Caroline's Mini Lights (Sally London)

The Sun City Stitcher used an old chart from Sally London of Rainbow Gallery to stitch this string of Christmas lights piece.

https://www.suncitystitcher.com/2025/07/carolines-mini-lights.html

Rainbow Gallery's website has free cross stitch and needlepoint charts from well known designers to download and use.  "Christmas Light Bulb Ornament" by Susan Portra is similar to what the Sun City Stitcher used.

https://www.rainbowgallery.com/free-charts/

They also used to distribute free charts to the shops.  Ask your favorite shop if they have these tucked away anywhere.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 30, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tips for Transferring a Chart to Blank Canvas

The Wool and The Floss has posted a video showing how to transfer a charted design to blank canvas.  It's not that hard, really!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2751369908374803

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

One Stitcher's Take on AI

I thought Mary Corbet's essay on artificial intelligence in charted embroidery was quite interesting.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2024/10/i-am-not-real-artificial-intelligence-in-the-needlework-world.html

I don't have any experience with AI except by watching friends use it to create artwork but I can see it being used to create charted needlepoint--with the same problems that those who like painted needlepoint find with printed or non-handpainted designs.  What do you think?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 29, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Free Nutcracker Designs

Abigail Cecile has a new free Christmas download chart of Clara and her nutcracker.

https://www.abigailcecile.com/pages/the-nutcracker-e-pattern?omnisendContactID=61d4f71be5b2120022be7c19&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+Free+Christmas+Nutcracker+E-Pattern+%2867536962468fda0e1b6a4d11%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

They are an adorable pair.  If you are into finishing your ornaments, Abigail Cecile sells some beautiful finishing kits that would look great with these.

https://www.abigailcecile.com/products/nutcracker-finishing-kit

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 7, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Free Hanukkah and Christmas Designs UPDATED

Ridgewood Needlepoint has posted free charted designs for Hanukkah on their blog.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/hanukkah-designs/

This week Ridgewood has added Christmas motifs.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/christmas-designs/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 16, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tower of Presents Ornament 2024

Every year Debbie Rowley of DebBee's Designs releases a free chart for folks to stitch as a thank you for supporting her business.  This year's design is called "Tower of Presents."

https://debbeesdesigns.com/in-this-time-of-thanksgiving-im-thankful-for-you/

Debbie says it is not that difficult for stitchers new to working from charts.  Raid your stash and see what you can create!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 24, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Chart It-Monograms from Sara Trucksess

KC Needlepoint just announced a brand new book of monograms from Sara Trucksess of SCT Designs called Chart It.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/chart-it-a-brand-new-book-from-sara-trucksess-of-sct-designs

KC Needlepoint is both a shop and a distributor of needlepoint designers, including SCT.  You can read a bit more about Sara here.

https://kcndesigners.com/blogs/behind-the-canvas/meet-sara-trucksess-of-sct-designs

Curious about Sara's designs now?  Go here--

https://kcndesigners.com/collections/sct-designs

I'm particularly fond of Woodland Foxes but you probably know SCT for Sara's holiday animal ornaments or her various crests, perfect for that monogram you pick from her new book.

https://kcndesigners.com/products/woodland-foxes?_pos=1&_sid=eb8a8486d&_ss=r

https://kcndesigners.com/search?type=product,article,page&q=holiday%20animals*

https://kcndesigners.com/products/lobster-crest?_pos=5&_sid=af74e9de5&_ss=r

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 8, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Stitch the Target Totes

Love MHB Studio has posted instructions on how to stitch on rattan-type patterns, such as the Target tote.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6rFYw-MF-R/?g=5&img_index=1

She's also done free charts for patterns you might use.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6roQJEPhiU/?g=5&img_index=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 8, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Gingham Is My Safe Word (and more)

Oz Needle and Thread has a series of beginner videos to introduce folks to the basics.   There are also videos about how to finish a key fob and even a free "Gingham Is My Safe Word" chart for those who can't get enough gingham plaids in their life.

https://www.ozneedleandthread.com/pages/instructional-videos-and-resources

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 26, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Penny Linn Designs Has Charts!

Penny Linn Designs, like all needlepoint designers, discontinues designs that don't sell well.   They've decided to turn these discontinued painted designs into charts to help make needlepoint more affordable.  I think it's a brilliant idea!  After all, money's tight these days.  Plus there is a minority of needlepointers who prefer working from a chart who now can stitch Penny Linn favorites.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C375pPjL_ax/

You can see Penny Linn's digital downloads here, as well as blank canvas, templates for helping mark out the edge of your ornament, marking pens, etc.

https://pennylinn.com/collections/digital-charts

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 1, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Free Chart for Spring from Eye Candy

Ada Hayden of Eye Candy has created another free chart, this time one celebrating spring.

http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2024/03/new-freebie-chart-for-spring-24.html

Here's the direct link for the download.

https://www.eyecandyneedleart.com/EyeCandy_Needleart/Bonus_Charts.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Remembrance for Carole UPDATED

The late Carole Lake and Gail Ettinger were reworking one of Carole's older charts, "Remembrance Ribbons," just before Carole died unexpectedly.   The design is now available by emailing Gail at gail@stitchestogo.com.  It costs $25 and all the proceeds will be donated to the Texas Performing Arts Youth Program in Carole's memory.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10228796015503805&set=gm.7166721206738309&idorvanity=108537025890131

I grabbed the photo from Gail's posting to Needlepoint Nation so those without Facebook accounts could see Carole's work above.

UPDATE:  There are six alternative color ways listed in the chart.  Gail has pulled threads for them all so you can see what they look like.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/7199170230160073/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 17, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Free Christmas Motifs

For their New Stitch Monday, Ridgewood Needlepoint has posted charted motifs for Christmas--an angel, bow, two versions of a tree and two holly motifs.  

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-100/

These will be fun to add to backgrounds or borders for that Christmas design you are stitching.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 18, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Free Shimmer Tree

Ada Hayden of Eye Candy is enlivening the winter season with her free chart "Shimmer Tree."  Ada explains how she created her tree and the threads she used here.  She encourages you to raid your stash and create a tree from what you have at hand that will be unique and eye-catching.

http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2023/11/eyecandys-winter-freebie-shimmer-tree.html

Here is the chart.  

https://www.eyecandyneedleart.com/downloads/Shimmer%20Tree.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 1, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Free Sparkly Snowman Design

Debbie Rowley of DeeBee Designs has released a free holiday-themed design called "Sparkly Snowman."

https://debbeesdesigns.com/happy-holidays/

it's cuter than cute and you can stitch him from stash or buy a kit from DeeBee Designs.  A few kits are left as of the end of November.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Free Christmas Stag Ornament

With Halloween in our rear view mirrors, we are all starting to think about Christmas.  Abigail Cecile has posted a free Christmas stag ornament on her website.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0041/2411/5062/files/ChristmasDeer_CopyrightAbigailCecile2023.pdf?v=1698433151

She also sells a finishing kit in coordinating colors, plus...

https://www.abigailcecile.com/collections/supplies/products/christmas-deer-finishing-kit

...Abby's website has lots of helpful tips, including for finishing.  This is a relatively cheap way to teach yourself finishing and the project is a lovely traditional Christmas ornament suitable for display or to give as a gift to someone special who decorates for the holiday.

https://www.abigailcecile.com/blogs/how-to-guides

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

A Free Pumpkin Design from Eye Candy

Ada Hayden of Eye Candy has released another free design, this time a pumpkin for autumn, Halloween and harvest time.  Her blog lists some tips plus the stitches she used in case you want to copy her work exactly.

http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2023/09/its-pumpkin-time.html

The link in the article doesn't work so here it is--

https://www.eyecandyneedleart.com/downloads/Mini%20Pumpkin.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 15, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Melita's "Spring Sampler"

Brenda is going to stitch Melita Glavin's "Spring Sampler" with her EGA chapter.  She and a group of friends had great fun picking threads and colors for it with Melita's help.  I'll update this article as Brenda begins to work on this in October--assuming she can wait as this is a very pretty piece.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2023/09/spring-sampler-9923.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2023/10/spring-sampler-updated-10523.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2023/10/spring-sampler-updated-101023.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2023/12/spring-sampler-updated-121223.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2023/12/spring-sampler-updated-122923.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2024/01/spring-sampler-updated-1624.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2024/02/spring-sampler-updated-21824.html

This posting has Melita's original colors and a list of Brenda's substitutes.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2024/01/spring-sampler-updated-12224.html

Melita is helping teach her design at the EGA Brandywine Chapter.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2023/10/30/a-spring-sampler-with-ega-brandywine-chapter-2/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/01/09/a-spring-sampler-with-ega-brandywine-chapter-bands-6-16/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/02/22/a-spring-sampler-with-ega-brandywine-chapter-bands-4-5-and-17-18-and-an-error/

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/08/29/a-spring-sampler-with-ega-brandywine-chapter-bands-1-3-and-19-21-all-done/#respond

Here's Melita's "Spring Sampler" done in autumnal colors and adorning the front of a bag.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2024/11/03/a-spring-sampler-in-fall-colors-for-a-tool-bag-carrier-a-thimble-and-that-purple-thang/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 9, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Charts for Charity - Maui Fundraiser

The Wool and the Floss has collaborated with Lisa of My Pink Sugar Life to create and sell a chart of hibiscus flowers that is a fund raiser for the American Red Cross' effort to help the fire victims in Maui.

The chart is $20 for a digital download PDF file that will create a four inch round on 18 count canvas.  A thread kit in Essentials or Pepper Pot is also available. (Add a note when you order with the thread brand and what color background you want, either sparkly blue or sparkly coral.) You can also order a piece of canvas with taped edges for an additional $8 if you don't happen to have extra canvas in your stash.  Of course it you are a 13 count lover, you can stitch the chart on that size. You'll just need a bigger piece of canvas.

https://woolfloss.com/products/untitled-aug22_10-15?_pos=2&_sid=aeaad0277&_ss=r

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.

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.