Showing posts with label System 4. Show all posts
Showing posts with label System 4. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

All About the System Four

Needlepoint.com has a series of videos about all the different System 4 needlework stands.  Whether you want a floor or table stand, need something for travel, or just are curious, System 4 has a stand to meet your needs.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 8, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

The System Four Floor, Lap, Travel Stands

Are you in the market for a stand to hold your needlepoint on a frame?  Or maybe you are just curious?  Needlepoint.com just posted an article and videos about the various System Floor stands available.  This should answer many of your questions about what they sell and how everything works.

The one thing that I think is unique about the System Four is how portable their travel stand is.  If you are on the road a lot, this is something you need to take a serious look at.

Just remember, the many accessories offered for the System Four are usually sold separately instead of being included with the stand of your choice.   Here is the current pricing for these items--

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 9, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Want a Travel Stand?

Thinking about buying a travel stand?  Then you'll want to watch this video about the new System Four travel clamp.

It's small enough to travel with and will fit over almost every table and work with all the System Four frame clamps.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 9, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, April 1, 2022

The Youkoyi LED Magnifying Lamp

Susan's been using a Youkoyi light/magnifier for a while with her System Four floor stand and really likes it.

Note you need to buy the System Four lamp clamp to use it as pictured.  I'm also uncertain that the bulb can be replaced when it burns out but LED lights last quite a while. 

Amazon sells this and apparently it comes with a clamp if you want to use it with a table by your stitching chair.  

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.

Saturday, December 11, 2021

All About The System Four Frame

Melissa of the Pointing It Out podcast interviews Jennifer of System 4 about needlework frames, how and why needlepointers use them, and how the System 4 in particular works.

Here's the System Four website for some browsing to see all the products Melissa and Jennifer talked about.
www.needleworksystem4.com


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 2, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, November 4, 2021

A New Table Clamp from System Four

Needle Work System Four has redesigned their table clamp so that it will open wider and hold projects more firmly.

Note that you have to buy the correct clamp that holds your needlework to use with the section that clamps to the table.  Need more information?  Look at their website.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 19, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, January 11, 2021

The System Four Stand (Lap and Floor Versions)

Needlepoint.com sells the System 4 stand and has a nice mini-review on their blog.

The article points out that you buy the stand (either floor or table flavor) and then the sort of clamp head for either stretcher bars or scroll bars, depending on which you use.  There is a floor stand that doesn't fold up for storage or travel, just in case you never go anywhere with your floor stand and don't need to put it out of the way periodically. 

In other words, there are lots of options.  Consider whether the floor stand will fit under your stitching chair, however.  If you can borrow one to test drive, that's really the best way to know if a stand will work for you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 9, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, June 30, 2019

Floor Stands, Lights and Magnifiers in Use UPDATED

Sheena just got back from one of Bedecked and Beadazzled's great classes. This one was a flamingo canvas from Lulu My Pink Turtle and it looks fabulous.  Flamingos have been all the rage (along with llamas) at the Orlando NTA show, so Ruth is on trend with this darling piece.
https://www.sheenasstitches.com/flamingo-fun/

Besides the class project and some other fun items, Sheena took good photos of the various lights, magnifiers and floor or table stands folks used.  It's a great way to see the System 4, the K's floor stand, the Dublin Craft Magnifier and the Duo Lamp in action.  After all, the best stand, light or magnifier is the one that works in your stitching nest!

Thanks for the great shots of the fabulous stands, lights and magnifiers, Sheena!

UPDATE:  The Needlepointer has a little video up showing a K's metal floor stand in use.  Very helpful!
https://vimeo.com/303822921

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 1, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, August 13, 2018

Which Floor Stand is Right for You?

Which floor stand is right for you? Mary Corbet tackles this important question with information about quite a few brand names and often a link to her review of each.
https://www.needlenthread.com/2018/06/navigating-needlework-floor-stands-overview.html

For those interested, I have one of the K's Creations metal floor stands and I absolutely love it!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 11, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, May 27, 2016

A Range of Lights, Light/Magnifiers and Frames

Nimble Needle shows off the lights, light/magnifiers and frames of various types that the shop has in stock. If you are in the market, this is a good browse to learn more about the options available to needlepointers.
http://nimbleneedlenj.com/favorite-lights-magnifiers-tools-and-more/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 4, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, December 27, 2014

The Just a Thought Needlework Stand

Mary Corbet reviewed the Just a Thought Needlework Stand on her site recently.   In case you are in the market for a floor stand, her review will make it easy for you to understand how it works and whether it might be the right stand for your stitching next as she compares the Just a Thought floor stand to the Needlework System Four floor and table stands and to the Necessaire Floor Stand.  Follow the link to the JAT website for further information.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/12/just-a-thought-needlework-stand-review.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 16, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

All About the System Four Floor Frame UPDATED

If you are in the market for a floor frame and can't try one out before you buy, Needle in a Haystack's thorough review is going to be a Must Read. 
http://needlestack.typepad.com/whats_new/2014/05/needlework-system-4-stands-review.html

The most important thing in shopping for a floor frame is to analyze how and where you stitch, then see if the particular features of the floor stand you are considering will work in that location and with your stitching style.  Doesn't matter how great a frame is, if you can't lay in bed and stitch with it if that is how you prefer to work, it is not the frame for you.

UPDATE:  Donna says she uses this stand from the side but as the comment section at the NIAH site was closed, she asked me to mention it here, just in case you need your floor frame off to one side instead of in front of you.  It's versatile and will work either way.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 3, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Comparing Stands

Mary Corbet talks about the various needlework stands she owns and why they work well for her. As we all know, what stand is perfect for you is a very personal thing. Hopefully Mary's descriptions, photos and videos will help those who can't try out a stand to decide what might work best for their stitching nest. 
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/02/embroidery-stands-videos-reviews.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 2, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Lap Stands

Most of the time we stitchers obsess over choosing the right floor stand as they really work well for a lot of us. However, there are other options--such as the lap stand. This sits on a table or in your lap for stitching.  Personally I like sitting at my dining room table to stitch although I don't do that much any more as most of my stitching is at night in front of the TV.  I am not sure if I could use a lap stand for a large piece such as my current 15x15 inch project, either.  But if you are curious or think a lap stand might be the perfect tool for your stitching situation, read Mary Corbet's review of the System Four version.  Note that there are links (including a video) to the floor stand where you can see how the clamp works.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2013/06/needlework-system-4-table-lap-stand-review.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.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Comparing the Lowery to the System Four

Floor stands cost as much as one of those big, expensive needlepoint canvases (before you add in the cost of the threads) so folks are always asking which is best. Sadly, the answer is It Depends. It depends on whether you travel, the place you prefer stitching in, what size project you stitch most, things like that. Personal things!   But Kelly does take some of the mystery out of choosing between the Lowery and the System Four stand by showing both on her blog.  Put yourself mentally in her stitching chairs and you'll know better which will suit your stitching style and location.
http://sweetneedleofmine.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-lowery-stand-vs-system-4.html

It's still better to borrow one of these and try it out but many of us don't have a stitching friend we can borrow from, so I really appreciate Kelly's help.

I have a K's metal stand, by the way, and I love 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.

Monday, May 21, 2012

A Light Magnifier and System 4 Accessories Clamp

The Bristly Thistle has a light/magnifier highlighted on their blog today. It is shown used with a System 4 floor stand.
http://bristlythistle.wordpress.com/2012/05/15/needlepoint-system-4-accesories/

I happened to have owned this very light magnifier and used it happily for over a dozen years until the halogen bulb burned out.  Switching bulbs is not easy in this model (the bulb base has wires, so you have to pull out the old one and insert the wires of the new into the socket) and mine never worked right after I replaced the original bulb. Of course it took the original bulb over ten years to burn out!  The replacement bulb finally shorted out and I've been doing without a light/magnifier ever since, although I have my eyes on a Dazor table model to use as a replacement.  Still, I used it for a very long time and liked it as much as the person reviewing it.  I used mine first with a Gazelle floor stand (made by Elan) and then with a K's metal floor frame.  The base of the light/magnifier is a round pole that is inserted into one of the round holes in the System 4 light and magnifier holder clamp.
http://www.bristlythistle.com/ns4.html

Both my Gazelle and my K's metal stand also have holes the right size to accept this pole, so you can use this style light/magnifier with any stand or base with a matching hole.

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

Saturday, August 15, 2009

August 2009 Chilly Hollow Newsletter Article


It's the end of summer here in Chilly Hollow and HOT!
Fortunately, there are some really cool new tools to browse while we are inside, passed out in front of the air conditioner.

The Elizabeth Turner Collection has new magnets called Needle Bling. They are from around half an inch to an inch across across and decorated with crystals (some designs come in a large and small version). Some are just a jewel, some are little figures like a crab, a turtle, an apple, a cat face, a crown, etc. They are strong magnets, too, although not as strong as rare earth magnets, and are a fun way to keep your needles handy and off the floor.
http://www.elizabethturnercollection.com/Needle_Buddies.html

Going on vacation? You need luggage for your stitching tools! These cute and inexpensive colorful fake leather boxes are perfect for a trip to the beach, or back to school.
http://www.needlenookoflajolla.com/storedir/proddetail.php?prod=namaste_buddycase&cat=83

Need a new thread because you are tired of the tried and true threads you have used for years? How about Treenway's silk ribbons, threads and even silk felt?
http://www.treenwaysilks.com/mini_skeins.html

How about an old thread (from the 17th Century!) that is being reproduced in small quantities?
http://www.needlenthread.com/2009/07/new-old-metal-thread-silk-purl-have-you.html

Need to cover your canvas when you aren't stitching it? Are you interested in a product that covers just the edges of your canvas so that the thumbtacks or tape or staples don't catch that slippery silk thread? Then you will want to explore Arkansas Cares' line of products. Deb Bee Designs distributes them for Arkansas Cares, a charity that uses its profits from sales to help addicted mothers and their kids. They also make and sell frame weights.
http://www.debbeesdesigns.com/ArkansasCaresIndex.htm

Do you own a System 4 floor stand? Want to see the cool extension arm that fits right over the fat arm of your favorite stitching chair?
http://www.needlenthread.com/2009/07/needlework-system-4-stand-extension.html

If you don't own a System 4, here's their website so you can see the rest of their line of stitching tools.
http://www.needleworksystem4.com/nw_products.shtml

Do you need a new light sourse? I have three different lamp styles to browse, one of which could be just what you are looking for.
http://artneedlepoint.com/BlogRetrieve.aspx?BlogID=1264&PostID=41079

http://needlestack.typepad.com/whats_new/2009/06/new-lamps-coming-soon.html

http://bargelloneedlepoint.com/needlework-uplight-for-bargello-needlepoint/

Have fun browsing while the heat and humidity keep you confined inside.

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