Breaking News: Caron's Snow Being Discontinued

Just heard from the Old World Designs' latest shop newsletter that Caron is discontinuing Snow because the mill that makes it doesn't want to produce it any more.  I like Snow, so I'll be treating my remaining cards of it as special treats from now on.  We do have lots of other metallics, but Snow was a bit different in texture and easy to stitch with, so I'll miss it.  

Shops should have stock of Snow for now, so if you have a project where you were going to use it, better buy a card or two now.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

More About Melita's Books

Melita Glavin shows off two books she got for Christmas:  New Twists on Needlework Embellishment (by Suzanne Howren and Beth Robertson) and Embellishments for Canvas (by Mary Lou Helgesen).

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/01/18/books-in-my-library-new-twists-on-needlework-embellishment-by-howren-and-robertson-and-embellishments-for-canvas-by-mary-lou-helgesen/

Melita found the sections on using silk ribbons especially interesting.  I own New Twists and found it interesting.  I've not seen the Mary Lou Helgesen book, but it was apparently a companion to her famous Nativity set.  Both are worth seeking out, especially if you are in Texas, which was Mary Lou's stomping ground.

The next set of books from Melita's library are all classics from June McKnight.  I find her Architectural Stitches especially helpful.  Plants and Animals is a good one, too.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/02/23/books-in-my-library-architectural-stitches-plants-and-animals-shading-and-thread-blending-techniques-decorative-backgrounds-and-more-backgrounds-by-june-mcknight/

Many shops carry June's books but if there's one you can't find, contact Old World Designs as June teaches there regularly.  They might be able to help.

https://www.oldworlddesigns.com/

Melita just purchased a copy of Mary's Whimsical Small Stitches, the latest book from Mary Legallet.  

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/07/books-in-my-library-marys-whimsical-small-stitches-by-mary-legallet/

Here's Mary's Instagram page so you can see what her diagrams look like.

https://www.instagram.com/whimsicalstitch/

Melita has added Dawn Donnelly's book Transformative Stitching:  Needlework on the Diagonal to her library.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/21/books-in-my-library-transformative-stitching-needlework-on-the-diagonal-by-dawn-donnelly/

Melita has two volumes of Custom House of Needle Art's books--Quick Stitch Variations and More Quick Stitch Reference.  These are very portable with good information and clear diagrams.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/03/24/books-in-my-library-quick-stitch-variations-and-more-quick-stitch-reference-by-custom-house-of-needle-arts/

This is a classic book about Bargello followed by more Bargello books.  If I remember correctly, I thought Barbara Snook's Bargello books full of lovely patterns.  Dorothy Kaestner's 4 Way Bargello book has some wonderful patterns, which made my head hurt trying to follow.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/06/books-in-my-library-bargello-florentine-canvas-work-by-elsa-s-williams-1967/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/07/books-in-my-library-florentine-embroidery-by-barbara-snook-1967/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/08/books-in-my-library-bargello-a-pattern-book-by-golden-hands-1972/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/10/books-in-my-library-four-way-bargello-by-dorothy-kaestner-1974/

I've never seen Nancy Kurten's Bargello book, although I'd like to.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/15/books-in-my-library-bargello-sampler-by-nancy-noland-kurten-1975/

This is a fascinating, although confusing for me with my dyslexia, Bargello book.  I don't have trouble with random but following charts that change a lot is almost impossible for me.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/17/books-in-my-library-free-form-bargello-by-gigs-stevens-1977/

I remember this Dorothy Kaestner Bargello book as being very interesting, with a lot of great designs.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/19/books-in-my-library-bargello-antics-by-dorothy-kaestner-1979/

Melita's finished her collection of Bargello books.  Next up is Mary Shipp's wonderful design book.  Her color book is amazing if you can find it.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/28/books-in-my-library-exploring-pattern-in-stitches-by-mary-shipp/

Jane Zimmerman's books are amazing and full of ideas.  Although she is known for her silk and metal designs, this book has a lot of stitches that will work on any type of needlepoint.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/08/13/books-in-my-library-traditional-silk-and-metal-thread-techniques-on-canvas-by-jane-zimmerman/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 19, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: Old World Designs in California is For Sale

Linda at Old World Designs just announced that the shop is for sale.  If you are interested, call the shop and ask for Linda's cell phone number to find out more--I'm a bit leery of posting such personal information here--or email info@oldworlddesigns.com. 

https://www.oldworlddesigns.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 14, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How Many Strands?

Thanks to Needlepoint Nation, I know that Old World Designs has posted a chart on their website to help folks decide how many strands or plies of various thread brands to use on their canvas.

https://www.oldworlddesigns.com/fibers.htm?fbclid=IwAR3SNZs0MNDEMDLDqFLk3zFFiuPU9rcZ7uAZP-xLvDmL8iCywVfE8D6aql4

Note that I don't agree with some of their ideas (I almost always use Accentuate alone, for example) and how many plies depends on not only the brand of thread and the canvas count, but your thread tension, the color, and the stitch you want to use.  I always suggest some test stitches in the margins to find out what will work for you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 5, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Visiting Old World Designs

Shops are getting very creative since many of us are stuck at home.  For example, Old World Designs  has a shop walk video on YouTube that allows us to see the shop and enjoy the Kathy Schenkel truck show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzMyJIxIn1g

Here's the shop website, but if you live in the Menlo Park, CA area, stop in and tell them hi from me.

https://www.oldworlddesigns.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 7, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finding 10-12 Count Canvas

Margaret asked about finding 10-12 count canvas (both painted and plain) on Facebook's Needlepoint Nation. The answers were very useful so I am quoting them here for those who want a larger count, especially now that 13 and 18 count canvases are the norm.

Elizabeth Bradley kits come on 10 count canvas, as do the Ehrman Tapestry designs.
http://www.elizabethbradley.com/theamericas/

Occasionally some of the Ehrman canvases are 8 or 12 count.  Check before you buy.  Elizabeth Bradley and Erhman designs are kits, with tapestry wool included.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com

Old World Designs has a series of 10 count canvases that come with coordinating tote bags.
https://www.oldworlddesigns.com/shop/c/p/OWD-Hydrangea-Tote-Bag-x26531509.htm


Jean Smith has some lovely florals on 10 count...
http://www.jeansmithdesigns.com

… and Cat's Cradle also has some nice 10 counts.  Your favorite shop can order from Jean Smith or Cat's Cradle for you.
http://www.catscradleneedlepoint.com

Needlepoint.com also carries 10 point canvases.
https://needlepoint.com

Designers' Desk and other shops carry 10 and 12 count plain canvas so you can work all sorts of designs from books and charts on them.
http://designersdeskusa.com

Have fun looking!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 9, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Want to Meet the Bad Bitches?

While wandering around the newly designed website for Old World Designs, I stumbled across a new designer, Bad Bitch Needlepoint.  
https://www.badbitchneedlepoint.com/about/

I thought you'd love to hear the story behind the designs and watch the portrait of Kate Moss being put on needlepoint canvas.  Here's the canvas that started my hunt for the company, by the way.
https://www.oldworlddesigns.com/shop/c/p/Take-Out-from-Bad-Bitch-Designs-x28315000.htm

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

The New Days of California

Old World Designs has added to their Days of California series of ornaments with a whole new set for 2017.  These exclusive designs are perfect souvenirs of a trip to the San Francisco area or a lovely gift for the California resident.  Fans of travel ornaments will want to check these out, particularly if you love Chinese themes.
https://www.oldworlddesigns.com/shop/Canvases/Series/Days-of-California--2017.htm

You can see the earlier ones in the set here.
https://www.oldworlddesigns.com/shop/Canvases/Series/Days-of-California.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 19, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Celebrating a Month of BLING

Old World Designs is celebrating a month of embellishment with a page on their website dedicated to bling and how to use it.   They are lucky enough to have June McKnight teach in their shop on a regular basis, so they used her ideas (and tips from her Bling, Glitz and Glamour book which has hundreds of ideas of stitches that incorporate beads) to show off ways to use seed beads and bugle beads.
http://www.oldworlddesigns.com/Bling.html

If you aren't familiar with June's fabulous little books, here is her website so you can explore.  Most all the books have a link to see more.  Don't miss the link to Bling!
http://www.junemcknight.com/books.html

Hope you add a bit of glamour to your stitching life this month!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 1, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Do You Need Something Stitched?

With Ghost Stitchers apparently no more, I thought I'd collect a list of shops that offer stitching services.   I've been told the following shops offer stitching services.  I don't know the cost, the quality of the work, or anything else about their services.  For details, email or call the shop closest to you.  In no particular order, here they are:

Beth's Needlepoint Nook - they will stitch anything for anyone and have done rugs and stockings with guides
http://bethsneedlepoint.com

The Needle House
http://www.theneedlehouse.com/newsletter/Summer_2016_Web.pdf

Old World Designs
http://www.oldworlddesigns.com

Rittenhouse Needlepoint
http://rittenhouseneedlepoint.com

The Needlepointer
Linda Wimer can be reached at The Needlepointer through the shop at their phone 425-252-2277.http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=2b1a4dafdf1ba6e29e773aa79&id=bcae16e4cc&e=73961ee0ea

http://www.theneedlepointer.com


2 The Point
http://www.topoint.com

Needle Nicely
http://www.needlenicely.com

http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2011/11/stitching-for-hire.html

The Point of It All
http://thepointofitallonline.com

Needlepaint
http://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2014/01/08/beautiful-and-cool-custom-needlepoint-pillows/

Needlepoint Alley
http://needlepointalley.com/site/?page_id=23

Needlepoint Points West
http://www.needlepointswest.com

Red Finch Stitches
http://redfinchstitches.tumblr.com/stitchingservices

Enriched Stitch
http://enrichedstitch.com

Needlepoint Breeze
http://www.needlepointbreeze.com

Needlepoint for Fun
http://www.needlepoint-for-fun.com/needlepoint-stitching-service-we-can-stitch-your-canvas.htm

Flying Needles
https://theflyingneedles.com/pages/stitching-guides

In Stitches Atlanta
http://www.institchesatlanta.com

Spiral Up Stitchery
This is a group in Puerto Rico that will stitch unfinished projects or do canvas restorations.  Right now their website is off line, possibly due to the dislocations the hurricanes of 2017 have brought to the island.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/SpiralUpStitchery/about/

http://spiralupstitchery.org/

Keep Me In Needlepoint in New York State- Call on a Tuesday and ask for Miriam who will set you up with stitchers
https://www.keepmeinneedlepoint.com

Needlepoint Studio of Sarasota
https://www.needlepointstudio.com/

Stitching Fox (North Carolina)

https://www.stitchingfox.com

Elena Siurna

Email her at Etetexas@netscape.net

Folks on Facebook who say they will stitch for pay (remember, I have no way of vetting these people)--
Linda Breman (the Hippie Stitcher)
Beth Burns Gilbert
Susan C. Hudnall
Ilene Levine
Kathy Worley
Ginny Stapleton
John Touhey - specializes in stitching stockings
https://www.facebook.com/john.touhey.5?fref=nf

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/1210755452334944/

Lauren Ryan
https://www.facebook.com/lauren.ryan1?fref=gc&dti=108537025890131

Jane Anderson
https://www.facebook.com/jane.anderson.9277583

Rebecca S. Then
Email thonirst@aol.com phone 615-331-1569.https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.s.thoni


If your local shop offers such services, please let me know and I'll add them to the list so folks searching for help know where to ask.  You can either use the Comments section below or email me personally at chilly hollow athot mail dot com and I'll add to this article for you.  Thanks!

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.

Candace Mittman's Floral Designs

Old World Designs in California just happened to mention in one of their email newsletters that their artist Candace Mittman's line of canvases is now on the Old World Designs website. Curious, I headed right over and discovered that Candace creates classic florals, the sorts of designs you turn into pillows for your sunroom or make into a boudoir chair seat for your dressing table.  If that is the sort of design you've been looking for, this is the place to click.
http://oldworlddesigns.com/artists/CandaceMittman.html

I am always glad to see a new designer.  The variety we have in the world of painted canvases means this is a healthy business, which means us stitchers will continue to have great choices when we want a new project.  Hurrah!

Welcome, Candace.  We are happy to see you joining us.

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.

One Turkey, Covered in Gems

Old World Designs has a stunning dimensional turkey canvas from Labors of Love that they are teaching.  Instead of the look of a stuffed animal, this piece looks like a jeweled sculpture, fit for the most formal Thanksgiving table.
http://oldworlddesigns.com/turkey.html

The canvas has three stitch guides (one for each major section of the turkey) and you can even purchase the bead kit if you want to mimic what the shop has done completely.  I have no idea about the costs but you can talk to Linda at the shop for all the details.

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.

Bead Shopping?

If you are like me, you often have to order supplies sight unseen. If you don't happen to have the secret weapon of great shop owners that I trust to shop for me in your back pocket, then use Old World Designs' site to pick Sundance beads.  Lots of websites have photos of some of the Sundance beads available, but Old World Designs has the best selection and the largest photos I've seen.
http://www.oldworlddesigns.com/fibers/SundanceBeads_a.html

If you have a favorite site to use to help pick supplies, please let us know in the Comments or email me at chilly hollowathotmaildotcom and I'll post your source for you.

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

Where Would YOU Want to Be Trapped?

Robin Chapman writes about her experiences with Old World Designs Needlepoint in her own charming style.  Remember, drooling at the photos may harm your computer keyboard.
http://robinchapmannews.blogspot.com/2011/10/old-world-designs-for-needlepoint.html

If you've never visited Old World Designs' website, here's the link.  It is not my fault if you go nuts and buy something.  Blame Robin instead, ok?  I don't need the Master Enabler points this week.
http://www.oldworlddesigns.com/


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

Visiting Maggie

Recently Old World Designs did another of their field trips, this time to visit Maggie Designs.  Here's a full report by one of the lucky folks who went on the tour.  There are links to both the Maggie website and to Old World Designs' online shop at the end of the article in case you want to explore further.
http://robinchapmannews.blogspot.com/2011/07/san-franciscos-glorious-telegraph-hill.html

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

Monthly Clubs Return at Old World Designs

Old World Designs is offering a new series of snowmen canvases and a new series of California ornaments for their 2011 monthly clubs.  These were very popular in previous years so they have created more.  The earlier series are also still available if you missed out and want both versions.  Here are the new snowman ornaments.  Note the link to the earlier series if you want to see more.
http://www.oldworlddesigns.com/snowmen2011.html

Here are the newest California ornaments.
http://www.oldworlddesigns.com/california2011.html

There is no link to the earlier set but I found them here.  I don't know the designer of any of these series but the guides to stitching them are by June McKnight, whose small books on needlepoint are a delight to read.
http://www.oldworlddesigns.com/california.html

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

Monthly Clubs and Big January Sales

A great many needlepoint shops have a January sale going on now.  Here are the ones I know about:

Needlepoint in the 21st Century has painted and printed canvases on sale.  Check out the home page and also the Clearance page for some big bargains.  I don't think any of their great book collection is on sale, however.
http://www.newneedlepoint.com/

Old World Designs will sell in-stock painted canvases at 25% off from January 15-29.  Books, some threads and accessories are also on sale but the newsletter didn't spell out what or how much off.  They have a Shorebird Studio trunk show until January 12 if you are a fan of Kate Molineux's designs like I am.
http://www.oldworlddesigns.com/

http://shorebirdstudio.com/

The French Knot in Texas has a one day sale on 1/8/11 with in stock painted canvases between 30-85% off and some threads a dollar a skein.  They also will special order canvases at a 20% discount.  Remember, this is a one day only sale.
http://www.thefrenchknot.com/

Chaparral Needlepoint in Texas is putting almost everything in the shop on sale at 20% off from January 10-15.
http://www.ndlpt.com/

Needlepoint.com has added to their 50% off sale canvases page.  Note the sale runs until Jan. 15.
http://www.needlepoint.com/index.php/sale-items.html

When it comes to monthly clubs, ads in the needlepoint magazines are full of new items.  The Needlepointer hasn't updated their monthly club page yet, but they plan a ribbon candy canvas club, a club featuring Melissa Shirley's tiny fancy pumpkins that spell out Thanksgiving, and a peppermint patty club of double sided canvases that make sweet treats for all stitchers.  All these start this month, so hopefully the website will have this information soon.
http://www.theneedlepointer.com/monthly_clubs.php

Do you love Christmas and train sets?  Then the Toy Express series from Needleworks in Birmingham, Alabama is for you.
http://web.me.com/gritsnp/Site/Toy_Express_Train.html

Nordic Needle is jumping into the monthly club business with their counted canvaswork Seasonal Snowflakes.
http://www.nordicneedle.com/PROD/CLUB03.html

Chandail is working with Melissa Shirley to create Santa Bells, a series of her classic Santa designs in "snow globe bell" form.  Each bell is 5 inches high so these can be made up into ornaments or finished as a series of stand up designs.  You can see the first three Santa bells on their home page.  Follow the links for nice big photos.  My favorite is the red Santa holding the bird tree but you may prefer one of the more over-the-top designs that still manage to be elegant in true Chandail style.
http://www.chandailneedlework.com/

A Stitch in Time is offering Raymond Crawford flowers of the month in a cheerful club that will bring spring to you any month of the year.
http://www.needlepoint-knitting.com/stitch-clubs.htm

Finally, Old Town Needlework in Arizona is doing a kimono club.  The designs are darling but sadly only the details are on their website. No pictures!  The 3 x 3 1/2 inch kimonos are all from Lee or Patt and Lee Designs.
http://www.oldtownneedlework.com/KimonoClub.html

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

A Touch of Gold at the Finish

Yesterday I took one last look at the Stuart Plaid Lion, trying to figure out if the lion's body and mane was finished or if I needed to add more stem stitches here and there.  I ended up adding a few highlights to the mane using a strand of Accentuate (gold #024) and then laid long stitches with the same thread across the diagonal red skip tent stitch background.   The skip tent stitches run from the NE to the SW and the long gold Accentuate stitches are laid from the NW to the SE.  Using a little Accentuate adds a bit of pizzazz to the canvas.  This is a royal symbol of the Stuart line of English kings and queens, after all!

I think this design is finished but I'll take one last look today before sending it off to Leigh to be made up into a model while I write the stitch guide.

On another topic entirely, Old World Designs' website page about their monthly club of California ornaments has updated to show photos of all the designs in stitched form.  Love that cable car!
http://www.oldworlddesigns.com/california.html

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