News from the Bead Industry

Susan Johnson of SJ Designs has published a new e-newsletter that talks about the changes in the bead industry.  To sum up, Swarovski has stopped selling their crystals and beads to the craft industry and now Precosia is no longer making most pearl colors and styles.  So Susan is looking for replacements in Europe.

https://mailchi.mp/149bfd86c3cb/aug-20-2025?fbclid=IwY2xjawMVUVtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6dlJFeEc2dU05OEo5QWZqAR7SOu2xGGNM1jjBPoWXK7ba4Mx26G6QB-mHmrVmUjG6brM35f-LGuYQWL1wBg_aem_oCLJ7VuaW0m85Y4FWy-t7A

SJ Designs is one of my Go To places to shop for beads, pearls and metal findings.  If you'd like to browse, here is her website.

https://sj-designs.net/shop/beads-pearls-sew-ons/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 22, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Satin Ribbons from Berwick-Offray Discontinued

Susan at SJ Designs has learned that the 1/8 and 1/16 inch satin ribbons from Berwick-Offray are discontinued as the company shuts down.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1372170728242381&set=a.470853358374127

Susan still has stock on her website and is hunting for a replacement.

https://sj-designs.net/shop/sj-designs-ribbons/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

2MM Flat Sequins Also Discontinued UPDATED

It's not been a good week for needlework supplies--SJ Designs has also discovered the manufacturers of flat sequins in the 2mm size have stopped making them.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1373138781478909&set=a.470853358374127

If you use these, you can stock up at Susan's website.

https://sj-designs.net/shop/beads-pearls-sew-ons/sequins/

UPDATE:  Cartwright's also has them in mixed colors.  I'm sure if you search, you can find other sources, but Cartwright's is my go-to source for sequins if my favorite shops don't have what I need.

https://www.ccartwright.com/search?options%5Bunavailable_products%5D=last&options%5Bprefix%5D=last&options%5Bfields%5D=title%2Cvendor%2Cproduct_type%2Cvariants.title&q=2mm+flat

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 2, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Auction of Needlework

Susan of SJ Designs stumbled across this auction of Wendy Jones Cartwright's framed needlework which happens August 29, 2025.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1345242237601897&set=a.470853358374127

Most appears to be needlepoint, and some may be original designs.  You can browse the auction house's complete listing of Ms. Cartwright's handwork here--

https://www.invaluable.com/search?query=Wendy%2520cartwright&keyword=Wendy%2520cartwright

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 2, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Confetti News and a Free Chart

Susan Johnson of SJ Designs has news about her Confetti line of thread, which she thought was going to be discontinued. 

https://mailchi.mp/dab8d0d07fde/may-21-2025

And there is a free chart in her newsletter!  Click on the photo of the design to see or click here.

https://mcusercontent.com/35aa40000a83a7d7f36608669/files/706e0d8d-d530-1f1e-6aae-887e9f6a0b62/Oakleaves_2025_free_chart.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 22, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Vintage Needlepoint Jewelry

Susan Johnson of SJ Designs has a unique stickpin for sale--a vintage 12 karat gold plated tapestry needle set with a diamond.  

https://sj-designs.net/product/12karat-gold-plated-tapestry-needle-set-with-a-tiny-diamond/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow 

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 4, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: Lumiere Metallic Yarn UPDATED

Susan Johnson of SJ Designs just announced a new thread--Lumiere Metallic Yarn.

https://sj-designs.net/shop/threads/lumiere-metallic-yarn/

Available in sixteen colors, Lumiere is described by Susan as "a fine, soft thread that can be used alone, doubled, or blended with another fiber.  If you love new threads, this is worth playing with.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/6816771585066608/

UPDATE:  Susan has new colors available, so now there are 22 in all.

https://mailchi.mp/424d24b6772f/new-this-week-april24

UPDATE #2:  Here is a video of Lumirie on a canvas.  Sparkle!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/3109327252590641

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 16, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Color of Zweigart Canvas

SJ Designs reports that Zweigart has a new "Dusty Rose" canvas color that matches DMC #151.  Zweigart still can't make the old "Rose Blush" color, but hopefully this brighter pink will work well with your designs.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=825410319585094&set=a.470853358374127

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The Virtual Bead Bar

I love using beads and sequins on my needlepoint, at least occasionally, but what do you do if your favorite shop doesn't stock these things?  You have to shop online, which can be hard.  However, I have several favorite places to browse for just the right thing.  They are listed alphabetically.  

First up, Bedecked and Beadazzled carries all sorts of beads and sequins.  Their website allows you to choose the sort of thing you are looking for and the sample photos are clear and large.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/beads/

Cartwright's Sequins carries sequins only but what a selection!  You can search by size, by finish and by shape.  

https://www.ccartwright.com/sunshop/

Needlenook of La Jolla carries most of the line of Sundance beads, sequins and findings.  The photos are good and the organization helpful so you can easily find the sort of thing you want.

https://www.needlenook.com/product-category/sundance-beads-2/

SJ Designs carries all sorts of beads, pearls and vintage items. Susan Johnson also occasionally has unusual items like brass charms or metal spangles.  She has a good stock of the discontinued Swarovski bicones---and they are on sale!

https://sj-designs.net/shop/beads-pearls-sew-ons/

Of course the large online bead stores like Fire Mountain Gems or Shipwreck Beads are a good source for items.  Etsy carries beautiful handmade lampwork beads and these wonderful little snowflakes.  

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1318788342/silver-snowflakes-2-count-oo-metal?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=britches+and+bows&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&organic_search_click=1

But for standard embellishments, the above sources will cover ninety-nice percent of your embellishment needs.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 4, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

John James Gold-Plated Needles

If you are a fan of John James' gold-plated needles, Susan Johnson at SJ Designs has some size 24 available.  You can buy a single needle or a packet but the supply is limited.

https://sj-designs.net/product/gold-plated-24-tapestry-needles/?fbclid=IwAR3mz3e1XKh2Z0vwUGPUjxkflAGN_PdUhuXjDm9VLP1KVesFDALCl6rCX-A

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 12, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Free Halloween Design from SJ Designs

Susan Johnson of SJ Designs has released a free Halloween ornament chart that is totally beaded.

https://mcusercontent.com/35aa40000a83a7d7f36608669/files/965eec61-9ef2-46f1-9b16-81028f7adad0/Boo_2_You_2020.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2rwaNbVXq93jeatlUos5pBIp-scOz_VCVWxfCn7xKJpFdlaBVmhK9AGp8

If you aren't a bead person, though, rummage in your stash and pick threads in the right colors and use those in tent stitches instead.  You'll need black, white, gold, purple, green and orange.  

Thanks, Susan!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 20, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Hearts Ornament from SJ Designs

Susan Johnson of SJ Designs has a new free chart with a hearts motif.  It will make a lovely background, too.
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/35aa40000a83a7d7f36608669/files/8fa5b755-1c7c-4f27-bba9-ff48d88aa9b9/Lucky_at_Love.01.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3DxwXKngpgdfDBqdDtOt7Bu751cNFZhPsE4xssmJHRxEN0zsx9ZE5AUho

Susan is promising to post work-in-progess photos on her Facebook page for those who are stitching along.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 28, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Boo to You

Susan Johnson of SJ Designs has posted another free chart on her website.  This one celebrates Halloween and is intended to be done all in beads, but of course you can use thread instead of you aren't into beading.
https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?u=35aa40000a83a7d7f36608669&id=b991a4c782

Thanks, Susan!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 29, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

SJ Designs' Victorian Dogs for Sale

SJ Designs is featuring a lovely Victorian era needlepoint of two dogs on their sale site. The stitching is interesting because of the background stitch chosen and the interesting random stitching on the basket.
https://sj-designs.net/product/c1860s-berlin-work-needlepoint-hunting-dogs/?fbclid=IwAR27tm2xBz9jxAuDGT0gFjIzv5GkY3m2SenVev0GOqFO_eN6w0Xw53eSGhg

Susan thinks this dates to between 1850-70.  It's a great lesson on how needlepoint has and has not changed.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 13, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Historical Charts from the Victorian Period

SJ Designs has re-issued an updated and enlarged version of their Berlin woolwork chart books and…
https://sj-designs.net/product/victorian-berlinwork-pattern-plates/?fbclid=IwAR3pgTO7vVXsmu15iMC75cdRLCMYBO5w9ivPE0eK7VUuTn_2UZZ3KbYBObc

…has a new chart booklet out on 1870 Victorian "oriental" rug designs.
https://sj-designs.net/product/victorian-charted-tapestry-patterns-from-1870/?fbclid=IwAR0It-ZZJEAhAW3IRIopxJ7n07xsMv6Qw8A9MMUppE6YA3OBqSk6Gwm_fjc

If you like historic interiors and love charted canvaswork, you'll want to check these out.  (Also available via Amazon, just follow the links.)

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 27, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pastel Pencil Shading

Susan Johnson of SJ Designs just posted an antique needlepoint piece for sale on her website, making special note of the pastel shading on the faces.
https://sj-designs.net/product/c1900-tea-time-needlepoint-tapestry-with-hand-painted-faces/?fbclid=IwAR0xYvPBYA5RIM_y8_wEhtJcReNNYgL_9jLLdZIPSKASyunbGVeZqaH3VsU

Both Melissa Shirley and Lisa at BeStitched Needlepoint do this on their stitching.
https://vimeo.com/148802688

Lisa also uses fabric markers to shade silk ribbons.
https://vimeo.com/164029492

It can be done.  I would not do it on pieces that need to be wet blocked but it's perfect for some situations.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 24, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Antique Needlepoint for Sale

Susan Johnson of SJ Designs doesn't only sell beads and sequins and chart antique designs for modern needlepointers, she sells antique pieces she finds here and there, including some nearly 150 year old examples of needlepoint.  You can see quite a few interesting examples of historical needlepoint in her Etsy shop.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SusanJohnsonDesigns?section_id=16782233

My favorites are the needlepoint in the Medieval style dated c. 1860…
https://www.etsy.com/listing/630178183/c1860-needlepoint-tapestry-in-the?ref=shop_home_active_15

…and the beaded needlepoint on perforated paper which is probably ten years older.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/643867950/c1850-beaded-needlepoint-on-perforated?ref=shop_home_active_17&cns=1

You may be smitten by the samplers or the antique tools, though. It's a fun browse, so pour a cuppa and enjoy.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 18, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Mistress of Embroidery

Susan Johnson of SJ Designs has a new booklet out. It's called The Mistress of Embroidery: Patterns for Embroidery, Counted Cross Stitch and Needlepoint.  It reproduces charts and outlines first printed in 1819 by Augustin Legrand which can be done in needlepoint, cross stitch or embroidery.  If you are interested in patterns available just after Jane Austin's death in the first year of Queen Victoria's reign, this is right up your alley.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1790217040?fbclid=IwAR1RFgWMFoNTtwof0RBp6u08YYZJm8QKzXeIC0Zr7fewQfUYjrWwVm0QOqc

This is one of a series of historical embroidery books by Susan.  Most are 19th Century Berlin woolwork type charts but not all.  Have fun browsing and learning more needlework history.
https://sj-designs.net/shop/sj-designs-books/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 24, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Free Hanukkah and a Free Christmas Design

Susan Johnson of SJ Designs has posted a free Hannukkah design on her website as a gift to her stitching friends. 
http://sj-designs.net/sjdwordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/HANUKKAH-RIBBONS-ORNAMENT.pdf?fbclid=IwAR08Nb4Fu63Ci8tw4wW5Sxr8MDbY4rBHLmHX0pGGSjUWs9mtoPBEHlBodjQ

There's a Christmas version, too!
http://sj-designs.net/very-very-merry-ornament-chart/?fbclid=IwAR2bPEuDcVyTpY7HE65R_4fjJQhquKFBsB7Y1g1rVR4uG8ulxx0KxPgbKHA

Thanks, Susan!

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

SJ Designs Introduces "Heirloom Lace Sampler"

Needlepointers who like samplers will be thrilled with the new chart by Susan Johnson of SJ Designs—"Heirloom Lace Sampler."
https://www.facebook.com/100217680025450/photos/a.100768283303723.283.100217680025450/1754462507934284/?type=3&theater

Susan says this is stitched on 18 count needlepoint canvas using two layers of simple stitches to give the illusion of lace over velvet.  You can pick up the chart at the SJ Designs website.
http://sj-designs.net/product/heirloom-lace-sampler/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 16, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.