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Archive for the ‘Holiday Stockings’ Category

Magical Holiday Needlepoint Kits

What makes a holiday magical? Is it the time spent with family and friends; the dainty twinkling lights and ornaments; a beautifully decorated tree; or perhaps it is the amazing smell and taste of fresh homemade baked treats? For most of us, it is the loving handmade touches which add to the holiday’s magic! Check out these new holiday designs and others in our NeedlePaint Christmas 2023 Collection.

Reindeer Wish Needlepoint Stocking Kit
12.43″ x 19″ on 14 mesh canvas

I know full well a reindeer can’t fly, but I know and I wish that I could give it a try.
With some help from my friend and Santa’s quick wink of an eye — I’ll see
you next year in the Christmas eve sky!

Santa’s Wink Needlepoint Ornament Kit
4.28″ circle on 18 mesh canvas

With Santa’s quick wink of an eye, I know the magic of Christmas is still alive!
This ornament will shine with good will and good cheer.

Santa’s Gold Star Needlepoint Stocking Kit
12.43″ x 19″ on 14 mesh canvas

I visit each household before the first light, making sure with a
gold star the Christmas tree looks just right! 

Reindeer Wish Needlepoint Ornament Kit
4.28″ circle on 18 mesh canvas

What, really! Reindeer fly? I know and I wish that I could give it a try.
Well something tells me — I’ll see you next year in the Christmas eve sky!

Santa’s Wink Needlepoint Stocking Kit
12.43″ x 19″ on 14 mesh canvas

As I watched from outside in the cold winter snow — he carefully placed the gold star
on top of the tree, then turned to the window and winked at me! 

These stockings and ornaments will shine with good will and good cheer — as you’ve
stitched them with love for someone who is especially dear! 

We hope you enjoy stitching these new needlepoint designs,
as much as our designer has enjoyed creating them.
Let us know if we can help with your stocking or ornament finishing needs.
Contact us at: info@needlepaint.com

Stitch a magical holiday!

What’s On Your Needlepoint Holiday List For 2023?

Another joyous holiday season is behind us. The decorations have been packed up and it’s time to kick back, relax and reflect on the wonderful celebration that we have enjoyed with our family and friends. Now it is time to think about what will be on our needlepoint stitch list for next year? NeedlePaint has designed some delightful new needlepoint stocking cuff kits that are perfect for next year’s Christmas celebration! 

Christmas Whimsy Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

These holiday trees have a whimsical personality, are festive,
and take on a fresh and playful life of their own!

Folk Art Angel Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

This folk art angel will bring joy to your holiday with charm, grace,
elegance and a playfully festive floral motif. 

Gingerbread Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

The best of the holiday cookies! Gingerbread is so rich with taste and color, especially when accompanied by the incredible smell of ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon lofting from the oven. 

City Christmas Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

The city is bursting with excitement, in anticipation of the holiday celebrations ahead! Row houses decorated to perfection, shopping, endless parties to attend,
and the simple joy of listening to a group of carolers.

Wagoneer Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Such fond memories of the entire family driving together in the old Wagoneer, for the traditional tree cutting. To make this task extra fun, Santa is at the wheel and ready with a little help from the elves.

Woodland Critters Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

This charming cast of warmhearted woodland animals,
and the magic of winter will add a special warmth to your holiday stockings. 

Anchor Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Exploring wide open spaces, breathing in the fresh ocean air,
and sailing all day long, is your true passion!

Regal Reindeer Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Considered royalty of the North Pole, this regal reindeer
is legendary for helping Santa with his sleigh!

Regal Polar Bear Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Another member of the North Pole royalty — this regal polar bear is legendary for keeping an eye on the workshop while Santa’s crew is away, and providing hot chocolate upon their return the next day!

Playful Presents Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

The Christmas packages are wrapped to perfection with
bright bouncing bows, and colorful patterned paper!

Playful Gingerbread Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Holiday treats baked to perfection! Gingerbread people are so rich in taste and color,
and playfully adorn this needlepoint stocking cuff!

Getting into the holiday spirit is easy when handcrafting your own needlepoint decorations. Stitch a stocking cuff that reflects the unique personality of a special loved one. Check out our complete needlepoint stocking cuff collection for more great ideas!

Please contact us with any questions that you may have at: info@needlepaint.com

Handmade touches will make your holiday special! 

Easy Sew Christmas Stocking with Cuff

Written by Peggy Bond

The Christmas season for me always brings back family memories – baking fruit cakes, decorating cookies, making gifts, shopping for a special gift, decorating the tree, and hanging Christmas stockings. While thinking about this coming Christmas, I remembered the long ago year when my older sister and I were 12 and 9 years old, and made felt Christmas stockings. We spelled our names out with sequins and stitched them together with yarn. It made me nostalgic and reminded me that my husband and I did not have stockings.  

Inspired by the Needlepaint stocking cuffs, I adapted my old Needlepaint Christmas ornament designs for use as cuffs on stockings. These small 10” x 2.5” canvases were quick to stitch. The top and bottom edges of the cuff were finished with an overcast stitch as described below, and the sides folded under. It was easily sewn onto the front piece of the felt stocking. Front and back of the stockings were stitched together with embroidery thread using a chain stitch. I was traveling when I made these and didn’t have my sewing machine, so all was done by hand.

Instead of using the traditional needlepoint binding stitch, I opted to using an overcast stitch so that I could finish the edges in multiple colors. The stitches were worked on four strands of canvas folded so that there are two stands on the front side and two on the back. In this example, every other stitch is one in red and then followed with every other stitch in blue.

This is the same technique that is used for sewing plastic canvas together, except you are working with a folded needlepoint canvas instead of two pieces of plastic canvas. The color variations give the canvas an additional dimension. And, on the train canvas, I used the same stitch with six different colored strands of embroidery floss on the needle. 

I have had request for cuffs from friends and family and have adapted several more of the original ornaments to cuffs. Each can be customized with a name. All are 18 mesh canvas designs except for the final snowflake design which is 14 mesh canvas.

Angel Song Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Candy Cane Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Penguin Parade Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Holiday Sleigh Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Flying Santa Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Ornaments Twinkle Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Gentle Snowflakes Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Holiday Express Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

Wolf Song Stocking Cuff Needlepoint Kit

It’s never too late for Christmas stockings and the finishing of these is quick and easy.
New felt has arrived. Time to block and finish the latest creations.

Happy Holiday Stitching!

Stitch A Custom Designed Needlepoint Stocking Kit!

written by Gwynn Goodner

Needlepoint stockings are priceless family treasures, and now you can have stockings that are custom-designed for your family! We can help you create a personalized stocking that reflects the interests of every member of your family. Many customers find an existing design from our stock inventory and personalize it with a name, but if you want something completely unique, have us design one for you.

The First Step
Place your order for a custom needlepoint stocking kit through this link:
https://www.needlepaint.com/needlepoint-kits/custom-christmas-stocking-needlepoint-kit-1950

The Second Step
Choose a theme and design style.

The process starts with the customer choosing a theme—it can be anything from a sports interest to a travel destination. Our designers will take that theme and dress it out to a beautiful, personal design.

Once you have chosen a theme, a few small additional elements can be added if you want. Here is an example. The customer who commissioned this design wanted the West Coast as the theme and added various features up and down the coast. 

A different approach is to choose a theme such as a profession. This piece was done for a client whose daughter was an EMT. She wanted something in the holiday spirit that reflected her love for her work, so now it’s Santa to the rescue! 

The possibilities are endless! It is important to remember that there should be one primary element of focus so our designers can create a scenario that makes a statement. Along with that primary element, we can often add smaller images or background that will work within the scene. 

A main subject, a secondary subject and background item will make the best stocking design. 

Follow the rule of threes. For this example:
1. the dog is the main subject.
2. the presents a secondary.
3. the tree a background element.
This type of design approach makes for a more unified scene and a better overall result.

Here’s an example of a Christmas tree as the main image with the recipient’s interests reflected in the décor and presents on and around the tree.

Another thing to consider is the style of art you want for your stocking. We can take a more graphic approach, which results in cleaner lines and a bold visual statement.

Or we can take a more illustrative style that gives a more shaded, nuanced result.

Doing a Google image search is a great way to start. A simple search such as “Santa skateboarding,” or “Great Dane dressed as angel” will yield great inspiration for your stocking. You’ll be surprised at how many images pop up and provide good poses or direction for the designer to follow! Save some favorite images from your search and include them when you make your order to help inspire the design. 

When you place your order, please include all design requests and any images or links to images that may help our designers. You can include these in your order notes or in an email to info@needlepaint.com.

Once we have your order and this information, you will receive a layout from one of our designers in 7-10 business days. It is helpful to have images for our designers to follow so they have an idea of what you have in mind. 

The Third Step
You’ve submitted your ideas, and now our designer will begin creating your design!

When you receive your layout it may look something like this. The layout is a rough sketch showing the approximate size and position for the major elements on the stocking. You will have an opportunity to do a round of changes to the layout and once it is approved, you will receive a proof of the colored version of your design. 

Further small adjustments can be made at this point
to render the perfect stocking for your family member.

Things to keep in mind when you are considering a custom stocking design:

The general shape of a stocking is vertical, so horizontal objects (like cars, boats etc.) may need to be made smaller to fit and are generally placed in the lower 1/3 of the shape to maximize their size.

Vertical images such as Christmas trees or a nutcracker are ideal subjects for a stocking.

More isn’t necessarily better. Editing and curating the things you want on a stocking makes for a better finished piece. Too many items can make a stocking look cluttered and hard to see the individual elements. Simplifying the visuals makes for a cleaner, more cohesive design.

Our designers have also recreated heirloom stockings that have been lost over time. One customer lost their prized childhood stocking in Hurricane Sandy and commissioned us to recreate it from some old family photos. Using the photos as reference we were able to make a stocking that preserved the special holiday memories that they thought had been lost for good.

At NeedlePaint we pride ourselves in making the most attractive, personal and affordable custom canvases on the market, and it’s all just a click away.

We would love to help create a unique stocking design for you.
Please contact us with any questions that you may have at: info@needlepaint.com

Stitch a priceless family treasure!

New NeedlePaint Kits With A Touch Of Holiday Nostalgia!

As the holidays are in full swing, the smell of baking cookies, a song or a cherished ornament, will make a childhood memory come alive. At NeedlePaint we have created some new designs with a touch of nostalgia and that warm feeling from the past. Stitching these needlepoint stockings, pillows and ornament canvases, will add a vintage charm to your holidays!

Vintage Snowman Needlepoint Stocking Kit
12.43″ x 19″ on 14 mesh canvas

“Frosty the Snow Man came to town one bright, cold winter’s day!”

Vintage Snowman Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5.22″ x 5.22″ on 18 mesh canvas

“Frosty the Snow Man has gone away, where all snow men go on a sunny day.”

Vintage Snowman Needlepoint Pillow Kit
12″ x 12″ on 14 mesh canvas

“Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!”

Swirling Snow Needlepoint Stocking Kit
12.43″ x 19″ on 14 mesh canvas

Cool and crisp, yet warm and friendly; the swirling winter wind sparkles with magic!

Swirling Snow Pine Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5.22″ x 5.22″ on 18 mesh canvas

Winter is welcoming, with a dusting of snow on a newly decorated pine!

Swirling Snow Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5.22″ x 5.22″ on 18 mesh canvas

This swirling winter wind is a favorite of this friendly snowman! 

Vintage Santa Needlepoint Stocking Kit
12.43″ x 19″ on 14 mesh canvas

“His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow!”

Vintage Santa Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5.22″ x 5.22″ on 18 mesh canvas

“His eyes how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!”

Vintage Santa Needlepoint Pillow Kit
12″ x 12″ on 14 mesh canvas

“He had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook, when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly!” 

Stitch a little nostalgia, this holiday season!

Feel free to contact us with any questions,
or if our designers can create a special holiday memory for you to stitch,
let us know at: info@needlepaint.com

NeedlePaint’s New Nutcracker Holiday Needlepoint Kits!

A handmade touch is what makes Christmas the most magical time of year! Create your own holiday decorations, and stitch one of NeedlePaint‘s new unique needlepoint nutcracker stockings or needlepoint ornament kits! Nutcrackers historically represent power and strength, and were given as keepsakes to serve as a messenger of good luck and good will. These three new nutcracker designs will add a warm personality and rich colorful charm to your holiday festivities!

Nutcracker Klaus Needlepoint Stocking Kit
12.43″ x 19″ on 14 mesh canvas

Nutcracker Klaus has a commanding sparkle from his brilliant charming smile! He’ll put you at ease with his curly locks, which cascade freely from his jewel encrusted crown.
With a wink of his eye, a secret is shared; he is at his best when touring the grounds, 
as they are lush with trees full of nuts.

Nutcracker Klaus Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5.22″ x 5.22″ on 18 mesh canvas

Nutcracker Klaus Front and Back Ornament Kits
2.5″ x 6.22″ on 18 mesh canvas
(front and back are sold seperately)

Nutcracker Stefan Needlepoint Stocking Kit
12.43″ x 19″ on 14 mesh canvas

Nutcracker Stefan is the Lord Captain of his tiny ship! He sails the high seas from dawn til dusk, only stopping his post for a tasty meal in the galley down below deck. His crew doesn’t know so don’t give him away; you can find him sneaking the pecans off of the praline parfaits. 

Nutcracker Stefan Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5.22″ x 5.22″ on 18 mesh canvas

Nutcracker Stefan Front and Back Ornament Kits
2.5″ x 6.22″ on 18 mesh canvas
(front and back are sold seperately))

Nutcracker Adelar Needlepoint Stocking Kit
12.43″ x 19″ on 14 mesh canvas

Nutcracker Adelar is a fearless noble warrior! He uses a gazing stare from his deep blue eyes, to curtail any trouble which may be brewing. He shines his crown with crushed walnut shells,
that have been tossed aside to dry. 

Nutcracker Adelar Needlepoint Ornament Kit
5.22″ x 5.22″ on 18 mesh canvas

Nutcracker Adelar Front and Back Ornament Kits
2.5″ x 6.22″ on 18 mesh canvas
(front and back are sold seperately))

Feel free to contact us with any questions, 
or if our designers can create a special holiday decoration for you,
let us know, at: 
info@needlepaint.com

Build new holiday memories, one stitch at a time!

NeedlePaint’s Nutcracker Suite Collection

NeedlePaint would like to introduce a series of needlepoint ornament canvases that coordinate with our Nutcracker Suite Stocking canvases. Now you can stitch the beauty of this beautiful ballet, and add some magic to your holiday decor!

One of Tchaikovsky’s most famous compositions, and perhaps one of the most famous ballets in the world; the Nutcracker Suite is a holiday classic. Many families have a holiday tradition that begins with a visit to the local ballet to see the Nutcracker Suite. Of course everyone has their favorite character, and with this collection, you can choose to stitch one canvas or the entire group.

Our Nutcracker Suite Clara ornament canvas (above) and stocking canvas (below) features the main character Clara, dancing with the Nutcracker that she has received as a Christmas gift from her grandfather.

Our Nutcracker Suite Nutcracker Prince ornament canvas (above) and stocking canvas (below), The Nutcracker Prince begins as a young man (prince) named “Hans”, who is transformed into a nutcracker by an army of mice. The only way to break that spell is for the Nutcracker to slay the Mouse King. A battle pursues among the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, but quickly comes to a halt when Clara hits the Mouse King square in the head with her slipper. Ending the conflict, the transformation is made back from Nutcracker to Prince. 

Our Nutcracker Suite Herr Drosselmeyer ornament canvas (above) and stocking canvas (below), continues with this magician-like figure, with cape and eye patch. A character of great mystery and intrigue. In the Nutcracker Suite story, Herr Drosselmeyer is known as Clara’s grandfather (depending on which version of the story you are familiar with, he is sometimes known as Clara’s uncle or godfather). He arrives at the family holiday party with gifts for all, and for Clara he brings a wooden nutcracker in the shape of a little man. 

Our Nutcracker Suite Mouse King ornament canvas (above) and stocking canvas (below), has what every great story needs — a villain! In Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, the Mouse King plays this part perfectly. When the clock strikes midnight things become alive. The Mouse King corners the beloved Nutcracker and battle pursues. Things quickly come to a halt when Clara throws her slipper at the Mouse King, hitting him square in the head. The Mouse King is taken away by his army of mice thus ending the conflict. 

Our Nutcracker Suite Sugar Plum Fairy ornament canvas (above) and stocking canvas (below), story continues as the Nutcracker turns into a prince and escorts Clara to the Land of Sweets. They are promptly greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy. After she learns about their daring battle with the Mouse King and his mice, the Sugar Plum Fairy rewards Clara and the Prince with a celebration of dances. 

These strong and complex characters, have been portrayed on our Nutcracker Suite needlepoint ornament and stocking canvases. Wonderful pieces to stitch and be displayed on your fireplace and Christmas tree, as a stand alone or the entire collection.

We would love to help with your needlepoint holiday decorations. Please contact us with any questions that you may have at: info@needlepaint.com

Happy Stitching!

NeedlePaint’s New Gentleman Critter Needlepoint Collection!

Charming, unique, warm and delightful! NeedlePaint has created a new Gentleman Critter Needlepoint Christmas Collection, comprised of four different characters featured on stocking and ornament canvases. Have a special persona you would like to see come to life? Let us know, we would love to help create a custom needlepoint stocking or custom needlepoint ornament canvas especially for you!

Gentleman Fox Needlepoint Stocking Canvas

Gentleman Fox Needlepoint Stocking Canvas

Gentleman Fox is a sly investor, leading the market in average daily trades.
Making much more than he’s lost, due to his pinpoint precision decisions;
and a little good fortune from his lucky green argyle vest.

Gentleman Fox Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

Gentleman Fox Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

Gentleman Polar Bear Needlepoint Stocking Canvas

Gentleman Polar Bear Needlepoint Stocking Canvas

Gentleman Polar Bear is an astronomer and master of meteorological events.
He takes his research seriously to the extreme; and sports a strong demeanor when the penguins tease about the matching sweater and hat, that his granny so lovingly made.

Gentleman Polar Bear Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

Gentleman Polar Bear Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

Gentleman Raccoon Needlepoint Stocking Canvas

Gentleman Raccoon Needlepoint Stocking Canvas

Gentleman Raccoon is a connoisseur and collector, of curiosities and ephemera.
Sporting a soft spot for tin toys and bone china teacups; he is always
willing to trade a treasure, for silk fibers from the far east.
 

Gentleman Raccoon Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

Gentleman Raccoon Needlepoint Ornament Canvas

Gentleman Buck Needlepoint Stocking Canvas

Gentleman Buck Needlepoint Stocking Canvas

Gentleman Buck is a literary aficionado, and well seasoned writer of haiku,
short stories and an occasional dystopian novel. He’s often found immersed in
a dictionary, further expanding his vocabulary.

Stitch one or stitch them all; these charming gentlemen and their
playful personas will add a fresh new twist to your holiday decor!
Feel free to contact us with any questions that you may have at: info@needlepaint.com

Put a little personality into your holidays!

Seven Swans Swimming and Eight Maids Milking Christmas Needlepoint

By: Peggy Bond

We’re continuing our 12 days of Christmas Needlepoint Projects!  (See other posts for all 12 projects!)

Day 7, Seven Swans a-Swimming

The swan is the last of the birds. The only fancy feathering here is on the wings.

Seven Swans o-Laying Christmas Needlepoint Kit

Seven Swans a-Laying Christmas Needlepoint Kit

Seven Swans Swimming Stitch Chart

L Wing Stitch Detail

The pink “L”s in the wing are done with two Cashmere 2×4 stitches – one worked horizontally and the other vertically. The “L”s are surrounded by brown “L”s where space permits and then the remainder of the wing is done in Continental as shown below.

 

 

 

 

Wave Stitch DetailThe main portion of the wave is the Double Parisian with the peaks done with left and right slanting Continental.

Slanted Straight Stitch NeedlepointAnd, the background Slanted Straight stitch is done over three canvas threads working right to left. It is quick and easy.

Day 8, Eight Maids a-Milking

Our Maid is done with her work and is carrying her milk home from a job well done.

Eight Maids a-Milking Christmas Needlepoint

Eight Maids a-Milking Christmas Needlepoint

Eight Maids Christmas Stitch Chart

Eight Maids Christmas Stitch Chart

Needlepoint Vest DetailHer vest and pocket of flowers require some explanation.

The center of the vest of worked in Slanted Gobelin 3×3 working left to right and right to left to form the lower points of the vest. The edges are Continental and button French knots.

 

 

 

 

Pocket Stitch DetailThe pocket is done in a manner similar to the heart of the Day 2 and the flowers are a satin stitch.

The Milanese stitch, like the Medieval Mosaic stitch, is quick and easy to do after getting it established.

Now on to Dancing Ladies and Leaping Lads…

A Very Needlepoint Christmas to All

Christmas and Hanukkah are almost here!  Our little workshop has shipped over a hundred belts this past week and almost as many needlepoint kits.  We hope they all arrive and bring smiles to families across the country.

We have a lot to be thankful for this year, and are looking forwards to 2017.  We’ll be offering some new services for our needlepointers and for our customers who are looking for fully stitched products.

Those of you thinking of taking up a new hobby, please check out what an art needlepoint really is.  You’re in for a treat, we have a Customer Spotlight at the bottom of this post.

Needlepoint Christmas Belt

Our first Big announcement for 2017 is that we’re now selling fully stitched custom needlepoint stocking!  We’ve sold some over the years, but finally have put a listing online in our Etsy shop.  Our designers are here to work with you, whether you’re trying to match an heirloom needlepoint stocking, or looking for an updated needlepoint design, needlepoint stockings truly are timeless.

Personalized Nutcracker Needlepoint Christmas Stocking

Our Fully Stitched Nutcracker Needlepoint Stockings in wool with velvet backing.

What better to give than a gift of personal memories!  These custom needlepoint pillows are going to a fishing lodge, but I had to sneak some pictures under the tree.

Needlepoint Fishing Pillows

Needlepoint Fishing Pillows

And those of you who made it this far are in for a treat.  Lisa, in New York just finished her second project ever.  She stitched this amazing Clara Nutcracker Stocking!  It is the same design as above (we did customize the background a bit), but you can see her talent in selecting her own colors and especially choosing fun stitches and embellishments that add even more depth and texture to the stocking.  Nice work Lisa!

Needlepoint is Fun and amazing. I hope you share these images with your friends and help inspire them to learn to needlepoint in 2017!

Fun Stitch Needlepoint Christmas Stocking

Fun Stitch Needlepoint Christmas Stocking