Santa's Pup (Fall Mystery at Bedecked and Beadazzled)

Dog and Christmas lovers will swoon over the newest mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled--Margaret King's "Santa's Pup."

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/10/santas-got-a-new-helper/

As Ruth works her magic in her mystery class and posts updates, I'll add them to this so you can see all the fun in one place.  Merry Christmas, doggie!

Here is Ruth's first lesson.  The dog and the border are involved.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/11/a-pawsitively-festive-start/

The puppy has a magnificent bow!  And the background dots sparkle.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/12/happy-holidays-from-santas-pup/

The final touch is something I've never seen before.  That's what Ruth provides--the unexpected!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/01/santas-pup-finished/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Bunny Love: The Summer 2025 Mystery

The Summer 2025 mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled is "Bunny Love" from Lane Tree and Lily.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/04/bunny-dog/

There will be two class sessions, one the end of July and the other the second week of August.  As always, I'll update this article with Ruth's progress photos.  Here's the first.  The bunny's face is starting to come alive, he has padded ears--and he has a bird friend!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/07/bunny-love-is-here/

This was a quick stitch, and a very cute one.  Check out the background and his sweet cheeks.  

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/08/all-stitched-and-ready-to-hop/

Now we have three examples of "Bunny Love" finished.  So cool!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/04/bunny-love-is-multiplying/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 16, 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.

A Clever Framing Touch

Mindy shows off one of her canvases which was framed with an unusual touch--a string of pearls inside the circle of the mat.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=974015580906455&set=gm.7066784553398642&idorvanity=108537025890131

The design is Mini Pinscher, stitched by Ellen, but I don't know if the ring of pearls was Ellen's idea or the framer's.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Dimensional Dog with Stitch Diagrams

Stephanie at Ridgewood Needlepoint is stitching one of the Sew Much Fun dimensional stuffed animals as part of their New Stitch Monday series.  These designs come with stitch guides but Stephanie is using her own stitches.  In this first entry from Ridgewood about this piece, she explains Scotch and Cashmere variation and includes a diagram.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-102/

Stephanie did more Scotch stitch combos for her dog.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-103/

The next two sections have stripes, one Stephanie made up when she miscounted the section.  It looks fabulous, proving that mistakes are when we get really creative.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-104/

The back of the first leg has a very pretty Hungarian variation.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-105/

More of the first leg, this time a Milanese variation.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-106/

The last of the first leg, using a Parisian stitch which is one of my favorites.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-107/

Now the second leg is started.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-108/

More on leg number two.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-109/

I think we are working one of the two front legs now.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-110/

The front leg with lots of stripes was apparently a lot of fun.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-111/

The second front leg is cute.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-112/

This is the last of the front leg stitching.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-113/

The ears, head and gussets are the last things to be stitched.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-114/

Here are good photos of the finished dog, posted by Stephanie to Needlepoint Nation.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/7221488861261543/

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1100672771574068&set=pcb.1100685498239462

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 9, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Queens Court: Winter Mystery at Bedecked and Beadazzled

Ruth Schmuff just announced the new mystery class for Winter 2024--Lane Tree and Lily's "Queen's Court."

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2023/12/january-2024-mystery/

As always, I'll update this article as Ruth posts reports on each of the three classes in this mystery project.  First, Ruth worked the background in an open pattern and gave the dog a trellis patterned coat.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/01/this-is-going-to-be-fun/

As a bonus, Ruth explains how to count out the trellis pattern around the flowers and leaves on the dog's body here--

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/02/counting-tip/

Now the crow and the bunny are stitched along with the dog's and the crow's crowns.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/02/a-bunny-and-a-crow/

And we finish up with silk ribbons on the dog!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/03/i-do-love-roses/

Here is Jan's which is finished but not framed yet.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10229215764611096&set=gm.7485793348164425&idorvanity=108537025890131

And here are three that are finished and framed, but all differently.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/03/its-a-courtly-finish/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 10, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: JJ Needlepoint Designs

Congratulations to Jane and Jennifer for their brand new website, JJ Needlepoint Designs!

https://jjneedlepointdesigns.com/

Jane recently retired from owning Two's Company in South Carolina.  Now she and her daughter Jennifer have started a wholesale needlepoint business, with Jane's wonderful series and customer work available for your favorite shop to order.  DO NOT miss her cats and dogs of the month.  These are classics!  You can see them under the "Standup Series" drop down menu.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Stitches for Dogs (and a Cat?)

Stephanie Dresher-Mandelbaum of Ridgewood Needlepoint is stitching a fun Maggie canvas of dogs and posting about the stitches they choose for each of the six dogs (and one cat) in this charmer.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/05/new-stitch-monday-81/

I'm hoping they will continue to add dog fur stitches each Monday.  If they do, I'll update this article.

Hurrah!  This time Stephanie stitches the tan and white dog on the far right side.  It's darling!

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/06/new-stitch-monday-82/

The body of the tan dog on the left looks good.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/06/new-stitch-monday-83/

Now the tiny cat is finished as well as the doxy in the upper right hand corner.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/06/new-stitch-monday-84/

Stephanie has added glass eyes from Etsy, started the sky background and stitched the black Scottie.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/07/new-stitch-monday-85/

The Dalmatian is done and after a little help from Julia Snyder, the black terrier's tail is enhanced and superb.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/07/new-stitch-monday-86/

"Under Cover" is finished!  Stephanie ends her discussion of this fun piece explaining the threads and stitch used for the sky.  

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/07/new-stitch-monday-87/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 22, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Strawberry Thief Steals Tennis Balls

Jolly Red, a UK tapestry kit company, shows how they translated William Morris' Strawberry Thief design into the Tennis Ball Thief pillow kit.

https://www.facebook.com/mrsjollyred/posts/pfbid0Laidz73ibu51mRBzDhPxUrRFJxJVbJhacwQAsRXc8nHmSqPXkSbcwnKD6vBawdCTl

Here is William Morris' original.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strawberry_Thief_(William_Morris)#/media/File:Strawberrythief.jpg

Here is Jolly Red's printed needlepoint version on 10 count canvas with the tennis ball and the Jack Russell terrier.  Very clever!

https://www.jollyred.co.uk/product/thetennisballthief/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 16, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Memorializing Wilma's Contribution

Scrimm Discovery Needlepoint posted this photo of a Lee kimono a customer had nearly finished when their dog Wilma decided to "help."

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=729220808993386&set=a.322497892999015

For those who can't access Scrim Discovery's posting, it shows the chewed kimono design framed along with a picture of the unstitched canvas and a very happy Wilma, who is obviously thrilled to have contributed.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 12, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Self Finishing Dog Collars

Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY now offers self-finishing dog collars and canvases sized to fit.  These come in three lengths to fit almost any size dog and are availabie in black or brown leather.  The sizes are listed in the description for individual items.

https://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/so/c1O7uVYH5?languageTag=en&cid=68c6d8c4-6311-4db7-a6af-6c56ebef78b3#/main

The needlepoint section is not very large so these will be a quick stitch.  The bonus is with all that leather they should wear very well.

https://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/dog-collars?cid=68c6d8c4-6311-4db7-a6af-6c56ebef78b3&utm_campaign=5052de35-1063-43d0-8808-2047f2851fc1&utm_medium=mail_lp&utm_source=so

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 13, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Daisy Wells Westie

Daisy Wells just charted a portrait of her mother's West Highland Terrier.  It's adorable!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/5252091204867995/

The best part is Daisy posted the chart she created for everyone to make their own Westie portrait.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10229921271206384&set=pcb.5252091204867995

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com 

© Copyright July 12, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Summer Mystery: Fifi in Her Garden

Ruth Shmuf has revealed the Summer 2022 mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled:  Johanna Viranen's design featuring a dog in a flower garden.  The first class will be June 5 and the last will be August 7.  Sign up ASAP as available canvases are limited.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2022/05/fifi/

For the first lesson, Ruth stitched Fifi the puppy in black and white with sparkle and sequins and a strong, clear white.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2022/06/fifi-2/

Now Ruth's working the background and a big pink flower.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2022/07/fifis-pink-flower/

There are leaves and a doggy tail!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2022/07/fifis-garden/

And the garden is nearly done.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2022/08/the-garden-is-complete/

Here are two versions of Fifi in her garden.  Framing does make a huge difference in the final look. (and that turkeywork flower is amazing)

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2024/06/fifi-is-framed/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 10, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pet Portrait Embroidery: A Review

If realistic dog and cat portraits enthrall you, you'll want to look at Mary Corbet's review of "Pet Portrait Embroidery."

https://www.needlenthread.com/2022/03/pet-portrait-embroidery-a-fabulous-book.html

Note that this book is mean for those embroidering animals on ground fabric like linen, but you can use the same principals on needlepoint canvas if you switch to a small needle with a very sharp point.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 12, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Dog Ears: Mystery Class at Bedecked and Beadazzled

If you like dogs and flowers and butterflies--not to mention light coverage stitches and bling--Ruth Schmuff's next mystery class is for you.   The charming design is by Johanna Virtanen, and the first lesson will be July 18th.  As always, I'll post Ruth's progress here once the classes have passed.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/06/dog-ears/

Ruth adds fun (and unexpected) backgrounds.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/08/dog-ears-background/

Now there are flowers, big and little, plus heart buttons and a silvery moon.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/08/dogs-and-flowers/

The final lesson is the dog.  Those eyes are darling!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/09/woof-its-done/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 8, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Meredith Does a Cat and Dog Background

Speaking of Meredith Willet, her latest free stitch diagrams are stitches suitable for a cat and a dog canvas.  Here are the fish diagrams for a cat.
https://classes.mscanvashouse.com/pdf/quarantine/Quarantine_Lesson_13.pdf

Here is the dog bone one.
https://classes.mscanvashouse.com/pdf/quarantine/Quarantine_Lesson_14.pdf

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

You Thought Your Needlepoint Pillows Were Expensive?!

Horse Country Chic explains that an eleven piece lot of dog and rabbit needlepoint pillows sold for $17,500 USD at the Mario Buatta auction.
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2020/01/mario-like-needlepoint-animal-pillows.html

This lot went for $10,000.
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/mario-buatta-prince-of-interiors/thirteen-pillows-with-sayings

Other needlepoint pillows sold well also.
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/mario-buatta-prince-of-interiors/five-decorative-pillows

https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/mario-buatta-prince-of-interiors/eleven-dog-pillows

I am not sure all of these are needlepoint.
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/mario-buatta-prince-of-interiors/seven-floral-pillows

He had needlepoint rugs, too.
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/mario-buatta-prince-of-interiors/an-english-needlepoint-story-rug

https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/mario-buatta-prince-of-interiors/an-english-needlework-carpet-second-half-19th

https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/mario-buatta-prince-of-interiors/a-floral-needlepoint-carpet-early-19th-century

https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/mario-buatta-prince-of-interiors/a-dark-ground-floral-carpet

https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/mario-buatta-prince-of-interiors/a-continental-needlepoint-carpet-first-quarter

https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/mario-buatta-prince-of-interiors/a-19th-century-carpet

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 28, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Favorites from Destination Dallas 2019

Speaking of BUY IT NOW, I've had lots of fun looking at the latest new designs that were revealed at Destination Dallas last week.  As usual, I have favorites and I've been looking at trends.

"Beach Happy" from Melissa Prince

It seems lamas and dogs are very popular now.  I've seen lots of new dog canvases.  The above is my favorite from Melissa Prince, but she has several others available, including a hilarious mystery lovers dachshund that I call "Baskerville."
https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=59266&title=Mystery%20Lover%20Dachshund&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Ehrman has lots of fun new dog kits from Magie Hollingworth (second link below shows just one of many)...
https://www.melissaprincedesigns.com/dogs.html

http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Magic__MAGYT.aspx#.XX-seS2ZN3k

…and Pippin has a wonderful black lab.
https://www.theneedlepointer.com/product/black-lab-6/

"Peruvian Reindeer Sweater" from Tapestry Fair 

This Tapestry Fair llama is a charmer.  There are two others in the series.
http://www.tapestryfair.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=1

Designer Unknown

Birds and Halloween continue to be big themes.  This wonderful crow piece with tropical drinks (designer unknown) made me smile.
http://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.shop/shop/c/p/Crow-Bar-x42937396.htm

Owl with Birds, Mary Lake-Thompson of Melissa Shirley Designs

I like this birds canvas a lot, don't you?  This is from Mary Lake-Thompson, distributed by Melissa Shirley.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/gallery/?bsn=1&fbclid=IwAR1WOhH6nSFrq2p5TDIc4HpSQKNMJa1LZaVFOM5pQWzfFqb3ZnolW_b_wZs

The Owl from Sandra Gilmore

I love this owl.  It appears to be from Sandra Gilmore of Once in a Blue Moon Designs/Fleur de Paris.  Lots of personality in this bird!
https://www.facebook.com/nestndlpt/photos/pcb.2667027780008491/2667026920008577/?type=3&theater

3K's White Fox Ornament

I also love 3K Design's fox canvas.  There is so much you can do in this small space!
https://needlepoint.com/collections/destination-dallas-2019/products/3k-designs-white-fox-ornament

Amanda Lawford/Vallerie Needlepoint Gallery

Dragons of course are classics.  This Chinese New Year Dragon is from Amanda Lawford of Vallerie Needlepoint Gallery.
https://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/product-page/amanda-lawford-dragon-al037-vng

Love You More 

Personally I love stitching people and I really like this Love You More angel.  She's perfect.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2662677637117632&set=pcb.2458556114221532&type=3&theater

Colors of Praise

This small Colors of Praise portrait reminds me of a dear friend.
https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/collections/destination-dallas-2019/products/in236

Face Cards, DJ Designs

This stylized playing card is fun!  I know a lot of folks are intimidated by stitching people but these from the playing cards series would be an easy stitch.  There are quite a few in the set.  Designer is DJ Designs, courtesy of my spies!
https://www.facebook.com/189965167681135/photos/pcb.3254438184567136/3254437461233875/?type=3&theater

Mary Lake-Thompson's "Halloween Pumpkin Hat"

I also really like this Mary Lake-Thompson piece of a witch with her red-winged blackbird and decorated hat.
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/galsearch/index.cgi?index=1568489441_51601&col=

Gayla Elliott/The Collection Designs

The new portraits by Gayla Elliott (The Collection Designs) are wonderful.  I think these are all six inches square so they wouldn't be too big to work on.  It's hard to choose one!

Asian Woman, Colors of Praise

But I think this is my very favorite canvas of all I've seen.  It s from Colors of Praise.
https://www.facebook.com/needlehearts18900/photos/pcb.1174336346086547/1174337249419790/?type=3&theater

If you can identify the designer of the folks I can't, please let me know.  Leave a comment below or email me at chillyhollow at hot mail dot com.  Thanks!

UPDATE:  Many thanks to Carolyn Hedge Baird for helping me credit designers.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 16, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

SJ Designs' Victorian Dogs for Sale

SJ Designs is featuring a lovely Victorian era needlepoint of two dogs on their sale site. The stitching is interesting because of the background stitch chosen and the interesting random stitching on the basket.
https://sj-designs.net/product/c1860s-berlin-work-needlepoint-hunting-dogs/?fbclid=IwAR27tm2xBz9jxAuDGT0gFjIzv5GkY3m2SenVev0GOqFO_eN6w0Xw53eSGhg

Susan thinks this dates to between 1850-70.  It's a great lesson on how needlepoint has and has not changed.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 13, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Squeakie

Lisa just finished a custom Annie Lane design of her dog and added a real squeaker to the piece. Isn't that darling?!
https://lisasalwayswriting.com/stitching/2019/7/1/oh-squeak-my-heart?fbclid=IwAR0MQ7Zt9ip1ik2Q9q62tFFNFsuXUyrC4AgR2yD2367EzG_G16LRC0fOfc0

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 10, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.