Fiber Talk Interviews the Finishing Fairy

This week Fiber Talk interviews Amanda, The Finishing Fairy.  You'll learn how Amanda became the Finishing Fairy, how she finishes and teaches finishing, and learn tips on ways to insure quality finishing while you are stitching a project, such as use stretcher bars if you are using metallic (metallic threads don't stretch well so they don't block well) and stitch a few extra rows all around the edge, particularly if you have beads close to the edge of the design.

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/05/17/the-finishing-fairy-helps-you-learn-to-finish-needlepoint/

You can visit the Finishing Fairy website, or...

https://finishingfairy.com/

...visit Amanda at the social media you prefer.

https://www.instagram.com/finishingfairy

https://www.facebook.com/p/Needlepoint-Finishing-Fairy-61557206324056/

https://www.tiktok.com/@finishingfairy

https://www.youtube.com/@ndlptfinishingfairy

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Why Is Tent Stitch Called Tent Stitch?

Poppy Monk tries to get to the bottom of why tent stitches are called--tent stitches.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/needlepoint-tent-stitch-fun-facts

By the way, if you are intrigued by the essays that Poppy Monk does on their website, listen to the interview with their founder, Brenda Stimpson on Fiber Talk.  It's fascinating!

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/04/05/poppy-monk-opens-the-door-to-needlepoint/

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 Strategy Interview

Fiber Talk's just interviewed Hayley and Madeline of Stitch Strategy, a marketing company focused on the world of needlepoint designers and shops.  It's fun to hear their perspective on the growth of needlepoint, the sorts of services they offer, and how younger stitchers are shaking up the world of needlepoint.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5DIRTr0JnU

https://thestitchstrategy.com/

https://thestitchstrategy.substack.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

About Needlepoint Trade Shows (and Much More)

Clare of Oz Needle and Thread talks about the two main wholesale trade shows for needlepoint in this interesting video.  I thought you might like to know a bit more about these shows since the Orlando show is in a couple of days.   Note that these are not open to the public.  Only shop owners, designers and tool/thread makers are allowed to go.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DWEvgnDD0X2/

Here is what it costs a designer to go to the Orlando, Florida show.  

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

Here is how you put your canvases and stitched samples on display at the shows.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DW1gSksj5eb/

If you enjoyed the above, you might like to listen to the interview Fiber Talk just did with Claire.

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/04/19/talking-needlepoint-with-clare-vickery-of-oz-needle-thread/

Here is the Needlepoint Angels website, in case you want to participate.

https://www.needlepointangels.com/

Here are the padded hanger canvases that Oz Needle and Thread sells.

https://www.ozneedleandthread.com/collections/hangers

Here is the finishing video plus links to where to buy the plain padded hangers.

https://www.ozneedleandthread.com/pages/instructional-videos-and-resources

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 20, 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

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.

Six Good Questions Interviews Stefanie Chase

The Six Good Questions podcast interviews Stefanie Chase of The Joy of Needlepoint.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/25-stefanie-chase/id1814230575?i=1000741941377

You can browse Stefanie's website here.

https://www.thejoyofneedlepoint.net/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 19, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fiber Talk Canvas: A New Needlepoint Series on Counted Canvaswork

Gary, Beth and Cindy have started a new podcast exclusively about counted canvaswork as part of Fiber Talk.  The third Wednesday of each month they will talk about stitching on blank canvas from a chart.  If you ever wanted to learn more about this type of needlepoint, it's a fun way to dip your toe into things.  All the videos with the latest on top are collected here--

https://wetalkfiber.com/canvas/

They've added two videos demonstrating putting canvas on stretcher bars.  You can see those here.

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/02/04/mounting-needlepoint-canvas-on-stretcher-bars/

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/02/10/canvas-thanks-to-donna-gotts-for-offering-stretcher-bar-fine-points/

The second full episode of counted canvaswork covers the availability of blank canvas, the cost of threads, how to read a counted chart and shows the various laying tools that are available and how to use them. (Note that Gary plans to make the laying tool section a standalone video.)

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/02/18/canvas-2-reading-charts-and-using-laying-tools/

By the way, Fiber Talk has just done an interview with the counted canvaswork designer Kathy Rees of Needle Delights, so if you want to get to know one of the talented people who designs needlepoint charts, you can listen here.

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/02/01/exploring-the-counted-canvas-world-of-kathy-rees/

The third video is all about Congress Cloth.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/03/dragons-details-sparkle/

The fourth covers needles, choosing the right size, how often to discard a needle and more.

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/03/18/fiber-talk-canvas-4-needles-why-you-care-what-you-use/

Video number five discusses storing fat threads like perles and Watercolours.  To see the organizational tools that Lucky Jonquil sells, visit the second link below and choose "Thread Organization."

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/04/15/fiber-talk-canvas-5-when-hefty-threads-need-storing/

https://luckyjonquil.com/

The sixth video is all about perle threads, both silk and cotton.

https://wetalkfiber.com/2026/04/15/canvas-6-getting-picky-about-perle/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 23, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

From Theatre to Counted Canvaswork

Wendy Moore's "Convergence"

Fiber Talk interviews Wendy Moore, teacher and designer of counted canvaswork, who has traveled a totally different road to needlepoint!

https://wetalkfiber.com/2025/12/14/wendy-moores-counted-canvas-artwork/

Wendy doesn't have a website but you can see some of her lovely designs at these links--

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/25288973604086459/

https://www.cyberpointers.org/?page_id=10618

https://www.embroideryteachers.com/join-us/moore-wendy/

https://crvc-ega.org/programs/images/Wendy%20Moore%20class%20Moon%20on%20the%20Water.pdf

This last link has another nice interview with lots of good photos of Wendy's work.

https://egausa.org/community-spotlight-on-wendy-moore-rennies-rose-garden/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 14, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Brief Interview with Megan Holmes (Gingham Stitchery)

Megan Holmes does it all--shop owner, designer, podcaster and Instagram Queen!  You can get to know a bit about Megan through the brief interview Needlepoint.com did when they had a trunk show of the wonderful Gingham Stitchery offerings.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/designer-showcase-the-gingham-stitchery

You can browse the designs that Megan is bringing to us at the Gingham Stitchery website.

https://theginghamstitchery.com/

Then wander over to the website for the Needlepoint Clubhouse, the St. Louis store than Megan runs.

https://www.needlepointclubhouse.com/

Finally, you can visit the Pointing It Out Podcast and hear Megan and her sidekick Melissa McCloud as they talk all about needlepoint.  The podcast is on hiatus right now but you can enjoy all the fun they've had before life got too crazy with their various businesses and retreats.

https://www.youtube.com/@pointingitoutpodcast

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 11, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Podcast from Penny Linn

Penny Linn Designs has started a podcast.  You can watch the latest on their website...

https://pennylinn.com/blogs/news/introducing-the-penny-linn-podcast?srsltid=AfmBOoqCc099ivxEfwa86FiilG9adlaKjpQ5V1CCzbEI0wIWQZ_f5vVe&_kx=_J_rdnNvxpl-p5ox0M-sxKe_dW8vBdau0gAV5QbqAX3Q5z_adzzshb4gk-wH2HbP.RWeQns

...or you can view them all from the beginning on YouTube.  You'll learn a lot about Penny Linn, and the business of needlepoint in general.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvCNGZWFvaI&list=PL0y3qkrbYvekPZu526TFePVoz0e084Bmd

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 11, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Fiber Talk Interviews Jeannette Tombaugh of Mountain Peak Studio

Fiber Talk interviews Jeannette Tombaugh of Mountain Peak Studio.

https://wetalkfiber.com/2024/12/08/fiber-talk-with-jeannette-tombaugh/

Here is her website for a little fun exploration.

https://mtnpeaksstudio.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

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.

Pointing It Out Interviews Maddie Sweet of Gingham Stitchery

Megan of The Pointing It Out podcast interviews Maddie Sweet of Maddie Sweet Designs, distributed by Gingham Stitchery.  You'll learn her background, how she creates needlepoint designs, and more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77Gs16lMYHs

Want to see Maddie's designs?  You can look at her section of the Gingham Stitchery website here--

https://theginghamstitchery.com/collections/maddie-sweet-designs

You can also browse her Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/maddiesweetdesigns/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 21, 2024 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.

Pointing It Out Interviews Danny Ravan of Fleur de Paris UPDATED

Megan of the Pointing It Out Podcast interviews Danny Ravan of Fleur de Paris, Rainbow Gallery, Kreinik and Picture This Plus Fabrics.

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

It's a fascinating interview, particularly about Fleur de Paris' history and how things are evolving today.

UPDATE:  Oz Needle and Thread visited Fleur de Paris with Last Stitch Club and posted a short video on Instagram in January 2026.

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

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

How Needlepoint Designs are Painted

NDPLT Company, Kirkland Design Studio, and Gingham Stitchery show you how needlepoint is painted in the Philippines, from the creation of a master that has to be approved, to the sketch and finally the various painters who fill in this color or that.  The design examples are from Kirkland's new "store front" series and the "Betty" designs that will be available in the fall.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/C85ui8bh4Ju/

You can see some of the storefront series (I think there are six total:  Macy's, Tiffany's, Bloomingdale's, Bergdorf's, Dior, and Saks) here--

https://theginghamstitchery.com/collections/kirkland-design-studios?sort_by=best-selling&filter.v.availability=1&filter.v.price.gte=&filter.v.price.lte=

To continue the series, NDPLT shows how a master is created.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C87_-jJhPf7/

Here is Spellbound Stitchery's new Fisherman canvas.

https://spellboundstitchery.com/collections/maritime-magic

If you are fascinated by all this like I am, visit the Pointing It Out podcast where Megan interviews Heidi of NDPLT who owns a painting company in the Philippines.  You'll learn much more and get into all the steps that are involved from the creation of a design to having it painted and then shipping it to your favorite shop.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9FCxByNZJM/?g=5&img_index=1

You can also see what Paige of Blue Ridge Stitchery shows about how she creates her designs on her Instagram in an abbreviated form.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-Ie3AQRpjd/?g=5&img_index=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 2, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Meeting Laura Love Designs

Melissa of the Wool and the Floss shop and the Pointing It Out Podcast interviews Laura of Laura Love Designs.  Learn a bit about Laura, her language skills and her background and jobs, plus why her mom gets a gold star.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjrM9gBYvKE

Laura is based in London now.  You can visit her designs at her website.  

https://www.lauralovedesigns.com/

Here's the Love You to the Moon and Back garland she mentions.

https://www.lauralovedesigns.com/garland-designs?pgid=lrgo1uu73-aed30c86-491d-4b4e-b732-a59537d228f5

Here is the Safari garland.  The ornament versions are on the ornament page.

https://www.lauralovedesigns.com/garland-designs?pgid=lrgo1uu73-260d81fc-9383-4a33-8354-c2c6df6312df

Here are some of her botanicals.  More are in the stockings area.

https://www.lauralovedesigns.com/pillows-and-large-canvases

Here are the seed packets.

https://www.lauralovedesigns.com/seed-packets

Here are the cookies.

https://www.lauralovedesigns.com/sweet-treats

Here is the white Joy ornament.

https://www.lauralovedesigns.com/ornaments-and-inserts?pgid=lrgl5lly-04c57ab7-91bd-43d6-a6bf-6a4f64f11ae1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 25, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Meeting Jeni Sandberg Needlepoint

Megan Holmes of The Needlepoint Clubhouse in St. Louis interviews Jeni Sandberg about her designs in the latest Pointing It Out Podcast.  It's a fun ride hearing about how Jeni came to do what she does today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lZvfyHvwK8

Jeni Sandberg Needlepoint creates lots of classic designs, particularly for bags and clutches, pillows and key fobs.  You can explore her work on her website, including her acrylic purse handles in various colors and charted alphabets.

https://jenisandbergneedlepoint.com/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 4, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Introducing Mary Katherine Needlepoint Designs

If you think dog ornaments with either a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, a cockapoo or a lab all wearing bunny ears is right up your alley, you need to check out Mary Katherine Needlepoint Designs.

https://shopmarykatherine.com/collections/all-canvases?page=4

She also creates nutcracker canvases (some in college colors-Go Vols!), a darling Advent candle set, funny signs and sayings (I might need "Please No Politics"), or The Ladies of Sports series sounds interesting, check out her website.  Don't miss the Lifestyle section with great needlepoint sweatshirts and t-shirts.

https://shopmarykatherine.com/

There's even a blog.  MK's musings include a good Mint Julep recipe.

https://shopmarykatherine.com/blogs/musings-from-mary-katherine

Finishing services are available for one-sided ornaments, pillows, hanging signs and custom acrylic trays.

https://shopmarykatherine.com/pages/finishing

And then there's her podcast, full of the Southern charm you expect from a South Carolina gal.

https://shopmarykatherine.com/pages/needlepoint-living-podcast

https://www.youtube.com/@needlepointscoop/videos

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 30, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Meeting the Pointer Sisters

This week's podcast from Melissa of the Pointing It Out podcast team is an interview with Timmy Schultz and Jan Dedrick, otherwise known as the Pointer Sisters.  You'll get to know both of them and learn a bit about their books, including their third book which is in progress (out this fall?).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pr_F7oAOzk

You probably remember their book, Pretty Stitches.  Their latest book is called We've Got Your Back Ground Stitches.  If your favorite shop doesn't carry the books, you can always order from Timmy's website.

https://www.atpneedlepoint.com/shop/p/pretty-stitches-by-the-pointer-sisters-stitch-guide-mh8ff

If you want to see the Labors of Love pieces that Timmy and Jan showed, here is the Halloween page of their website--

https://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/halloween.html

...and here is the Easter section.

https://www.laborsofloveneedlepoint.com/easter.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 21, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.