A New Shop Trend

Stitches and Style has been traveling a lot this summer, visiting quite a few needlepoint shops, and has seen a new trend in two of them--free boxes!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DO1E_fakfHU/?img_index=1

Basically, customers leave threads from their stash in a box marked Free in the shop.  These are threads they have not used (or only used a bit of) that other folks might like to try out.  So if your favorite shop wants to climb on the bandwagon, see what cards or skeins of threads you have -- or perhaps a pair of scissors you've never used, a packet of needles that you bought and found were duplicates of 74 other packets at home-- maybe it will make another stitcher very happy to use what you don't use.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 22, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Lean Left, Lean Right, Stand Straight (Diagonal Mosaic for the Win)

Coco Frank Studio shows off the versatile Diagonal Mosaic stitch.

https://cocofrankstudio.com/blogs/blog/diagonal-mosaic-stitch?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=Diagonal+Mosaic&utm_id=01K20ASN2GTXT673265A7V99FV&_kx=fpwRhZR6oWBP-QRpljb7pZMDJB9SEzHyKJegAKdmP8-TPQzDcjAtm1ktAvh5CV4x.XYMb7E

This stitch can slant to the right or left or just run in vertical columns, making it exceptionally useful.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 7, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

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.

Confetti News and a Free Chart

Susan Johnson of SJ Designs has news about her Confetti line of thread, which she thought was going to be discontinued. 

https://mailchi.mp/dab8d0d07fde/may-21-2025

And there is a free chart in her newsletter!  Click on the photo of the design to see or click here.

https://mcusercontent.com/35aa40000a83a7d7f36608669/files/706e0d8d-d530-1f1e-6aae-887e9f6a0b62/Oakleaves_2025_free_chart.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 22, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Free Key Fob Designer from NeedlePaint.com

Needlepaint.com has unveiled their new StitchPerfect Giclee Printing process with a free design-your-own-key-fob page on their website (second link below).  Note that the Facebook page has a video embedded in the Comments for more information.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10162401371241013&set=gm.9330082013735540&idorvanity=108537025890131

https://www.needlepaint.com/key-fob-designer/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJCXqxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVYRtRpiiTQ6tPOptC8578qXPKBZ7EqCAd44EpXNT-L8SzFkVZwS2rp3tQ_aem_yerRkX1T0xxXz-9f7SP1pA#/

Congratulations to Seth and the NeedlePaint team!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 15, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Free Alphabet Chart from Saturnalia

Saturnalia Stitching has posted a free small alphabet chart to their Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DF_PeEOvHBq/?img_index=2

The letters are 7 stitches high and 5 wide, small enough for a discrete monogram or message in your needlepoint background.   Use the side arrow to see the matching numbers chart.

Thanks!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Monogram and Alphabet Charts

This morning I set up a new tab under the photo header of Blog- called "Monogram and Alphabet Sources."  I've listed the books and online sources for charted lettering for monograms and lettering as on a stocking top.  If you know of other good sources, please let me know at chilly hollow at hot mail dot com.  Thanks!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 19, 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.

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.

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.

Free Dreidel and Menorah Charts

To celebrate Hanukkah, Ridgewood Needlepoint has posted charts for dreidel and menorah images to jazz up your stitching.  There are even Hebrew letters to add to the dreidels.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-2/

Happy Hanukkah to all those who celebrate.  Happy Tuesday to everyone else.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 11, 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.

Two JP Needlepoint Ornament Holiday Designs from Ridgewood Needlepoint

Stephanie and Adrienne at Ridgewood Needlepoint are tackling two JP Needlepoint ornament canvases and posting their stitches each Monday.  One ornament canvas is for Christmas and the other for Hanukkah.  It will be fun to see how these two designs come to life and educational if you have holiday ornaments of your own to stitch.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/08/something-new-coming-in-september/

The first posting is Stephanie talking about the Hanukkah canvas and how the first two ornaments were stitched.  She reminds us that many canvases don't have enough space for fancy stitches, so they will emphasize using a variety of threads and embellishments as well as stitches on these pieces.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/09/new-stitch-monday-92/

The second week's posting talks about the Christmas canvas and how ornaments 1 and 2 are stitched.  The threads list for six of the ornaments is included.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/09/new-stitch-monday-93/

The third week's post covers ornaments three and four on the Hanukkah design.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/09/new-stitch-monday-94/

Week four covers ornament three and four for the Christmas design.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/10/new-stitch-monday-95/

Week five covers ornaments five and six on the Hanukkah design.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/10/new-stitch-monday-96/

Week six is back to Adrienne's Christmas ornaments five and six.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/10/new-stitch-monday-97/

Week seven is about the Hanukkah design's ornaments seven and eight.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/10/new-stitch-monday-98/

Week eight covers the Christmas ornaments seven and eight.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/10/new-stitch-monday-99/

Ornaments 9-12 for the Hanukkah design.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-11-6-23/

Ornaments 9-12 for the Christmas design.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-11-13-23/

Ornament 13 and the background are all that is left on the Hanukkah piece.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-11-20-23/

Here are ornaments 13-16 on the Christmas one.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-11-27-23/

The final four Christmas ornaments are described here.

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

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 23, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Free Summertime Design from EyeCandy

Ada Hayden of Eye Candy has released a free summery design for your poolside stitching.

http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2023/06/time-for-eyecandys-summer-freebie.html

Here's a direct link to the chart which is designed as a 5x7 purse insert.  You'll need 10 mm sequins and a few 5mm ones for the edges.

https://www.eyecandyneedleart.com/downloads/InitialPurseInsert.pdf

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 7, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.