A Tip for Stitching Background

Ever get confused working background stitches around central design elements?  Louise's Needlework has a great trick to make it easier.  You do have to work the background first, though, at least the area near the design element that breaks up the background.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1559860389473899&set=a.539149581544990

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Bargello Tuck: The Movie

The Wool and the Floss demonstrates how to use the Bargello Tuck stitch to secure slippery threads such as Neon Rays on the back of your canvas.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DKamiwmx6Vp/

If you prefer written instructions, Louise's Needlework has a nice explanation on their Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-aBXqAtyXU/?g=5&img_index=3

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 3, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Beginning and Ending Threads Securely

Louise's Needlework has a nice short article on starting and ending threads securely.  Use the right side arrow to see all the pages.  They use inline and away waste knots, the pin stitch, the L stitch, T stitch and Bargello tuck to start or end threads securely and have diagrammed each for you.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-aBXqAtyXU/?g=5&img_index=1

I should add that Louise's Needlework has a very informative "Tips and Techniques" page on their website.  It's worth bookmarking for the next time you need expert advice.

https://www.louisesneedlework.com/hints-and-tips-for-needlepoint.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 8, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Louise's Needlework To Close in November

Louise's Needlework just announced that the fourth "Louise"-- Jill Elia -- has decided to retire. The shop will close next November, 2024.

https://media.rainpos.com/530/News_Blast_August_2024_Final.pdf

Jill, we'll miss you.  I hope you have a relaxed and happy retirement!  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright Aug. 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Neon Rays Tips

Louise's Needlework has some great tips for stitching with Neon Rays in this month's shop newsletter.

https://media.rainpos.com/530/News_Blast_May_2023_Final.pdf

Basically, Jill advocates using a flat iron to smooth cut lengths of Neon Rays, and to use a metal laying tool to lay each stitch since a wooden tool can sometimes snag this tender thread.  If you are doing padded satin stitch with Neon Rays, Jill likes to use Very Velvet as padding underneath for extra depth.

Stitching Shop advocates dampening the thread or popping it by cutting a length and then pulling each end simultaneously.  They also mention using steam or a flat iron to smooth Neon Rays and have tips on keeping this slippery thread from sliding out of the needle's eye or wiggling out from the back of the canvas where the ends are buried.

https://www.stitchingshop.com/store/index.php?l=product_list&c=105

If you aren't familiar with Neon Rays, this is from the Rainbow Gallery website.

https://www.rainbowgallery.com/product/neon-rays/

If all else fails, Neon Rays+ is a good substitute.  The bit of metallic filament woven in this thread makes it easier to stitch with than the original.

https://www.rainbowgallery.com/product/neon-rays-2/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 5, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Packing Needlepoint for Travel

The nice folks at Louise's Needlework are getting ready to go to the trade show, so this month's newsletter lists all the things they pack to travel with their needlepoint.

https://media.rainpos.com/530/News_Blast_March_2022_Final.pdf

Note that the Ikea clamp on light they use doesn't seem to be available from Ikea any more although there are plenty available on eBay.  Ikea now sells a USB powered light they call the Jansjo without a clamp.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 15, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Approaches in 2020

I've noticed some shops are being particularly inventive in their marketing this winter. Louise's Needlework is now kitting discount canvases so that you can pick up some really cute small designs that come with threads at a very good price.  You can see what's currently available here among the beginner kits and the self-finishing leather goods.
https://www.louisesneedlework.com/shop/KITS.htm?pageNum=1

BeStitched has just released an app for your mobile device.  When you download the app you will go straight to their website and see what canvases, trunk shows, series and books are currently available.  Unlike their website you can't visit their blog or see any of their videos.  If you turn on notifications, BeStitched will let you know about specials or new items.  It looks as if you can check on an order you've placed using the app as well.  It is a nice easy way to visit the shop and browse, especially for those who mostly use mobile devices.  Of course using a desktop or laptop and going to their website allows all the features.  You can get the app for either Android or iOS devices by searching the stores for "BeStitched Needlepoint."

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 24, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Joys of Counted Canvaswork

The latest e-newletter from Louise's Needlework is out and as usually it has some interesting items. My favorite section was Susan's essay on the fun she has with counted canvaswork.
https://media.rainpos.com/530/news_blast_april_final_pdf.pdf

I don't do much counted work myself (I cannot count reliably to three some nights) but it is always interesting to see it being done.  There's nothing quite like seeing a blank canvas start to develop a design and of course you can indulge yourself with lots of color play by choosing your favorites.

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

A Tour of Louise's Needlework

Sheena's on the road, visiting Columbus, Ohio's Louise's Needlework.  It looks like she had a great time!  I love shop tours.  We get to see stores we are not close enough to visit.  By the way, click on a photo for a larger view.
https://www.sheenasstitches.com/a-fun-week/

In case you didn't notice Sheena's link to the shop website, here it is again, just in case you fell in love with something in the pictures.
https://www.louisesneedlework.com

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

How to Create Beaded Fringe

Louise's Needlepoint's June newsletter has a nice tutorial with lots of photos on how to create beaded fringe on painted canvases. 
https://media.rainpos.com/530/june_2018_news_blast.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 9, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Louise's Needlework Talks Embellishment and Beads

As usual the shop newsletter for Louise's Needlework is full of good information.  I highly recommend the article on bead sizes for those who are a new to putting beads on needlepoint canvas. and Karen's article about how she created dimension on her latest needlepoint canvas is enlightening!
https://media.rainpos.com/530/february_2018_newsletter_final.pdf

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

How to Stitch with Neon Rays

Diane Snyder wrote a wonderful article for Lousie's Needlework on how to stitch with Neon Rays. I know Neon Rays gives a lot of folks fits so here is the link with Diane's tips.
https://media.rainpos.com/530/working_with_neon_rays.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 27, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Tips from Louise's Needlework

Louise's Needlework has started a new page on their website with links to their very useful tips they post in their newsletters. Here's the link. Visit often as they add more information.
https://www.louisesneedlework.com/hints-and-tips-for-needlepoint.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 6, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Deconstructing a Stitch Diagram (and More!)

The newest shop newsletter from Louise's Needlework is fascinating. You'll enjoy reading how one of the customers at Louise's stitched a large blossom (she did something totally different than what you would expect) and the tips for analyzing a stitch diagram to discover the repeats that will make it easier to count it out and compensate it are very useful. Enjoy!
https://siterepository.s3.amazonaws.com/530/august_2017.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 5, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Louise's Tips for Neon Rays without Tears

The latest e-newsletter from Louise's Needlepoint has a great section on Neon Rays, the flat, ribbon-like thread from Rainbow Gallery. Jill gives lots of tips to make stitching with this somewhat fussy thread much easier.
https://siterepository.s3.amazonaws.com/530/news_blast_june_2017.pdf

I just love shop newsletters!  You never know what you will learn.

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

Turning the Fat Cat into B.B. King the Cat

Louise's Needlework has released a new shop newsletter, complete with the story of how the fat cat canvas from Vicky Mount turned into B.B. King.  If you've ever hesitated to change a canvas to suit yourself, read this.
https://siterepository.s3.amazonaws.com/530/newsblastmay2017.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 7, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Heirlooms for the Family

Louise's Needlework talks stitching family heirlooms in their latest shop newsletter.  It's wonderful to hear her family appreciates the wonderful pieces created for them.
https://siterepository.s3.amazonaws.com/530/newsblastaprilfinal.pdf

You don't have to stitch for blood relatives, you know.  How about dear friends or co-workers?  Anyone who loves our art is worthy of a heirloom.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 8,  2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

An Ode to Stash Stitching

Louise's Needlework wrote a lovely little essay about stitching a project entirely from stash that I find very inspirational! I think you'll enjoy it, too.  Scroll down to "Scrappy Cat," about midway in the newsletter.
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/5b0dca8665a4071261e07270b/files/News_Blast_October_Final.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 2, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Chain Stitch For Needlepoint

Louise's Needlework has a lovely essay about using chain stitch on needlepoint canvas in their latest shop newsletter.  She talks about beards and hair, substitutes for fur and of course how to make the perfect plant material with chain stitches.  Great information!
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/5b0dca8665a4071261e07270b/files/September_2016.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 1, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Louise's Loves Beads (and Charley Harper)

The latest newsletter from Louise's Needlework has a wonderful article about using beads as threads on a Charley Harper canvas.  The leaves are all beads while the background uses beads as an integral part of the background stitch.  There are beads elsewhere, too!
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/5b0dca8665a4071261e07270b/files/news_blast_august_2016_final.pdf

Great ideas!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 1, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.