Smathers and Branson Sells Needlepoint Shoes

Smathers and Branson has added ladies needlepoint shoes to their line of pre-stitched needlepoint items.  Two different needlepoint patterns are available.  I'm assuming the sizes are US shoe sizes since S&B is an American company.  

https://www.smathersandbranson.com/collections/womens-belgian-loafers?filter.v.m.custom.available=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawIkLOpleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQAAAYESZub8gEd52pi6gzi3HAe1-ei5USLcqm8Pr5wNNhbz22kB2N2QCYyjER_HLduZxt9_aem_ChEODnK89-pf6tqz4_qIpQ&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid&campaign_id=6294496656010&ad_id=6614955001410

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 20, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Embellish Your Driving Shoes with Needlepoint

Stitches.and.Style on Instagram has a cute idea for repurposing old needlepoint as embellishment for her driving mocs.  (Use the side arrows to see more.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/C8h6LRSP6Yd/?g=5&img_index=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 22, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Source for Making Up Needlepoint Shoes

Lynn has found a place in Thailand that will finish needlepoint designs into slippers.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/posts/5285738071503308

Lynn texted back and forth with Sumet at the company.  He helped her create a template and after she stitched the needlepoint uppers, it took about a month to make her shoes.  The company also does belts and purses.  Lynn says the quality is superb and the pricing reasonable.

https://www.siamleather.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Classic Needlepoint Accessories by Paige

Do you ever wish for a pair of beautiful needlepoint slippers but the cost and hassles of finding a finisher make them seem unattainable? How about buying some needlepoint shoes that are already made up?  Dana at Needlepoint Nation has a pair and says they are comfortable.
https://bypaige.com/?fbclid=IwAR3ZIo_eiFfznZz6xNEYxEQS1Qp4f9OuUupZqf7BlS2lKCfuU1D9SrjaBQs

Paige also does other accessories like dog collars, belts, cosmetic bags, glasses cases, etc.  There are even baby booties in needlepoint!

https://www.instagram.com/bypaigeshoes/?g=5

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 16, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Custom Needlepoint Slippers

Needle Paint has made some needlepoint slipper designs for customers recently and shows them off on their blog.
https://www.needlepaint.com/blog/2018/02/22/needlepoint-slippers-and-loafers/

It's not inexpensive to have the canvas designed and I expect the finishing will be at least two-three times what the canvas costs.  But it will certainly be a one-of-a-kind item!
https://www.needlepaint.com/needlepoint-kits/custom-slipper-needlepoint-canvas--1125

Needle Paint's customer recommended George Cleverly in London for finishing.  I didn't see any examples of needlepoint slippers on their website.
https://www.georgecleverley.com

Bowhill and Elliott in Norwich (also the UK) were also mentioned as slipper finishers by Needle Paint.    Check under "Slippers" to see examples of their work.
https://www.bowhillandelliott.co.uk

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

Georgian Needlepoint Slippers

I thought you'd love seeing these beautiful needlepoint slippers, dated 1730-40 A.D.   They are English, stitched with wool on linen needlepoint canvas, and are from the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection.
http://www.silkdamask.org/2017/08/two-views-of-same-georgian-shoes-c-1730.html

You can see more about the shoes here.
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O74390/pair-of-shoes-unknown/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 4, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitch Your Own Stubbs Needlepoint Slipper Class

Once again Reed Stewart is teaching a "Stitch Your Own Stubbs" class in Palm Beach.  The Stubbs referred to is Stubbs and Wootton, a footwear company, which will be making up the slippers designed in class.  The classes have started already but you might be able to still take the remaining classes or at least sign up for 2018.
https://www.fourarts.org/event/stitch-your-own-stubbs-with-reed-stewart/#lightbox/0/

The "Press" section of the Stubbs and Wootton website shows off their needlepoint and velvet creations.
https://www.stubbsandwootton.com/press/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 19, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Shoe Finishing, Styles and Costs

The cost of making up needlepoint shoes has been a question ever since I realized needlepointers lived online in my computer. I researched the places where needlepoint slippers could be made in the early 1990s.   Even then they were really expensive and a lot of shops no longer offered shoe finishing as a service as the fit was never good and customers never happy after spending all that money.  Needle Nicely talks about the styles available now and the costs of finishing (that's in the comments and will vary slightly by shop).  It's even more restrictive now than it was then but the prices are about the same, which is interesting.  After all, 1993 was 23 years ago.  How many things cost the same now as they did then?
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2016/07/needlepoint-sandals.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 17, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tie Your Shoes to Fight Depression and Alcoholism

Kreinik has just announced a new product:  four colors of glow-in-the-dark shoelaces made from Kreinik threads.  These honor the life of Charles Austin Kreinik who killed himself last spring, with a portion of each sale to go to organizations that try to help those fighting the demons Charles fought and to help those these unhappy people leave behind when they escape unbearable burdens through suicide.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2015/12/new-designer-shoelaces-for-cause.html

If you are looking for something different for stocking stuffers, I encourage you to purchase some of these.  One of my brothers killed himself in 1999 after a twenty-year battle with alcoholism, depression and physical ailments.  It's about time we did a little something to help those who are still struggling.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 8, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

If Reindeer Had Slippers...

If reindeer had slippers like these, they would never leave the comfy chair and cup of hot chocolate!  Virginia did a great job stitching these and the finishing is outstanding.  Follow the link to see a whole variety of Kathy Schenkel slipper canvases ready for the four-legged critter that lives under your Christmas tree.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/08/kathy-schenkel-reindeer-slippers/ 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 8, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

For Your Own Needlepoint Slippers

Here are the places I know make custom needlepoint shoes. Please note that these are very expensive and the fit isn't always as good as regular shoes.  Also note that not every company will take your needlepoint and make it up into a shoe for you.
http://www.myslippers.co.uk

http://www.itzastitch.com

http://www.kirmani.net/needle-point-slippers.html

http://www.dann-online.com/custom_monogram_needlepoint_slip-on_Womens_Shoes.htm

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 20, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Cult of Needlepoint Slippers for Men

While trying to find places that make up needlepoint slippers I found this article by the founder of Stubbsa and Wootton on the history and cult of their men's needlepoint (and velvet) loafers.  Enjoy!
https://www.stubbsandwootton.com/press/cult-loafers

By the way, Frank Sinatra and Clark Gable wore custom needlepoint shoes from Mathias.
http://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/11/garden/where-to-find-it-custom-shoes-for-just-the-right-fit.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 20, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Man Steps Out

A man steps out in his needlepoint shoes.  Many thanks to Nancy B. for posting about this on Facebook!
http://faeofthewildwood.tumblr.com/post/62367592590/if-you-mind-the-details-you-might-be-able-to

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 20, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

On Trend

Some people might think needlepoint old fashioned, but designers are using all sorts of needlework on their luxury shoes for Spring 2015.  Time to break out that stitched purse or belt or shoes and strut your stuff with the best of them!
http://www.wwd.com/footwear-news/fashion/womens-trend-stitched-up-7856186

Many thanks to Needlework Retailer for noticing this article.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 4, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Friday Finishing: Gone to the Dogs

A dog in The City will sport a fancy new collar in Central Park soon!
http://needlepointland.com/2014/03/18/good-golly-miss-molly/

Of course note everyone has pets but almost everyone has bills or Christmas cards to keep.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2014/03/christmas-banner-box-nancys-banner-box.html

And we almost all have feet.  How about these needlepoint slippers?  The second link is to the Micro-Stitchery website.
http://makeitsmall.blogspot.com.es/2012/11/needlepoint-slippers-finished.html

http://micro-stitchery.com/index.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Slippers from Britain UPDATED

I have no idea how nice these are in person, but My Slippers has a lovely selection of needlepoint shoes to browse.  Looks like they will make custom slippers from your needlework and also offer pre-made needlepoint shoes.
http://www.myslippers.co.uk 

UPDATE:  How about these heels?  They are tent stitched and date to the 1730s!
http://twonerdyhistorygirls.blogspot.com/2015/03/heels-or-flats-two-pairs-of-18thc.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

News and Newsletters UPDATED

It's April 1st as I type this, so there is all sorts of needlepoint news. First, the April newsletter for Amy's Golden Strand is up on Amy's website.  Check out the book reviews in particular!  You'll love the Sparkles tutorial even if you never plan to use the stuff.
http://www.amybunger.com/f/0413.pdf

The April newsletter for Bedecked and Beadazzled is up as well. Check out the new designs in the shop, not to mention all the wonderful classes.  She even features one of my favorite stitches, Double Stitch.
http://www.bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/needlepoint/downloads/bedeckednewsapril2013.pdf

Thistle Needleworks is having a Mindy trunk show, so they have posted a lot of photos of Mindy canvases at Alex Paras Needle Arts, their online shop.  It's a good place to see a lot of Mindy's beautiful pieces, including the new Turkish designs.
http://store.apneedlearts.com/mindysasian.html

I have of course posted about the Mindy canvases in the page about monthly trunk shows and sales, but I didn't want folks who aren't looking for sale news to miss out the art show.  Speaking of which, I am starting to post new items on the Dallas Trade show page.  I'll put the latest items on top, so just remember to check in periodically to see the latest news.  You can reach either section by clicking on a tab at the top of the page under the title header.  Clicking on the Home tab brings you back to the main page, which is where you are now as you read this.

By the way, Alex Paras has added a new section to their website called "What Can I Make?"  It's a gallery of finished pieces, made up in a large number of ways.  If you are looking for interesting ways to finish that canvas you stitched and put away, this is the place to browse.  There are plenty of links to follow to see all sorts of things, so pour yourself a cup of your favorite beverage and roam the site, enjoying the show!
http://store.apneedlearts.com/fisa.html

UPDATE:  Nimble Needle has their newsletter available now, and the section explaining Tony Minieri's Basic to Basics class alone makes it worth reading, not to mention all the wonderful painted canvas photos of their spring designs!
http://nimbleneedle.createsend1.com/t/ViewEmail/y/A4C84A5BA875E3C5/C3D335A9BE27A7BCF1E87EB810D8F10A

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Purse Shoes

This is the most innovative finishing I've seen in quite a while--a purse made from two shoe strap canvases! Kudos to Pocket Full of Stitches' finisher!
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2012/12/purse.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Christmas Shoe Surprise

You are going to love the story of a pair of wonderful needlepoint slippers.  I won't say more, just go read it and enjoy.
http://maisoncourouge.blogspot.com/2012/11/paved-with-good-intentions.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Ideas and Trends

I gather ideas from all over the Internet for my stitching. Sometimes they are practical--like this article Mary Corbet wrote about how some thread types work well with others and how some thread types are not right for certain stitches or effects.  (Personally, I love wool for bullions but I've never looked at my finished bullions under a microscope!)
http://www.needlenthread.com/2012/07/wool-thread-silk-thread-good.html

Sometimes they are more abstract--like this Janet Perry article about how dimensional (or 3-D) needlepoint is a great way to stitch pieces you can finish and use in your home.
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com/3-d-needlepoint-is-it-a-trend/

Speaking of trends, want to be trendy?  Here's a fun shoe embellishment idea.  (Thanks for the link, Kreinik!)
http://www.dreamalittlebigger.com/craft/2012/7/17/neon-doodle-embroidery-super-kicks.html

Want to be retro?  How about these Mid-Century modern chairs with NP backs?
http://dmc-threads.com/needlepoint-inspiration/

Regardless of the practicality of the ideas above, they show how important the Internet is to the spread of stitching ideas across the World of Needlepoint.


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com