Gift Ideas for Your Stitching Friends

Gay Ann Rogers posted ideas for great gifts for stitching friends on her website last December. Nothing was terribly expensive but everything was a gift that any stitcher would enjoy.

She suggested that stitching friends trade off designs that have areas to be ripped.  It's a lot easier to take out stitches for someone else's project than your own--you don't sit there kicking yourself for messing up!  By the way, Gay Ann likes the Bohin folding seam ripper.  Shop around as prices vary.  I choose this link because it shows various colors and how they fold and unfold well.  I have one and they are well made and sharp.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1605321535/bohin-folding-seam-ripper-assorted?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_-craft_supplies_and_tools-non_domestic_high&utm_custom1=_k_e5bc0666939217d471516132ce7cddba_k_&utm_content=bing_412372913_1302921576741207_81432662493160_pla-4585032213878099:pla-4585032213878099_c__1605321535&utm_custom2=412372913&msclkid=e5bc0666939217d471516132ce7cddba

Gay Ann also suggests trading off sections of your project.  She says during her teaching days friends would often switch pieces so that one who was really good a cutwork could do that on both designs while their buddy would do lovely satin stitches.  You'll always have good memories about that section that was a bear because your friend did it for you!

By the way, the Pointing It Out podcast, with Megan and Melissa, discusses their gift guide for Christmas 2024.  It's no longer Christmas but hey, gifts are appropriate all through the year!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7-ZOZhjLNA

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.

The PFOS Ornament Exchange 2024

Every year Pocket Full of Stitches in Texas has an ornament exchange among the staff.  

http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2024/12/earlier-this-week-pfos-girls-met-for.html

It's always great to see what this legendary shop* comes up with!

*I'm pretty sure they originated the monthly clubs so many shops offer now.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 22, 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 Pocket Full of Stitches Ornament Exchange

Each year I enjoy seeing Pocket Full of Stitches' ornament exchange.

http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2021/12/annual-ornament-exchange.html

It is clear they are having a lovely time!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 22, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Horse County Chic's Needlepoint Gift Ideas

As Christmas draws nearer, Horse Country Chic has perfect gifts for the needlepointer.

http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2021/12/gift-ideas-for-needlepoint-lover.html

The scissors are by Sajou.  Shop around as prices vary a lot.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/567611558/sajou-tartan-embroidery-scissors?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_all&utm_custom1=_k_91710fe327f71ef400246e5869454a8e_k_&utm_content=bing_319339186_1310617986645934_81913644654434_pla-4585513245482005:pla-4585513245482005_c__567611558&utm_custom2=319339186&msclkid=91710fe327f71ef400246e5869454a8e

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 

nd at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 16, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Gifts for the New (or Not) Stitcher

It's that time of year when we are racking our brains, trying to find the perfect gift for a stitching friend—or for a brand new stitcher.  I thought I'd assemble a few gift ideas from a couple of shops to make it easy to do mail order.  Remember, the delivery services are overwhelmed so if you don't have a local you can visit, order ASAP.  Already the post office's Priority Mail which normally takes two days is taking six!

First up, you can't stitch without scissors or needles.  How about these cute (and sharp) little pastel scissors?  They are great for a beginner or for a spare pair, or for travel.  These come in pink, lavender and blue but only pink are in stock right now at this shop.

https://needlepoint.com/products/rainbow-thread-cutters-pink

You always need needles.  Bohin needles are wonderful.  Gift your stitching friends an assortment and remind them to keep spares in their wallets.  Size 22 is perfect for 18 count canvas but if your buddy prefers 13 count designs, buy them size 18 or 20.  

https://www.needlenook.com/product/bohin-tapestry/

Many stitchers love magnets to put on their canvas to temporarily park a needle until they need it again.  They come in many styles and sizes, so you can find one that suits anyone.

https://needlepoint.com/pages/search-results-page?q=magnet

How about a tote bag for that project canvas, threads and tools?  These come in various sizes and protect your project when you travel.  A bonus is you can easily see which project to grab when you are ready to stitch.

https://needlepoint.com/products/ttdsy14x14

Of course you can gift a friend a stitch dictionary so they always have great stitches to choose from.  Stitches to Go is a classic and it is small enough to go anywhere.  True, it doesn't tell you where to use the stitches, but this little book distills the three volumes of the fabulous Stitches for Effect series into one little volume.

https://www.needlenook.com/product/stitches-to-go/

Another great portable choice is Carole Lake's Just in the Knick of Time, a book with both useful stitches and information on how and where to use them.

https://www.needlenook.com/product/just-nick-time/

If you want to spend just a little more, how about you gift someone a fabulous cyberclass to keep them entertained this winter?  There's something to appeal to almost anyone here.

https://needlepoint.com/collections/online-classes-for-needlepoint?tab=products&sort_by=price&sort_order=asc&page=1

Hope this gives you some good gift ideas, even if it is just for your own wish list.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 3, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Great Tool Shopping Sites

Needlepoint Nation members highly recommend these two websites for stitching tools:

https://www.brooklynhaberdashery.com/collections/scissors

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Sassy2stitch?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=800645625&page=2#items

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 24, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bobbin and Fred Do Valentine's Day

Bobbin and Fred has a fun article up about Valentine Day gifts for stitchers.  There's something for every taste and nothing is too expensive, either. Have fun checking it all out, and perhaps making your own list of perfect Valentines for needlepointers.
https://sewingwithbobbinandfred.blogspot.com/2018/01/valentines-day-gift-guide-for.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 30, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Secret Santa Visits Enriched Stitch

You'll love seeing the ornament exchange pieces that Enriched Stitch's staff gave each other.  Each is cuter than the next and all were chosen with the recipient's interests in mind.
http://astheneedleturns.com/secret-santa-stitching/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 4, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Melita's Florentine Star Trivets

Melita has been making Florentine stars using a Linda Dimianti pattern for gifts.

https://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com/2017/12/14/pqc-trivets/

She put them in acrylic trivets, too. I think these are the ones she used.

https://www.allstitch.net/product/hot-plate-trivet-acrylic-embroidery-blank-3952.cfm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 14, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Pocket Full of Stitches' Gift Exchange

Pocket Full of Stitches in Texas just had their staff Christmas party and ornament exchange. You'll love seeing what the pros stitch for each other!
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2017/12/pfos-ornament-exchange.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 21, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Making a Presentation Box

Were you charmed by Shannon Grearson's little jewelry set in the May-June 2017 issue of Needlepoint Now?   If so, you are in luck as Shannon has posted instructions for making a presentation box coordinated to the jewelry set on her blog, Sewing with Bobbin and Fred.
https://sewingwithbobbinandfred.blogspot.com/2017/05/how-to-make-large-presentation-gift-box.html

The box would work for all sorts of gifts so have fun checking out the instructions and then planning how to box up those Christmas ornaments you made for the grandkids…

By the way, Shannon talks about how she got her designs into Needlepoint Now magazine.
https://sewingwithbobbinandfred.blogspot.com/2017/05/how-i-designed-and-got-my-sewing_31.html

If the French knitting bobbin caught your eye, here are more.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/289493813/vintage-wooden-french-knitting-doll?ref=market

https://www.etsy.com/listing/251824650/vintage-wooden-french-knitting-dolls?ref=market

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Wooden-Toy-french-knitting-Doll-/332006116816?hash=item4d4d1b4dd0:g:RnoAAOSwmLlYBZb3

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 20, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The SWAN Party Gift Exchange 2016 UPDATED

Every year Stephanie's local stitching guild has a gift exchange. Members draw names and exchange presents, usually Christmas ornaments. This year's set is particularly fun! 
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2016/12/best-party-of-year.html

Merry Christmas, everyone!

UPDATE:  Lucky Steph shows off her SWAN exchange presents.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2016/12/swan-ornaments-given-to-me.html

UPDATE #2:  Steph shows off the ornaments she's stitched and given away to her fellow SWANS.  I think it's nice to have everything in one article so you can admire all the talent in Stephanie's local guild.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2016/12/swan-ornaments-i-have-given.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 12, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Christmas Shopping at DMC

I haven't paid a lot of attention to DMC's new Common Threads site but it does have some fabulous gifts for stitchers. They have two styles of wooden sewing boxes, although I have no idea why they are only offered in washed-out blue-gray.
http://commonthread.us/large-wood-sewing-box-antique-gray-plus-floss.html

http://commonthread.us/gondola-wood-sewing-box-antique-gray-plus-floss.html

If you want stocking stuffers, they have a finger tip magnifier...
http://commonthread.us/finger-magnifying-glass-red-2.html

...and cute DMC-themed pins, either the skeins shown or two card spools shown at the bottom of the page.
http://commonthread.us/mercerie-brooch-rwb.html?utm_source=Commonthread+Website+Signup&utm_campaign=ea5b2b8e4a-Stocking_Stuffers_12_10_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_946d6b91ed-ea5b2b8e4a-82345393

If you want something to stitch fast, there are mini stockings, although they really are geared towards cross stitchers.  Regardless, it's fun to browse all the styles.
http://commonthread.us/dmc-products/stitchables/stockings.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 10, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Gift

Renee Frank of Pepita and Gone Stitching showed off a very special gift from a bride to her groom this morning.  I find especially touching that the canvas was a graduation present from the bride's grandmother.  What a wonderful statement of family and commitment this is!
http://needlepointofview.com/2015/03/29/the-brides-present-for-her-groom/

I had to look up the religious significance of the afikomen.  It's a lovely tradition that finishes the Passover meal with the help of the children present.  Here's hoping this bride and her groom have many children to help them use her stitching over the years to come!
http://judaism.about.com/od/holidays/g/afikomen.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 30, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Perfect Present for a Stitcher

Virginia's sister found the perfect present for her birthday.  I have no idea where she found these but it looks like a wonderful present for a stitcher.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/01/stitch-style-birthday/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 8, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Monogram for Christmas

Ridgewood has a really clever idea for a stitching gift on their blog today--combine a monogram canvas and a box lid and call it done!  Of course with Christmas almost here, this may not be feasible for a December 25 present but there are birthdays and anniversaries and other things in our futures where this will be a wonderful idea.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/11/if-you-need-gift-that-can-be-finished.html

If boxes aren't your gift recipient's style, how about luggage tags?  I think these are from Lee/Colonial Needle, but I am not certain.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/11/bridesmaids.html

Nimble Needle has some gorgeous Creative Needle jewelry cases, too.
http://thenimbleneedle.blogspot.com/2014/11/gifts-you-can-stitch-and-finish-yourself.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 16, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Carolyn Says....

Carolyn Has, the advice columnist for the Washington Post, had a discussion recently about handmade gifts versus expensive store bought items.  This little article summaries what she and others said.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/carolyn-hax-handmade-gift-trumps-mass-produced-stuff/2014/10/10/5fff094e-4802-11e4-891d-713f052086a0_story.html

We all love giving handmade gifts.  How do you feel about receiving them?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 12, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Smart Cookie Award Goes to....

The Smart Cookie Award goes to Cara Richards this week.   She suggested on Facebook's Needlepoint Nation that folks stitching presents take a photograph of the finished piece, then go to Spoonflower.com and create matching wrapping paper or fabric to make the presentation even better.
http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 17, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Carol's Ornament Exchange Party

Carol's stitching guild in Australia does a Christmas ornament exchange with a guild in England each year. We are lucky that this year Carol took a lot of photos this year. What fun! 
http://carolscountedcanvasworkneedleworks.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-ornament-exchange.html

Happy New Year, Carol!  Thanks for sharing!

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.