Add a Second Design to Your Basket Purse

Jessica Tongel shows us how to add a new ornament to the top of a Nantucket basket purse.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DT3bmtzkciD/

I didn't know the Erica Wilson store sold the classic Nantucket basket purses.  They are currently sold out, though.  :(

https://ericawilson.com/collections/the-needlepoint-nantucket-lightship-basket%E2%84%A2

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 2, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Custom Needlepoint Purses to Stitch

I stumbled across an Instagram account for Healther Rae Atelier, who appears to create custom needlepoint purse canvases.  It looks like these are limited editions.  I'm not sure how they are assembled after stitching but they certainly are neat!

https://www.instagram.com/heather.rae.atelier/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 31, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

On the Go Oval Bag from Rachel Barri: The Movie

The Wool and the Floss shows off the new On the Go Oval bags from Rachel Barri, answering all your questions about how the cross body strap versus the belt bag works.

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

The bag comes in black or tan with either silver or gold hardware.  You can see more here and here--

https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/products/rachel-barri-on-the-go-oval-black-43-silver?_pos=1&_sid=38aa843bc&_ss=r

https://woolfloss.com/products/on-the-go-oval-bag?_pos=1&_sid=7d05f42ec&_ss=r

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 16, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Cross Body Clutch from Penny Linn

Penny Linn is debuting self finishing cross body clutches today.  They are hand made in the Philippines by Likha.  There are three colors (the brown one varies a bit in shade), a thin gold chain if you need your hands free, a mother of pearl clasp, and satin lining.  A piece of fusible interfacing is included to protect the back of your stitching.  (It's just ironed on.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/C8Hsg-6MUX9/

Since these are launching after I wrote this, here's the link to the Penny Linn website's home page. Hopefully we'll learn what size insert works with the new clutches then.

https://pennylinndesigns.com/blogs/news/penny-linn-x-shop-likha

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 13, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Planet Earth Sling Purses

Stitch by Stitch has a new exclusive line of phone sling purses made by Planet Earth.   The little purses are self-finishing with room for a 3x3 inch square needlepoint design.  They have two sections, one with room for the large iPhone and glasses, the other with credit card slots and room for keys.  They come in black or blue --both with silver hardware- or tan with gold hardware.

https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/products/mohonk-trunk-planet-earth-sling-black-silver

https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/products/mohonk-trunk-planet-earth-sling-swell-silver

https://stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/products/mohonk-trunk-planet-earth-sling-tan-gold

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 6, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Bags, Clutches, Purses, Satchels and Totes

Stitch by Stitch in Larchmont, NY has a lot of customers stitching purses, tote bags or clutches, so they have written a long article with plenty of photos about the designs and bag styles available.

https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/web-view?a=SwCMrn&c=01H9XGTJRHYSSZSJCSGZK1PHG3&k=818df9a7ff3a4241af938c526d309c5c&m=01HMXZ09T1NT9YTJS9E8CQHE44&r=37hx5vUz

It's a great read, full of wonderful eye candy whether you are in the market for a purse of your own or not.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright February 7, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Dale Lenci Original at Auction

Now that Dale's retired from his shop owner and DJ Designs needlepoint canvas roles, he's branching out to design and stitch originals.   These will be dreamed up and stitched by Dale , then he'll auction them off once they are complete.  His first project is a designer handbag which you can see here.  But remember, the auction ends on December 16 so if you are interested, you have to move fast.

https://designsdj.com/product/designer-handbag-by-dale-lenci/

Ten percent of the auction proceeds will go to a charity that helps support kids emerging from foster care.  Kudos to Dale for being such a good designer--and good guy.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright November 26, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Flying Needles for the Win!

This exquisite purse stitched from an Anne Fisher design just won The Flying Needles a blue ribbon at the Florida Strawberry Festival!

https://www.facebook.com/TheFlyingNeedles/photos/a.205885762782212/4903183219719086/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 19, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Elissa Steeves On Display

Thanks to Donna who posted about this article on NP Nation, we can all read about an exhibit in Roanoke, Virginia of Elissa Steeves' needlepoint purses and bags.  There are fifty-seven of them! (Click on the first photo to see more.). Sadly, the exhibit is over but she'll exhibit again in the area in 2024.

https://roanoke.com/z-no-digital/for-blacksburg-needlepoint-artist-it-s-in-the-bag-copy/article_4aa0f328-4bb5-11ec-bf41-ebe162d26660.html?fbclid=IwAR3FoxLNEtpHUqdv7UFYPYpxEeRdH744E9TwC1w6L6O2Pk7CmNn1ewgU6PE

And Elissa's husband got Kreinik into the fly tying business.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 2, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Acrylic Purses for Self Finishing

Kelly Hoch discovered these clear clutch bags on Amazon and painted, then stitched a monogram canvas to carry to a wedding.

https://www.amazon.com/Acrylic-Clutch-Shoulder-Handbag-Removable/dp/B07VWRJ6S2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=clear%20purse&qid=1630994684&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQkVETDlHUFcxQVpVJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzE4MTY5M0pQWTAyS0MwMlVKRyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDYxODg1MjBNOUFMS0NKUVgxMiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU%3D&fbclid=IwAR1HiPdCoVOIAUvTVmYUrY9m9WZhP2Dcz6QLzGbEWsDBK4cqtxENmNsnDyY

https://www.facebook.com/2Bitranchdesigns/photos/pcb.1781956835342737/1781955012009586/

Note that this clutch is a tad over 7 inches by a bit over 4 inches.  These come in various acrylic colors and are available with either silver or gold hardware.  You'll have to turn the raw edges of the canvas that's this size over, then whipstitch or glue fabric to hide the back before sticking inside the purse. There are a ton of styles available through Amazon (see the bottom of the page) plus these are probably widely available elsewhere.  

This Etsy shop has a nice selection of colors and good pictures.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1032239842/bridal-shower-gift-gift-for-the-bride?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=clear+acrylic+clutch&ref=sr_gallery-1-29&col=1

Here is an EyeCzndy design stitched and inserted in one of these purses.

http://eyecandyneedleart.blogspot.com/2022/01/new-year-new-finishes.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 7, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Whimsy and Grace Purse

The Needle Bug just posted a series of photos of a finished purse they just got back from their finisher.  It's magnificent!  Designer is Whimsy and Grace. Use the side arrows to see closeups of this very nice piece.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/4262696120474180/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 24, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

dede Purses

While browsing the Twisted Stitches shop website yesterday, I stumbled across this dede Odgen purse, something I've not seen before.  The purse is leather, appears to be a clutch style, and comes with the chart to create the pattern shown.  You have to supply the threads and canvas to stitch it, though.  I'm assuming this is self-finishing but the shop can tell you for certain.

https://www.twistedstitchesnp.com/leather-purse.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 18, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Turtle Bags

Mona found these Turtle Bags for her needlepoint canvas.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/3822547731155690/

She suggests you order the bag and measure the opening before you buy a canvas.  The website may be able to furnish this if you ask.  The bags come in two styles.  The "shells"are fabric covered stiff boards made to be inserted in the window(s) on the side.  Each shell is 7 x 9 1/2 inches.  I'm guessing that some of the shell is covered by the fabric window.  The crossbody bag has one window, the totes have two windows.  

https://turtlebagsinc.com

Apparently the openings are 5 1/2 inches by 7 inches and you should allow a half inch selvage all around.    Note that the style of the linen fabric totes is changing in June and they will be more expensive.  A denim style should be available in June.

https://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/so/0dNa9d9dD?languageTag=en&cid=68c6d8c4-6311-4db7-a6af-6c56ebef78b3#/main

https://www.stitchbystitchneedlepoint.com/search-results/q-turtle%20bags/qc-products

UPDATE:  Mindy has started painting designs sized for Turtle Bags.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10218643023099094&set=a.10203820068054482

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10218479997463555&set=a.10203820068054482

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10218670953997349&set=a.10203820068054482

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10220079266284276&set=a.10203820068054482

UPDATE #2:  Dianne Decker Bomar says "The size of the crossbody window is exactly 4 1/2" x 6 3/8" and I would recommend keeping your canvas 7"x9 1/2" so it fills the pocket and your stitching will remain centered in the pocket and visible in the window. The size of the tote windows is 5 1/2" wide by 7" tall."

UPDATE #3:  Needlepoint Alley has inserts that fit the bags, too.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/4630671747009947/

UPDATE #4:  Homestead Needle Arts has a nice desciption of their shipment of both sizes of these bags plus pictures.

https://mailchi.mp/8c1c50a4feae/new-turtle-bags-are-here?e=810b807e3a

Update #5:  Here is Mindy's latest--the seashore initial series.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10219622797552843&set=a.10203820068054482

Update #6:  Mindy has two new canvases sized for the Turtle Bag side windows.  The first is Asian-inspired, in muted colors.  The second is sunflowers and bright with color.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10219714492005147&set=a.10203820068054482

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10219714499805342&set=a.10203820068054482

UPDATE #7:  Pepita Needlepoint has Turtle Bag insert canvases, designed as pairs on one canvas so you can switch out the design or use both on a two sided tote.  Some can be purchased as a single design.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/5191233424287107/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/5217480588329057/

UPDATE #8:  Colors of Praise has a section of 5 1/2 x 7 inserts that fit Turtle Bags and they are lovely.  Thanks to NJNA's blog for the tip!

https://colorsofpraiseneedlepoint.com/fall-2022-new-designs

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 24, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mindy's Self Finishing Items to Browse

If you are thinking about trying self-finishing items, you'll want to look at the Pocket Full of Stitches trunk show of Mindy items on their blog today.
http://pocketfullofstitches.blogspot.com/2020/09/mindy-trunk-show-wallets-boxes.html

They are featuring various styles of wallets, boxes and purses plus luggage tabs and credit card cases.  While the shop has the trunk show, they can help you with canvases that will fit these.  A friend had seen the wallets in person and says they are fabulous.  Mindy also has dragonfly lacquered boxes with a space in the lid for a canvas.  You can see those on her website.  You can also buy directly from Mindy's shop which she runs as well as her design business.
http://www.mindysneedlepoint.com/shop/Mindys-Needlepoint-Designs.htm

More styles are pictured on Mindy's Facebook account.  Have fun looking!
https://www.facebook.com/mindy.shechtmanpatterson

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 9, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Horse Country Chic Talks Handbags

If you want a real statement needlepoint piece, stitch a handbag.  Horse Country Chic has a lovely posting up with great photos of various handbag styles.
https://horsecountrychic.blogspot.com/2020/08/creating-needlepoint-handbag.html

I'm partial to Melissa Shirley's purse designs which are usually based on the natural world and to…
http://melissashirleydesigns.com/galsearch/?searchstring=purses&Search=Search&dosearch=

...the big carpet bag styles from Julie Pischke Designs.
https://juliepischkedesigns.com/product-category/carpet-bags/

All these are best done in tent stitches in my opinion.  Otherwise your beautiful stitching will snag as you carry these.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 14, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Finishing Ideas When You Run out of Couch Space and Walls

Needlepoint.com shows off some interesting finishing ideas when there's just not room for another pillow or picture in your castle.
https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/creative-finishing-ideas-to-make-your-project-your-own?utm_source=Needlepoint.Com&utm_campaign=ade0dcf0b2-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_09_05_32&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6eed0b10d5-ade0dcf0b2-579725333&goal=0_6eed0b10d5-ade0dcf0b2-579725333&mc_cid=ade0dcf0b2&mc_eid=3a360cb48b

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 12, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

We Are Style Icons Now UPDATED

Thanks to sharp eyed shopper Melissa,  I know that Tory Burch's new purses include a limited edition needlepoint purse in tribute to her needlepointing parents.
https://www.toryburch.com/lee-radziwill-small-bag/54336.html?dwvar_54336_color=972&cgid=handbags-newarrivals

UPDATE:  And it looks like there are more than just one needlepoint purse!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205594621822029&set=gm.2210503765693436&type=3&theater&ifg=1

UPDATE #2 and 3:  More purses, all just tent stitching in 1970s colors and styles.
https://www.toryburch.com/perry-needlepoint-bunny-flap-crossbody/58341.html?color=977

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tory-burch-sawyer-needlepoint-shoulder-bag/4583282

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 10, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Make Your Own Purse Tutorial

If you would love to have a needlepoint purse but the cost of finishing on top of the hand painted canvas is daunting, why not make your own purse on 7 count plastic canvas?  Shannan will show you how in the March/April 2019 issue of Needlepoint Now magazine.  She's even doing a giveaway of an issue, in case you don't subscribe.
https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/2019/04/new-pattern-millefleur-satchel.html

This article lists the materials needed.  She uses knitting yarn for the project but you can substitute regular threads you have in your stash if you like.  Even perle cotton should work nicely.  You can also use interlock canvas but it will likely be harder to find in anything larger than 10 count.  I would try using 14 count as that will increase the repeats of the pattern on the original design by two, making it easier to work out what this will look like.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 2, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Need Some Boots?

You don't see needlepoint boots much. These are all lovely!  The owner of this Etsy shop also creates regular slippers, shoes, half boots and purses, many of which are needlepoint.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/LauraShepherdAtelier?ref=l2-shopheader-name&section_id=23646578

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 24, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Are You a Fan of Spartina Bags?

Spartina has new "needlepoint" bags. They look like they were stitched overseas and the needlepoint combined with leather.  They are fun and a good way to carry a needlepoint purse until you have time to stitch your own.  Thanks for the tip, Dell!
https://www.spartina449.com/new/queen-of-carolina/needlepoint.html

If you prefer to stitch your own, check out the Thorn Alexander canvas that Jinny stitched and had made into a fabulous clutch bag.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2018/11/thorn-alexander-clutch/

Not all of us have any use for a clutch purse but how about a wallet?  Mindy has some new "mini" designs that you can buy with a matching ladies' wallet.
http://www.mindysneedlepoint.com/shop/Mindys-Needlepoint-Designs/Minis-For-Leather-Wallets.htm

Use the left side arrow for more photos.  Mindy says the dimensions of the wallets are four and a half inches across, three inches down, and one and three-quarters inch deep.  There are 12 colors available.  The inserts are 18 count and are two by two and three-quarter inches.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10211865379142231&set=pcb.1985578211519327&type=3&theater

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 23, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.