Best in Show

Colors of Praise spells out just why needlepoint is the best in show!  To read their little essay, use the right hand arrow inside the photo starting here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DK2T0KzRz7h/?img_index=1

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

Breaking News: Michele Roberts Has Died

The National Academy of Needlearts just announced the passing of Michele Roberts.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1238993414934173&set=a.562869925879862

Goldwork, stump work, embroidery--Michele did it all and did it beautifully.  You can see some of her work on the NAN website.  Click on a picture to start the slideshow of larger and clearer photographs.

https://needleart.org/gallery/lifetime-achievement-award/1811-2/

If you run across one of her publications, grab it.  Her hearts series is one I'd love to have myself!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow 

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com 

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 21, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Kids Get It

Blue Dogwood pointed out this Wall Street Journal article about younger people doing needlework and other crafts as a way to de-stress away from screens.

https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/relationships/20-somethings-grandma-hobbies-crochet-knitting-795bd985?st=1q8TeQ&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink&fbclid=IwY2xjawK87K5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETBwQnk2SjkzdDZqMWxGZlh4AR4JFl5s_3BjOql6JbOh1WWJVedwSGTaKqECVfd58y1n1GABxliV7bai4FHQ9Q_aem_CCCtW40mRvhX_6kkAFJgEw

Yeah, the kids get it.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

DMC's Coton a Broder Versus DMC's Stranded Cotton Floss

Mary Corbet explains the difference between DMC's Coton a Broder and their stranded cotton floss in this interesting article.

https://www.needlenthread.com/2025/04/coton-a-broder-vs-stranded-cotton-what-you-need-to-know.html

It's easy to confuse the two if you just look at the labels, but stranded cotton is the normal six ply we are familiar with while Coton a Broder is a single stranded thread, sort of like a soft perle cotton.  If you want more information, Mary's included links to quite a few articles about cotton threads she has written over the years.  You can't go wrong listening to Mary!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 29, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Stitch a Diagonal Line

Poppy Monk has posted a way to stitch a diagonal line that slants from upper left to lower right without the stair step look you get from tent stitches.

https://poppymonkneedlepointkits.com/blogs/the-5-minute-needlepoint-blog/needlepoint-technique-for-stitching-a-diagonal-line

Sometimes adding a reverse tent stitch \ on top of the regular tent stitch blends out the rough look.  You can also couch a thread or use stem or outline stitches or even back stitch to get that smooth look for your slanted line.

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.