Textile History and On Female Education

Those interested in the history of needlework will be enthralled by Tricia Nguyen's latest article.  Basically, she lays out the problems she and other experts in needlework face in trying to battle the prejudices around the history of our art and what she is doing to combat these things.

https://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2025/07/on-female-education-new-article-in.html

How can you help Tricia?  Read her three articles in Textile History when they are published and available online, then talk about them.  Or you can buy the Winterthur article with her other article in it (Tricia includes a link) and show it to everyone you know.  Or both.

It's up to us to make ourselves and our stitching ancestors more visible for what they are/were, not what people assume they are/were.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 16, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Caskets and More to Enjoy

Tricia Nguyễn has updated her Thistle Threads website and added a Student Gallery where you can admire the reproduction embroidery items, many caskets, her students have created.

https://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/pages/student-gallery

There are five pages of photographs.  To move to another page, click on "Gallery" just under the Thistle Threads header and pick another gallery page.  

If something particularly catches your eye, look for links to further information and videos.  Some of the photos have extra photos you can access from the first photo.  Look for side arrows or dots on the bottom of the photo.

Have fun exploring the creativity of these amazing works.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 18, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Caskets Today

Those interested in 17th Century stump work caskets will adore seeing the modern versions of these.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOLbT2d8-_A

These boxes are a labor of love, a tribute to the past and a fun way to use needle skills in a spectacular creation.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tricia Nguyen Talks UPDATED

Want to spend some time listening to a fascinating discussion?  Go listen to Gary talk to Tricia Nguyen about her work in the world of embroidery.
https://wetalkfiber.com/2020/09/13/fiber-talk-with-patricia-wilson-nguyen/

UPDATE:  If you don't have time to listen to the podcast right now, Tricia has a summary on her blog.

http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2021/12/fiber-talk-episode-should-we-be-perfect.html

Once you get finished, Gary and Tricia also did a video that shows off her 17th Century reproduction stumpwork caskets.   It's two hours long and is fascinating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlkX3iJV6M4&frags=pl%2Cwn

You might also like Tricia's video explaining how the tiny bottles for the caskets were designed and made if you haven't watched it already.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuMlUTmGeaU&feature=youtu.be

If you are now curious about Tricia's casket classes or just want to buy some amazing reproduction threads, here is her website.  Note that she only ships periodically so you'll have to wait a bit but if you like unusual threads, it'll be worth it.

https://www.thistle-threads.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 13, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Reproducing Little Bottles for the Cabinet of Curiosities UPDATED

Tricia Nguyen has posted a video about the long road to figuring out how to make reproduction scent bottles for her Cabinet of Curiosities classes.  I cried at the end.  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuMlUTmGeaU&feature=youtu.be

A little background—Tricia's a materials engineer with a specialty in fabrics.  She became fascinated with 17th Century stumpwork caskets and has been on a long journey to figure out how they were made and to have reproductions of the caskets, their hinges, paper, threads, inkwells and now bottles made for the historical classes she is teaching on stumpwork.

By the way, the little bottles and the ink pots for the stumpwork caskets are sold out.  There is still a little room in the last class she's teaching on her historical exploration of these items.
https://thistle-threads.myshopify.com

UPDATE:  The paper lining for these things was equally difficult to research and source.

http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2020/12/12-days-of-christmas-day-10.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 26, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Do You Like Doll Houses?

Do you like doll houses? I do, partly because the rugs and wall hangings and cushions and footstools are usually done on needlepoint canvas or silk gauze.   And partly because my cousin and her husband built them from scratch as a hobby.  Janet Granger likes them, too, and designs the needlework that furnishes many a doll house.  She just posted a customer's house, one that is Tudor.  It's a fun browse.
https://janetgranger.wordpress.com/2019/03/28/tudor-dollhouse-stitching/

If you are curious about Janet's designs, check out her website.  She ships her charts and kits and things like silk gauze pieces from the UK but there's not a delay getting them.
https://www.janetgranger.co.uk

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 28, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Restored Needlepoint at Crane Hill

Needlepoint Now found this article in Architectural Digest about the restoration of Castle Hill, an estate belonging to the Crane family in Massachusetts.  If you scroll down about half way, you'll see the vanity bench with a reproduction piece of needlepoint done to match the original which is hidden underneath.
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/family-heirlooms-return-to-the-legendary-crane-estate-in-massachusetts?fbclid=IwAR2-RErTgzHH-dBsXIRD_8b2nCpTBo4Vs2BoKBtTjU5rr3Dj3rQIJQfYBJc

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 3, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Make and Use Silk Wrapped Purls

Thistle Threads' blog has a short article on how silk wrapped purls are made.  
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2018/11/how-are-silk-wrapped-purls-made.html

It is a fascinating process, but labor intensive.  Here is what you end up with—threads that are perfect for creating stumpwork in the 17th Century style.  And much more!  Only your imagination's the limit when it comes to using this stuff.
https://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/collections/silk-purls

Here is now silk purls were used in the 17th Century.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2018/11/how-are-silk-purls-used.html

By the way, this Thistle Threads article shows the sizes of silk wrapped purls available, plus is shows the new silk check that Tricia had made from leftovers.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2018/11/new-sizes-of-silk-wrapped-purls-and.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 14, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Mistress of Embroidery

Susan Johnson of SJ Designs has a new booklet out. It's called The Mistress of Embroidery: Patterns for Embroidery, Counted Cross Stitch and Needlepoint.  It reproduces charts and outlines first printed in 1819 by Augustin Legrand which can be done in needlepoint, cross stitch or embroidery.  If you are interested in patterns available just after Jane Austin's death in the first year of Queen Victoria's reign, this is right up your alley.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1790217040?fbclid=IwAR1RFgWMFoNTtwof0RBp6u08YYZJm8QKzXeIC0Zr7fewQfUYjrWwVm0QOqc

This is one of a series of historical embroidery books by Susan.  Most are 19th Century Berlin woolwork type charts but not all.  Have fun browsing and learning more needlework history.
https://sj-designs.net/shop/sj-designs-books/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 24, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: Thistle Threads' New Threads

Tricia at Thistle Threads has a slew of new threads available in her online shop.  Do a little exploring and you'll find brief descriptions of the use of these beauties.
https://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/collections

Tricia has explained a bit about the threads' manufacture and the problems in having reproduction threads made for a small market on her blog.  It's fascinating and interesting and a bit depressing, too.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2018/10/a-bonanza-of-new-threads.html



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

What I Want on My Christmas Tree This Year

Those who love 17th Century reproduction embroidery already know Rachel Kinnison's name. She makes and sells all sorts of stumpwork pieces as well as beautiful decorated frames.  She also creates a special Christmas kit each year.  This year's is my personal favorite, a tiny music box in the shape of a 17th Century stumpwork casket!   You can read a bit about it here and see it in the video Rachel made.
https://ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com/2018/08/available-now-for-preorder_6.html

Here's another look, with emphasis on the "flirty eyes."
https://ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com/2018/08/flirty-eyes.html

For more details and to pre-order, visit Rachel's website.  Remember, all proceeds go to help support the Lady's Repository Museum, which specializes in early American fashion, particular children's clothing.
https://diamondkfolkart.blogspot.com/p/2018-lt-edition-ornament-kit-peaceful.html

By the way, Rachel will be teaching two beaded stumpwork classes this year.  Isn't that dog darling?!
https://ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com/2018/08/new-2019-classes.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 6, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Enchanted Forest, A Flat Topped Casket

Janet Brandt has finished her flat-topped 17th Century style box and posted a video on YouTube. Wait'll you see what's INSIDE the box!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ70b2lB8CI

Here's a silent film about making the trees.  Click on the sentence under the photo to start the film.
http://www.janetbrandt.com/2018/06/making-enchanted-forest-trees.html

If 17th Century reproduction embroidery interests you, visit Janet's website to see her other casket.  It's even more amazing, if that is possible.
http://www.janetbrandt.com 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 2, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Spangles

You may not need spangles or even know what they are, but Berlin Embroidery has them back in stock. 
https://berlinembroidery.com/blog/2-mm-and-3-mm-gold-spangles-back-in-stock/

Tanja explains a bit about them here.  They are used a lot in reproduction embroidery and in goldwork and although they don't come in a wide range of sizes, shapes or colors like sequins do, they are more durable and very interesting as they age with the piece.
https://berlinembroidery.com/product/spangles-paillettes/

You can see spangles in use here.
https://berlinembroidery.com/metal-thread-info/#spangles

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 7, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Game of Thrones Tapestry

Northern Ireland's Ulster Museum is working on a huge tapestry on linen bringing scenes from TV's Game of Thrones to life.  This article shows off the work, which will be over 252 feet long when complete, through photos and a video.  The tapestry is woven and then embellished by embroiderers to add highlights and metallics to various areas.  The project was created to highlight Irish tourism, embroidery and weaving skills.
http://www.irishnews.com/lifestyle/2017/08/21/news/the-embroiderers-behind-the-game-of-thrones-tapestry-1110186/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 16, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Chinese Tapestry World

Thanks to Needlepoint Now magazine, I have a link to a beautiful but slightly sad video of a Chinese lady and her apprentice who create intricate needlepoint reproductions of paintings on penelope canvas.  It's a specialized art with a limited audience I expect but it is very beautiful and when you consider they transfer the design after dying the crewel weight wools…!
https://www.shine.cn/feature/art-culture/1802140459/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 16, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Celebrate Failures as Necessary Part of Finding Right Answer

Tricia Nguyen talks about design choices using her stumpwork canvas as an example.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2017/09/tough-choices-when-designing-your.html

It's an important lesson—"...in engineering we celebrate these failures as a necessary part of getting to the right answer."

Think of Tricia the next time you abandon a project because you are making mistakes.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 29, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kreinik's Paillettes

If you were a fan of "Faith," the 17th Century reproduction jacket that Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts stitched, you will want to read about paillettes.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2017/08/sequins-elevate-your-stitchery.html

"Faith" was covered in hand made silver paillettes.  The effect is astounding in candlelight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9LzE3jdCTw

Kreinik's paillettes are a great touch if you want to add elegance to a design, especially if it may be seen in candlelight occasionally.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 13, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Antique Pattern Library

As usual Mary Corbet's blog has some great information. This week she mentioned the Antique Pattern Library, which has digitized all sorts of needlework instructions into free PDF files for download.  I took a look again and realized they have now added Berlin woolwork charts.  Here's the main page, just in case you want to see everything available.  Click on Berlin Work to see the designs available.  I counted 108 designs, ranging from slippers to pillows to scenes to individual motifs.  They range in date from roughly 1850 to around 1910, when the dates can be established.
http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org

This is a fabulous resource for the historical needleworker.

By the way, if you don't follow Mary Corbet, you should.  Here's her site.
http://www.needlenthread.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 11, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Acrylic Displays with UV Protection

Janet Brandt just ordered a display box for her 17th Century style stumpwork casket. She wanted to keep dust off and the sun from fading her work. You can see what she found here.
http://www.janetbrandt.com/2017/01/the-cover-up.html

This is the company she ordered from.  They appear to have all sorts of stands, cases and easels.  I don't see much about UV protection, though.  If you see something that meets your needs, I suggest you talk to the company about whether it will minimizing fading before you order.
http://www.displaycaseart.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 30, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

BREAKING NEWS: Hedgehog Handworks Is Closing (and More)

I just heard from Mary Corbet's blog that Hedgehog Handworks is closing so the owner can retire. So they are having a sale!  This is a very big deal indeed as the shop has long been the go-to place for stumpwork, 17th Century reproduction embroidery and goldwork supplies.  But they also carry Accentuate, Gloriana silk ribbons, Gilt Sylke Twist, and much much more.    If you have been longing for a special expensive thread, check their inventory.
http://www.hedgehoghandworks.com/catalog/index.php

In other news of limited shopping opportunities, Thistle Threads has introduced a new set of colors in their line of silk purl threads.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2017/03/i-love-silk-purls.html

There are 19 new colors of the tiny silk purl coils.
https://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/products/tiny-silk-purls-1-2-yards?variant=40018952650

And a cream introduced in the medium sized silk purl range.  These threads are meant to be couched on the surface and I think some would make amazing hair or a stunning Christmas tree.
https://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/products/silk-wrapped-purl

Have fun shopping!  Don't buy it all, ok?  I plan to do a little shopping tonight….

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 27, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.