Official blog of www.NeedlePaint.com
where you can design your own Needlepoint!

NeedlePoint Kits and Canvas Designs | Design your own Needlepoint Kit!

Archive for the ‘Testimonial Reviews’ Category

Custom Bulldog Needlepoint Pillow

Happy New Year!  It has been quite a ride, and finding time to post this year has been hard.  We are taking steps to improve our response time on our custom design and emails.  (Long-time customers may have noticed that it may take up to 48 hours for us reply to an email, and 3-5 business days to finsish a preview).

While this is still faster than any of our competitors that I’m aware of, I really want to keep our customer’s happy and respond quickly to all of our projects.  Emily is taking the role of lead designer now, as she’s shown over the last 9 months that she is a better designer than I am, and really enjoys working on custom projects!  I will still be around to assist with designs, and always available to help answer questions.  This will also free me up to work on new design ideas and projects with Peggy and Karen so I hope 2017 we will WOW you with lots of fun ideas.

This post is about a Custom Bulldog Needlepoint Pillow that we stitched for a Christmas gift.  It was ordered late, so we provided a gift card to the customer (see below) to give on Christmas, and we just shipped it last week.

What I love about this design, is the more modern feeling it has, the zoomed in closeup on the face.  Our customer designed this herself on our website, www.NeedlePaint.com.  You can upload a photo of your dog and see how it would it would look like in needlepoint for Free!

The cool thing to notice in the image below, is that while I think our digital previews on the website look great, the real needlepoint pillow looks much better!

Custom Bulldog Needlepoint Pillow

Custom Bulldog Needlepoint Pillow – The Final pillow up top, and Gift Card sent to customer is below

If you don’t have a great photo of your bulldog, please email us, we’d love to help and can assist editing your own photo upon request.

***Last thing I’d love to post about are some more reviews we recieved over the holidays.  You can see we now have over 100 5 star reviews on our Etsy Shop.

And below are some that were emailed to us over the holiday season.

The U.S.N.A. belt is stunning! My husband was more than thrilled. I appreciate all of the time and effort involved in creating this piece of art.”  Jeanne – 2017-01-24

“With the holidays and craziness I neglected to say thank you again and the belt is fabulous!!! I want to search your site for 2 more son-in-laws.”  Kelly – 2017-01-05

“The piece is truly exquisite. Exactly what I was hoping for. Cannot thank you enough, my brother is going to love it.”  Erika – 2016-12-24

“The guys LOVED their belts, thank you so much! I will send some pictures once I get them back from our photographer. The best man said it was the coolest gift he’s ever received.”  Courtney – 2016-11-22

Christmas Needlepoint Order Guidelines and Customer Highlights

Happy Friday!

We’re approaching Christmas again, and I wanted to let you know our timeline this year.

Fully Stitched Needlepoint Belts, Wallets, Dog Collars, and Flask – orders must be placed by November 1st.

Fully Stitched Pillows and Stockings – we cannot finish any new projects before Christmas.

Needlepoint Kits and Canvases (stock designs) – December 12th for free shipping, and Dec 19th for an extra fee.

Hanukkah = same as Christmas this year!

All right, now that is out of the way, onto the fun stuff  🙂  If you’ve worked with us before or follow our blog, you may have noticed that I’ve been lagging behind.  Our customers have been sending me amazing pictures and I have not had time to post them online yet!  Below are two custom needlepoint projects designed from photos:

The first project comes from Chunyen in VA.  She stitched an amazing portrait that she custom designed on our website NeedlePaint.com, she did not skip any details!  Nice work!

Photo to Needlepoint Portrait

Next is a dog portrait turned into pillow by one of our customer’s mothers!  Stunning!

Dog Photo to Needlepoint

Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket Landmark Needlepoint Belts

Summer is coming to an end, shops will be closing and school bells ringing.  We’ve been working hard on some new designs and Love them!  Now you can see our new Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket belt designs, too.  I think they will help you extend the good memories all year round.

These needlepoint belts look sharp around the waist and really can prep up your style.  It is sure to be the choice to wear out to parties or around town.  If you’ve got a favorite spot not listed, let us know, we’re happy to customize a belt for you.

Cape Cod Needlepoint Belt

Cape Cod Needlepoint Belt

The Cape Cod Needlepoint Belt Features (from left to right): Canal Bridge, Woods Hole Marine Biological Lab, Hyannis Lighthouse, Wellfleet Harbor with fishing boat, Chatham Windmill, Chatham Lighthouse, Rail Bike Path, Providence Pilgrim Monument, Race Point Lighthouse and Sand dunes with lifeguard chair.

Marthas Vineyard Needlepoint Belt

Marthas Vineyard Needlepoint Belt

Our Martha’s Vineyard Needlepoint Belt includes Gay Head Cliffs with Gay Head Lighthouse, Larsen’s Fish Market, Grange Hall, Black Dog Tavern, Flying Horses Carousel, Edgartown Yacht Club, East Chop Lighthouse, and the Ferry.

Nantucket Needlepoint Belt

Nantucket Needlepoint Belt

The Nantucket Needlepoint Belt has the Coskata Refuge, Sankaty head lighthouse, Chicken Box, Nantucket Whaling Museum, Hadwen house, The Old Mill, Jetties and the Brant Point Lighthouse.

All of our designs are available as needlepoint belts or you can order it as a needlepoint kit and stitch them yourself.

I’ll be out on the Cape next week, so it may take a day or two to get back to your emails and/or phone calls.  Emily and Karen will still be in the workshop, so we’re not really closed, but customer service will be delayed.

Last are some reviews that have been emailed to us recently.  We love doing a great job and are happy to have so many customers coming back with new custom ideas.  We even offer a discount to returning customers as our way of saying thanks!

“It arrived today and it does look great! Thanks so much.” – Barbara 9-9-2016

“the belt canvas is terrific! Thank you.” -Julie 9-9-2016

hey there, received the canvas, Iuv, luv, luv it. can’t wait to work on it and show u the finished product. thx soooo much.” -Gloria 9-4-2016

“Just wanted you to know that my husband loves his new belt. I will send you a photo soon.” -Janet 7-29-2016

I  love the SpaceX belt.  I am stitching it with paternayan yarn and I will send you a picture when it’s completed. Thank-you so much.  It’s just beautiful.” Beth 7-28-2016

“Everything looks spectacular! Thank you”  -Molly 7-6-2016

“Thank you so much!  The package arrived a couple days ago and it looks great.  I like the color substitutes.” –Chunyen 6-23-2016

“Canvas just arrived. Looks great! Oodles of thanks.” -Sarah 6-20-2016

“My canvas arrived yesterday and it is awesome! Thank you! You’ve done a wonderful job, I only hope I can do it justice. ” -Stellamarie 6-14-2016

“My belt arrived today and it looks great!” – Lisa 6-13-2016

“The canvas arrived today. Brees looks great!  I’m eager to get started with him. Your blog is impressive and I’ll certainly let others know about it.  It has been a pleasure working with you and hope to have the opportunity again.” -Kathy 6-13-2016

“I received the canvas and color palette yesterday.  It looks great, and I really appreciate your help.” -Pat 6-7-2016

And of course we have a bunch of new reviews on our Etsy shop.

Custom Needlepoint College Bell Pull

We designed an amazing project for Hallie in VA recently and I am excited to share the story!

She wanted to stitch a needlepoint bell pull that is 38 inches long x 8.5 inches wide, on 18 count canvas.

This is something special for two Oberlin College grads that are married.  It will be a cherished decoration to go in their home and features some campus highlights and sports memories.  If you are interested in how we create a really unique custom needlepoint canvas like this, please read more details about how this design was created below.  First, the photo of the custom needlepoint bell pull canvas!

Custom Needlepoint College Bell Pull Oberlin College

Custom Needlepoint College Bell Pull

Hallie emailed us the names of some buildings, and a lot of very specific details about how to layout the design and where to place the images, (including the drawing below).

Then we reviewed what would work best, including straightening out the photos, so the buildings will look better in needlepoint, and some design ideas for the sports.

Next I found some images online of the buildings she requested, which she picked her favorites and then we got started!  You can see the building images we used for reference below the template, and then the digital preview we sent to her of the design for her approval.

We emailed the preview to her and made a few minor revisions (made the trees in fall colors and adjusted the spacing of the college name so the top can be rolled over a pole).

And Voila!  An amazing project that she loves:  “The bell pull arrived today in perfect condition. It is truly lovely. I will take it with me to my local yarn shop tomorrow to pick my yarns. I will send you a photo when it is done.  Thanks again!!!!”  Hallie – 2016-03-14

I can’t wait to see this when it is complete!

Bell Pull Template

Customer’s Bell Pull Template

 

Wilder Hall

Wilder Hall Photo

Tappan Square 2

Tappan Square 2

Oberlin Tappan Square

Oberlin Tappan Square

 

Phys Ed Building

Phys Ed Building

Oberlin College Bell Pull Needlepoint Canvas Preview

Oberlin College Bell Pull Needlepoint Canvas Preview

Needlepointing Health Benefits Projects are Fun!

The New York Times this week had a great article on the health benefits of knitting, in case you missed it.  And in it, it says this applies to most types of needlework and creative hobbies (such as needlepoint!)

The main thing that seems to come up again and again, is that if you are engaged in creative hobbies and using your hands and mind, that it helps keep your mind sharp, happier, and reduce stress.  I find the second point to be quite true.

I feel lucky to work with customers who truly are almost always nice and patient people.  They are often creating projects not for themselves but giving them to others and thinking about others first.  This makes our work more rewarding, and also enjoyable, so to our customers, a big THANK YOU!

Onto the fun stuff, below are some amazing custom needlepoint projects recently stitched, and below that are some more customer reviews…

American Gothic Needlepoint Pillow next to a Custom Dog Needlepoint Pillow that we stitched

American Gothic Needlepoint Pillow next to a Custom Dog Needlepoint Pillow that we stitched

We stitched this custom needlepoint dog pillow for as a gift for Casey!

Denison Field Hockey and Lacrosse Needlepoint Stool

Denison Field Hockey and Lacrosse Needlepoint Stool stitched by Susan in CT

diagonol giant scotch stitch

She did the background using the Diagonal Giant Scotch stitch.

Custom Needlepoint Christmas Stocking

Custom Needlepoint Christmas Stocking by Mary in California

I love the background stitches on the last two projects.  They give extra detail and also make the projects quicker to stitch!

Custom Cat Needlepoint by Erica in Canada

Custom Cat Needlepoint by Erica in Canada

We love to help create new designs, so if you are looking to needlepoint something that does not exist anywhere but your mind, please get in touch with us!

Here are some recent reviews from our customers that came in over the holiday season:

“We received the canvas yesterday. All my husband could say was ‘Oh my! Oh my!!  She’s going to cry. You nailed the gift of the year!!’…

I appreciate you taking the time and special care with such a special gift. Your customer service has been uncommon in these low-personal interaction digital age.”  Tina  2015-12-01

“It arrived and looks great!  Thanks.”  Janet  1-25-2016

“It arrived today!  Looks great.  Will send a picture of the final product.” Colleen  1-13-2016

“Just to let you know the needlepoint arrived, they are great and I can’t wait to get started!”  Laurie  12-15-2015

“It came yesterday!  I love it.  Thanks so much.”  Kippy  12-21-2015

“Canvas has arrived and it lovely.  Can’t wait to start (after the holidays!)”  Joanne  2015-12-10

“Just wanted to let you know that I received the belt canvas yesterday and it looks great! Already started on it! Thanks for all of your help!” – Annie  12-8-2015

“Received!—looks GREAT if a little daunting. Gulp.”  Libby  12-9-2015

“This was perfect! Better than I even imagined!!’  Carly  1-3-2016

“Seth was very responsive! Help me create a custom design for my son! He is so excited about his new belt that his mom is making for him! Will order more for sure!”  12-18-2015

“I cannot wait to start stitching my new belt. It is perfect and exactly what I hoped to receive when I ordered it. Thank you!”  Allison  12-15-2015

“Needlepoint was so easy to work with and accommodated my custom request quickly. Thank you! Beautiful work!”  Jennifer  12-15-2015

“Seth was wonderful! New to needlepoint, wanted to make a belt for my son, just told him ideas and he put it all together! Sent the color chart along with the thread. Looking forward to working with him again! Thank you!”  11-16-2015

 

Win a Customer Needlepaint Belt in our Giveaway with Carly from “The College Prepster!”

If you haven’t already heard, we’re hosting a custom needlepoint belt giveaway with our long-time friend Carly of “The College Prepster” blog!

Carly Heitlinger is a preppy blogger who grew up in Florida, began blogging while studying at Georgetown, and now lives in New York City where she continues to find inspiration for her style. Her blog is full of great tips on what to wear, what to see, and what to do!

We recently collaborated with Carly on a custom belt showcasing the landmark sights of South Tampa for her father. Together with Carly, we brought her father’s favorite places to life: from the country club where he golfs, to the University of Tampa, to the high school campus that he and Carly both attended, the essence of each building is captured on the belt.

south-tampa-needlepoint-belt-1

 

south-tampa-needlepoint-belt-2

Carly says she is “obsessed” with the way that the belt came out and said that her “dad’s been wearing it a lot, and all his golf buddies are jealous.” We’re excited to hear that they both are enjoying it as much as we enjoyed making it!

south-tampa-custom-needlepoint-belt-3

Together with The College Prepster, we’re giving you the opportunity to win your very own custom Needlepaint belt. Simply visit Carly’s website here and enter the giveaway for your chance to win your very own custom belt.

Good luck!

 

University of Kentucky UK Needlepoint Belt

Finally, the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington is captured on a belt!

Long awaited, the University of Kentucky Needlepoint Belt features some of the historical buildings, basketball stadium, and gardens.  It came out great!  (please click the link above for a rundown on the buildings)

This design is available with the Rupp Arena or commonwealth stadium and comes as a fully stitched belt or a DIY needlepoint kit.  Designs can be personalized (monogram and graduation year is included) and even customized upon request.

If you are interested in ordering from NeedlePaint.com – Please read some testemonial reviews we recieved this month. (see them below the pictures)

University of Kentucky Needlepoint Belt

University of Kentucky Needlepoint Belt

 

“I just received the belt, and I am BEYOND pleased. Thank you very much for your great customer service and product! I look forward to buying from you all again.” – Kaelyn 2015-09-29

“Thank you so much!  I received the belt today and it is beautiful.  I will definitely pass on the word about Needlepaint.  I have lots of needlepoint friends here in MA.” – Katherine 2015-09-28

“Just got my belt yesterday.  I’m thrilled with how it turned out, it looks awesome!” – Alex 2015-09-15

“I gave it to him tonight and he LOVED it (and so did I)! I think it came out absolutely perfect. Thank you so much for helping me create such a great and sentimental gift!” – Cara 2015-09-14

“Got it. I love it.  Fits great! Thank you” – Chris 2015-09-08

“We received the belt and my son surprised me coming home from West Point for the weekend!  It fit him perfectly and it was beautifully done!!”  Elizabeth 2015-09-02

West Point Needlepoint Belt

A few months back, we had a few requests to design the West Point Military Academy campus which sits on high ground overlooking the Hudson River in West Point, New York.

The West Point Campus Needlepoint Belt was really fun, it features an American flag, Mitchie Stadium, the Cadet Chapel, Washington Hall, George Washington Statue, Jefferson Hall Library, Battle Monument overlooking Trophy Point on the Hudson, and a Bald Eagle.

We even have worked on a customized version that featuers a new visitors center that is being built!

West Point Needlepoint Belt

West Point Needlepoint Belt

I also am including in this post some feedback we recieved about our belts recently:

“Yesterday was —’s birthday and he LOVED the belt.  In fact, he said it was
the best gift he has received…  The image of Beezo was particularly good.  I appreciate all your help making this happen.”  Laura 2015-07-23

“the belt looks great, very happy with it.”  Mike  2015-7-11

“The belt arrived and looks FANTASTIC, of course!  Thank you for creating such a memorable gift for my husband… and for your inexhaustible patience.   :)”  Mary 2015-07-10

Custom Wedding Needlepoint

We love helping design custom needlepoint kits for our customers!

This week’s blog post features some custom wedding needlepoint designs that we’ve done recently.

Below are four canvases for pillows, and a cummberbund needlepoint canvas.  We’ve also done a lot of belt canvases recently.

We post a lot of our customer reviews on our blog, and if you are interested in reading some we’ve recently recieved, see the botttom of this post.  We love to hear from you and help make your ideas come to reality.

Wedding Needlepoint

Wedding Needlepoint for Pillows

Next is a custom needlepoint cummerbund canvas we did featuring the old well at UNC.

Needlepoint Cummerbund Kit

Needlepoint Cummerbund Kit

Last are two foxes taken from a wedding invitation.  We helped create these desgins from a sketch!

Wedding Needlepoint Foxes

Wedding Needlepoint Foxes

Last but not least, are some recent reviews from our customers:

“I received the needlepoint canvas and stitch guides in the mail today.  I am so happy with the way it turned out and appreciate the extra information that you sent with the canvas.  I’ll be sure to send you a picture when it is finished.  I’m sure it will take awhile but I’m looking forward to getting started. Thanks again for doing such a great job.  I will be happy to recommend NeedlePaint for custom canvases.”  Susan 2015-07-13

“It looks great and I’m excited to get started.” Jessica 2015-07-13

“Just received my kit… Can’t wait to start it. Thanks again for being so helpful. Will be ordering more soon”  Deborah 2015-07-10

“Thanks so much for everything, I am loving working on the canvas.” Mills 2015-07-05

“got it. love it. will keep in touch. thx again”  Gloria 2015-06-23

“needlepoint arrived today and it looks fantastic.  Thanks for doing on awesome job.  Hope to have another project for you soon.”  Sylvia 2015-06-16

“I received the canvas this morning and have already got to knitting!  It’s beautiful, thank you for the help.”  Joanna 2015-06-16

“I received the needlepaint of the Ganesha image- looks great!”  Jyoti 2015-06-16

and onto some older feedback I just found that was never posted.

“I received the needlepoint kit. It looks great! I hope I can do it justice.”  Eileen 2015-04-18

“Just wanted to let you know I got the canvas Monday and it looks awesome.  I got thread and have begun to stitch.  Thanks so much for your help on this. I will definitely recommend you to others and order more canvases”  Ilese 2015-04-15

 

Landscape Photos on Congress Cloth 24 count Needlepoint Canvas

Last week we finished up some fun needlepoint canvases that have a LOT of detail.

The customer wanted as much as possible, so we decided to use 24 count congress canvas.

The detail is amazing!  The other request from the customer was that instead of stitch counted, she wanted “photo” canvases.  She still is using the stitch charts, but likes to improvise so wanted to catch all the detail possible.

She was very excited and wrote back to us after they arrived “THE CANVAS’S CAME AND THEY ARE WONDERFUL. SO FAST POSTING, SO WELL PACKED AND SO WELL DONE. THANLKYOU, THANKYOU, THANKYOU.!!!!”  Patricia 2015-06-02

Landscape Photo Needlepoint Canvases

Landscape Photo Needlepoint Canvases