Gingham on the Diagonal

This is my nephew's dog, Lolly Parton.  I stitched an ornament for him featuring Lolly one Christmas but I ran into a problem--I wanted to do a gingham background but with the squares turned on their points to make a diamond.  This is regular gingham checks--

https://woolfloss.com/products/x435-peace-gingham-in-red?_pos=10&_sid=828f4f38b&_ss=r

I wanted a background like this--

https://woolfloss.com/products/ki2158-bunny-with-sprinkle-ears-green-gingham?_pos=28&_sid=828f4f38b&_ss=r

I tried to stitch squares in all tent stitches but as usual with tent stitches, the left sides looked jagged.  I mentioned my dilemna to Gay Ann Rogers, who immediately fixed the problem with a sketch that I've diagrammed for you for clarity's sake.  Perfect!

Isn't that clever?  Gay Ann Rogers combined tent and reverse tent to create diamond shapes that have smooth edges!  Gay Ann graciously allowed me to share her idea here so that we all can do great gingham diamonds, too.  Thanks, GAR!  You are the best!

Here's Lolly's ornament, by the way.  Perfect.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 30, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Quick Look at Needle Pointers

Melita gives us a quick look at what's inside the May/June 2026 issue of ANG's Needle Pointers magazine.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/05/27/timeless-treasures-from-the-archives-and-morning-glories-in-the-may-june-2026-issue-of-needle-pointers-magazine/

Sue Parsons of West Coast Finishing does a fabulous finishing job.  I didn't know she did classes on finishing as well.

https://melitastitches4fun.com/2026/05/29/morning-glories-by-lani-and-finishing-class-with-sue-parsons-of-west-coast-finishing/

If you join the American Needlepoint Guild (ANG), you'll get the magazine as part of your dues.  Members can also browse the issues online now.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 29, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Take a Look at These Miniatures

Just for fun, I thought you'd enjoy seeing these miniature stitching pieces for a dollhouse.  They are being auctioned by D. Thomas Miniatures.  I took a quick look at his Instagram account and spotted a needlepoint pillow and stockings and some lovely rugs, too.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/DX7jQxVSu_w/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 27, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Padded Satin Stitch: The Movie

Want to learn padded satin stitch?  KatiePeoples makes it look easy with her video tutorial on Instagram.  It appears she is using wool thread for the padding and a flat ribbon like thread such as Neon Rays+ for the top layer.  Note she uses a laying tool to make the flat ribbon thread lie flat.

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DY0eVUdxbxU/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 27, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Unusual Finishing for a Fireplace

Seaside Needlepoint shows off an unusual finishing--hang your framed piece in front of your firescreen.  It can be removed when you want to have a fire.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DUZM93gjizK/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 7, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.