The Cure for Wonky Frames

Needle Point Breeze just posted a photo of the colorful FrameLok tools.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1308938587688595&set=a.585985413317253

What is a FrameLok?  It's a set of four gadgets you insert in the inside corners of those old stretcher bars you've had for eons that aren't tight any more.  Just add thumb tacks and the stretcher bars are no longer wonky, but stay straight.

https://poppypointe.com/products/frame-lok

This video demonstrates the process.  Note that these are regular sized stretcher bars, not the minis.  I suspect they'll hang over the side a bit if you are using mini stretcher bars but I think they'll still work.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oKDlGzuJps

They come four to a package and you'll need thumbtacks to secure them.  You can read the heartwarming story of how they were invented here.

https://framelok.biz/Welcome-to-FrameLok_b_1.html

Here are shops that carry FrameLoks if your favorite store doesn't.

https://framelok.biz/where-to-buy-framelok.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Melissa's and Megan's Journey

I imagine a lot of folks are like me on Halloween, without any little kids coming to my door for candy, so let's do something totally different and listen to the two Pointing It Out podcasts where the hosts, Melissa MacLeod of The Wool and The Floss, and Megan Holmes of the Needlepoint Clubhouse, interview each other.  

The first video is all about Melissa.  You can learn a bit about her career before needlepoint, how she became a shop owner, the impact of Covid on needlepoint, the re-branding Melissa has done, and the fact that despite her business background, she goes to Market without a budget.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rANCbnxAhUM

You can even tour Melissa's stitching room via this Instagram video.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-k0vToRDji/

The second video is all about Megan.  You can get to know her, learn a bit about her shop and discover how she's gone from shop owner to canvas distributor to new owner of Susan Roberts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBALTmmV_30

The websites for The Wool and The Floss and the Needlepoint Clubhouse are here--

https://woolfloss.com/

https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 6, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Essential Needlework Tools Kit

The Labors of Love shop in Atlanta has a new took kit that has snips, scissors and tweezers in a variety of fun patterned pouches.

https://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.shop/shop/Tools-Gadgets-and-Gizmos/Scissors-and-Tweezers/p/Essential-Needlepoint-Tools-Kit-x67926896.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

The Gadget Queen UPDATED

Danielle talks about her favorite gadgets.
http://stitcherista.blogspot.com/2015/07/gadgets.html

UPDATE:  More fun tools!
http://stitcherista.blogspot.com/2015/07/more-gadgets.html

If you are into tools the way Danielle is, check out the latest things available from Needlepoint Tool Time...
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com

...and from Needle Little More.
http://www.needlelittlemore.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html

Plus if you need help collecting cool and useful things, Ruth's got a club for that.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2015/07/gadgets-gizmos-and-great-inventions.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 9, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Gadget Queen Speaks

Danielle is one of the gadget queens, and has some great tips for stitching tools and storage options.
http://stitcherista.blogspot.com/2014/02/progressand-some-gadgets.html

She also has a great way to keep track of her needle threader.  Me, I never lose mine because it goes in my little tool box when not in use.  My stitching tool box is just like the Caboodle box she ordered, but it is much smaller and made of clear plastic.  I just love it!

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.