Stitch Beautifully An Essential Guide to Needlepoint UPDATED

Meredith Willet, owner of M's Canvashouse, the Meredith Collection, and an esteemed teacher, has released a book!  It is titled Stitch Beautifully An Essential Guide to Needlepoint.  Waste Knot has posted a short summary of the book on their Facebook page.  

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1852924732315613&set=a.937854437155985

I'm going to quote Waste Knot here as many folks don't have a Facebook account--

"New book alert!  Stitch Beautifully: An Essential Guide to Needlepoint by Meredith Willett is a wonderful new book featuring foundational knowledge and techniques for both beginning and experienced stitchers. There are all kinds of tips and tricks, information about when and where to use different kinds of decorative stitches, and a glossary explaining dozens of terms — among other things!"

The Meredith Collection website describes the book as 8 x 10 inches "with a lay flat wire O binding."  It's starting to be available in all the shops, so call up your favorite to order.

Just as a reminder, Meredith has also just published "Needlepoint Quick Guide" which is a good guide for beginners.

https://www.needlenook.com/product/needlepoint-quick-guide-by-meredith-willett/

UPDATE:  Stitch-Stash says this about the book (I am quoting part of their rave review in a shop e-newsletter)--

"You’ll find chapters covering:

• What is needlepoint

• Foundations for every stitch

• Needles, frames, and tools of the trade

• Threads 101

• Beginning and ending your threads

• Stitch families at a glance

• Decorative and compensating stitches

• How to choose the right stitch

• Beads, baubles, and bling

• Stitch bag essentials

• Tips I wish everyone had told me

…and so much more."

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 26, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: New Book from Meredith!

Meredith Willet has a new book coming out in March!  A simplified version called "Needlepoint Quick Guide" is available at her shop, M's Canvashouse, right now.

https://www.facebook.com/mscanvashouselexington/posts/pfbid02YppRWRfvBgK8FWWcDU1BPphnqhdJu1S7wexhDeaXtrH2UPqfhSqcggLrQQX6tZPzl

https://www.mscanvashouse.com/shop/c/p/Needlepoint-Quick-Guide-x98973911.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 9, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Little Shoppe Canvas Company Returns

Elaine of Little Shoppe Canvas Company says that their designs (plus new work) will be available again as Meredith Collection is now representing the line.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/108537025890131/posts/24612706185046541

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 1, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: Radiance Metallic UPDATED

The Meredith Collection has instroduced a new metallic thread called Radiance Metallic.  You can order from M's Canvashouse or your favorite shop.  Labors of Love and Stitch-Stash also have it.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1250847039940244&set=a.608804764144478

The spools are $6.50 for 12 yards.  There are 102 colors.  Sir Needlepoint says the thread is spun, not woven like most metallics.  That might make it easier to stitch through fabric if you do surface embroidery but I'm not certain about that.

https://www.mscanvashouse.com/shop/Thread/Metallic-Thread/Radiance-Metallic.htm

Stitch-Stash says there are three sizes: 

Mini which is the size of Petite Silk Lame but is all metallic with three or four? strands;

18 which is thicker than Mini and is meant for stitching on 18 count and has 18 yards per spool; 

and 13 which isn't out yet (coming Fall 2025) which is meant for stitching on 13 count.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DG6R8XxvWBe/

Stitch-Stash did a video review.  Spoiler:  They love it!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHAfmz8sBq_/

It looks like each size Radiance has a different price with the smallest in diameter having the smallest cost but it's early days yet to be sure of that.  What's the Point? Needlepoint has posted a closeup photo of spools.  It looks like sewing thread a bit.  

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1193145852818654&set=pcb.1193145879485318

UPDATE:  I asked Judith what she thought about the two sizes of Radiance she's using on her 18 count pig canvas.    To quote Judith for those without a Facebook account, she says, "I like both the Radiance 18 ct and Radiance Mini so far. I used the Radiance 18 ct for the vertical darning stitches on the far right side of the canvas, and the Radiance Mini doubled in the needle in the Movement Stitch on the top left and single for the Stem Stitch fireworks on the top right. The ends fray like crazy, but it’s something we’ve dealt with in other threads. It has a lot of body and holds its shape well. It isn’t difficult to stitch with and I do like it for effects. I am curious to see how other stitchers use it."

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/9836857889724614/?comment_id=9842922205784849&reply_comment_id=9843851369025266

Looks like Radiance 18 covers well on 18 count canvas with vertical stitches but Judith used it doubled in the Movement Stitch.  Your mileage may vary as stitch tension and the stitch used affects how well a stitch covers.

UPDATE #2:  Lori at Waste Knot did a short video on Radiance.  Right now her shop only carries size 18.  She recommends you use a short tail in your needle's eye because it will fray a bit there.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DKiIcqHBb4K/

UPDATE #3:  Lori at Waste Knot shows off Radiance on a project she's working with three shades of it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DN6ZCw_jhRX/

Update #4:  Melita played around a bit with Radiance she had left over from an ANG Seminar class she took.  She doesn't say what size Radiance she used but I'm guess it's Radiance 18, not Radiance Mini (which is the smaller size).  By the way, I love stitching with Accentuate!  

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/09/28/radiance-metallics-by-meredith-willett-collection/

Update ##5:  Stitches of Tulsa tells us that Radiance Mini has 18 yards per spool, Radiance 18 has 12 yards, and Radiance 13 has 8 yards per spool.  Thanks, Stitches!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 25, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stephanie Is Dancing with Stitches Each New Stitch Monday

Stephanie at Ridgewood Stitchery has started a new project, Ellen Skidmore's "Dance."  This is a discontinued canvas from the Meredith Collection.  Stephanie's first stitch is for the dress.  She choose an open stitch but filled in the open spot as she's not a light coverage stitcher.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-157/

Next she tackles the background grass and found a nice stitch for it, topped with some grass sprigs.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-158/

Stephanie tackled a lot of small areas on the design--the skin of the dancer, the "piano keys" border of the skirt, and the dancing shoes.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-159/

The final section was the border.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-197/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 24, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Purses, Totes, Clutches and More

The April newsletter for NJNA has arrived and it is full of ANG class information, both at the local and national level.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2024/04/20/whats-happening-at-njna-4-20-24/

The big focus of the newsletter is all the self-finishing purses, totes, clutches and bags that are available.  There's a size and style for nearly everyone, whether you just need room for a phone, your sunglasses and credit cards or you end up carrying not only all your stuff but your spouse's, too.

Of course the newsletter covers a slew of new designs that came out at the April trade show, even clubs.  Heads up!  A little bird tells me those Ellen Skidmore canvases that the Meredith Collection distributes are going to be unavailable soon as the license expires so shop now.

https://themeredithcollection.com/collection/needlepoint-designs/ellen-skidmore

Something unusual is Moore Stitching's self-finishing compacts with designs to match.

https://moorestitching.com/search?q=compact&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

Moore Stitching has pill boxes, too.

https://moorestitching.com/search?q=pill+box&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

All in all, this is a fun issue to browse. 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 21, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved

Needlepoint Bags, Clutches, Purses, Satchels and Totes

Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY has a lot of customers stitching purses, tote bags or clutches, so they have written a long article with plenty of photos about the designs and bag styles available.

https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/web-view?a=SwCMrn&c=01H9XGTJRHYSSZSJCSGZK1PHG3&k=818df9a7ff3a4241af938c526d309c5c&m=01HMXZ09T1NT9YTJS9E8CQHE44&r=37hx5vUz

It's a great read, full of wonderful eye candy whether you are in the market for a purse of your own or not.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 7, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mermaid Tails Alert

Mermaid lovers will be interested in these mermaid tail needle cases.  The waist area unscrews and the needles are held in the top by a magnet.  (See the video in the Etsy shop listing)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1120547071/mermaid-magnet-needle-holder-travel-size?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=mermaid+needle+case&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1&variation0=2322774146

Quite a few Etsy shops carry similar mermaid tail needle minders.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/901626095/mermaid-tail-needle-minderscover-minders?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=mermaid+tail+needle+holder&ref=sr_gallery-1-25&edd=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

There are several mermaid tail canvases.  This one is from Oasis Needlepoint.

https://yohe-needlepoint-designs.shoplightspeed.com/mermaid-tail.html

This one is from the Meredith Collection.

https://www.barbarasneedlepoint.com/products/mermaid-tail?variant=42665237381353

Here is Raymond Crawford's mermaid tail.

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=41521&title=Mermaid%20Tail&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Patti Mann's is my personal favorite.

https://www.stitchingfox.com/products/ornament-mermaid-tail-stitching-fox

Plus Brenda Stofft has a mermaid tail scissors case.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyoF-doO-OY

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 6, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Why You Should Stitch a Rug

Hunt Country Yarns puts forth compelling reasons for stitching yourself a needlepoint rug.

http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2022/02/stitching-needlpoint-rug.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 14, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Charley Harper Needle Buddies

If you are a fan of Charley Harper's artwork, you'll love the new Charley Harper Needle Buddies from the Meredith Collection.

https://jennyadin-christieembroidery.com/product/superfine-iridescent-japanese-metallic-threads

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 17, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Horse Show Pillow

If you show horses, you'll love this story of a Meredith Collection design called "Horse Show" that Horse Country Chic turned into a wonderful pillow.
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2019/12/the-cutest-needlepoint-horse-pillow-ever.html

Heck, if you just live among horse farms like I do, you'll enjoy looking at this fun design and hearing how it was stitched.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 22, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Luggage Straps

Luggage racks that can be folded and stored in a closet, then brought out for guests to put their suitcases on were a staple of the 1960s. They are still useful, as Horse Country Chic points out.
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2019/11/needlepoint-luggage-straps-again.html

They normally come in sets of three straps that are wider than belt canvases.  The finishing is pretty easy if you want to try it yourself.  Use Ultrasuede for the back and snaps or Velcro for closing.  They last and last since they are not subject to much wear.   Vintage racks themselves (some with needlepoint straps) are not that expensive these days, either.  Online they are about $100, but you can find deals at antique malls and on eBay.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 12, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Perfect Pom-poms

Enriched Stitch just got their rabbit canvas back from the finisher--and it's wonderful! The trim is perfect for the design, enhancing it instead of drawing the eye away from the design.
http://astheneedleturns.com/black-and-white-and-fun-all-over/

I believe the rabbit design is from the Meredith Collection, formerly the Elizabeth Turner Collection, but no credit is given and the design isn't listed on the shop's website.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 14, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

My Favorites from the TNNA SHOW Winter 2016 UPDATED

Nancy Coffelt's "Squirrel"

Once again I have a list of personal favorites that are debuting at the show in San Diego. First is the modern patterned squirrel by Nancy Coffelt of Quail Run. I love the contrast between the squirrel's patterned skin and the traditional William Morris-style background.
https://www.facebook.com/QuailRunNeedlework/photos/np.1448288574607869.1277706333/1030291717020991/?type=3

Otto Agular's "Adriana"

Purple Palm Designs has put more of Otto Agular's pieces on needlepoint canvas. My current favorite is this portrait called "Adriana."
https://www.facebook.com/PurplePalmDesigns/photos/pb.796107397085912.-2207520000.1449540467./1154942887869026/?type=3&theater

Maggie's "Wag the Dog"

This Maggie from her mandala series really charms me!  I wonder if the wagging tail is the spinning center?
https://www.facebook.com/586677101438535/photos/np.1451487674046208.1277706333/755231171249793/?type=3&theater

"Queen of the Night," from Barbara Elmore Designs

I like more animal canvases this year than I expected.  Isn't this Barbara Elmore/Sundance canvas, done from Carolyn Schmitz's artwork, spectacular?  This is "Queen of the Night."  There are several new Schmitz designs in Barbara's line for Sundance but this one is my favorite.
https://www.facebook.com/barbaraelmoredesigns/photos/np.1451863247831739.1277706333/10153392026758262/?type=3&theater

Raymond Crawford's "Cardinal"

This cardinal from Raymond Crawford is also a charmer.  There are a whole series of small birds in the same style from Raymond, but this is my favorite.
https://www.facebook.com/190891389362/photos/a.191172709362.156684.190891389362/10153938322529363/?type=3&theater

Kathy Schenkel Mini Socks

Kathy Schenkel has new mini socks with matching felt inserts.  The little fox hunting stocking is my favorite because my county hosts the Blue Ridge Hunt, but the various drinks mini socks are fun.
https://www.facebook.com/239767049406916/photos/a.239775349406086.74577.239767049406916/1057370204313259/?type=3&theater

Tapestry Fair's Menorah, in Various Sizes

Tapestry Fair has some wonderful new things this year.  I was particularly struck by their Menorah design, which comes in several sizes, including a stocking, smaller section canvases, and individual light designs as you can see from the photo taken from their trade show booth.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10207758120698605&set=a.10204421121315706.1073741829.1461313530&type=3&theater

Tapestry Fair's Desert Landscape

I'm also taken with Tapestry Fair's desert landscape with woodpecker.
https://www.facebook.com/189965167681135/photos/a.1135388579805451.1073741848.189965167681135/1135616486449327/?type=3&theater

Asian Woman and Phoenix

Everyone knows I'm a sucker for Asian-themed canvases and the new ones (there are at least four I saw) from the Meredith Collection (formerly Elizabeth Turner Collection) are lovely. This is my favorite.

Both Sides of the dede Odgen Wizard

Turning from realistic canvases to fantasy ones, I really like this dede Odgen double-sided wizard.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1128841063800853&set=pcb.979636852113473&type=3&theater

Scott Church's Snow Puffin

I'm also quite fond of this "snow" bird from Scott Church Creative/CBK.  It's a charming mix of realism and whimsy.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2016/01/tnna-winter-market-day-2.html

"Woodland Princess" by Vicki Sawyer/Melissa Shirley

Vicki Sawyer has created several wonderful new pieces for Melissa Shirley Designs but because we have deer in Chilly Hollow, I thought I'd showcase this one.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/gallery/?index=8154&cat=70

Who Created Me?

My final favorite is a mystery as the one shop that showed off this artist's work didn't identify the designer. There were at least ten designs in the same style.   This. like all the others I saw from the same hand, is a sketch, not a canvas, and it is hard to say what it will look like on the medium of needlepoint canvas, but I like the fact that it conveys the joy of playing on a sunny beach so well.  If anyone knows who created this, please let me know so I can credit them.

UPDATE:  Martin knows all!  The little girl on the beach is from Patti Mann.  Martin found this booth shot that shows all the designs in this series.
https://www.facebook.com/586677101438535/photos/pb.586677101438535.-2207520000.1453206995./768171243289119/?type=3&theater

Hope you enjoyed the show!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 23, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sheena's Sweet Stitches Reviews TNNA Winter 2016

Sheena shows off her favorites from the Winter 2016 show.
http://www.sheenasstitches.com/what-a-show/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 15, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Trend Spotting: Carolyn Hedge Baird

One of the things I love to do when the trade shows roll around is play Spot the Trend, but Carolyn Hedge Baird beat me to it this year. In her triple roles as shop representative/teacher/stitch guide writer, she pays close attention to recurring themes.  The Winter 2016 TNNA show in San Diego is no exception but what Carolyn noticed escaped me entirely--lots of new and realistic portraits of donkeys!

Of course many Nativity sets have always had donkeys in them, like Kelly Clark's donkey for her pretty set....
http://www.kellyclarkneedlepoint.com/canvas/kcn-215-nt-stitched

...or the Tapestry Tent donkey from Liz' set...
http://nimbleneedlenj.com/product/tapestry-tent-handpainted-needlepoint-canvas-nativity-donkey-christmas-creche/

.... and there's Debbie Mumm's wonderful "Donkey, Sheep, Hen."
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/galsearch/index.cgi?index=1383777668_19771&col=

But this time the portraits are not part of a set, but a stand alone portrait of these animals.  Nenah Stone Designs is in the forefront of the trend with this sweet burro ornament.
http://www.nenahstonedesigns.com/christmas/christmas_ornaments_ii

Nenah Stone "Cardinal Donkey"

Nenah has done a larger portrait with her "Poinsettia Donkey" which is a cross between a Christmas piece and a Southwestern design.
http://www.nenahstonedesigns.com/christmas/christmas

Nenah Stone "Poinsettia Donkey"

Purple Palm designs has a brand new design from Sharon Weiser that shows a charming mother and baby donkey together with her signature purple tints.
http://purplepalmdesigns.com/?product_cat=sharons-designs

Sharon Weiser's "Donkeys" from Purple Palm Designs

Elizabeth Turner Collection Portrait 

The final donkey portrait is from Elizabeth Turner Collection (now renamed the Meredith Collection).  It adds to their "Down on the Farm" series with a whimsical look at the viewer and an acid green background that is just perfect.
http://www.elizabethturnercollection.com/needleptDesigns_pillow_2.html

I'm sure you can see why Carolyn has crowned this the Year of the Donkey.  (Since it is a Presidential Election Year, I think I prefer to think of it as the Year of the Jackass.)

But whether politicians are getting to you or not, I think you'll agree this is a great new trend! Thanks for your sharp eyes, Carolyn!

Those who want to see more of what Carolyn spotted at Market should check out her Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/nestndlpt

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

BREAKING NEWS: Treglown and Charley Harper Sold

Meredith Willet just announced on Facebook that she's bought Treglown Designs, which includes the officially licensed Charley Harper canvases. These companies and the Elizabeth Turner Collection will all be under the Meredith Collection name henceforth. 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 8, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: Elizabeth Turner Collection Renamed

Meredith H. Willett, owner of M's Canvashouse and the Elizabeth Turner Collection, just announced she is renaming Elizabeth Turner Collection.  It will now be known as the Meredith Collection!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10207131770405644&set=a.1844350721529.102957.1623451586&type=3&theater

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 31, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.