A Clever Christmas Stocking Idea

The Wool and the Floss just posted a very clever idea that a customer had--use a scissors fob to make a name tag for a Christmas stocking!

https://www.facebook.com/thewoolandthefloss/posts/pfbid08JFa3FeqBweKwh8eBdiPCBfJvhmyw31nCmwnkwt8ddJgTXkoPBhQsyJbj58xCYK7l

Scissor fobs are tiny, so this will be a quick stitch to add personalization to a stocking.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 5, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Trick for Beading Thread

I have been needlepointing for almost forty years, so it's rare that I hear about a trick to make things easier I didn't know, but Kathey has one--use pliers to mash the end of those fishing line-type beading threads so they go through the needle's eye easier.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/9837837386293331/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 26, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Table from Target

Anne Marie heard about this occasional table from Target with is perfect for a ten inch round canvas.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10161192762641717&set=gm.9561285700615169&idorvanity=108537025890131

https://www.target.com/p/scalloped-rattan-accent-table-fully-assembled-threshold-8482-designed-with-studio-mcgee/-/A-91251214

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.co

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 20, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ripping Beads Help

Betsy at Fireside Stitchery has fully beaded an area on her canvas and decided the bead color was wrong, so she's ripping out the beads.  Betsy got some interesting tips for ripping beads in the comments:  Cynthia Thomas puts cling wrap on the front area where the beads are, turns the canvas over, and cuts the beading thread from the back side.  Leslie puts masking tape on the front area where the beads will come out, then cuts from the back.  The tape captures the beads.  

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10232557257145389&set=gm.9343400975736977&idorvanity=108537025890131

Clever ideas, folks!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 17, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Smart Cookie's Stocking Storage

Fredna wins the Smart Cookie Award this month for her clever use of a Petite Trunk to store her Christmas stockings.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/9125246110885799/

She used the largest of the Christmas-themed storage trunks.

https://petitekeep.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 10, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Clover Straight Tailors Awl

Lisa at NP Nation adores her Clover Straight Tailors Awl.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/8948563391887406/

She uses it as a laying tool (perfect for arthritic hands), to enlarge holes for fancy stitches, to rip out and to undo knots.  Shop around as prices vary.  

https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/products/clover-straight-tailors-awl?currency=USD&variant=46928601710879&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=8b7814f4b373&msclkid=e605a10cce1f1ae07d07c671fe600821&utm_term=2333026235543056&utm_content=pMax

There is also a curved tailors awl but Lisa uses the straight one.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Clover-Curved-Tailor-s-Awl/37662779?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=10751&adid=2222222222225853596_10000011140_5837918729_pla&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=o&wl2=c&wl3=10363294471&wl4=pla-4578572635275452&wl5=&wl6=&wl7=&wl10=Walmart&wl11=Online&wl12=37662779_10000011140&wl14=clover%20straight%20tailors%20awl&veh=sem&msclkid=e10fe600d69f1e6d5c60817de6e059b1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 7, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Feet for Standups

Paula's Halloween poison bottle display is amazing!  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/8556818077728608/

Check out the "feet" on the bottles.  She doesn't say, but I think they might be lampwork beads.  If you need something for the bottom of your standup, browse Etsy searching for "lampwork beads" or "dreadlock beads."  It's possible that clay beads shaped like animals might work, too.  Pay careful attention to the size of the bead.  You'll need something that's big enough to not be overwhelmed by the stitching and that will adequately support your standup.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 28, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Christmas LED Frames at Michael's

Kevin just found a really cute dimensional frame that has lights at Michael's, the big box craft store.  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/posts/okay-i-know-my-example-isnt-perfect-i-am-still-unpacking-i-have-no-idea-where-ha/8639839946093087/

Michael's sells out fast but you can order online.  I found several styles of these on their website when I searched for "Christmas LED frames."  Of course they have Christmas frames that don't light up, too.

https://www.michaels.com/search?q=christmas%20LED%20frames

Hopefully the style and mat shape will suit a canvas you have ready for framing.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 11, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Attach Needlepoint to Pottery

Jenya Rose explains how to attach needlepoint to the outside of pottery in this posting on Facebook's Needlepoint Nation.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/6295020670575038/

For those without a Facebook account, Jenya Rose says:

"Some of you asked for instructions for finishing needlepoint onto pottery:
Cut canvas to half inch from stitching, fold under, make all cuts for rounded sections, etc before adding glue. Once you're happy with shape and you see at least 1 stitch in on back (so no canvas is visible on front) use Ailenes Tack Glue and sewing clips to set. 

Make 2 photocopies of design (I did 1 color, 1 b&w). Use 1 to decide on placement, use one as a cutout, tape the outside of template onto vase, sand inside design area (I used a Dremel with stone grinding bit) just to rough up glaze. 

Remove sewing clips, put 1 piece painter's tape across vase so placement is straight. Cover back of canvas with E6000 glue, place. Put photocopy of design on top of canvas and tape across surface to adhere tightly to vase. Leave for 30 min., remove tape and paper. Let cure for 24 hours.
White vase seems best for first time (matches blank canvas in case any is visible)."

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 20, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

French Knot Trim

Margaret's clever use of French knots around the edge of her shaped ornament as trim wins her the Smart Cookie Award for June.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/6208152675928505/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 26, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Cup Chains for Embellishment

Judith finished a design but wasn't happy with it until she discovered cup chain, which she used to outline parts of the duck in the design.  She's definitely the May Smart Cookie Award winner!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/6128304667246640/

You've likely seen cup chain in costume jewelry, even if you didn't know what it was called.  Keepsake Crafts has a great video explaining cup chain, how it is made, how to cut it, and the various sizes and finishes available.

http://keepsakecrafts.net/blog/2016/10/14/friday-findings-use-cup-chain/

Judith bought her cup chain from this website.  It comes in 2mm, 3mm and 4mm sizes and is sold by the yard.  Different colored crystals are set in various colors of cup chain from what I can see, although the website isn't clear about whether you are buying silver plate, gold plate, or brass metals.

https://exclusivecraftforyou.com/collections/materials/cup-chain

Eureka Crystals has more expensive cup chain that is sold by the foot, but you can pick out what metal look you want.  It's likely better quality than what Keepsake Crafts sells.  However, either will work.  Just remember real silver plate will likely tarnish over time, which may add or detract to your stitching, depending on what you are working on.

https://www.eurekacrystalbeads.com/search-results-page?q=cup%20chain&page=2

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 3, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Guide to Stitches and Threads

Mary copied an idea she saw on NP Nation to help organize what threads go where on her complex painted canvas of Christmas ornaments.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/6108264239250683/

Basically, she sketched each ornament roughly, wrote beside each drawing the color number for the thread she wanted to use there, and included a length of the right thread.  That makes it easy to grab the right thread as she stitches.  Less hunting, less frustration, more stitching fun!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 27, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Very Clever Storage Idea for Needle Minders

Annie just posted photos to NP Nation of her clever storage idea for her magnetic needle minders--she got a wooden cigar box from the local cigar place, ordered a metal sheet the right size to fit in the bottom, glued it in position, and now she has a neat place to keep her magnets!  You can see photos on NP Nation.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/6084418764968564/

It's a very smart idea and wins Annie this month's Smart Cookie Award!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 18, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Memorializing Wilma's Contribution

Scrimm Discovery Needlepoint posted this photo of a Lee kimono a customer had nearly finished when their dog Wilma decided to "help."

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=729220808993386&set=a.322497892999015

For those who can't access Scrim Discovery's posting, it shows the chewed kimono design framed along with a picture of the unstitched canvas and a very happy Wilma, who is obviously thrilled to have contributed.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 12, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Smart Cookie Award for April 2023

Karen H. just posted this fabulous stretcher bar storage idea on NP Nation.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=9793965070629024&set=gm.6057377944339313&idorvanity=108537025890131

She's added handles to a wooden crate, then cut plastic downspouts to the proper size and stuck them inside the crate.  Now all the 9 inch stretcher bars go into one downspout.  Note that the sizes are written on each stretcher, making it easy to sort them and find the matching length.  Karen's also put the mini bars in one downspout and the regular width ones in another, even though they are both the same length.

Genius! Karen's won the Smart Cookie Award this month for this clever idea.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 10, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stations of the Cross

Lin discovered tent stitched Stations of the Cross at the Episcopal Church in Breckenridge, Colorado and posted a lot of photos on NP Nation.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/5883301015080341/

It's an amazing series.  I hope some of us get to see them in person.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 13, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Organizing Cards of Splendor

Star-lee showed off her new way of organizing cards of Splendor silk on NP Nation.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/5839133126163797/

She used plastic pages meant for baseball cards in a zippered three ring binder.  If you go shopping for these at local stores, I suggest you take a card of Splendor in your pocket so you can make sure it will fit into the baseball card organizer as they seem to come in an assortment of sizes.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 30, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Turkeywork Tip

Cynthia Thomas just posted this tip for doing turkeywork on her Facebook account.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=6153750611309848&set=a.509405429077756&type=3

For those who don't have a Facebook account, I'll quote Cindy.  

"Hint when doing turkey work: I run a loop of thread through the turkey work loops and tie or tack to the frame to keep the already worked loops from getting caught in the new loops."

Her photo shows a roundish shape being filled with turkeywork, with light blue loops in the middle and a darker ring of blue being added to the outside.  Cindy's run a thread through the light blue loops to keep them out of the way as she adds the darker color to the outside edge.

Clever tip!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 30, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Brand of Clip On Lights

Janis really likes this cheap clip on light.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=5714917178564779&set=gm.5605290259548086&idorvanity=108537025890131

There appear to be a variety of sizes of this, but this seems to be the closest to what Janis has.

https://www.amazon.com/Glocusent-Rechargeable-Filtered-Brightness-Bookworms/dp/B0969MQTLF/ref=sr_1_12?crid=3V4Z0HSLCRRSS&keywords=gloscent+book+light&qid=1668376316&s=hi&sprefix=gloscent+book+light%2Ctools%2C125&sr=1-12

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 13, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A DIY Acrylic Tray

Patricia wins the Smart Cookie Award for September with this Do It Yourself lucite tray.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/122934116489655/permalink/413035970812800/

For those who don't have a Facebook account, Patrica described how she did this:  "...purchased Lucite tray from Amazon ( about $20). They come is multiple sizes. Choose one closest to your canvas. Very carefully (to the 32nd) measured the inside on the tray and went to Lowes where they will cut to size a piece of plexi ($15) that ultimately will be used to cover canvas once placed in tray. Then went to Michael’s and ordered a custom double mat with spacer and a piece of card stock.. ( $70). Total spent $105 compared to hundreds for a custom tray from LNS. Cut cardstock to fit bottom of tray. Layer canvas down on top of cardstock and adhered with the tiniest dot of glue stick. Layer custom mat on top of canvas and covered with plexi. I don’t plan on serving liquids with this so no need to seal. Fit is super tight."

Congratulations to Patricia for this very clever way to create a lucite tray.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 24, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.