New Stitch Monday Talks Sky Stitches

Stephanie at Ridgewood Needlepoint likes to use overdyed threads for sky stitches.  Here are some of her favorites, diagrammed for you.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-217/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 15, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Souffle Skies (Ridgewood Needlepoint)

Stephanie at Ridgewood Needlepoint stitched a quick baby gift and realized that her sky (done in Souffle Stitch) could be done in three different variations of that stitch, so she diagrammed them all for us.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-160/

She also used a cashmere variation for both sand...

and cookies!

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-161/

The final section is a water stitch called Scallops A which is also diagrammed as Scallops B for wider rows of color in the water.

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/new-stitch-monday-162/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 17, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stephanie's Favorite Sky Stitches

Stephanie Dresher-Mandelbaum of Ridgewood Needlepoint has posted diagrams of her favorite sky stitches:  T-Stitch, Alicia's Lace 2, Double Hungarian, Sky 21, Sky 2, Staircase Revisited and Bargello Line Pattern 1 Variation.  She also recommends several overdyed thread brands (Waterlilies, Gloriana, ThreadworXs,  Planet Earth Six Ply Silk, and Thread Gatherer's Silk N Colors) for sky stitching plus metallics. 

https://ridgewoodneedlepoint.com/2023/08/new-stitch-monday-89/

Oddly to say, I don't have a favorite sky stitch beyond basketweave.  Wonder what that says about me?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 14, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Let's See What is in the Tip Jar

My tip jar isn't full of money--it's full of cool ideas from across the Internet from my stitching friends.   Tip number one is from Pepita.  Renee tells us a neat shortcut that will save time if you are stitching a challah cover.  I think it'll work nicely for any sort of pillow, too, especially if your canvas is too narrow to cover the front of a pillow.
http://needlepointofview.com/2014/07/30/623/?utm_source=feedly&utm_reader=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=623

Sue has been researching ideas for needle-blended skies for her lighthouse project, using Anne Stradal's blog.  Anne specializes in beautiful skies for her needlepoint lighthouse designs.
http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2014/07/30/hiding-out-is-such-fun/

Finally, Robin King went into overdrive to find the perfect background ideas for this Charley Harper piece.  She already had the perfect stitcher in Penny B.  Don't you just love how it turned out?!
http://needlepointstudyhall.blogspot.com/2014/07/potluck-by-charley-harper-and-penny-b.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 30, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Two Needle Blended Skies Aren't Identical

Take two canvases and stitch their skies with the same thread colors in the needle blending technique and they will not look alike.  Anne Stradal, master of needle blended skies, explains why here.  Thank you, Anne!  I did not know this.
http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/2013/07/two-skies-side-by-side.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.