, and the huge number of stitch guides available from them.  You'll want to check it out to see if your favorite designer canvas has a guide from French Knot.
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2010/07/stitch-guide-heaven-french-knot.html

I stumbled across a mention of Peacock Alley Needlepoint in Michigan's having a 20-40% off sale of everything in their store (except for their Shorebirds trunk show and the Michigan kits plus their threads are 10% off).  They specifically mention all the Lee leather goods being on sale as well as the HP lacquered boxes they have in stock. All in all, a good time to go shopping but remember that the sale ends July 31st.
http://www.peacockalleyneedlepoint.com/Peacock_Alley_Needlepoint/Home.html

Finally, Old World Designs in California is having a Julie Pischke trunk show this month as well as a special show of circus-themed canvases from many designers.  If you love summery beach canvases inspired by Key West or are a Big Tent fan (who isn't?) you will want to check these out in person the next time you can get to Menlo Park and the shop.  Sadly, there aren't many photos online, but if you want to explore Julie's website and then call the shop, check the second link.  Got a favorite circus canvas?  Email them to see if it is available and get the cost.
http://www.oldworlddesigns.com/

http://www.juliepischkedesigns.com/index.shtml

The Stitching Destashing Blog has just listed new items.  There are a lot of small Christmas-themed painted canvases and quite a few very nice counted thread projects.  Have a browse.
http://www.stitchingdestashing.blogspot.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow

Raining and Dreary

It is still raining hard here in Chilly Hollow, so I thought perhaps you'd like to take a side trip to Key West, home of sun, fun and the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

http://www.islandneedlepoint.com/news/newsIndex/index.shtml

Julie Pischke has a shop in the Keys (I think now open mostly fall and winter for the tourist season, so call before you go) which I've had the pleasure of visiting. Her website has lots of news with plenty of pictures to help you enjoy both her designs and also her stitching visitors and their pieces, particularly her fabulous purses. Check them out by clicking on all the links. By the way, The Art of Needlepoint in the left column has finishing instructions for one of her tiny designs.

I'll go get the pina coladas while you browse....

By the way, the design above is Julie's Island Girl. It's fabulous and on 14 count for those of us who just prefer bigger counts that stitch up faster.

Main blog with another design featured at http://blog.360.yahoo.com/chillyhollow