Florentine Fancywork (Toni McKelley)

Melita G. found a copy of Toni McKelley's "Florentine Fancywork" on eBay and has started to gather supplies to stitch it.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/12/25/florentine-fancywork-by-toni-mckelley/

She bought more threads.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/01/05/threads-for-florentine-fancywork-by-toni-mckelley/

She's working the floral border.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/02/19/florentine-fancywork-by-toni-mckelley-begins/

Melita has finished the floral border and has worked a section of Bargello.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/02/24/florentine-fancywork-by-toni-mckelley-side-flower-borders/

Now she's working the interior bands and playing with the color.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/03/01/florentine-fancywork-by-toni-mckelley-bargello-ribbon-and-hungarian-diamond-or-pavillion-variation/

The main area is quite pretty.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/04/05/florentine-fancywork-by-toni-mckelley-new-york-city-skyline/

A starbust has appeared.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/04/06/florentine-fancywork-by-toni-mckelley-starburst/

Now Melita is working the "wheels" which I think are traditionally called pomegranates in Bargello.  I could be wrong, though.  I can't count reliably so I don't do Bargello or Florentine stitching.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/04/12/florentine-fancywork-the-wheels/

You have to look to see these are hearts.  The stripes threw me off.  

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/04/23/florentine-fancywork-by-toni-mckelley-tiny-little-hearts/

Now the diamond shapes.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/04/27/florentine-fancywork-by-toni-mckelley-gods-eye-variation/

Melita did the bottom border, then substituted a purple Bijoux metallic for the outlines.  It is done!

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/05/05/florentine-fancywork-by-toni-mckelley-border-and-outline/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The Gail Stafford Bargello Tissue Box

Melita stitched two versions of a Gail Stafford Bargello sampler (the design came from the September-October 2022 issue of ANG's Needle Pointers), one in stranded threads and one in sparkly threads, and turned the two pieces into a tissue box.  She describes how she finished it at the bottom of this summary of her stitching in 2025.  It looks great!

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/01/01/2025-year-in-review-a-look-forward-bargello-sampler-tissue-box/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 2, 2026 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.

Appleton Teaches Corduroy Stitch

Appleton Wool's Instagram video demonstrates corduroy stitch.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C53SEjXob3S/

As a bonus for those who love Bargello designs, Appleton's also posted a series of photos of patterns done in their lovely wools.  Click the right side arrow (the one inside the photo, not outside the text box) to see them all.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5lqKpbNOsO/?g=5&img_index=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 18, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bargello Sampler at Stitchlady's Adventures

Jan is working a Bargello piece from her ANG Chapter.   It's almost a sampler of Bargello patterns and very pretty.

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2023/11/26/thanksgiving/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Needlepoint Now Sells Reprints

Reading about Melita's adventures yesterday, I discovered that Needlepoint Now magazine is selling reprints of some of the most popular charts from back issues.

https://www.needlepointnow.com/product-category/project-reprints/

All were quite popular a few years back and are still terrific designs that have timeless appeal.  By the way, here is what the late Gayle Bickell's "Pieces of Eight" looks like.

http://www.caron-net.com/oct00files/oct00mag.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 28, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Now Correction

Needlepoint Now magazine has announced that the May-June 2023 issue's Bargello issue shows the wrong photograph.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/6133631530047287/

Here's a link to the correct photo.

https://www.needlepointnow.com/bargello-art/?fbclid=IwAR3lZLaMOE6tMUEd_k2bM0rWSVAB9aFkA32210uHx5alVi9p8SeTLmda74Y

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Colorful Mittens! UPDATED

Colour Complements is starting a mittens series, with a free download of the pattern and diagrams of the stitches used.  Here is the download for the mitten outline.

https://colourcomplements.com/2022/01/needlepoint-mitten-series.html

Lorraine's website has a section where all the mitten designs will live eventually.

https://colourcomplements.com/category/needlepoint/mittens

There will be a mitten (or two) each month.  You can use the overdyed threads that Colour Complements sells or just raid your stash.  Regardless, this is going to create a fun quick ornament for your Christmas tree or just to brighten your house all winter.  I'll update this with the new mitten patterns as they appear.

UPDATES:  These Bargello pattern mittens are really darling.  The pattern download is at the very end of the article.

https://colourcomplements.com/2022/02/colourful-mittens-12-months-of-mittens.html

The green mitten looks so soft!  I didn't realize perle cotton could look this way with the right stitch.

https://colourcomplements.com/2022/03/green-mitten-design-12-months-of-mittens.html

The star mitten is darling.

https://colourcomplements.com/2022/04/a-look-at-our-star-mitten-12-months-of-mittens.html

The two diagonal patterns on this one look fabulous.  The small scale of diagonal brick at the cuff looks very fuzzy, just perfect to offset the Byzantine stitch on the body of the mitten.

https://colourcomplements.com/2022/05/colourful-mitten-pattern-12-months-of-mittens-series.html

This one looks like winter to me and as a bonus, both stitches used are easy to do.

https://colourcomplements.com/2022/06/using-an-alternating-mosaic-stitch-for-needlepoint.html

I am a big fan of PINK so I love this month's pink and yellow mitten.

https://colourcomplements.com/2022/07/pink-mitten-12-months-of-mittens-series.html

If you love bright, bold color, this charmer is right up your alley.

https://colourcomplements.com/2022/08/colourful-mitten-design.html

Who knew a  hexagon pattern would look so good on mittens?!

https://colourcomplements.com/2022/09/mosaic-hexagon-mitten-patterns.html

This one shows how an overdye really jazzes up a stitch.

https://colourcomplements.com/2022/10/how-to-create-this-fall-themed-mitten-pattern.html

The snowflake mittens are adorable.

https://colourcomplements.com/2022/11/how-to-create-a-snowflake-stitch-pattern.html

The icy blues of this mitten are wonderful.  I normally use size 8 perle cotton on 18 count but I can see that the larger size 5 would make these mittens very plush and warm-looking.

https://colourcomplements.com/2023/01/creating-this-blue-mitten-pattern-needlepoint-mittens.html

This fun mitten was done using one of Colour Complements' thread kits.  It's random Rhodes rounds and very cute.

https://colourcomplements.com/2023/02/custom-mitten-thread-kit.html

I like the checkerboard cuff.

https://colourcomplements.com/2023/03/creating-a-mitten-using-a-bold-colour-palette.html

This is a Bargello mitten.

https://colourcomplements.com/2023/04/stitching-a-bargello-needlepoint-mitten.html

It's Winter in June with this cool blue mitten.

https://colourcomplements.com/2023/06/using-a-cool-colour-combination-to-create-a-wintery-mitten.html

July 2023 has the "Candyland" mitten, full of happy colors.

https://colourcomplements.com/2023/07/using-a-bold-palette-of-colour-for-our-12-months-of-mittens.html

The August mitten has an unusual color and stitch combination.  It looks fabulous!

https://colourcomplements.com/2023/08/using-unusual-stitch-combinations-to-create-a-mitten-design.html

This one's a reminder that colorful samplers can come shaped like mittens!

https://colourcomplements.com/2023/09/geometric-mitten-pattern-12-months-of-mittens.html

Since it's October, this is a Halloween mitten in purples and lavenders.

https://colourcomplements.com/2023/10/creating-a-halloween-themed-mitten-12-months-of-mittens.html

The November mitten is in icy blues and wintergreens.

https://colourcomplements.com/2023/11/using-ocean-inspired-colours-12-months-of-mittens.html

December brings the finale of the mittens, each wonderful in their own way, and all lessons in color.  It's nice to know that Colour Complements will be selling three new mitten PDF designs with thread kits in 2024 in case you need more mittens in your life.

https://colourcomplements.com/2023/12/easy-stitching-projects-with-our-12-months-of-mittens.html

For 2024, Colour Complements is going to do Mitten Kits, complete with downloadable PDF file charting the stitches and all the threads you need to do two mittens or maybe use the excess from one mitten in finishing.

https://colourcomplements.com/2024/01/introducing-circus-a-new-colourful-mitten-pattern.html#

https://colourcomplements.com/product-category/custom-thread-kits

https://colourcomplements.com/product/cozy-autumn-needlepoint-mitten-kit

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 31, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Need a Bargello Pillow?

Need a colorful Bargello pillow that you don't have to stitch yourself?

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/colourfulcushionsuk?fbclid=IwAR0VlGURIKooWiQ3n4MfQH1IgbR8PzwyujetEWCIeFsHu8b3wGTSuRAGK48

These are stitched in the UK and the shipping is free.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 18, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Liz's Needlepoint Journey UPDATED

Liz Morrow of LizArt wrote a retrospective of her needlepoint life on her blog. It makes for fascinating reading!  Liz has done many things with needlepoint, taken some fascinating classes and created some wonderful designs.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2018/02/my-needlepoint-journey.html

http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2018/03/my-needlepoint-journey-part-2.html

http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2018/04/my-needlepoint-journey-part-3.html

http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2018/04/my-needlepoint-journey-part-4.html

http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2018/05/magic-castle.html

UPDATE:  This article I wrote in 2018 suddenly appeared in 2021.  No idea how that happened!  Sadly, we lost Liz in 2020.  I know she doesn't mind that this appeared again--or maybe Google in its infinite wisdom decided we needed Liz in our lives again.  Here is her website which a friend took over for her so that her charts are still available.

https://www.lizartneedlepoint.com/#/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 15, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Master Craftsman Designs Ready for Display UPDATED

Melita's Step One and Three designs to get her EGA Master Craftsman in Canvas are ready for display.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2021/03/26/canvas-master-craftsman-steps-1-and-3-display-ready/

UPDATE:  Melita has finished step four and it will also be displayed. It is a very pretty combination of Bargello patterns.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2021/04/22/canvas-master-craftsman-program-step-4/

Here is the finished step five.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2022/08/31/canvas-master-craftsman-program-step-5/

Step six has Melita taking a piece she designed ages ago and rework it with all she has learned.  It's fun to see the original and the reworked design together.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2023/05/10/ega-master-craftsman-program-for-canvas-step-6/

And she's finished!

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2023/05/18/ega-master-craftsman-program-for-canvas/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 26, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bargello Tips

The new LizArt website has a great page of tips about stitching Bargello designs.

https://www.lizartneedlepoint.com/working-with-bargello.html#/

Liz Morrow was a master of Bargello.  It was so nice of her to share tips.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 1, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Liz Morrow of LizArt Has Died

I am very sad to have learned that Liz Morrow of LizArt died last Wednesday, December 30th.  Liz's designs, particularly her four-way Bargello charts, are classics.  Rinda Just has taken over Liz's designs (Liz transferred her copyrights to Rinda so her work would carry on) and built a new website for her work.  You can visit it here—

https://www.lizartneedlepoint.com/#/

Liz's friends will enjoy revisiting her blog to read her words and see more of her amazing original artwork.

http://lizartblog.blogspot.com

I'll miss you, Liz.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 1, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Art from Cecilia Charlton UPDATED

Cecilia Charlton does art on both needlepoint canvas with wool and on paper.  Much of her needlepoint is Bargello.  It's a fun browse to see the mix of patterns and color she uses.
https://ceciliacharlton.com/fabric

UPDATE:  You can see more of Ms. Charlton's work and hear about her background and inspiration here.

https://english.elpais.com/culture/2023-07-20/cecilia-charlton-the-scientist-who-embroiders-galaxies-i-hope-to-demonstrate-the-value-of-looking-back-and-not-always-forward.html?fbclid=IwAR0Hv1WB-Zr1G_XTfm-FrCMZ2KjIFP08YB40-egz2Nv_tUDcXHLU57jV2xE

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 25, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Anna's Thoughts on Lockdown

The English needlepoint designer and teacher Anna Pearson has some interesting thoughts about making the best of our quarantine time.
http://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2020/07/stitching-in-lockdown.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 1, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hello Bargello

If you are charmed by Bargello designs and want to try one for yourself, Hello Bargello has some nice tips videos and sells kits and patterns to download.   
https://hellobargello.com

Click on Learn Bargello to find the video tips.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 11, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tips for Bargello

I know I've mentioned this before, but it was a long time ago, so I wanted to remind folks who are interested in stitching Bargello patterns on needlepoint canvas, that Liz Morrow (a master of Bargell0) has some great tips on how to do this successfully on her website.
http://www.lizartneedlepoint.com/Bargello_Information.php

Liz sells her designs from her website if you are interested.  The four way Bargello patterns are unique!  Just poke around a bit to see what's available.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 18, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Florentine TV

Anna Pearson has a new YouTube channel! You can learn more about how she choose Florentine as her YouTube topic here.
http://anna-pearson-needlepoint.blogspot.com/2019/11/making-my-first-youtube.html

She's starting out with "An Introduction to Florentine" for those who love or who are just interested in learning about Bargello-type stitches.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUvphha_FKY

Anna shows the materials you need to stitch your own Florentine pillow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U698iDzVqTk

Here is how you work the first row.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXlbwg0C2AA

Help picking colors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sYj9iMRAz8

Help making it into a pillow or box top with tips for finding the right fabric or box.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h__eZQEiCM

All the pillows in the background are her own designs, plus she makes doing a pillow look really easy.    If you are charmed, you can see more Bargello (including free charts) online at these sites.
https://www.needlepointteacher.com/stitches/numbered-a-b/bargello/

https://www.needlework-tips-and-techniques.com/bargello.html

http://www.nordicneedle.net/guides/stitching-techniques-guides/canvaswork-needlepoint/bargello-canvaswork/#.XWAB-C2ZN3k

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 23, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Liz Morrow is Retiring

Liz Morrow has just announced her retirement, but don't worry. If you are big fan of Liz's complex Bargello designs or her other fun charts, you can still get them from LizArt, which will now be run by Liz's buddy Rinda Just.
http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/2018/12/retirement.html

Liz plans to keep designing and charting, but now she has a business manager, so to speak.  Have a fun look around the LizArt website. If you decide to order, Rinda will be waiting!
http://www.lizartneedlepoint.com

Meanwhile, Liz is designing as always.  Just not doing the paperwork any more.  Yeah, Liz!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 21, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Homage to Harburg

Harriet created an original bargello design in homage to Yip Harburg, whose musical contributions to our cultural are immense.
https://harrietalonso.com/2018/10/04/bargello-oz-an-homage-to-yip-harburg/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 4, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.