Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Answers for Beginners

KC Needlepoint has a nice blog posting answering frequent questions they get from new needlepointers about the beginner kits they sell.

Their beginner kits are quite nice, not childish or too hard.  They come with everything you need, including scissors and one needle.  Needles are easy to lose, though, so I recommend you buy a packet of size 20 or 22 tapestry needles.  Tapestry needles have blunt tips.  Size 20 is a little larger than 22, but either size will work on 13 or 18 count unless you are using a very fat thread.

I have a ton of information for new needlepoints in the tabs just under the header of Blog.  Browse a bit and see what information rings a bell for you.  There are even videos and classes for those who like visual learning.  Take your time.  Wander from link to link and know that there is no rush to learn everything.  

My best tip is to cultivate a relationship with a needlepoint shop.  They will be your best buddy when you have questions, need help, or just want to talk about your new love of making something with your own hands.   

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 6, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Audra Stitches: "Needlepoint Made Cool"

Audra Stitches Design



If you are looking for something fun and different, check out the new designer Audra Stitches.

There are canvases, funny needlepoint mugs, needle minders and colorful scissors.  The designs are graphic, colorful, hilarious and just plain fun, as you can see above.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 1, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Monday, June 23, 2025

Hand Painted versus Stitch Painted versus Printed

If you don't have a needlepoint shop near you, you might find Stitch-Stash's explanation of the differences between stitch painted, hand painted and printed designs helpful.  Use the side arrow to look at the examples they posted.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 4, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Sunday, June 22, 2025

Magical Moose in Silk Ribbons

StitchLady Jan is working a Blue Dogwood Design canvas called "Magical Moose."




The design is on 18 count canvas and is meant to be stitched with two sizes of River Silks ribbons plus Kreinik ribbon.  It should be interesting to watch Jan as she works on it.  By the way, River Silks ribbons are my favorites.  It's a beautiful but durable silk ribbon available in 4mm, 7mm and 13 mm widths and a ton of colors, including overdyes.  I highly recommend it!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 30, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Saturday, June 21, 2025

The Mid-June 2025 Newsletter from NJNA

The New Jersey Needle Artists chapter of ANG has published their latest newsletter--

There is some interesting American Needlepoint Guild (ANG) news, announcements of clubs, designs, retreat, products and threads, two new styles of self-finishing bags, and more.  Plus there are two new needlepoint stores (Katonah, NY and Norwalk, CT) for your shopping pleasure. 

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 15, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.