Backgrounds and Borders

Morgan Julia Designs has written an essay pointing out how borders and backgrounds add personality to a design, using examples from her line of canvases.  It's thought-provoking.

https://2pwn4vood8npz2db-24770314300.shopifypreview.com/blogs/needlepoint-notes/going-beyond-the-edge-borders-backgrounds-that-bring-canvases-to-life?_kx=_J_rdnNvxpl-p5ox0M-sxKe_dW8vBdau0gAV5QbqAX3Q5z_adzzshb4gk-wH2HbP.RWeQns

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

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

August 2025 NJNA Newsletter

ANG's New Jersey Needle Artist chapter has posted their regular newsletter.  It's full of ANG local and national news with the ANG Seminar coming up very soon.  The most important thing is a quick update on Tony Minieri's health, but there are new designs showcased, a look at Sudbury's little octagonal box which is self-finishing, new totes from Rittenhouse, thread news (Silk Straw is getting hard to find), and a needlepoint "Advent" calendar of sorts, plus a retreat and a good thread tip.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2025/08/09/whats-happening-at-njna-8-9-25/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 10, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mystery for Fall 2025--"My New Skull"

Ruth Schmuff has announced the Fall 2025 mystery class at Bedecked and Beadazzled--Sharon Hendy-Moman's "My New Skull."

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/08/say-hello-to-my-new-skull/

The first class of the three that Ruth's planned is September 7.  I'll update this article as Ruth posts progress photos of the fun.

First lesson Ruth started with the face, the leaves in the background and did an interesting twist on the background itself.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/09/framed-in-foliage/

The second lesson is all about the buildings in the background.  Great ideas for other canvases with buildings here!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/10/buildings/

And she's finished by the third lesson, which dresses her in jewelry, a gown and flowers in her hair.  The skull is fancied up, too!

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2025/10/my-new-skull-is-complete/

Here is Renee's version, finished and beautifully framed.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10242700477587319&set=pcb.25571286452521838

Here is Ruth's version, also lovely in her frame.

https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2026/05/she-cleaned-up-nicely/

Ruth has posted a video that shows a closeup of "My New Skull" and gives you a good idea of what is in the kit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38aiLGbDIoI

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow 

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 2, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

French Knot Versus Colonial Knot

Ever wonder what the difference is between French knots and Colonial knots?  Or maybe you loathe making French knots and want an alternative?  Melita explains all here--

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2025/06/22/how-to-make-a-colonial-knot-versus-a-french-knot/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 23, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Great Stitches for Clothing, Hearts, Backgrounds, Circles and Flower Petals (plus a Star and a Brick)

Quail Run has posted a neat stitch and stitch diagram for the one they used for a hatband and collar on their Pilgrim turkey.  Since they are starting to post stitch diagrams for all sorts of things, I thought I'd gather them in one place.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1153806046774798&set=a.635108881977853

It's a double brick stitch variation, and not too difficult to do when stitching black on black like the hatband Mr. Turkey wears.  Gives his starched collar a nice look, too.

Quail Run has also posted a diagram for Ribbing Stitch, which is perfect for a knitted item.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1158088719679864&set=a.635108881977853

Next, the shop has posted two lovely heart stitches.

https://www.facebook.com/QuailRunNeedlework/posts/pfbid0dsGeCYRYipCDh4hHc35Tar33V9Jzwan9TQZEnvUf3sD6tYgRxzKTQArhESnWBSPNl

This simple background stitch will go fast.  It is an open stitch but you can add a tiny upright stitch over the empty canvas thread to take care of that.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1168822438606492&set=a.635108881977853

Here are stitch ideas for round spaces.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1179302014225201&set=a.635108881977853

Flower petals are next.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1181770873978315&set=a.635108881977853

And here is a star diagram, easily made larger if needed.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1186038726884863&set=a.635108881977853

Bricks are great made from Mosaic Stitch.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1197797579042311&set=a.635108881977853

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 22, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.