Custom Needlepoint Purses to Stitch

I stumbled across an Instagram account for Healther Rae Atelier, who appears to create custom needlepoint purse canvases.  It looks like these are limited editions.  I'm not sure how they are assembled after stitching but they certainly are neat!

https://www.instagram.com/heather.rae.atelier/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 31, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The BBC Discovers Needlepoint

The BBC has discovered that needlepoint is popular.

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240613-the-aristocratic-craft-making-a-surprising-comeback

If you are curious about Hunt and Hope or just want to browse their already stitched pillows, luggage tags and stockings, here's their website.

https://www.huntandhope.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Custom Dog Portraits

A Dragons Tale Direct on Etsy is now offering miniature custom dog portraits.  These are roughly 2 inches square on 18 count canvas.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1237192746/small-custom-pet-portrait-needlepoint?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=needlepoint+dog&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&frs=1&sts=1&content_source=48699c5fcd4d8926d12814ea4f6c2e51ed045cb9%253A1237192746&organic_search_click=1&logging_key=48699c5fcd4d8926d12814ea4f6c2e51ed045cb9%3A1237192746

If you aren't familiar with Deborah's work, explore her website (below) as well as her Etsy shop (above).

https://adragonstaleneedlepoint.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Custom Needlepoint Candles and Monogrammed Straw Hats

The Labors of Love needlepoint store in Atlanta has something totally different -- needlepoint-themed scented candles.

https://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.shop/shop/Aromatic-Candles.htm

There are three scents in The Needlepoint Collection--Canvas, Needles and Threads.  These are soy candles, made in Georgia with the stitcher in mind.  The shop even sells a glass dome to put over the candle when not in use to keep the dust off.   Clever!

Labors of Love also carries sun hats with a monogrammable top.  The straw hats have a wide brim, are available in three different ribbon colors, and the price includes your custom monogram chart.

https://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.shop/iishop?form_version=2&search_keyword=sun+hats&image_x=0&image_y=0

(By the way, Love MHB Studio has a video on how to switch the ribbon on your straw hat.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-dfEdivBRo/

If you want something unique but still needlepoint-related, looks like Labors of Love's store is the place to shop!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Custom Monograms

The Wool and The Floss has teamed up with Taylor Studios to offer custom monograms, available charted or as a painted name tag.  It takes about six weeks to get your digital download chart since each is custom and there is a line of folks waiting.

https://woolfloss.com/search?q=Taylor+studios

Of course there are tons of free alphabets online but if you want something classic and easy, this might be a good option for you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Zumba Poster

Jan's decided to copy a Zumba poster in her classroom as a gift for the teacher.  

She's raiding her stash for the pumpkin and rust colors now that she has copied the design onto needlepoint canvas.

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2023/07/04/zumba-poster/

The background is done and the lettering is underway.

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2023/08/01/getting-close/

Jan says she is done!

https://stitchlady.wordpress.com/2023/08/14/atlanta-seminar-2023/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The Art of Harvey Kravis

Today we have an online art exhibit featuring the work of Harvey Kravis, who loves interpreting art through needlepoint. Harvey's first original piece was a backgammon board designed when he was in college.  Several years later he designed and completed a piece based on a Jack Daniels label in his mid-20s.  It took three months for him to chart it on graph paper, since it involved complex lettering and many curlicues (with plenty of pencil erasing along the way). Courtship, marriage, and two kids led to a break of 27 years before designing again, resulting in the King of Spades, otherwise known to him as “the Flat King”

Harvey normally uses a 27 inch wide scroll frame --he's used the same one for fifty years!-- as many of his "masterpiece" projects are very big and can take as long as 3-4 years to complete.  He works with Paternayan and Appleton tapestry wools and now uses Stitchcraft software to chart the art masterpieces.  He generally stitches an average of one and a half hours a day.  Some days he does much more; some less.  The number of color changes involved in a section mean that sometimes he will only get 20 stitches done in an hour.  Other times he can do 200-300 stitches an hour if everything is one color.  Harvey says the key is to organize the threads by color number in plastic baggies so it's easy to find the color that he needs to work with next.  

I asked Harvey if he ends a thread after he finishes with that color or if he slides the thread under the stitched area toward the next place where that color will be used.  He answered, "I snake under nearby stitches every time I switch colors. I use a single needle for the entire project. It’s constantly an optimization issue to figure out what the next stitch should be. If I don’t put some strategy/thought into it I will waste yarn. If I have to skip more than 8-10 stitch positions I will snake and cut."

If you have a Facebook account, you can browse some of Harvey's work on his FB page.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1380025067852&type=3

If you have plenty of time, watch this 2022 YouTube video presentation about his work, which includes the things he learned from stitching, how he organizes his threads, why frames are important to his stitching and an explanation of the StitchCraft software he uses to graph the designs before he starts stitching.  The presentation was to a mainly Chinese-speaking audience in the Boston area.  You can skip the introduction in Mandarin and English by starting the video at the 5:00 mark.  I would encourage you to listen to the questions at the end as you'll learn a lot about the challenges in creating these large designs for stitching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkMP-WX_03g

The framer Harvey talks about in the video is Picture Yourself! in Massachusetts.  Here is their website.

https://www.pictureyourselfgallery.com/

If you want to learn more about StitchCraft (Windows operating systems only), you can explore their website.  Remember Harvey's warning that the software underestimates the amount of yarn needed for very large pieces!

https://stitchcraft.info/

I asked Harvey what he's working on now.  He's tackling Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte."  WHEW.

https://www.artic.edu/artworks/27992/a-sunday-on-la-grande-jatte-1884

Many thanks to Harvey for allowing me to bring his needlepoint to Blog's readers.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 2, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wanted: Canvas Painter

Point of It All Designs in Washington, D.C. is looking for a canvas painter as their long-time painter has an injury that means she can't continue.  

https://mailchi.mp/45233d8dd375/finishing-deadlines?e=ac48f033cd

If you are interested, contact the shop.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Rittenhouse's Custom Design Work

Rittenhouse has added information about the various levels of detail available in their custom canvases to their website.  Scroll down past the form to read about them.  The second link below has more information about custom work.  If you are interested in using the services Rittenhouse provides, read everything carefully.

https://paintneedlepoint.com/paintingestimate/?utm_source=Newsletter+Master+-+Updated+10%2F31&utm_campaign=27f37f9bf1-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_02_21_04_14_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9e94cea1c5-27f37f9bf1-1203957474

https://mailchi.mp/073573dde724/rittenhouse-needlepoint-april-newsletter-2648622?e=75d9b2183a

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 21, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Custom House Designs

Jinny Barney is doing custom house designs, either ornaments or larger designs.

http://stitchstyleblog.com/2021/04/custom-home-canvases/

So, if you ever wanted to memorialize your house--or a house that's meaningful to you--talk to Jinny.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

2021 Limited Edition Design from Sign of the Arrow

The 2021 limited edition design from The Sign of the Arrow is now available.

http://signofthearrow.com/shopping/category.php?category=39

Its a lovely little Christmas ornament kit, available in either charted or painted canvas versions.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 14, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Lee Long Interview

Amy Bunger's newsletter (mentioned yesterday) has a fun interview with a young new designer from Amy's home of Memphis—Lee Long.
https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/uploads/7/2/3/6/72364657/0820.pdf

Lee's website is here…
http://bylee.net/needlepoint

…and her Etsy shop is here.  Have fun browsing!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/PetitePoints?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

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

Abigail Cecile Does Custom Bridal Ornaments

Just in time for the June bride (or the July or December one) is this new service from Abigail Cecile—custom bridal ornaments using the bride's initials, her colors and bouquet flowers.  One version has room for the date as well as a monogram or you can order a monogram only version or one that just features the bridal bouquet flowers.  They will take 6-8 weeks as they are individually designed and hand painted based on the bouquet photo you submit to the designer.
https://www.abigailcecile.com/collections/custom-canvases?mc_cid=c9045b2e1c&mc_eid=491e343c64

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 19, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Leather Ring Thimbles

Deanna has a new leather thimble that she just loves.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/2926508684092937/

These are made to measure (you measure your finger with a piece of string, something that all of us have easily available!) and the ring is sewn together.  If you want the outside to be dimpled, you need to ask for this.  A variety of colors are available and you can probably get them decorated, too.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DeepWoodsLeather?ref=shop_sugg

https://www.etsy.com/listing/737319654/simplistic-leather-ring-unisex-stackable?ref=shop_home_active_8

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 23, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Design Your Own Finishing Fabric

Not all of us are as creative as Morgan Julia Designs but we can all use Etsy or Spoonflower to find or design fabrics that will coordinate or enhance our stitching.
https://morganjuliadesigns.com/blogs/news/creating-my-own-fabric-for-finishing?fbclid=IwAR3ds_yojrrYZ8fUcp4cEQTD0hhFJCaqFqSaqKjWb4jt0ksOjWZsjKIZbM8

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 18, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Custom Needlepoint Designer in Israel

Thanks to Needlepoint Nation, I learned about a designer of custom needlepoint, particularly Judiaca, in Israel. Her name is Lisa Sambol and her company is Loops Custom Designed Needlepoint.
http://loops.co.il

If you are planning a trip, you might want to contact her.  She works out of her home.  Of course, this being the 21st Century, she also has a Facebook page.  You can certainly order something wonderful online.
https://www.facebook.com/lisa.sambol

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 21, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fun with Names

NeedlePaint.com shows off the latest custom design they created for a customer—two canvases covered with names of grandkids that the stitcher made up into a tote bag.  This was her first needlepoint project, by the way, but she's a very experienced needleworker.
https://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2018/12/19/needlepaint-perfection-a-beginner-shares-her-creation/

This looks fabulous and is unique and probably wasn't that difficult for a new stitcher to do.  Kudos to NeedlePaint for their clever printed canvas that helped the stitcher make something useful that is all about family.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 20, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Custom Needlepoint Slippers

Needle Paint has made some needlepoint slipper designs for customers recently and shows them off on their blog.
https://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2018/02/22/needlepoint-slippers-and-loafers/

It's not inexpensive to have the canvas designed and I expect the finishing will be at least two-three times what the canvas costs.  But it will certainly be a one-of-a-kind item!
https://www.needlepaint.com/needlepoint-kits/custom-slipper-needlepoint-canvas--1125

Needle Paint's customer recommended George Cleverly in London for finishing.  I didn't see any examples of needlepoint slippers on their website.
https://www.georgecleverley.com

Bowhill and Elliott in Norwich (also the UK) were also mentioned as slipper finishers by Needle Paint.    Check under "Slippers" to see examples of their work.
https://www.bowhillandelliott.co.uk

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright  February 24, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching for the June Wedding

June is a traditional wedding month so Needle Paint just showcased some of the original designs they created for wedding ring bearer pillows and wedding memorial framing.
http://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2017/05/03/glamorous-needlepoint-wedding-gifts/

Happy wedding whenever your wedding stitching happens!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 3, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Shadbelly Points

I had no idea what shadbelly points were as I don't ride horses.  Very interesting and very chic, too! The examples Horse Country Chic shows are all custom designs from Hingham Square Needlepoint.
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2017/04/needlepoint-shadbelly-points.html

If you are curious about shadbelly points, this site has lots of photos of their custom designs. None are needlepointed but it give you a good idea of what the needlepoint ones will be compared to.
https://www.tacknrider.com/custom-equiline-shadbelly-gallery/

And here is where you wear such outfits.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKQgTiqhPbw

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 30, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.