Handcrafted Needlework Tools

If you love wooden needlework tools, you'll want to check out what Mary Corbet is selling.  There are crochet hooks, seam ripper/stilettos, and keychain needle cases.  She also has some lovely enameled needle minders that are not like anything else on the market.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2026/01/tools-today-theyre-beautiful-and-theyre-here.html

As I write this, some of the items are already sold out but they may be restocked by the time this publishes.  

https://shop.needlenthread.com/products

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 29, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Use for Needle Minders

With Thanksgiving coming up, I thought you'd like to see Froopy's idea for another use for all those cute needle minders we seem to be collecting.

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

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 10, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

NJNA Shares the Fun for May

The latest chapter of the newsletter for the New Jersey Needle Artists chapter of ANG is out and it is full of ANG news, from a review of the new issue of ANG's magazine to Seminar news.  If you are looking for a light with magnifier that travels well and doesn't have a cord, the newsletter has three recommendations for you to check out.   They also have information about beautiful wooden trays that attach to any brand of floor stand from Rock A Way Custom Wood Products.  Rock A Way doesn't seem to have a website but they do have a Facebook page (second link below).  

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2024/05/18/whats-happening-at-njna-5-18-24/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Rock-A-Way-Custom-Wood-Products/100063791274769/

The newsletter has news about a stitching getaway, a new stitching club featuring one of Kelly Clark's mermaids, and what Morgan Julia is doing with a company called Packaged Party.  There's also a link to a new shop selling needle minders (and magnetic chalk boards to store them on) called Flamingo Toes Shop.  We all need more needle minders, right?  

https://flamingotoesshop.com/collections/needle-minders

NJNA has a great tip for inexpensive covers for your magnifier so you don't burn the house down if it's left in a sunny spot--get together with your stitching buddies and buy bulk velvet drawstring jewelry bags online! Safe, soft and any extras can go to storing that fabulous string of pearls you wear to go out on New Year's Eve.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 19, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

All About Needle Minders

Mary Corbet has started selling painted porcelain needle minders (which are unfortunately sold out already but keep checking back).  She explains the various types, how they work, and the sort that she prefers herself and sells.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2023/08/whats-a-needle-minder-and-how-to-use-it.html

If you get tired of waiting for Mary's to come back in stock, you can visit Jenny Adin-Christie's shop in the UK after August 9.  (They are on vacation until then.). She sells ceramic needle minders that are either animal shapes or florals.

https://jennyadin-christieembroidery.com/product-category/hand-made-tools

Or go the DIY route, order buttons from Stockwell Ceramics, and make your own!  The only problem with going this route is that there are too many gorgeous buttons to choose from.

https://www.stockwellceramics.com/en/home

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 6, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Vintage Candy Tins Storage for Needle Minders

Do you have a great many magnets you use as needle minders?  Wheelhaus Needlepoint has a cute video of a vintage hinged metal box they use to corral their needle minders and other tools on their Instagram.

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

Where can you find metal candy boxes?  I think the best place to start looking is Etsy.  Search for "vintage candy hinged tin boxes" and see what you come up with.  (The best boxes I found were Blue Bird Harry Vincent confectionary tins from England.)

I found this charming Whitman's Candy tin box.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1531927419/vintage-whitmans-candy-hinged-tins?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=metal+candy+tins&ref=sr_gallery-1-15&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

This English box is decorated with a reproduction of a French romantic artist.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1385290872/salevintage-english-candy-tin-romantic?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=metal+candy+tins&ref=sr_gallery-1-26&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

Are you an Art Deco fan?  This box is round and doesn't have a hinged lid but I like it a lot.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1104430940/vintage-canco-art-deco-round-candy-tin?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=metal+candy+tins&ref=sr_gallery-1-32&frs=1&organic_search_click=1

Here's another vintage English tin candy container with a knobbed lid that is in good shape and very attractive.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/788441679/vintage-candy-tin-box-made-in-england?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=metal+candy+tins&ref=sr_gallery-1-38&organic_search_click=1

This West German chest type box is decorated with angels on each end.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1498978092/vintage-metal-tin-candy-box-west-germany?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=tin+candy+box+excellent+condition&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

Have fun browsing!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 3, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bisque Needle Minders and Beeswax UPDATED

If you collect teacups or just want a touch of English style on your current project, you might want to check out the new china needle minders Mary Corbet has started to sell.   (Unfortunately both items sold out immediately but keep your eye on Mary's shop to pick up one or both when they are stocked again.)

https://www.needlenthread.com/2023/07/sweet-marguerite-introduction-other-new-tidbits.html

The painted china needle minders come in heart, square, circle or octagon shapes with various floral patterns and the occasional butterfly or dragonfly.  

The beeswax petites are available four to a little box, making them perfect for the stitch who likes to wax their threads for beading, Goldwork, or to just tame that Kreinik that will not behave!

UPDATE:  Melita bought Mary Corbet's beeswax petites and loves them.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/05/23/beeswax-petites-by-mary-corbet-of-needle-n-thread/

By the way, the floche color assortment packs are back in stock if you want to add some to your thread stash.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 13, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mermaid Tails Alert

Mermaid lovers will be interested in these mermaid tail needle cases.  The waist area unscrews and the needles are held in the top by a magnet.  (See the video in the Etsy shop listing)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1120547071/mermaid-magnet-needle-holder-travel-size?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=mermaid+needle+case&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1&variation0=2322774146

Quite a few Etsy shops carry similar mermaid tail needle minders.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/901626095/mermaid-tail-needle-minderscover-minders?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=mermaid+tail+needle+holder&ref=sr_gallery-1-25&edd=1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

There are several mermaid tail canvases.  This one is from Oasis Needlepoint.

https://yohe-needlepoint-designs.shoplightspeed.com/mermaid-tail.html

This one is from the Meredith Collection.

https://www.barbarasneedlepoint.com/products/mermaid-tail?variant=42665237381353

Here is Raymond Crawford's mermaid tail.

https://stitchtherapyneedlepoint.com/feature.php?id=41521&title=Mermaid%20Tail&itemtype=hand%20painted%20canvases

Patti Mann's is my personal favorite.

https://www.stitchingfox.com/products/ornament-mermaid-tail-stitching-fox

Plus Brenda Stofft has a mermaid tail scissors case.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyoF-doO-OY

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 6, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Very Clever Storage Idea for Needle Minders

Annie just posted photos to NP Nation of her clever storage idea for her magnetic needle minders--she got a wooden cigar box from the local cigar place, ordered a metal sheet the right size to fit in the bottom, glued it in position, and now she has a neat place to keep her magnets!  You can see photos on NP Nation.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/6084418764968564/

It's a very smart idea and wins Annie this month's Smart Cookie Award!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 18, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Note Cards with Needle Minder from Puffin

If you like gifting stitching buddies with needle minders, you'll be charmed by Puffin's latest endeavor--a note card with a magnet attached plus an envelope.

https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2023/03/needle-nanny-gift-note-cards.html

The note card is blank inside so you can write your own message--or attach a joke or Secret Santa signature!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 26, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching Harry Potter

There must be thousands of Harry Potter fans in the world of needlepoint.  Recently I stumbled across a rare pair of crochet and embroidery kits which appear to have been properly licensed.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1394349885/2-harry-potter-needlework-kits-harry?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=needlepoint+harry+potter&ref=sr_gallery-1-12&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

This knitting kit is licensed, too.

https://needlepointjoint.com/products/harry-potter-knitting-magic-the-official-harry-potter-knitting-pattern-book

That got me thinking.  Are there needlepoint designs with Harry Potter themes?  The answer is yes, although some are barely legal due to copyright and some are obvious ripoffs.  Alice Peterson has several painted canvases.

https://needlepoint-for-fun.com/collections/in-stock-now/products/harry-potter-books-by-alice-peterson?ml_subscriber=2134865493108987762&ml_subscriber_hash=s6v6&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mid_century_modern_flowers_sayings_christmas_more_what_else_could_you_want&utm_term=2023-01-24

https://needlepoint.com/products/harry-potter-love

Elm Tree Designs has a bookmark sized design.

https://theeyeoftheneedle.com/product/bookmarks/harry-potter-3/

Rogue Needlepoint has a Platform 9 3/4 round.

https://nimbleneedlenj.com/rogue-needlepoint-harry-dr-who/

The Studio Midwest has a little topper that is a wizard robe.

https://myneedlepoint.com/harry-potter-topper.html

Mopsey Designs has a fun round celebrating the books.

https://bestitchedneedlepointshop.com/products/hogwarts

The aptly named Back Alley Transactions seller on Etsy has plenty of small items that may skirt the restrictions.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BackAlleyTransaction?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1283402470

The romantic Always deer is only one of several designs sold by ChloJo Needlepoint, also on Etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChloJoNDLPT?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1390811733

OTH Needlepoint has a nice quidditch design but many of their non-Harry pieces are clear copyright violations.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/916754165/harry-potter-golden-snitch-quidditch?click_key=11f4445f4469a3b8516fdea7329e517b0491a0dd%3A916754165&click_sum=18eb32f2&ref=shop_home_recs_1&frs=1&sca=1&sts=1

This Harry Potter world is a nice mashup of items you encounter in the books.  There is space to add your favorite books titles, too.

https://whatsthepoint.biz/shop/ols/products/harry-potter-world

Snarky Crafter Designs' enameled metal ones are particularly nice.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/754753055/my-wand-chose-me-wizard-needle-minders?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=harry+potter+needle+minders&ref=sr_gallery-1-4&sts=1&organic_search_click=1

Piney Stitch (also on Etsy) has miniature book needle minders, including this beauty.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/201027815/needle-minder-miniature-book-magic?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=harry+potter+needle+minders&ref=sr_gallery-1-7&frs=1&cns=1&organic_search_click=1

My personal favorite is this needle minder but check the seller for other Hogwarts-themed castles in a different style.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1046083675/wizarding-school-and-messenger-owl?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=potter+needlepoint&ref=sr_gallery-1-25&bes=1&organic_search_click=1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1046089263/wizarding-castle-needle-minder?click_key=b902a2c7b841fe677515a2403a80e472070fcc46%3A1046089263&click_sum=616f78b2&ref=shop_home_active_3&crt=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 24, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Liberty Fabric Needle Magnets

Jenny Henry now offers needle minders covered in Liberty's classic fabrics.

https://www.jennyhenrydesigns.com/collections/all

A limited selection of scisssors cases in Liberty fabrics is also offered.

https://www.jennyhenrydesigns.com/products/liberty-fabrics-scissor-holder-cosmo-flower

Jenny also offers needle minders covered in vintage Thibaut toile fabrics.

https://www.jennyhenrydesigns.com/products/needle-minder-made-with-vintage-thibaut-toile-fabrics

Besides all of the above, Jenny Henry does fun needlepoint designs and kits.  You can read more about her starting here--

https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/2019/02/lets-meet-jenny-henry-designs.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 12, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Needlepoint Snowglobe

I heard from a friend about the snowglobe finishing The Wool and The Floss does and managed to track down a photograph on their shop Facebook page.  The finishing is unique.

https://www.facebook.com/thewoolandthefloss/posts/pfbid02qNc82UUgfo3MMaZRWPysSXyYYoxij664Z54f66V7FaRiyay4pWKQoQzk1jWEsbVBl

Of course you'll need a matching snowglobe needle minder....

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1115792370/needle-minder-snow-globe-needle-magnet?click_key=80749c41082de1a3e1ae7ea10b99535749a22ef6%3A1115792370&click_sum=e4e15d6d&ref=shop_home_active_10&sts=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 18, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fancy Wire Needle Threader/Magnets

This Etsy shop has something really different--fancy wire needle threaders that double as needle minders.  Note that the magnets are an added feature, so you can get a needle threader without the magnet if you prefer.  

https://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatCantBrookeDo?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1209038525&section_id=37824182

I think it's nice to have a fancy threader that doubles as a needle minder, especially if you are in the market for a Dancing Avocado needle minder/magnet!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 20, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stretcher Bars: The Movie UPDATED

Megan at Needlepoint Clubhouse has posted a tutorial on stretcher bars on the shop's Instagram page.  You'll learn why a door frame comes in handy, what the Corjac set is, and why Megan likes needle minders.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdVrFEJFv-D/

Here is the basic thumbtack/tool set.

https://needlepoint.com/products/brass-thumb-tacks

Here is the Corjac set, with both tools and the thumbtacks.  (Note that Tanja's in Canada, which might mean a slight delivery delay if you order from her.)

https://berlinembroidery.com/product/corjac-tack-kit/

Here's a discussion of stretcher bars.

https://www.thecreativefolk.com/needlepoint-stretcher-bars-what-to-know/

Want to know about Evertites?  This article from Blog will help.

https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2009/11/evertites-review.html

I have to admit I use heavy duty staples to attach my canvases to my stretcher bars instead of thumbtacks because thumbtacks come out and the spikes bend on me.  Staples just work better for me.  Use what works for you.  No needlepoint police!

UPDATE:  KC Needlepoint has also done a short video about stretcher bars.  There are links to the shop's website to buy stretcher bars, thumbtacks or the Corjac tool set, as well.

https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/blogs/news/learn-everything-you-need-to-know-about-stretcher-bars

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 10, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Pointing It Out Podcast Interviews Beau Verre Art

Megan of the Pointing It Out Podcast interviews of Kelly Boverman of Beau Verre Art about her fused glass needle minders.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6em7fipiP-U

It's a fascinating look at the hard work that creates the sturdy glass art magnets we love. Here's Kelly's website so you can see the range of what she can create.

https://beauverre-art.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 10, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Yummy Needle Minders from the UK

Mary Corbet just showed off a needle minder from the UK that's darling!   Mary's was a gift.  (She has the cake and biscuit needle minder.)

https://chapelviewcrafts.co.uk/collections/needle-minders

These are really yummy since most of them are both darling and food-oriented.  I love the gingerbread houses and the chocolate heart, don't you?  The gnome is pretty cute, too.  The shop also sells stitch markers which I think might be useable as scissor fobs for those who like that sort of thing.  You can also pick up a pair of chocolate cake earrings here, too!

Chapel View Crafts sells to the USA.  Just scroll down to the bottom of the page and select the correct currency from the drop down menu.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 23, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ribbon Handles for Coffee Cups

Rachel Donley has a line of fun coffee cups and recently posted a photo of them on Facebook.  

https://www.facebook.com/racheldonleyneedlepointdesigns/photos/pcb.3075471319375461/3075471292708797/

Look at the two standup cups in the background--they have ribbon handles!  Isn't that clever?!  Of course you need the right shape.  My Pink Sugar Life has coffee cups that would work.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/739524184/hand-painted-christmas-coffee?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=coffee+needlepoint&ref=sr_gallery-1-14&frs=1

Here's a better photo.  Looks like the ribbon has a backing.

https://yarntree.typepad.com/needlework_news/2021/12/holiday-cups-by-rachael-donley.html

One Park Whimsy has a French press that you could finish this way to make a grouping.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/739524184/hand-painted-christmas-coffee?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=coffee+needlepoint&ref=sr_gallery-1-14&frs=1

Pepita has a fun Bargello coffee.

https://www.pepitaneedlepoint.com/product/kits-canvas/women's-bargello-collection-coffee-cup

You'll need a needle minder when you stitch your coffee, right?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1053366278/peppermint-mochacinnamon-dolce?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=coffee+needlepoint&ref=sr_gallery-1-31

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 9, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Needle Minder For Immune Deficiency Research

Are you a fan of Ruth Schmuff's Bedecked and Beadazzled or of the blog Sheena Stitches?  If so, you'll want to hear about the fund raiser Ruth and Sheena are teaming up on. 

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2021/10/make-a-difference/

Severe Immune Deficiency really puts a crimp in one's style.  If you want to help, follow the link to buy a needle minder that will make a tiny difference.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 21, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Free Alphabet for 13 Count Canvas

Abby of Le Point Studio has posted a free alphabet chart on her blog, sized perfectly for 13 count ornaments.

https://www.lepointstudio.com/blog/mini-alphabet-and-numbers-chart-for-13-mesh

It will work on 18 count, of course, but will be around a third smaller.

While you are on Abby's website, browse a little.  She's one of the few designers with things on 12 count (the bulk of her designs are on 13 count) and has some unusual needle minders, too.

https://www.lepointstudio.com/shop

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow 

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 8, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

EyeCandy's Free Needle Minder Tree

Ada Hayden of EyeCandy has posted a fabulous free design of a Christmas (or Halloween or Easter or any holiday you wish) tree on her blog. 

http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2021/10/trick-or-treat.html

She's finished it as a framed display for her decorative needle minders, which is a genius idea!  The blog posting has a link to the free download but I suggest you visit both her blog and website to get a full idea of what you'll be doing if you want to create your own "jewelry" tree.

http://www.eyecandyneedleart.com/EyeCandy_Needleart/Bonus_Charts.html

The free counted design would make a lovely heart for the Hospice Hearts program, too.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 7, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.