Breaking News: Marlene's Changes Their Name

Marlene's Custom Pillows LLC just announced on Facebook they are changing their name to Need To Point LLC.  Their contact information remains (415) 346-8112.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063738603772

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 31, 2026 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.

Friday Finishing: From Bunnies to Trains

The Young Needlepointer has been quite busy working up her rabbit design. It is amazing!   Not only is it dimensional, it is balanced in a folk art sort of way.   If this is what Casey does at camp, we all want to go along to that place!  (I think the rabbit is a Brenda Stofft design but I'm not certain.)  This isn't technically finished as it's not made up yet, but I thought you had to see this in case Casey doesn't get around to posting photos of the made up piece for a while.  
http://theyoungneedlepointer.blogspot.com/2014/06/over-month.html

Linda's also been busy.  She just got her wonderful Raymond Crawford Christmas train back from Marlene's.  The finishing is minimal but perfect.  Don't miss her little ice cream cart, either.  It's not ready for finishing but it is getting close.  Linda's going to be ready for Christmas 2014 in style!
http://splittheneedles.blogspot.com/2014/06/christmas-break.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright  June 10, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pillows and More, Set to Music

Needlepoint Tool Time has created a new video of the newest tools in the shop. "Tools" is defined loosely. In the video you will see June McKnight's latest book, some spectacular self-finishing pillow kits from Marlene, Swarovski crystals, serrated blade scissors and much more.   The video's on the home page, so after you watch it you can use the navigation bar on the left to explore for items you found interesting.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 6, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

More DIY - Marlene's Self Finishing Kits

The Needlepointer's newest e-newsletter shows off the new self-finishing kits from Marlene's. Marlene's is a byword among stitchers for their gorgeous and expensive finishing. Now you can have that quality in a kit from Marlene Makes It Fun.  You stitch the small canvas that comes with the kit and use Marlene's instructions to attach it to the pre-made pillow.
http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=2b1a4dafdf1ba6e29e773aa79&id=08b3bcaad5&e=73961ee0ea

http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=2b1a4dafdf1ba6e29e773aa79&id=3f0403838c&e=73961ee0ea

To see the available kits, search on Marlene Makes It Fun at The Needlepointer's website.
http://www.theneedlepointer.com

You can also see the line at Old World Designs.
http://www.oldworlddesigns.com/artists/MarleneMakesItFun.html

 Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright February 22, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Special Christmas Friday Finishing

As this is the Friday before Christmas, I wanted to share a special piece of holiday finishing that Diane just got back from Marlene's.  This Melissa Shirley Christmas Pear banner was an Amy Bunger class.  It's amazing what happens when you combine a great design, a great class, a great stitcher and a great finisher.
http://www.dianestakingtimeouttoneedlepoint.com/2013/11/the-christmas-pear-banner.html

The sentiment brings me to tears.
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2013/12/mary-engelbreit-ornament-finished.html

The love that has gone into these pieces is amazing.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2013/12/blog-post_12.html

Merry Christmas Pears to all!

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 Finishing Kits from Marlene's UPDATED

According to Old World Designs' Facebook page, Marlene has a new finishing option--a new company called Marlene Makes It Fun.  The company will offer small canvases with a self-finishing pillow that coordinates with the design.  Marlene will demonstrate the product at Old World Designs October 5.  Hope someone can attend and report back!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=724743080884508&set=a.256479901044164.85922.254980691194085&type=1&theater

UPDATE:  The Needlepointer also posted photos of Marlene's pillow kits.
http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=2b1a4dafdf1ba6e29e773aa79&id=08b3bcaad5&e=73961ee0ea

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.

Finishing Friday

In yet another edition of Finishing Fridays, I have a really different and clever way of making up little mini socks for Christmas.
http://www.oneoffneedlework.co.uk/blog/what-to-do-with-the-leftovers/

Enriched Stitch has a lot of finishing to show off.  Some of these are class models, some are customer work.  All are beautifully finished in a variety of ways and Suzie credited all the finishers so you can tell your shop to use them if you see something that is perfect for some of your stitched-but-not-made-up pieces.
http://astheneedleturns.com/back-from-the-finishers/

Absolutely Needlepoint has some charming pieces to share.
http://www.theneedlebug.com/blog2/2013/09/birthday-bash-2/

And so does Bedecked and Beadazzled.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2013/09/hoot-hoot-its-cute.html

But I think Eye Candy tops them all when it comes to cute finishing.
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-winning-weekend.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.

More Examples of Finishing

I'm rushing to squeeze in one more post about finishing as Enriched Stitch is offering ten percent off finishing turned into the shop in June. This article also shows off a wide range of finishing styles and tells you just what finisher created it, always useful if you are trying to find a finisher whose talents match your vision.
http://astheneedleturns.com/finishing-discount/

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.

Finishing and Finishers

Finishing and finishers are always a subject of fascination to me.  I thought it might be helpful to post information about finishers for those who need someone.  Of the alphabetical list below, I've only used Marlene's, Summer Truswell and West Coast Finishing.  I can highly recommend all three.

Cheryl's Needlework Finishing (near St. Louis, MO)
http://www.cherylsfinishing.com

Marlene's (San Francisco, CA)
http://www.marlenecustompillows.com

Quick Stitcher Designs (near Santa Clarita, CA)
http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com/2010/02/introducing-sharon-quick-of.html

Summer Louise Truswell (near Seattle, WA)
http://www.summerlouise.com

Vikki's Stuff (Austin, TX)
http://www.vikkisstuff.com

West Coast Finishing (Oregon)
http://www.westcoastneedlepointfinishing.com

Un Chiffon Bon Bon (highly recommended by Canvases Be Gone in Arizona)
https://www.facebook.com/Unchiffonfonfon
 or email mcrobbins@cox.net

For those who don't need a finisher but love the eye candy, here are some photos of wonderful finishing from Nimble Needle's customers followed by more wonderful finishing from The Needlepointer's talented stitchers.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2013/06/customers-gallery-june-2013.html

http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=2b1a4dafdf1ba6e29e773aa79&id=6b74712b44&e=73961ee0ea

I should mention that most needlepoint shops have local finishers they use.   You will need to take your completed pieces to the shop and they will take it from there.  Before you send things off for finishing, make sure you and the finisher are completely clear on a few things--exactly what you want and don't want, the cost, and approximately when your piece will be ready.  If your shop is the intermediary, a written description and photos for the finisher might be useful to turn over with your piece.

Got any contact information for finishers?  Please email me at chilly hollowat hot maildotcom or post a comment below.  I'm sure I missed folks.  The list above was done off the top of my head but I can always update it.

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.

For the Candy Cane Lover

If you are addicted to stitching candy cane designs, you are going to love this!  It's a Melissa Shirley design, beautifully finished at Marlene's.
http://dianestakingtimeouttoneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2013/03/melissa-shirley-giant-candy-cane.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.

Finishing Is In The Air

I've been enjoying some wonderful finishing various folks have photographed and posted for us to all enjoy.   Do you love needlepoint pillows?  Then you'll want to see Needle Nicely's new shop models.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2012/06/new-pillow-models.html

Ridgewood has a great pillow just back from the finisher also.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/06/look-at-this-fun-chick-pillow-with.html

They also are showcasing a darling framed Barbara Bergsten piece with pegs to hang dog leashes.   Watson, did you see this?
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/06/here-is-custom-finishing-job-that.html

Of course if you'd rather, the canvas can be finished in a more traditional style.
http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2012/06/more-no-no-bad-dog-finished-needlepoint.html

Speaking of Barbara Bergsten's designs, look at this darling purse!
http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2012/06/more-finished-needlepoint.html

If you've wanted to stitch something for a child but couldn't think how to finish it, Linda's got the answer for you.
http://nystitchingsisters.blogspot.com/2012/06/jake-cars-framed.html

Do you need a serving tray for a party or get-together?
http://bargelloneedlepoint.com/display-your-bargello-needlepoint-in-a-serving-tray/

Ruth Schmuff has a custom frame for her last mystery class piece.  Lisa Krause will make these for folks if your shop asks, however.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/06/poinsettia-lady-has-returned.html

How about this wonderful JP Needlepoint "treasure box"?
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/06/we-loved-this-elegant-container-at-shop.html

Or these EyeCandy pillows finished by Marlene;s?
http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2012/06/more-fab-finishing.html

My favorite finished pieces, however, are these two SharonG compositions called CatWalk and DogWalk.  I own this version of CatWalk which I plan to stitch for my cousin who loves cats one day.  Congratulation on the wonderful stitches chosen for these, Robin!
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2012/06/cat-walk-ct22-and-dog-walk-ct23-by.html

SharonG has expanded the series to include owls.  There is also a small version of CatWalk I can't find a photo of online.
http://www.sharong.com/catalog/new.html

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

A Glimpse Inside Marlene's and NP Inc. UPDATED

Marlene's is famous for their finishing. We are lucky that Tisha of Needlepoint Tool Time took a tour and is reporting back on her blog.
http://stitchplaywithneedlepointtooltime.blogspot.com/2012/03/marlenes-finishing-march-2012.html

If you want to see more finishing magic, Marlene's website has some stunning work.
http://www.marlenecustompillows.com/

Needlepoint Inc. was also on the tour.  Here's their interior.
http://stitchplaywithneedlepointtooltime.blogspot.com/2012/03/visit-to-needlepoint-inc.html

UPDATE:  More inside NP Inc.
http://stitchplaywithneedlepointtooltime.blogspot.com/2012/03/second-floor-of-needlepoint-inc.html

NP Inc. is a shop, a thread manufacturer and also a designer.  They do it ALL.  Here is their website so you can explore their designs and threads a bit.  NP Inc. silk is 8 ply and comes in a beautiful range of solid colors plus they also over overdyes.
http://www.needlepointinc.com/


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

Purses Galore

Since Red Geisha will adorn the front of a purse (this one, actually, but in black),
http://www.stirlingcases.com/products_sub.php?id=14

I thought it would be nice to show off other purses that have popped up on the World Wide Web recently.  Rittenhouse has just written a little article about all the purse canvases they have in stock.  There's a huge variety in size, shape and price for the interested stitcher.
http://rittenhouseneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/05/purses.html

Vicky just got this fabulous Lee tiger design back from Marlene's Finishing.  Isn't it gorgeous?!
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/05/13/741/

Finally, the Pischke Pocket totes are coming out with new colors and designs all the time.
http://www.needlepoint.com/kits/pischke-pockets.html?gclid=CM3zhfqC6qgCFZF25Qod8ie2Dw

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