NJNA and July 2025

The newest ANG newsletter for NJNA is out!

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2025/07/26/whats-happening-at-njna-7-26-25/

As always there is a lot of American Needlepoint Guild news, but if you aren't a member, they also cover new products that interest stitchers such as embroidery scissors with larger finger holes (good for those with arthritis), wearable ideas like baseball caps and mouse ears (!), and lots and lots of new designs.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 27, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Bluebird

Melita copied a painted bluebird she received as a gift to create an original needlepoint.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/05/31/bluebird-for-sher/

She used a light coverage stitch over the shading in the background and stitched with a medium shade of the background cover, a tip she got from Amy Bunger.  I didn't know Amy had said this but in my own experience, a medium shade works very well in light coverage over complex shading.    You can also try a contrasting color or a metallic for a rich effect but this only works well on certain designs.  You'll have to experiment, but luckily light coverage stitches are easy to rip out if you don't like the effect.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 1, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

How to Color Wash Your Needlepoint Canvas

I heard about this EGA tutorial (by Kate Gaunt) on how to color wash your needlepoint canvas on NP Nation.  

https://egausa.org/app/uploads/2018/02/How-to-Colorwash-Needlepoint-Canvas.pdf

Debbie Rowley of DebBee's Designs says she has used spray paint to color canvas for her counted thread designs.  Don't linger in a spot, though--keep moving.  Debbie says air brushing also works.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 31, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Trick for Beading Thread

I have been needlepointing for almost forty years, so it's rare that I hear about a trick to make things easier I didn't know, but Kathey has one--use pliers to mash the end of those fishing line-type beading threads so they go through the needle's eye easier.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/9837837386293331/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 26, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Laundry Sign

This hilarious laundry sign from Shivering Sheep Designs is Brenda's latest project.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2025/05/laundry-schedule-52525.html

She'll be using a guide from Fireside Stitchery.  The center is mostly done, so now Brenda is concentrating on the border items.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2025/05/laundry-schedule-updated-52925.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2025/06/laundry-schedule-updated-6325.html

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2025/06/laundry-schedule-updated-61125.html

And it's done!  Unlike laundry, it doesn't have to be redone, unless you want to stitch something for your laundry room yourself.

https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2025/06/laundry-schedule-updated-61525.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 25, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.