Interviewing Homestead Needle Arts

A Flint, Michigan tv station interviewed Theresa, the owner of Homestead Needle Arts.  You can see the interview online in these two short videos.

https://www.wnem.com/video/2026/06/16/focus-5-needlepoint-part-1/

https://www.wnem.com/video/2026/06/16/focus-5-needlepoint-part-2/

If you aren't close to Grand Blanc, Michigan where the shop is located, you can always visit online.  Say hi to the dog for me!

https://www.homesteadneedlearts.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 24, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: Trio is Being Discontinued

Barbara's Needlepoint just confirmed the rumors:  Trio is being discontinued.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1733382102127483&set=a.453077793491260

If you aren't familar with Trio, it's the 3 ply version of Silk N Ivory, available in the same colors.  Both are 50% silk and 50% Merino wool and are distributed by Brown Paper Packages.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 5, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Bonnie Alexander Designs Available Again

The Stitching Fox is now distributing Bonnie Alexander's equestrian-themed designs.  I didn't know Bonnie was a horsewoman....  There are horses, dogs, foxes, kittens, other animals, even fairies.

https://www.stitchingfox.com/collections/bonnie-alexander?se_activity_id=170721214715&sort_by=created-descending&syclid=d8ml53of33bs73aod9cg&utm_campaign=The+Bonnie+Alexander+Revival+begins_170721214715&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 13, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ouch!

Tony Minieri Designs posted yesterday (June 8, 2026) that Luis Nuez took a bad fall and shattered his elbow.  He had surgery to fix the damage and is probably nearly recovered now.  But if you were wondering why things were moving a little slowly over at Tony's castle, that's why.  Hope you feel great now, Luis!

https://www.facebook.com/tonyminieridesigns/posts/pfbid0PAXf81K3AhdPC75PG9oo1M1sszga8XtLx8ULs9DQcM9yyRu6PSXu23CEzre5oSB4l

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 9, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: The Classic Stitch Has a New Owner (Almost)

The Classic Stitch in Winnetka, Illinois will change hands in September 2026.  The new owner will be Third Coast Stitches!  Third Coast also plans to open a third new shop in Spring 2027 in Wayzata, Minnesota.  Big moves and big plans.  Stop in at The Classic Stitch before too long to wish Jane H. a fun retirement, folks.  She's been a stalwart needlepoint supporter for us all!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Db9MFLeHdBq/?img_index=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 13, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Needle Nook of La Jolla is Expanding

Needle Nook of La Jolla is going to expand!  Currently, it occupies two shops with another shop beteen them, but the middle store is available so it will soon occupy all three spaces.  Good news!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DbTSU23NWuz/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Another Threadaholic Alert: Tiny Starry

Moondrake Company has a new thread called Tiny Starry.

https://morganjuliadesigns.com/products/tiny-starry-neon-crush

It is a variegated thread with a tiny bit of metallic, sized for 13 count canvas.  It is 75% Merino wool, 20% nylon and 5% Silver Stellina Sparkle (whatever that is).  Each skein contains forty-three yards.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 9, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Versions of iStitches

Ruth Schmuff's five volumes of the iStitches books have been rebuilt for the modern Apple device.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/06/the-stitches-you-love-rebuilt-for-today/

The app and stitches are the same (if you have the original iStitches volumes in digital form, don't worry--they still work just fine).  But the new and improved versions have new features such as Favorites and Folders, better navigation and search functions.  There is even a Master Index so you can find that favorite stitch in the volume where it is located.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Where_is_that_Stitch_VOL_One-Five.pdf

You can read more about the newest version of the iStitches volumes here.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/istitches/

If you aren't a fan of digital books or are Android only, don't worry.  You can buy any of the five regular Stitches volumes in a travel friendly size of 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-one-travel/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-two-travel/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-three-travel/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-four-travel/

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/stitches-volume-five-travel/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 12, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: Starry and Soie Tissee Metal

Stitch-Stash shows off a new thread called Starry on their Instagram.

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

Patti says Starry is an overdyed wool with a touch of silver mixed in that is for 13 count needlepoint canvas.  The label says it is 75% super washed Merino wool, 20% nylon, and 5% silver.  There are 43 yards in a skein.  The thread is from Moondrake Company, which is a knitting fiber distributor.  You can see the available colors and a closeup of the thread on the Stitch-Stash website.

https://stitch-stash.com/collections/fibers

Emily's Stitchery shows off Silk Road Fiber's brand new Soie Tissee Metal.  It's so new, it isn't even on the Silk Road Fiber's website yet.  Apparently it is silk with a strand of gold, silver or white metallic woven in.

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

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Breaking News: Labors of Love Needlepoint Shop Moving UPDATED

Mark just announced that the Labors of Love shop in Atlanta is moving a short distance away this summer, probably late July/early August, 2026.  The new location is close to the current shop but is double the space.  They will have to close for a couple of days to move everything and unpack, but this will give them room for more threads, classes, canvases--and fun!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1468311418312235

UPDATE:  Finishing and special orders won't be impacted by The Move.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZYW8mlvSRx/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 8, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: Silky Thread

Stitch-Stash is now stocking a new silk fiber called Silky Thread from Moon Drake and Company.  Here are the colors available.  There are 26 yards to a skein.  This is mulberry silk, which I think means the silkworms are fed exclusively on mulberry tree leaves.  

https://stitch-stash.com/collections/silky-thread

The thread looks like it is a loose twist meant to be used as a single strand.  Ask Stitch-Stash for specifics before you order.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 1, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Vogue Discovers Needlepoint

Deborah at A Dragon's Tale has posted a link to Vogue's January 16 article about needlepoint.

https://mcusercontent.com/2936be6434d47d78d94ec8f0c/files/ee3914dc-04c2-3f04-9069-8b0d3cf3c04f/VOGUE.ARTICLE.pdf

It's a fun read.  If you want to explore West Village Knit and Needle's website, here's the link. (The dive bar canvases mentioned are on the home page at the bottom.)

https://www.wvknitandneedle.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 14, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitch School (Needlepoint Now Magazine Publication)

Needlepoint Now magazine is coming out with a book called Stitch School!  I haven't seen it yet since as I write this it's not out yet but apparently there are matching videos for those who are visual learners.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DWaHO91jgdN/

https://www.amkpublications.com/

This is called Volume One, so hopefully it will do well and the magazine will publish more volumes.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 28, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Cope without Wooden Stretcher Bars UPDATED

Needle Works in Austin, Texas has decided to address the difficulty of getting stretcher bars by using 3-D printed versions.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1582063297258238&set=a.708268907971019

These are plastic but it's easy to push in thumbtacks or staples.  Once you finish your project, yank out the staples/tacks and put them away.  These are the same width as regular stretcher bars.  Just like the wooden version, you can reuse them over and over again.  NWKS says they are sturdy and available in white, teal blue or beige plastic.  The shop is working to have the size printed on them, too.  They also say you can mix them with wooden stretcher bars in case you have a pair of 9 inchers but need 7 inchers for that 7x9 inch canvas.  You cannot mix the 3-D printed bars with mini stretcher bars, though.  The 3-D ones are the width of regular stretcher bars.  They cost between $6-8 for a pair of two.

These are not online yet but call or email the shop to order.  Kudos to the folks in Texas for coming up with a unique solution to the shortage of traditional wooden stretcher bars.

https://theneedleworks.com/

UPDATE:  Sara Leigh at Rain City Needlepoint gives a review of the 3-D printed stretcher bars they stock in the shop.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/959974363685453

UPDATE #2:  Daleen on Facebook uses stretcher strips from Hobby Lobby.  These are used by artists to frame their canvas for oil painting.  They are MUCH wider than stretcher bars but they are also much cheaper.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10236034323651113&set=gm.1689747842249453&idorvanity=1012025060021738

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

A New Book from Mary Legallet UPDATED (Volume Five: Backgrounds)

Mary Legallet of Whimsical Stitch has a new book coming out in June.  Whimsical Stitches Volume Five is all about background stitches.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/04/something-new-for-your-stitch-library/

UPDATE:  Looks like this is a background stitch from Volume Five.

https://www.whimsicalstitch.com/whimsicalwednesdays/2026/06/03

UPDATE #2:  There are QR codes that you can scan with your phone to see stitched samples of the diagrams.

https://www.facebook.com/whimsicalstitch/posts/pfbid026W3G9hMMocwbYxaEQBabG15KS3dD8qzPcojJubsYwG6EtCH9LG98L4GnsXri4mw7l

UPDATE #3:  Stitchers Garden posted three screenshots of stitch diagrams from the book on their Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/stitchersgardenil/posts/pfbid02td3N91uHm4qdbDCxgKpSX8GYRjQuTsbYDmAm1JPfu9GszCfvvbnSqxTFAJ7CetgCl

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright Apri 22, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hearts for Hospice Book

The Hearts for Hospice program has a book!  It is 38 pages, spiral bound, with 13 hearts and over 50 stitches, for $20.  Contact heartsforhospiceofficial@gmail.com to order.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1209051254734346&set=a.397588615880618

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 7, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

"A needlepoint magazine for all who know it’s not just a hobby, it’s a culture"

I just discovered a new needlepoint magazine came out in April 2026.  It is called ThreadLines and the first issue is for Spring 2026.  It's going to come out twice yearly from what I understand.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10164066601904630&set=gm.26222651420718668&idorvanity=108537025890131

There doesn't appear to be a website but I found an Instagram page for ThreadLines.

https://www.instagram.com/threadlinesndlpt/

You can see a glimpse inside the first issue here-https://www.instagram.com/p/DWZ6xD0kTDd/

Look for the weekly postings full of fun news and happenings!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DWdD5-XCuhs/

And look for the Life Well Stitched podcast.

https://open.spotify.com/show/60EhwwhuCUaJQ0GvT9CHJS

You can preorder from some of our lovely shops.

https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/products/threadlines-spring-2026

UPDATE:  The Fall 2026 issue of Thread Lines is out (September 1, 2026).

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1859729078774431&set=a.738919884188695

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Stitch Beautifully An Essential Guide to Needlepoint UPDATED

Meredith Willet, owner of M's Canvashouse, the Meredith Collection, and an esteemed teacher, has released a book!  It is titled Stitch Beautifully An Essential Guide to Needlepoint.  Waste Knot has posted a short summary of the book on their Facebook page.  

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1852924732315613&set=a.937854437155985

I'm going to quote Waste Knot here as many folks don't have a Facebook account--

"New book alert!  Stitch Beautifully: An Essential Guide to Needlepoint by Meredith Willett is a wonderful new book featuring foundational knowledge and techniques for both beginning and experienced stitchers. There are all kinds of tips and tricks, information about when and where to use different kinds of decorative stitches, and a glossary explaining dozens of terms — among other things!"

The Meredith Collection website describes the book as 8 x 10 inches "with a lay flat wire O binding."  It's starting to be available in all the shops, so call up your favorite to order.

Just as a reminder, Meredith has also just published "Needlepoint Quick Guide" which is a good guide for beginners.

https://www.needlenook.com/product/needlepoint-quick-guide-by-meredith-willett/

UPDATE:  Stitch-Stash says this about the book (I am quoting part of their rave review in a shop e-newsletter)--

"You’ll find chapters covering:

• What is needlepoint

• Foundations for every stitch

• Needles, frames, and tools of the trade

• Threads 101

• Beginning and ending your threads

• Stitch families at a glance

• Decorative and compensating stitches

• How to choose the right stitch

• Beads, baubles, and bling

• Stitch bag essentials

• Tips I wish everyone had told me

…and so much more."

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 26, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Marlene's Changes Their Name

Marlene's Custom Pillows LLC just announced on Facebook they are changing their name to Need To Point LLC.  Their contact information remains (415) 346-8112.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063738603772

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 31, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Price of Success

Needlenook of La Jolla posted a photo of a huge pile of boxes on their Instagram account with this statement--"I'm working on a bigger mountain today! And as hard and quickly as humanly possible. This will make about 100 packages in the last 2 days!

The needlepoint industry has been inundated with excessive amounts of orders in recent months. So many new stitchers have come on board! Which is exciting in a way, but in a way it makes for a long wait. Between the orders and the shortage of Zweigart canvas from Germany and qualified painters, orders are taking a very long time to be filled. The designers are really feeling the brunt of it. So I am going to say at the very minimum it could be 5-6 months... and that is not an exact science! I am sorry that I don't have better news than that. Please be patient with us, give us some grace. We are all in this together, wish I had better news than that."

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTn_FhvEsb0/

Here is A Dragon's Tale's view of the situation from a designer's perspective.  I've also heard that white 18 count canvas is hard to get right now.  Go for ecru or the colored canvases like pale blue instead.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DUG9DO9ERU3/

We are used to instant gratification but needlepoint isn't Amazon or Walmart--it's a collection of small businesses trying very hard to make a large group of customers happy.  Be patient and keep looking for something small and cute that's available now to tide you over while you wait.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 18, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.