Why Anna Loves Her Brick

The Australian embroiderer and teacher Anna Scott does really lovely work, so I've followed her a long time.  She doesn't do needlepoint as a rule--crewel is mostly her thing--so you won't have seen her mentioned here often, but this blog posting on her website struck a cord with me.  

https://www.annascottembroidery.com.au/journal/the-story-of-a-very-special-brick

I have a very special brick currently keeping my husband's 7 foot tall cactus from overbalancing.  I need to make a cover for it, don't I?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 30, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

What Is A Frame Weight? The Movie UPDATED

Memories in Stitches on Instagram has a short video about frame weights, showing what they look like and how they are used.

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

In case the video disappears, a frame weight is a bean bag filled with heavy items (pennies, shot, etc.) that you put on one corner of needlepoint on stretcher bars to weigh it down. 

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2013/06/frame-weight-bargello.html

Why would you do this?  Maybe you are traveling and don't want to pack your needlepoint stand.  Maybe you don't work large projects often and you don't want to invest in an expensive needlepoint stand?  With a frame weight, you can put your stretcher bar project on a table with half sticking out over the edge.  The frame weight holds it secure as you stitch with both hands on the part of the project sticking out away from the table.

Traditionally frame weights were frog shaped like this counted project from Amy Wolfson.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1842165903/vintage-1997-needlepoint-5th-project?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=frame+weight+needlepoint&ref=sr_gallery-1-6&pro=1&sts=1&content_source=9d515b4e1846eaa8fe5b03faffc04e1248614625%253A1842165903&organic_search_click=1&logging_key=9d515b4e1846eaa8fe5b03faffc04e1248614625%3A1842165903

Edie and Ginger created a lot of painted canvases of frogs meant to be made up as frame weights.

https://cbkneedlepoint.com/frogs/

When Beanie Babies were a thing, some folks opened up the seam and filled their Beanie Baby with heavy shot and sewed it back up to make a customized frame weight much quicker than needlepointing one. Of course if you have stitched something and don't know what to turn it in to, maybe a frame weight would be a good use of your beautiful stitching.

http://stitchinglotus.ca/2012/12/weighty-issue/

UPDATE: This short video from The Wool and The Floss shows a frame weight in action.  There's a video from Waste Knot, too.  Now, don't you need one of these?!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DM3N9qegyb-/

https://woolfloss.com/products/frame-weights?_pos=1&_sid=c184eb440&_ss=r

https://www.instagram.com/p/DOe1bKcjpMZ/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 6, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Hermes Silk Scarf Frame Weight

Stitching Fox in South Carolina now carries beautiful frame weights from Belles Choses Designs.  These are made from Hermes silk scarves, designed for the stitcher who wants to surround themselves with beautiful tools.

https://www.stitchingfox.com/products/frame-weights-belles-choses?_pos=1&_sid=0dc976104&_ss=r

By the way, you can also get scissor cases and scissor ribbon fobs made from vintage scarves.

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2022/07/hermes-scissor-cases-and-scissor-ribbons.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.co

© Copyright july 24, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Carol Eix Demonstrates Frame Weights: The Movie

Recently Creative Stitches and Gifts in Houston has started a series of short videos for their Facebook page.  These videos are interviews with local designers.  This particular video is of Carol Eix, who creates frame weights, snap trays and who also owns Creative Stitches and Gifts.  

https://www.facebook.com/116234155758/videos/739605349919646/?__so__=channel_tab&__rv__=all_videos_card

The video always shows how to use a snap tray (or a bead snap tray), a button snap magnet, pincushions, etc.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 16, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Handle Stitching a Rug

The bi-monthly newsletter from Needlepoint Now is out and it has a great way to stitch a rug canvas, sent in by Ann.  Basically you roll the bottom of the rug around empty paper towel cardboard centers, then clip them to stay closed.  Then use frame weights to hold the top of the rug to a table.  You can sit at the table and stitch with the rolled end in your lap out of the way.  There's no need for a huge and expensive custom rug frame.  Very clever!
https://needlepointnow.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/j/CC841E4F1B402B832540EF23F30FEDED/D89D82459BF7DCF144D0DD5392A9C75A

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

Breaking News: New Owner for Creative Stitches and Gifts

Creative Stitches and Gifts in Dallas has a new owner--Carol Eix!
http://www.creativestitchesandgifts.com

The reason Carol's name seems familiar is because you love her line of snap trays and frame weights and those clever button laying tool holders.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2015/06/carol-eix.html

Congratulations to Carol and Creative Stitches!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 19, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

"I'm Officially Licensed to Preform Needlework"

Donna performs surgery on a stuffed rabbit in the pursuit of her needlework.  Intrigued?  Read all about it here--
http://majtravaux.blogspot.com/2015/08/bunny-surgery.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 18, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bears Go to College

Ridgewood has a customer who requested custom college bear bean bags which can be used for frame weights or on a desk to weight down papers. They also make very cute decorations for the backs of couches in apartments.  Plus there are quite a few colleges with bear mascots.  I see plenty of fun for the college set here.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2015/05/school-bears.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 21, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Donna and The Needlepoint Book

Donna posted a fun update about the 2015 edition of Jo I. Christensen's Needlepoint Book--she shows off the colored photo of the piece she contributed for the book that is black and white inside its pages.  Who knew the colors were so pretty!?  Thanks, Donna.  It's fun to see more of the amazing needlepoint that illustrates the book.
http://majtravaux.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-needlepoint-book.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 19, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Need a Giggle?

If you need a giggle, or want a friendly frame weight to hold your canvas in position on a table so you can stitch with two hands, then you should visit the animal frame weights from Needlepoints Ltd. 
http://www.needlepointsltd.com/whatsnew.html

I'm torn between Hello Kitty and the hedgehog....

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 14, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing the Tomato

As promised, Sue Dulle continues to describe the various types of finishing she is doing. This time she's making a frame weight pumpkin. Enjoy! 
http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2014/10/01/good-news-tomato-finishing-and-royals-wi/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 1, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Frame Weight Alert

People who are looking for frame weight classes like the one Jim Wurth did several years back will be interested to hear that Chandail plans such a class with a bar that acts as a magnet as part of the kit.
http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/137940/0c4d6750d3/1464533477/4b156b9e3f/

The Chandail website mentions the class but without any details.. For that you need to contact the shop.
http://www.chandailneedlework.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 7, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

It's Not Heavy, It's My Frame Weight

Well, actually it IS heavy because it is a frame weight.  The World in Stitches has a lovely selection of frame weight canvases that are not the more traditional frog shapes. Stitch 'em, fill 'em, use 'em anywhere!
http://twisinc.blogspot.com/2014/02/do-you-know-what-these-are.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Designs, New Products

New things are popping up all over again, but without a trade show on the horizon, I thought I'd list them all here instead of starting a new TNNA Winter 2014 tab.   First, how about some wonderful new Mag Friends needle magnets from Accoutrement Designs?  I love the witch's cauldron with the green goo dripping down but you might be charmed by the Painted Pony angel magnets or Raymond Crawford's owls.
http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2013/09/have-you-seen-have-you-heard.html

I don't think Clover Wonder Clips are new exactly but I'd never heard of them until Mary Corbet did a review.  
http://www.needlenthread.com/2013/09/clover-wonder-clips.html

Kimberly is designing and showing off hints.
http://akimberlydesign.blogspot.com/2013/09/glimpses.html

Brenda Kocher is designing new things, too.
http://www.brendakocherdesigns.net

Needle Works has plenty of snap trays and beading snap trays in the shop.  They have coordinating fabrics and frame weights are also available.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2013/09/snap-tray-and-bead-tray-explosion-at-the-store.html

Hope you enjoyed the newest of the new!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New and Fun

This morning I have a round-up of new or fun items I've seen while cruising the World Wide Web each morning.  Randi's stocking some fascinating new frame weight canvases for her shop.   Never heard of frame weights?  Randi explains why a stitcher might want one in their stitching nest very well. The second link is to Randi's shop website, in case you have more questions or want to order.
http://twisinc.blogspot.com/2013/03/more-new-canvases.html

http://www.twisinc.com

I've never seen a Hanukkah pillow before.  What a great idea!
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2013/03/ruth-is-all-set-for-hanukkah-with-this.html

Threadaholic alert!  Vicky's posted great photos of the new colors of thread from Rainbow Gallery.  There's Silk Lame Braid, Petite Silk Lame Braid, Fyre Werks, and Neon Rays Plus (including their new glow in the dark orange).
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/new-threads-from-rainbow-gallery/

I've never seen earmuff canvases before.  The finishing is superb!  Of course you can make a double sided ornament if you don't want earmuff style finishing, but this is a very different and fun way to make up ornaments.
http://astheneedleturns.com/mini-earmuffs/

By the way, the earmuff canvases are from Linda Lahm Designs.  Don't miss Rudolph in earmuffs!
http://www.whatsthepoint.biz/lindasearmuffpics.htm

On a slightly different topic, Orna Willis is proudly showing off finished projects from her students.  I have to say, things look great!  Nothing makes you see a charted piece with fresh eyes than seeing it stitched, often in different colors from the original.
http://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2013/03/bursting-with-pride.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Enablers Anonymous Convenes Its First Meeting

I am sure you don't know **anyone** like this.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/11/enablers-anonymous.html

Hugs from your master enabler

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

The Happy Frame Weight

Absolutely Needlepoint's crab frame weights are starting to come back from the finisher. This was a class on various stitches taught at Absolutely Needlepoint based on the cheerful canvases from Barbara Bergsten.  You can still order the instructions.
http://absolutelyneedlepoint.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/hes-back/

Or you can choose your own favorite design and stitch from your stash, making up stitches or using Barbara's stitches diagrammed on her website as you go.
http://www.barbarabergstendesigns.com/new_page_4.htm

http://www.barbarabergstendesigns.com/stitch_guides.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Snap Trays and Frame Weights UPDATED

Hey! They MATCH! 
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2012/09/coordinated-stitching.html


You can find snap trays and the coordinating frame weights at all sorts of shops.  A quick search turned up these varieties.
http://theneedleworks.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2042

http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/04/deal-of-day-15-off-bags-snap-trays.html

http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2011_11_03_archive.html

http://bestitchedneedlepoint.com/snap-trays/

http://www.peacockalleyneedlepoint.com/peacockalleyneedlepoint/Stitchy_Things.html

UPDATE:  Even more patterns.
http://www.stitchinginthetexashillcountry.com/the_needle_works/2013/05/share-a-stitch-sunday-may-5.html

So which ones do you like?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Feeling Crabby

I'm feeling crabby but in a good way. Check out the progress that a shop in Florida is making on several of Barbara Bergsten's crab frame weights.
http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2012/06/needlepoint-stitch-of-the-week.html

http://absolutelyneedlepoint.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/stitch-of-the-week-in-progress/

I've been told that Edie and Ginger created the first frog shaped frame weights.  These little critters are decorated with various design on their backs, then made up into stuffed animals that have weights inside so you can put one on the corner of your canvas when it is on stretcher bars, let the bottom of the canvas hang over a table edge, and stitch with two hands.  Great for travel and for those who love working at a table but don't use a frame or one of those hardware store clamps!


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

That One Is Mine and This One is Yours

I never go anywhere that isn't the grocery, post office, or drug store, but if you go to classes (or if you just like a color-coodinated stitching corner) you may need customized trays and frame weights that are perfect for travel and easy to tell from your stitching neighbor's stuff in class.  Ruth Schmuff has you covered, and in just your style.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2011/11/personally-yours.html


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com