Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Melita Visits Shops and Lives to Tell the Tale

Melita Glavin's on the road again, stopping by various shops on the way.  Her first stop is The Needlepoint Clubhouse in Rock Hill, Missouri.  


Then Melisa moseyed on over to The Sign of the Arrow in Ladue, Missouri.  They donate their profits to charity and are known for their huge stock of belt canvases.  Melita should have gotten that Brenda Hart book (her books are the ones I use most) but not to worry--they do mail order!


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.

Saturday, May 16, 2026

What Type of Scissors Are Best?

Thanks to EGA's Greater Pacific Region, I learned about this article on TextileArtist about various scissor brands and what works best for various types of needlework.

There are plenty of links if something catches your eye.  I'd recommend small 3-4 inch long scissors for needlepoint that fit your fingers well.  If you travel with scissors, go with a cheaper brand you don't mind losing in transit.  Keep the good ones at home in a place where no one will grab them to cut paper, plastic or other non-textile items that dull blades fast.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 13, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, December 13, 2025

Stumpwork Embroidery and Thread Painting: Stitch 3D Nature Motifs

Mary Corbet stumbled across Megan Zaniewski's book, Stumpwork Embroidery and Thread Painting:  Stitch 3D Nature Motifs.  It teaches stump work and thread painting, which are techinques needlepointers like to use.  Mary loves the book, by the way!

You can buy the book through Med Embroiders, 's Etsy shop.  The shop has three of her dimensional embroideries for sale, too--the slug, the frog and the sphinx moth.  All are magnificent!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 25, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Visiting The Sign of The Arrow

Mary Corbet is on the road and --being a better person than me-- she allowed just 22 minutes to find and explore Sign of the Arrow in St. Louis, Missouri.

In case you aren't on the road like Mary, you can visit Sign of the Arrow's website.  By the way, this shop is unique in their yearly shop exclusive kit is available either as a painted canvas or a counted thread chart.

The smallest amount of time I've ever spent in a needlepoint shop is 60 minutes.  And I felt quite rushed!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 8, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, September 29, 2025

Mary Corbet Reviews the Rockler Magnifying LED Clamp On Light

Mary Corbet learned about a table clamped light/magnifier from Rockler, bought one, and reviews it here.

She links to the manufacturer's website so you can get more information and see more photos and a video. Note that the lens is said to be glass, not plastic.

It's not wildly expensive but it's not cheap either, so think carefully about how/where you stitch so you know if it will clamp to your table, if the power cord is long enough for you, if the magnification is enough, if an 18 inch long neck will work for you, etc.  Remember, this is an LED light so when the bulbs go out, you'll have to replace the whole thing.  I couldn't find how many hours the LEDs are supposed to last on the website.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 25, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

All About the System Four

Needlepoint.com has a series of videos about all the different System 4 needlework stands.  Whether you want a floor or table stand, need something for travel, or just are curious, System 4 has a stand to meet your needs.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 8, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, May 12, 2025

Goldwork Butterflies for Charity

Alison Cole has a new book out, A Kaledescope of Goldwork Butterflies.   The book can only be ordered directly from Alison herself in Australia as she is dedicating all the profits to research into the extremely rare disease that killed her daughter. 

Mary Corbet has done a review on her website.  She points out that shipping costs from Australia are expensive but if you go in with friends and order multiple copies, the shipping costs stay the same (within reason, bet it costs more if you and 100 of your buddies order).  

I have not seen this book but all of the Alison Cole books I have seen have been gorgeous and inspirational.  I think this one will be the same.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 8, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, April 25, 2025

Threadaholic Alert: Radiance Metallic UPDATED

The Meredith Collection has instroduced a new metallic thread called Radiance Metallic.  You can order from M's Canvashouse or your favorite shop.  Labors of Love and Stitch-Stash also have it.

The spools are $6.50 for 12 yards.  There are 102 colors.  Sir Needlepoint says the thread is spun, not woven like most metallics.  That might make it easier to stitch through fabric if you do surface embroidery but I'm not certain about that.

Stitch-Stash says there are three sizes: 
Mini which is the size of Petite Silk Lame but is all metallic with three or four? strands;
18 which is thicker than Mini and is meant for stitching on 18 count and has 18 yards per spool; 
and 13 which isn't out yet (coming Fall 2025) which is meant for stitching on 13 count.

Stitch-Stash did a video review.  Spoiler:  They love it!

It looks like each size Radiance has a different price with the smallest in diameter having the smallest cost but it's early days yet to be sure of that.  What's the Point? Needlepoint has posted a closeup photo of spools.  It looks like sewing thread a bit.  

UPDATE:  I asked Judith what she thought about the two sizes of Radiance she's using on her 18 count pig canvas.    To quote Judith for those without a Facebook account, she says, "I like both the Radiance 18 ct and Radiance Mini so far. I used the Radiance 18 ct for the vertical darning stitches on the far right side of the canvas, and the Radiance Mini doubled in the needle in the Movement Stitch on the top left and single for the Stem Stitch fireworks on the top right. The ends fray like crazy, but it’s something we’ve dealt with in other threads. It has a lot of body and holds its shape well. It isn’t difficult to stitch with and I do like it for effects. I am curious to see how other stitchers use it."

Looks like Radiance 18 covers well on 18 count canvas with vertical stitches but Judith used it doubled in the Movement Stitch.  Your mileage may vary as stitch tension and the stitch used affects how well a stitch covers.

UPDATE #2:  Lori at Waste Knot did a short video on Radiance.  Right now her shop only carries size 18.  She recommends you use a short tail in your needle's eye because it will fray a bit there.

UPDATE #3:  Lori at Waste Knot shows off Radiance on a project she's working with three shades of it.

Update #4:  Melita played around a bit with Radiance she had left over from an ANG Seminar class she took.  She doesn't say what size Radiance she used but I'm guess it's Radiance 18, not Radiance Mini (which is the smaller size).  By the way, I love stitching with Accentuate!  

Update ##5:  Stitches of Tulsa tells us that Radiance Mini has 18 yards per spool, Radiance 18 has 12 yards, and Radiance 13 has 8 yards per spool.  Thanks, Stitches!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 25, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Threads for Snow

Melita took a class with Serendipity Needleworks on snow stitches, so she raided her stash for white threads.

It's fun to see what she came up with and read how she likes stitching with them.  Remember, your mileage will vary!  Which means that a thread one person hates is another's favorite so try everything you can before you make up your mind.  

This would make a great needlework gathering--get all your stitching buddies to bring in every white thread/metallic thread/unusual thread they own so everyone can play with them.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 11, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, April 3, 2025

A Book for Sampler/History Lovers

Mary Corbet got her hands on the Witney Antiques 2024 catalogue "Choice and Precious Works," which besides being a catalogue of their sale, is also a wonderful historical examination of samplers and other needlework from the 17th and 18th Centuries.

I am not into samplers but this intrigues me.  You can buy it (plus volume one) at Thistle Threads but don't hesitate.  This is likely to sell out.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 5, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, March 24, 2025

The Modern Needlework Stand: A Review

Mary Corbet has written a review of The Modern Needlework Stand, which is a table stand for your needlework, made by a Ukrainian company called Velke Potok, that's perfect for travel.   Mary's reviews are thorough.  She covers all the pros and cons of any item she reviews.

This stand isn't cheap at $360, so Mary wants to know if readers are interested in her stocking these and if so, what colors folks would like.  So check it out and let Mary know if you are interested.  If you are, what color grabs you?  Her email is mary (at) needlenthread (dot) com.

Thanks!  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 20, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, May 13, 2024

A Quick Look at Adjustable Stretcher Bars from Frank A. Edmunds

Melita is trying out the adjustable stretcher bars made by Frank A. Edmunds.

You can explore the two sizes of the Frank A. Edmunds adjustable stretcher bars on their website, plus see the other stretcher bars they make.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

A Review of DMC's Eco Vita Wool

Mary Corbet has stitched a bit with DMC's new Eco Vita crewel wool, which is a naturally dyed organic wool.  You can see photos of some of the colors, Mary's stitching on linen, and get some idea of whether this is a thread you'd like to try.  Mary promises more information on Eco Vita later.

Frankly, I love Appleton's crewel, so "cranky" isn't a term I'd apply to it.  But everyone has a different take on threads.  A lot depends on what you are stitching with it.  I think Eco Vita would make a lovely belt in muted colors, maybe something with Medieval animals and motifs on it.

By the way, DMC has a short article about how to use Eco Vita on their website.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 17, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, November 12, 2023

Let's Talk Stella Lights

Mary Corbet has written a long article about Stella task lamps, particularly the Stella Two and the Stella Go.

Here is Mary's review of the Stella Two (which applies to the Stella Two Sky which is the floor lamp version of the Stella Two table lamp).

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 4, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thursday, November 2, 2023

KC Needlepoint Reviews the Boo Boo Brush

KC Needlepoint's latest shop blog is about the Boo Boo Brush.  This tool is just after you cut threads you want to rip out.  You use the larger end to carefully brush away threads from the back side.  The smaller end is used after as clean up.  Use these on the back side and be careful not to tug on areas you aren't ripping out.  This can also be used to fuzz up an area.

This is the version KC Needlepoint sells.  

My own version is Judy's Boo Boo Stick.  I've had mine for decades and use it often.  It is not identical to the Yarn Tree version above but they work the same way.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 23, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Best Needlepoint Kits: A Review

Poppy Monk Needlepoint has posted an article on their blog with their reviews of what they think are the best needlepoint kits.

I don't agree with many of their choices but they make some good points about what to look for and what threads are easier for a beginner to use (although they skip perle cotton entirely, which is a great and not very expensive choice for designs).

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 4, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, January 28, 2023

An Overview of Floche

Are you a fan of floche?  If you are, you already know the answers to Common Questions About Floche, but it's a lovely thread to use, especially for backgrounds.  It has a lot of shine to it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 28, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, October 28, 2022

Four Good Lamps for Stitching

Poppy Monk Needlepoint's written about the best lamps on their blog.

Everyone's eyes are different so try to test a friend's or a shop's lamps before you buy.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 1, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday, September 23, 2022

A New Book from Jane Nicholas

Jane Nicholas has a new book coming out.  It's called Japanese Motifs in Stumpwork and Goldwork.

I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!

Is it November yet?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 19, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.