Guide to Finishing Fabrics

Abigail Cecile has added a very useful guide to finishing fabrics on her website.

https://www.abigailcecile.com/blogs/how-to-guides/guide-to-finishing-fabrics?omnisendContactID=61d4f71be5b2120022be7c19&utm_campaign=campaign%3A+New+website+and+fabric+announcement+%28683f5fcee56fa4d6eca89577%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

She sells finishing supplies, so this promotes what she carries, but she has also added tips about the use, weight and issues you'll run into when using the cotton Liberty lawn, the Dupioni silks or the hand dyed velvets she carries.  It's great information for those who finish their own needlework, or even for those who are looking for something special for the finishing a shop is arranging for them.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 8, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Melissa Loves Needlepoint

Melissa Loves Needlepoint isn't news to those who've met Melissa MacLeod, owner of The Wool and The Floss, but the fact that this is the new name for Melissa's wholesale line is news.  Her "Tools of the Trade" items will be distributed through Melissa Loves Needlepoint as well as canvases from A Poore Girl Paints.

https://www.facebook.com/melissalovesneedlepoint/posts/pfbid0aiufVfoT8PSDCPyu8oSQkhQeL36tzCCCqei6fjoB2XypcLWZt2DK7gCBN6pt992Cl

There's a new website where your favorite shop can order for you and where you can get to know Melissa if you haven't heard of her already (second link below).

https://melissalovesneedlepoint.com/

https://melissalovesneedlepoint.com/pages/about

And there is an Instagram page to see pretty pictures.

https://www.instagram.com/melissalovesneedlepoint/

We wish you well, Melissa!  Have fun and sell lots of neat goodies!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 9, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Jump Seat Therapy Luggage Tag Kits

I stumbled across cross stitch luggage tag kits from Jump Seat Therapy recently and thought they might be of interest.  Each kit comes with a printed piece of what appears to be Aida cloth, instructions, a plastic luggage tag you self finish, and a limited amount of cotton floss.  

https://www.jumpseattherapy.shop/collections/kits

The luggage tags aren't as nice as the leather ones we are used to, but the rubbery luggage tag looks durable and these are inexpensive, perfect for a beginner or perhaps to use with some scrap needlepoint canvas if you want to design your own monogram.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 7, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Hot Fix!

Ruth Schmuff of Bedecked and Beadazzled loves sparkle and bling, so she decided to add crystals to her Strictly Christmas brown rabbit.  Watch the video to see how much sparkle she achieved by adding what are called hot fix crystals to her design.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/06/the-bunny-glows-up/

If you are curious about hot fix crystals, here is what the gadget looks like.  The various tip sizes map to the diameter of the flat back crystals which have glue on the back side that the heat activates.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/product/crystal-applicator/

Here is Ruth's video showing how she attaches hot fix crystals to your canvas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9_4LyfGozM

I've used hot fix crystals.  I found putting the crystal down right where you want it, flat side on the canvas, and pushing the hot tip straight down on it works best.  Count to three and then push them out with a toothpick or a pin like Ruth used.  Sometimes you move them out of position by accident by not pushing straight down or lifting straight up, so be ready with a toothpick or pin to move it a bit before the hot glue dries.  Don't touch the crystal!  That glue is HOT!

They seem pretty sturdy although I don't have the original design I used on mine any more. (It was a designer model.)  I've only used them once as I'm not as sparkly as Ruth, but it's a fast and easy way to add crystals to your needlepoint, especially if it will be framed.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 7, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

What Stitch is Best for Sky?

Quail Run has posted a short essay on good stitches for skies on their Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/QuailRunNeedlework/posts/pfbid0AxCnzCf12aLQudBHDSDrZiKsnMFnQh5mkJ4cAJH4MrJ31KyDZy4Yjfq9mWLCZ5k5l

For those who don't have Facebook accounts, they recommend tent stitches for smooth skies: Gobelin  (either upright or slanted), Mosaic or Cashmere for textured skies; and French knots or satin stitch for clouds.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 6, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.