New Book from Gone Stitching

Gone Stitching is about to publish their 4th book, I'll Do It Myself.

https://www.gonestitching.net/products/ill-do-it-myself

It has canvas samples to stitch to help you learn. They are starting to ship.  Sister Stitches has them in stock so you can see that they are three ring binders.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DcV9-LCxc3x/

Here are the other books from Gone Stitching--I own Got Stitches and use it when I need a compound stitch with multiple layers.  The colored diagrams make it easy to see how each stich is constructed.

https://www.gonestitching.net/collections/books

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright Septemer 28, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mary Corbet Raves About Richly Stitched Landscape Embroidery

Mary Corbet just posted a rave review about Cassandra Dias' new book, Richly Stitched Landscape Embroidery.  Mary says this book is a really good teacher of the technique.  It's done with a lot of colors of DMC cotton floss to add depth and shadows and the end result is magnificent.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2026/05/richly-stitched-landscape-embroidery-review.html

The pieces are stitching on a natural color of duck canvas but the technique will work on needlepoint canvas if you switch to a sharp needle such as a beading needle, crewel needle, etc.  That makes this a great book for those who want to stitch clouds, trees or other landscape elements naturalistically.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 23, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mary's Open Background Stitch Tip

Mary of Whimsical Stitch is doing background stitch postings this month on her blog as she's promoting her new book all about background stitches (Mary's Whimsical Stitches Volume 5: Backgrounds).  It's not out yet but Ruth Schmuff has a preview--

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/marys-whimsical-stitches-5/

In Mary's first posting about background stitches she mentions something important about open background stitches--if you don't like the look, don't worry.  You can still use them and have those holes muted if your finisher or framer puts a thin fabric behind your canvas.  

https://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2026/07/01

Heck, you can even put a thin fabric OVER your stitches.  I've done that to protect a purse that had embellished stitches I wanted to protect from snags.  I've even put a gauzy fabric over the background section of a canvas only to give it a misty look.  Just because you don't like open stitches, doesn't mean you can't use them.  Add a bead or a cross stitch or tent stitch in the open areas, put fabric behind the stitching, or simply step away from your canvas and give it a look.  Often all it takes to make you like open stitches is the normal viewing distance.

How many of us have people over who look at our stitching as closely as we do when we are creating a piece?  The answer is none. (Unless you invite me, of course.  I am dying to see the clever things you did up close and personal.)

UPDATE:  Mary's posted a bit about Volume 5.

https://www.facebook.com/whimsicalstitch/posts/pfbid02rakmpBFefca9o6k1L25XGPVCR8JqiDbtRf32PsaA4CCEWbb7QcTM3zusbW9rqLw3l

Here is what Needle Nook of La Jolla says about the book.

https://www.needlenook.com/product/marys-whimsical-stitches-volume-5/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 2, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Versions of iStitches

Ruth Schmuff's five volumes of the iStitches books have been rebuilt for the modern Apple device.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/06/the-stitches-you-love-rebuilt-for-today/

The app and stitches are the same (if you have the original iStitches volumes in digital form, don't worry--they still work just fine).  But the new and improved versions have new features such as Favorites and Folders, better navigation and search functions.  There is even a Master Index so you can find that favorite stitch in the volume where it is located.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Where_is_that_Stitch_VOL_One-Five.pdf

You can read more about the newest version of the iStitches volumes here.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/istitches/

If you aren't a fan of digital books or are Android only, don't worry.  You can buy any of the five regular Stitches volumes in a travel friendly size of 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-one-travel/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-two-travel/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-three-travel/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-four-travel/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-five-travel/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 12, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitch School (Needlepoint Now Magazine Publication)

Needlepoint Now magazine is coming out with a book called Stitch School!  I haven't seen it yet since as I write this it's not out yet but apparently there are matching videos for those who are visual learners.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DWaHO91jgdN/

https://www.amkpublications.com/

This is called Volume One, so hopefully it will do well and the magazine will publish more volumes.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 28, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Book from Mary Legallet UPDATED (Volume Five: Backgrounds)

Mary Legallet of Whimsical Stitch has a new book coming out in June.  Whimsical Stitches Volume Five is all about background stitches.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/04/something-new-for-your-stitch-library/

UPDATE:  Looks like this is a background stitch from Volume Five.

https://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2026/06/03

UPDATE #2:  There are QR codes that you can scan with your phone to see stitched samples of the diagrams.

https://www.facebook.com/whimsicalstitch/posts/pfbid026W3G9hMMocwbYxaEQBabG15KS3dD8qzPcojJubsYwG6EtCH9LG98L4GnsXri4mw7l

UPDATE #3:  Stitchers Garden posted three screenshots of stitch diagrams from the book on their Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/stitchersgardenil/posts/pfbid02td3N91uHm4qdbDCxgKpSX8GYRjQuTsbYDmAm1JPfu9GszCfvvbnSqxTFAJ7CetgCl

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright Apri 22, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hearts for Hospice Book

The Hearts for Hospice program has a book!  It is 38 pages, spiral bound, with 13 hearts and over 50 stitches, for $20.  Contact heartsforhospiceofficial@gmail.com to order.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1209051254734346&set=a.397588615880618

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 7, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitch Beautifully An Essential Guide to Needlepoint UPDATED

Meredith Willet, owner of M's Canvashouse, the Meredith Collection, and an esteemed teacher, has released a book!  It is titled Stitch Beautifully An Essential Guide to Needlepoint.  Waste Knot has posted a short summary of the book on their Facebook page.  

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1852924732315613&set=a.937854437155985

I'm going to quote Waste Knot here as many folks don't have a Facebook account--

"New book alert!  Stitch Beautifully: An Essential Guide to Needlepoint by Meredith Willett is a wonderful new book featuring foundational knowledge and techniques for both beginning and experienced stitchers. There are all kinds of tips and tricks, information about when and where to use different kinds of decorative stitches, and a glossary explaining dozens of terms — among other things!"

The Meredith Collection website describes the book as 8 x 10 inches "with a lay flat wire O binding."  It's starting to be available in all the shops, so call up your favorite to order.

Just as a reminder, Meredith has also just published "Needlepoint Quick Guide" which is a good guide for beginners.

https://www.needlenook.com/product/needlepoint-quick-guide-by-meredith-willett/

UPDATE:  Stitch-Stash says this about the book (I am quoting part of their rave review in a shop e-newsletter)--

"You’ll find chapters covering:

• What is needlepoint

• Foundations for every stitch

• Needles, frames, and tools of the trade

• Threads 101

• Beginning and ending your threads

• Stitch families at a glance

• Decorative and compensating stitches

• How to choose the right stitch

• Beads, baubles, and bling

• Stitch bag essentials

• Tips I wish everyone had told me

…and so much more."

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 26, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitchery Under Southern Skies

Melita has added a new project book to her library:  "Stitchery Under Southern Skies" by Mary Anderson and Debbie Deem.  It's spiral bound and features eleven needlepoint projects from various authors.  It also has some fascinating tips from the talented authors.  I am eagerly awaiting Melita trying projects from this booklet which is new to me.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/12/26/books-in-my-library-stitchery-under-southern-skies-by-mary-anderson-and-debbie-deem/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 27, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: New Book from Meredith!

Meredith Willet has a new book coming out in March!  A simplified version called "Needlepoint Quick Guide" is available at her shop, M's Canvashouse, right now.

https://www.facebook.com/mscanvashouselexington/posts/pfbid02YppRWRfvBgK8FWWcDU1BPphnqhdJu1S7wexhDeaXtrH2UPqfhSqcggLrQQX6tZPzl

https://www.mscanvashouse.com/shop/c/p/Needlepoint-Quick-Guide-x98973911.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 9, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Stitch at a Time, by Stephanie Chase

"A Stitch at a Time" is now available from your favorite shop.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DP83nPRkci-/

This is the new book by teacher and stitch guide writer Stephanie Chase.  I've not seen it myself but it appears to mix stitch diagrams with stitched examples in color with tutorials to make sure you master the stitch easily.  There are thread tips and ideas where to use the stitches inside, too.  This little movie on Stephanie's website gives you a glimpse inside the book.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/0aa3a2_49c93fa3068b4ac987b2f326f678fca5/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 9, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Laid Filling Stitches: The Movie

The Wool and the Floss just posted a short video demonstrating how to do laid fillings.  It sounds complicated and looks elegant but it is quick and easy even if a laying tool helps you put the first layer of stitches on smoothly.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/632867113182928

If you are intrigued and want a book full of different laid filling stitch diagrams, look for Jean Taggert's book, Laid Fillings for Even Weave Fabrics.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/4355161827/laid-fillings-for-even-weave-fabrics-125

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 8, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stumpwork Embroidery and Thread Painting: Stitch 3D Nature Motifs

Mary Corbet stumbled across Megan Zaniewski's book, Stumpwork Embroidery and Thread Painting:  Stitch 3D Nature Motifs.  It teaches stump work and thread painting, which are techinques needlepointers like to use.  Mary loves the book, by the way!

https://www.needlenthread.com/2025/09/stumpwork-embroidery-thread-painting-book-review.html

You can buy the book through Med Embroiders, 's Etsy shop.  The shop has three of her dimensional embroideries for sale, too--the slug, the frog and the sphinx moth.  All are magnificent!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MegEmbroiders?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=4372782857&from_page=listing

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 25, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Mystery UPDATED

Thanks to Diversions Needlepoint's June e-newsletter, I've learned about a new mystery set in a needlepoint store near Asheville, NC.  It's called One Sharp Stitch, by Allie Pleiter.  Ms. Pleiter has written mysteries centered on knitters and it looks like this is planned as a series as well.  

https://alliepleiter.com/books/nimble-needle-mysteries/one-sharp-stitch/

I read One Sharp Stitch last June and enjoyed it.  It's a great beach read, with a good cozy mystery obscuring who the killer is plus some interesting people, both important to the plot and peripheral to it.  The family relationships among the various characters are handled realistically and the author knows quite a bit about the social life of a needlepoint shop since she picked up needlepoint with the help of Stitchers Garden in Illinois, Two's Company in South Carolina and Po's Point in North Carolina (plus help from ANG's Queen Charlotte chapter.  If you can get this through your local library, it's worth checking out. I imagine more in the series is planned, and I'll be reading the second book when/if it comes out.

If you are intrigued, Lisa of BeStitched did an interview with Allie Pleiter on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/BeStitchedNeedlepoint/videos/1064489455713672

By the way, the fictional shop is called Nina's Nimble Needle, but it has no relationship to either Nimble Needle in New Jersey or Nimble Needle in Atlanta!

UPDATE:  Melita says there is a second book in the series.  It's called Two Purloined Pillows.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/08/18/ang-2025-seminar-in-new-orleans-la-welcome-favors-water-bottles-and-tote-bag/

The third, which will be called Three Tangled Threads, is due to publish sometime in 2027.

https://alliepleiter.com/books/nimble-needle-mysteries/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 13, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Let's Talk Emma Homent

Ever heard of Emma Homent? Or The Makers Marks?

I'd sort of seen the name here and there, first when this British designer started her website, The Makers Marks.  It's full of simple and cheerful designs, the sort of thing you can pick up when you are starting to needlepoint and fool around with.  

https://www.themakersmarks.co.uk/

Then in 2022, Emma branched out by creating a column on Mr. X. Stitch called "Needle Points of View" and publishing her first book, Needlepoint:  A Modern Stitch Directory.

https://www.mrxstitch.com/hand-embroidery/needlepoints-of-view/

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/copy-of-needlepoint-a-modern-stitch-directory?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=de289b802&pr_rec_pid=8082723537070&pr_ref_pid=8703179751598&pr_seq=uniform

You can read two brief reviews of her first book here and here:

https://nuts-about-needlepoint.com/needlepoint-a-modern-stitch-dictionary/

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/a-fantastic-new-needlepoint-book

Emma didn't stop there.  Soon Needlepoint:  A Modern Stitch Directory in 50 Cards came out.  Now you can take a card or two with you as reference material.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/needlepoint-a-modern-stitch-directory-in-50-cards?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=7ce1825d3&pr_rec_pid=8082714624174&pr_ref_pid=8082723537070&pr_seq=uniform

Next Level Needlepoint Book continues Emma's diagrammed stitches with 100 more stitches.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/next-level-needlepoint-book-1?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=de289b802&pr_rec_pid=8636021244078&pr_ref_pid=8703179751598&pr_seq=uniform

Her latest venture is Needlepoint Journal, a way of organizing your projects.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/needlepoint-journal-book?_pos=3&_psq=Emma+hom&_ss=e&_v=1.0&omnisendContactID=65edaf5fa958c70f5bc79ac7&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Emma%27s+Journal+%2867ee7c318cc9f4533a941262%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

I have to admit I've never seen any of Emma's books or the card pack, which may be because she's English and her works aren't as available in the US, or maybe it's because I already own hundreds of needlepoint books and don't need more to dust.  So I can't comment on any of the books.  It does look like she has both diagrams and stitched examples in color, which is something folks love in stitch dictionaries.

https://www.jennyhenrydesigns.com/products/needlepoint-a-modern-stitch-directory-by-emma

Emma's popular and prolific and the books aren't that expensive, so if you want to add to your library, see if your favorite shop carries any of the above.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 28, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Goldwork Butterflies for Charity

Alison Cole has a new book out, A Kaledescope of Goldwork Butterflies.   The book can only be ordered directly from Alison herself in Australia as she is dedicating all the profits to research into the extremely rare disease that killed her daughter. 

https://alisoncoleembroidery.com.au/product/a-kaleidoscope-of-goldwork-butterflies/

Mary Corbet has done a review on her website.  She points out that shipping costs from Australia are expensive but if you go in with friends and order multiple copies, the shipping costs stay the same (within reason, bet it costs more if you and 100 of your buddies order).  

https://www.needlenthread.com/2025/03/goldwork-butterflies-for-a-good-cause.html

I have not seen this book but all of the Alison Cole books I have seen have been gorgeous and inspirational.  I think this one will be the same.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 8, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Book for Sampler/History Lovers

Mary Corbet got her hands on the Witney Antiques 2024 catalogue "Choice and Precious Works," which besides being a catalogue of their sale, is also a wonderful historical examination of samplers and other needlework from the 17th and 18th Centuries.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2025/02/choice-and-precious-work-calling-all-history-lovers.html

I am not into samplers but this intrigues me.  You can buy it (plus volume one) at Thistle Threads but don't hesitate.  This is likely to sell out.

https://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/collections/books

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 5, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Book-Themed Canvas Finishing Ideas

The Book Canvas shows off finishing ideas for book-themed canvases.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFOE14SytIP/

By the way, The Book Canvas designs are distributed by Mopsey, just in case you want to stitch for a reader....

https://mopseydesigns.com/collections/the-book-canvas

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 25, 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.

Next Level Needlepoint Coming April 2025

Emma Homet's second book, Next Level Needlepoint, is ready for pre-order!  Available April 2025.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/8699214880155593/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 22, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.