Breaking News: Scam Website

Zecca just posted this to Facebook's Needlepoint Nation:

"I just became aware of a scam website I think everyone should be aware of. It pretends to be an online seller of needlepoint with too good to be true prices. It is not real!!!!!! needleworkart.com

Do not give them any information. It is not a real shop."

I suggest folks not even click on the link.  Even looking at websites like this can be dangerous.  Thanks for the heads up, Zecca!  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 21, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mystery Class: Window of Opportunity (Zecca)

Ruth at Bedecked and Beadazzled will offer a class this month featuring "Window of Opportunity" from Zecca as her spring mystery.  There won't be any Zoom classes with this triptych, just kits sent to your house.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/needlepoint/mattye-hamilton-ruth-schmuff/

The fun has begun with an all over background and one stealthy orange cat!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/11/window-of-opportunity/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 3, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Mystery with a Twist: Zecca Triptych

Ruth Schmuff has chosen her next Mystery with a Twist class--Zecca's "Triptych."

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/01/new-mystery-with-a-twist/

These are very long classes, spread out over years.  This one will start in April 2025 if you are interested.  As always, I will post class progress photos here as Ruth releases them.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved

The Long Bat Mystery

Ruth at Bedecked and Beadazzled has announced her Halloween mystery class:  it is Zecca's "Long Bat."  

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2023/08/its-a-looooong-bat/

As is my usual practice, I'll update this article with Ruth's progress reports from her October classes.  

Ruth did something totally different and stitched the bat's face and one wing first instead of doing the background.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2023/10/bat-wings/

The bat's chubby little body looks fabulous. Apparently the wings are all sparkly and the fingers beaded.  I hope Ruth shows off the background stitch using a Stef Francis overdye (this is a UK Company).

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2023/10/bat-body/

Stef Francis dyes fabrics and threads of all sorts.  This is her silk section but explore a bit to see the cotton. linen, and rayon threads and much, much more.

https://www.stef-francis.co.uk/product-category/hand-dyed-yarns/hand-dyed-silk-yarns/

And finally, here is Long Bat, finished two ways.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/09/bats-are-flying/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 24, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Zecca Laying Tools

I didn't realize Zecca sells wooden laying tools made by Alex Goldman.  They come in various shapes, depending on what's comfortable for your hand.

https://zecca.net/laying-tools/

These are either all wood or have wooden handles for Shay Pendray's Best Laying Tool.  Your favorite shop can order one of these beauties for you through Zecca.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Zecca Direct

Zecca has created a new page on their website for discontinued items that they are selling directly to fans of their work.

https://zecca.net/collection/zecca-direct/

If you are interested (there's a section for the clay buttons, too), contact Zecca to pay and arrange shipping.  Move quickly, though.  These are discontinued designs so there are likely only a few (or maybe only one) left.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Sunflowers (and more) for Ukraine

I'm starting to see sunflowers all over, and realized this is because they are Ukraine's flower.  As I write this, the invasion of Ukraine is still stalled.  Hopefully diplomacy (or common decency) will prevail and the Russian army will retreat.  To take this back to needlepoint, Carol Curtis Needlepoint Design has a lovely realistic sunflower.

https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2022/02/sunflower.html

Suzi of VNG has a sunflower fund raiser for Ukraine.

https://astheneedleturns.com/sunflower-fields/

So does Pepperberry.

https://familyartsneedlework.com/collections/stand-with-ukraine-1

Judy Ann has added several small sunflower pieces to her Etsy store.

https://judyannneedlepoint.com/product-category/stitchin-for-ukraine/

If you are fond of traditional needlepoint pillows, Beth Russell's pillow kit is gorgeous.  It's also available with a green or paprika red background but we'll show the blue since yellow and blue are the Ukrainian flag colors.

https://bethrussellneedlepoint.com/collections/sunflower/products/sunflower-1-blue-background

Are you a fan of abstract art?  Then this Zecca canvas of four sunflowers is going to be right up your alley.

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=31201&title=4%20Sunflowers%20-%2013ct&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

The Meredith Collection has at least two sunflowers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CapO0hMNQEz/

Mary Lake Thompson has a gorgeous sunflower boot for the Southwestern fans.

https://myneedlepoint.com/sunflower-boot-mlt242-ms.html

Want something smaller? This Abigail Cecile version is for you.

https://needlepoint.com/products/abigail-cecile-single-jacobean-sunflower

JP has a lovely little peace ornament and...

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10219818702850103&set=a.10202723598043167

...a darling sunflower egg design.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10219866724330610&set=a.1526682219092

The queen of floral needlepoint design is Jean Smith.  This beauty is on 13 count.

https://www.annieandco.com/products/jean-smith-181m

Jean also has a very elegant sunflower topiary.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/small-sunflower-topiary-needlepoint-canvas

Patt of Patt and Lee has a large sunflower that's gorgeous.  Change the teal background to blue and there you go.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=4977918388956561&set=a.107871135961335

Jody Valentine has several small sunflower ornaments.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JODYdesignsNEEDLEPT?fbclid=IwAR0tf_XTdMH3f6WyuzkfY1R_O99oiYrA6gjdMaZDrnFB7mU2JoDazIRAQNU

If you are a fan of counted canvaswork, Laura Perin's "Ukrainian Eggs" is a fabulous design from a chart.

https://www.madameneedle.com/item_21088/Laura-J.-Perin-Ukranian-Eggs.htm

Laura has taken one of the eggs from "Ukrainian Eggs" and charted it for a free project.  Thanks, Laura!

http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2022/03/sharing-this-ukrainian-egg-ornament.html

JP Needlepoint is painting an Ukrainian egg design.  It's not finished yet but you can see how it is developing here.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10219795548711264&set=a.1526682219092

JP Needlepoint now has individual Ukrainian eggs available.

https://www.facebook.com/427220977360465/photos/a.427244014024828/5170064076409441/

If you have more canvases than time, how about this charming heart magnet from Kirkland Design Studio?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/4911653968911722/

https://www.kirklanddesignstudio.com/listing/1179245884/ukrainian-flag-heart-needle-minder

Rebecca Wood has a charming reindeer ornament for Ukraine.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/4938273442916441/

We stitch our hopes and dreams, don't we?  We dream of peace in Ukraine.  By the way, Tilli Thomas of Planet Earth has a new Ukrainian flag ornament that is a fund raiser for the brave soils there.

https://www.facebook.com/ostervilleneedlepointshop/photos/a.722684687832921/4313611592073528/

UPDATES:  Jolly Red has a subtle bow to Ukraine in their Brighter Days Daffodils kit.

https://www.jollyred.co.uk/product/brighter-days-daffodils/

Kathy Brandt has added a lovely heart flag to her line.

https://www.facebook.com/KathyBrantArt/photos/a.381585001987545/2861224667356887/

Hedgehog has a Kyiv Vintage Luggage tag needle magnet now.

https://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.shop/shop/c/p/Vintage-Luggage-Tag---Kyiv-Needleminder-x62433949.htm

Hannah Bass has a traditional needlepoint kit.

https://hannahbass.com/products/peace-for-ukraine-charity-needlepoint-kit

Laura Love Designs has a new charted sunflower chart fund raiser.  It'll be available as a painted canvas later this year.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/4971059322971186/

Laura Love's painted version of the pretty Ukrainian embroidery with sunflower is ready.

https://store.apneedlearts.com/ukemfl1.html

Elizabeth Bradley has redone their small sunflower kit with a Ukrainian blue background.  All profits go to charities to help the Ukrainian refugees.

https://needlepoint.com/products/elizabeth-bradley-sunflower-mini-kit?_kx=spGqMUEEs3Pe26tF9Jkghd_FvizqCNqZrcu-EtTsuNa-X-jY5kdJAFI_-tT2BvST.TxAVmM

CanvasWorks has a great kit with the Ukrainian symbol.  Available this summer.

https://store.apneedlearts.com/ukemfl.html

BeauVerre Art has Ukrainian needle minders.  The Labors of Love shop has them in stock.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdV2mLErwDO/

Painted Pony has an angel that is a fund raiser for Ukrainian displaced children.

https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2022/07/ukrainian-angel.html

Anne Fisher is distributing two needlepoint canvases from Julia Krasnik, an Ukrainian artist.

https://www.annefisherneedlepoint.com/collaborations

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com\

© Copyright March 1, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Winter 2021 Mystery Class Announced: Zecca's Mock Tail UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff has announced the mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled for Feb. and March 2021.  It will be Zecca's "Mock Tail."

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2020/12/2021/

I'll update this article as the classes happen so you can see the magic Ruth and her students achieve.

UPDATES:

The background and the tablecloth are underway.  This report also has a fun video explaining how Mock Tail got its name.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/02/mocktails-anyone/

String art leaves and a rounded vase are the latest tricks up Ruth's sleeve.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/02/how-to-shape-a-vase/

Three birds, the same and different-

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/03/yellow-birdies/

Here's a good look at the finished canvas.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/07/returning-favorites/

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10233597829358525&set=gm.8034137626663325&idorvanity=108537025890131

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 13, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Brenda Hart's Cross Hatched Background

Ruth Schmuff's mystery class from last year finally came back from the finishers as a lovely pillow.  As usual, I updated the article about this Bedecked and Beadazzled class with the final product but I want to draw your attention to the background stitch.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/06/a-tiny-bird-flew-home/

Here's the article Ruth posted originally about the random cross hatched background, adapted from an idea from the great Brenda Hart.  Isn't it clever?!  Ruth has used this several times and shows off the stitch on one of the Shelly Penko canvases.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2017/03/texture-2/

Brenda's a genius.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 29, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tall Bird in a Masque? UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff has revealed her Halloween mystery class for 2018—Zecca's mysterious "Tall Bird on a Rock."  Is the bird dressed for Halloween?  Is it a bank robber out on a spree?  Is it going to a Masquerade in Venice?  Only the stitcher knows!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/07/tall-bird-on-a-rock-mystery-class/?mc_cid=1f848b51b4&mc_eid=60242fbe68

I'll update this article as Ruth Tells All.  First, she did the background and the flower pods.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/08/background-first/?mc_cid=c615bd6136&mc_eid=60242fbe68

UPDATE:  The bird has some wild and crazy feathers!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/09/hes-one-fun-bird/

UPDATE #2:  And he's got a mask and great feet and much more!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/10/hes-a-fisher-bird/?mc_cid=57cdf0836d&mc_eid=c05eb4bd3b

UPDATE #3:  Here is the bird finished—and mounted on a rock!  Note the video that shows how to do the leaves.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2019/10/another-finish/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 28, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Why Fit In?

Ruth Schmuff has finished one of her Mystery with a Twist classes. Here is Zecca's Why Fit in and it's lovely!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/06/why-fit-in-2/?mc_cid=2128bcc70c&mc_eid=c05eb4bd3b

UPDATE:  Here she is framed.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/12/shes-home/?mc_cid=a0ccf32601&mc_eid=60242fbe68

Bedecked and Beadazzled offers Mystery with a Twists class periodically.  The lessons only arrive very slowly, to give folks plenty of time to stitch the project.  By slowly, I mean it can take over a year for the class to finish.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/classes/mystery-classes/mysteries-with-a-twist/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 7, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Zecca Thanksgiving 2017 Retreat Framed

The stitched versions of Zecca's "A Couple of Friends," which was the Bedecked and Beadazzled Thanksgiving 2017 retreat piece are starting to come back from the framers.  They look really good!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/03/friends/

The piece is whimsical and fun and the stitching a bit over the top with the fun bird stitches.  If you need this for your stitching area, just give the shop a call.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/a-couple-of-friends/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 23, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hummingbird: A New Mystery Class UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff has announced the next mystery class for Bedecked and Beaddazzled--Zecca's "Hummingbird."  You can find out more about the class which will start in March on the shop website (second link below).
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/01/it-feels-like-spring.html

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/hummingbird-2/

As always, I'll update this article as Ruth posts progress photos.  The first lesson Ruth works on the background, throwing in a twist or two.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/03/texture.html

Then she tackles the poppies.  One stitch for the red poppies, one for the orange.  But Ruth changes the threads around so that the poppies that use the same stitch look different.   Cool!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/03/poppies.html

Now the little hummingbird!  Ruth uses him to show how you can create birds with various sizes of beads. Very clever, as always, Miss Ruth.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/04/he-can-fly.html

The final lesson was mainly about the leaves.  As always, there are many fun touches.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/05/leaves-leaves-so-many-leaves.html

And here is Zecca's Hummingbird as a pillow—lovely!
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/06/a-tiny-bird-flew-home/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 18, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Life Changing Flower (Turkeywork Phobia Cured)

Once again Ruth blows our minds with her inventiveness!  If you ever feared turkeywork, you need to read this.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/07/its-life-changing-flower.html

The "Run Bunny Run" canvas is by Zecca and is being stitched as a mystery class through Ruth's online shop, Bedecked and Beaddazzled.   If you are intrigued, you can join in any time.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/Mystery-Classes/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 12, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

My Personal Favorites from Destination Dallas 2016

Cool Drink - Erin Nelson

Now that the Destination Dallas show is over and we are moving into the fall holiday season, I wanted to point out designs I really really liked. This is a personal list, just things that whisper "stitch me" when I look at them.  The first on the list is a new artist at Purple Palm Designs.  The "Cool Drink" zebra shown on the left is so appealing due to the cool colors Erin Nelson choose.
http://www.stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=34447&title=Cool%20Drink&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Pair of Quail from Quail Run Designs

How about the quails in this Quail Run design?  I just love them!
https://www.facebook.com/QuailRunNeedlework/photos/a.339586356091534.93299.326583717391798/1192581917458636/?type=3&theater

Alice Peterson Does Mahjong

I'm also crazy about the mahjong canvases from Alice Peterson.  There are three different designs.  I think the one on the right is my personal favorite.  I like the mix of red, yellow and gray, the gate and the lanterns.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1104089483000971&set=a.1093597670716819.1073741826.100001997882176&type=3&theater

Julie Mar's Peppermint Stick Mouse Sock

I have to say this peppermint stick mouse stocking from Julie Mar is the cutest thing ever!  Of course I love pink.
http://www.juliemardesigns.com/pc/KL166/NEW/White+Mouse+on+Candy+Cane

Laurel Birch Flowers

Continuing my fascination this September with floral and animal canvases are these two from Laurel Burch/Danji.
https://www.facebook.com/DanjiDesigns/photos/pcb.1073904005979351/1073903922646026/?type=3&theater

Another Laurel Burch from Painted Pony Designs

I love the simplicity of the horse and birds design.
https://www.facebook.com/DanjiDesigns/photos/pcb.1073904005979351/1073903919312693/?type=3&theater

Beauty, by Zecca

Zecca's new Beauty Bird is lovely and the saying is quite inspirational, too.
http://zecca.net/needlepoint/new-canvases/

Deco Detective, from Eleanor Grosch

Unlike any of the other pieces, my last favorite treats are not straight from nature but are people--here's Eleanor Grosch's "The Deco Detective, " straight from the Golden Age of British detective stories.
http://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/deco-detective/

Lani's Lady with Peonies

And here is one of Lani's new Asian ladies.  They are stunners!
https://www.facebook.com/176661899060777/photos/pcb.1182714185122205/1182704798456477/?type=3&theater

Carolyn Hedge Baird says she noticed a lot of donkey canvases and lots of dogs in clothes when I asked her what trends she noticed at Destination Dallas.  What trends did you notice and what were your favorites?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright  July 26, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Zecca's "Coloring Book" Canvases

Coloring Book #2 "Create" from Zecca

One of the most interesting new design trends from Destination Dallas is Zecca's series of black and white line drawing canvases called their "Coloring Book" series.  Each canvas comes with a paper version of the design so stitchers can figure out their preferred color scheme before they start to stitch the design.
http://zecca.net/needlepoint/new-canvases/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 11, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Run Bunny Run--A Mystery UPDATED

Ruth Schmuff has announced her latest mystery class--Zecca's "Run Bunny Run."  Classes will start in May and run through August, 2016.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/03/whats-new.html

Even though Ruth's shop Bedecked and Beaddazzled is no longer a brick and mortar shop, local stitchers will be able to meet at her headquarters while folks who aren't local can do the class via mail order.  Here's the first lesson complete--with sequins!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/05/its-raining-sequins.html

The second lesson stitches the bunny with the new Capri thread from Rainbow Gallery.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/06/deeee-lightful.html

Now Ruth adds flowers and birds.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/07/its-life-changing-flower.html

And more flowers and crystals, too!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/07/a-very-special-bunny-came-to-town.html

Plus beaded cabochons!
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2016/08/the-bunny-is-hopping.html

And here is the final result, both framed and as a standup.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2017/04/hoppy-easter.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 19, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Mystery from Chandail (And Zecca)

Chandail and Zecca are collaborating on a new mystery class called "The Enchanted Garden Mystery Project."  The six lessons are by Kathy Kulesza and Cindy Howland.  You can see the entire canvas and a peek at Lesson One on Chandail's website.
http://www.chandailneedlework.com/mystery-projects.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 14, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Eyeballs

Was it Shakespeare's three witches who talked about "eye of newt and toe of frog?"  Do you think he was thinking about the Zecca retreat at Bedecked and Beadazzled?
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/10/my-eyeball-just-popped-out.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 12, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Zecca Retreats

Bedecked and Beaddazzled makes a point of having a Zecca retreat each October, featuring a design made by Zecca just for the shop as the stitching focus. This year they have a wonderful gecko and reptile design.  If you are free October 10-11, you might want to head to the Baltimore suburbs....
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/08/zecca-retreat-2015.html

Here is the design they did for the October 2014 retreat, now available in kit form.  Ruth and Karen Hennessey of Zecca make magic, don't they?
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/08/a-favorite.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright  August 27, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.