Make It Yours 2: Extraordinary Fonts

The Wool and The Floss shows off Krissy Johnson Designs' second book, Make It Yours 2:  Extraordinary Fonts.

https://www.instagram.com/thewoolandthefloss/reel/DO_QVBakYue/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DPAJsM2kcCJ/?img_index=1

The Stitching Chicks flips through the book so you get a good idea of the various alphabets.

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

Krissy demonstrates how to use her books to put a monogram or name on your canvas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm2H4xpV3oM

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 26, 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.

Chart It-Monograms from Sara Trucksess

KC Needlepoint just announced a brand new book of monograms from Sara Trucksess of SCT Designs called Chart It.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/chart-it-a-brand-new-book-from-sara-trucksess-of-sct-designs

KC Needlepoint is both a shop and a distributor of needlepoint designers, including SCT.  You can read a bit more about Sara here.

https://kcndesigners.com/blogs/behind-the-canvas/meet-sara-trucksess-of-sct-designs

Curious about Sara's designs now?  Go here--

https://kcndesigners.com/collections/sct-designs

I'm particularly fond of Woodland Foxes but you probably know SCT for Sara's holiday animal ornaments or her various crests, perfect for that monogram you pick from her new book.

https://kcndesigners.com/products/woodland-foxes?_pos=1&_sid=eb8a8486d&_ss=r

https://kcndesigners.com/search?type=product,article,page&q=holiday%20animals*

https://kcndesigners.com/products/lobster-crest?_pos=5&_sid=af74e9de5&_ss=r

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 8, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Custom Needlepoint Candles and Monogrammed Straw Hats

The Labors of Love needlepoint store in Atlanta has something totally different -- needlepoint-themed scented candles.

https://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.shop/shop/Aromatic-Candles.htm

There are three scents in The Needlepoint Collection--Canvas, Needles and Threads.  These are soy candles, made in Georgia with the stitcher in mind.  The shop even sells a glass dome to put over the candle when not in use to keep the dust off.   Clever!

Labors of Love also carries sun hats with a monogrammable top.  The straw hats have a wide brim, are available in three different ribbon colors, and the price includes your custom monogram chart.

https://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.shop/iishop?form_version=2&search_keyword=sun+hats&image_x=0&image_y=0

(By the way, Love MHB Studio has a video on how to switch the ribbon on your straw hat.)

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

If you want something unique but still needlepoint-related, looks like Labors of Love's store is the place to shop!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 8, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Custom Monograms

The Wool and The Floss has teamed up with Taylor Studios to offer custom monograms, available charted or as a painted name tag.  It takes about six weeks to get your digital download chart since each is custom and there is a line of folks waiting.

https://woolfloss.com/search?q=Taylor+studios

Of course there are tons of free alphabets online but if you want something classic and easy, this might be a good option for you.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Two Monogram Alphabets from Amy Bunger

Somehow I totally missed the fact that Amy Bunger has created two monogram alphabet charts.

https://www.amysgoldenstrand.com/store/p3629/Interwoven_Alphabet_Chart_Pack.html

These diagrams show you how to interweave letters to create your own personalized monogram.  One alphabet has letters than are 30 threads high while the other is only 20 threads high.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 18, 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.

New Monogrammed Scissor Fob Kits

Abigail Cecile has added custom monogram scissor fob kits to her store.  You specify the monogram you want and the kit will arrive with Essentials wool-silk thread from Planet Earth.  This makes it a fast project for a gift or a good one for a stitcher just learning.

https://www.abigailcecile.com/collections/custom-canvases/products/monogram-scissor-fob-kit

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 30, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Need a Charted Alphabet?

If you need a charted alphabet, Tink Boord-Dill now has an Etsy shop where she sells instant downloads of some of her most popular books.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TinksAlphabets?fbclid=IwAR3APr37LtwtBEr1NYR-Y1NIC-Mtc9pi5TEEWnJsUucjc_8fSNlj7CgDS9k

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 15, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Two Monograms from Abigail Cecile

Abigail Cecile now has two e-pattern monogram charts. Each pattern has three variations.
https://www.abigailcecile.com/collections/e-pattern?mc_cid=77a2cab8e0&mc_eid=491e343c64

These are a fun small project for gifts or ornaments for your own decorative needs.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 31, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Need a Free Alphabet? Lord Libidan Has 53

Need a Free Alphabet? Lord Libidan Has 53 charted.  They are intended for cross stitch but will work nicely on needlepoint canvas.
https://lordlibidan.com/53-free-cross-stitch-alphabets/?fbclid=IwAR1tYd6qaBAYfMsLFZHsS7i7m9noeouKh8HUcq91j0HFxLZE9wwu-24crQM

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 17, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint.com's How to Measure and Finish the Edge of a Belt

Needlepoint.com wants something totally different when it comes to measuring a belt length and how to work the edges than what Hill Top Leather wants. The moral is, always ask how to measure the length and the preferred edging technique before you start your belt.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/everything-you-need-to-know-about-stitching-a-belt?utm_source=Needlepoint.Com&utm_campaign=ece01b8591-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_07_12_06_57&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6eed0b10d5-ece01b8591-579725333&goal=0_6eed0b10d5-ece01b8591-579725333&mc_cid=ece01b8591&mc_eid=3a360cb48b

Hope you enjoy their Everything You Need To Know About Stitching a Belt article and video.

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.

Basket Purses for Needlepoint Monogram Ornaments UPDATED

Rachel Donley recommends that her monogram ornaments be displayed on straw purses and totes from either Bosom Buddy Bags or QBS Designs that your favorite shop carries.    Looks like you can also order online if your shop doesn't carry bags.
http://www.qbsdesigns.com/straw-handbags

https://shop.bosombuddybags.com/c2/Bosom-Buddy-Bags-Handbag-Collections.htm

If your favorite shop doesn't have these bags but you want to support needlepoint stores, Po's Point appears to carry them.
http://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2016/06/straw-and-needlepoint.html

So does KC Needlepoint.
https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/products/straw-bag-with-bow

And Stitch Boutique of Boston.
https://www.facebook.com/stitchboutiqueboston/photos/a.154171394639718.31793.130337540356437/1720190851371090/?type=3&theater

Designers like Tory Burch also carries suitable bags for a monogrammed ornament.  Check places like Nordstrum's, eBay for vintage and of course Etsy.

What's the Point? Needlepoint in Dublin, Ohio is going to have a Rachel Donley class on creating your own monogram which can be used to adorn these purses on April 7.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2301069973251784/

UPDATE:  I'm told Cabbage Row Needlepoint in Charleston has both the bags and will custom design a monogram ornament for you.
http://www.cabbagerow.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright  February 25, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Wedding Monogram Pillow

I was browsing Little Bird Designs today because I like their style and was hoping they had new designs posted for Dallas already (I love the planned phoenix series!), when I stumbled across this custom wedding monograph pillow designed for newly weds by Michelle, the Little Bird herself.
http://www.needlepointofnoreturn.com/custom-wedding-pillow/

I think it is beautiful and will be a meaningful gift--and perhaps a family heirloom--for decades to come.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 16, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Aficots and Lobster Claws

I'd never heard of Aficots and Lobster Claws, either!   The video shows the aficot being used about half way through the film, by the way.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/03/whats-an-aficot-embroidery-tool.html

Many thanks to Mary Corbet for broadening our horizons.

(And thanks to Vicky DeAngelis for helping me spell "aficot" correctly despite auto-correct!)

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.

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.

What Is a Cipher and What's a Monogram? UPDATED

It never occurred to me that monograms were not just letters of the alphabet on a design until I read Mary Corbet's very helpful article on monographs, ciphers and initials. 
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/08/initials-ciphers-monograms.html

UPDATE:  Needle Paint which creates a lot of custom belts with various styles of monograms talks about their favorite styles with lots of photo examples.
http://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2014/10/09/needlepoint-belt-monogram-ideas/

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

Friday Finishing: The Classics

Nobody knows classic designs and classic finishing like Needle Nicely. Their monogram pillow from Patti Mann is lovely now and will be lovely in twenty years, too.  Some things never go out of style.
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2013/11/monogram-pillow.html

Enriched Stitch has a little bit of everything to show off.  Many of these items are from their fabulous classes.
http://astheneedleturns.com/fall-finishing/

Nothing is more classic than a custom needlepoint belt.
http://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2013/11/21/custom-needlepoint-belt-stitched/

Or a basketweave pillow with awesome trim.
http://summerlouise.blogspot.com/2013/11/flower-needlepoint-pillow-stitched-and.html

Do you like Painted Pony's classic angel designs?  Then you will love their classic finishing, courtesy of Steph.
http://stephsstitching.blogspot.com/2013/11/how-about-stitching-only-small-painted.html

Are you a fan of elephant canvases?  If so, you'll love this one.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2013/11/blog-post_21.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.

Barbara's Simple Monograms

A good charted alphabet is hard to find!  Barbara Bergsten has come to the rescue, however. She posted a nice clean alphabet on her blog yesterday. The next time you want to put your initials on a piece, whether it is subtle lettering in the background to sign your piece, or a pretty monogram on a piece destined for your tote bag or chair pillow, or lettering for a Christmas stocking, Barbara is happy to help you out.
http://createneedlepoint.typepad.com/create_needlepoint/2013/10/how-to-chart-needlepoint-initials-worksheet.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.