Ghost Boy Needleworks

10/17/2026

I'm test stitching some new non-Zweigart canvas!

Zweigart is the leading name in cross stitch fabrics and needlepoint canvases. If you see that orange line on the selvedge, you know that you have good quality product! Unfortunately, they've been struggling to keep up production to satisfy the demand, and it looks like more shortages could be looming on the horizon.

Enter NeedlePaint! NeedlePaint has earned a well-deserved reputation for producing high quality stitch-printed canvases with their StitchPerfect technology. I can and will sing their praises at every opportunity! But at ANR when they said they were working with some other companies to fill the canvas gap, I felt my heart sink.

Up until now, I've been a Zweigart or nothing kind of stitcher, and unfortunately, that may very well be the options at hand! Sticking with Zweigart could mean that our timelines would suffer even more and result in significant delays. But NeedlePaint has earned some trust, so when they say this new canvas is just as good, I'm willing to test it out.

So here we are. They gave me some samples of Mono Plus to experiment with. The texture of the 13 mesh feels exactly the same as Zweigart to me. Absolutely no concerns there. Thing is, I'm an 18 mesh stitcher so I design exclusively on 18 mesh. When I hold the 18 in hand, it feels the tiniest bit thinner (negative?) and a little bit smoother (positive?). Nothing replaces actual experience so I pulled some threads to try it out, and so far I'm pleased! As soon as I put it on stretcher bars, it felt the same as what I'm used to and the stitching has been smooth! I like it! I'll post an update once I finish the stitching, and I'll test several types of threads, but what are everyone's thoughts?

Are we content with a non-Zweigart canvas if the quality is just as good? Do we want to see more 13 mesh designs on the new canvas? I think it's important for designers to disclose what materials and processes they're using for the sake of transparency so customers can make informed decisions. No charging painted prices for printed canvases, etc, etc.

10/02/2026

Happy first day of ANR to all who celebrate!

It feels surreal knowing that one of the premiere needlepoint trade shows is taking place about 20 minutes drive from my house. For my cross stitchers, ANR, or Autumn Needlepoint Reunion, is a huge wholesale-only trade show where shops from all over the country come to Texas to purchase direct from designers. Think of it as the needlepoint version of the Nashville Market!

And it's just RIGHT there! It's practically walking distance! Meanwhile, I'm at home with big plans, making new designs and preparing. It's enough to make me want to drive slowly past the hotel and look on with longing. But alas, no time for yearning, there's work to do and art to create!

So I'll say this as my own bit of manifesting: I'll see you next year!

09/30/2026

CHART FOR CHARITY - "JANE DOE"

I have watched the news in horror these past few days. I'm making this pattern available on my website as a free download because I want it to be accessible to anyone who sees themselves in it.

Instead of purchasing the pattern I ask that you consider making a donation to RAINN and help them in their mission to stop sexual violence by supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.

RAINN.org/donate

No man, no group of men, should be allowed to forever change the course of a young woman's life this way.

This pattern is free. Stitch it for yourself. Stitch it for a loved one. Stitch it for healing. Stitch it to vent the rage. Stitch it in the hopes that we are moving towards a world where we never have to stitch something like this again.

09/28/2026

All Needlework Marketplace patterns are now available in PDF form!!

The following patterns are now available for instant download on on GhostBoyNeedleworks.com!

Trick or Treat
Angel of Mischief
Bloom and Doom
The Turnip's Revenge
Gravely Devoted
Carved in Stone
Fu (Good Fortune)
Lu (Prosperity)
Shou (Longevity)

Get your Boo Buddies and enjoy some spooky Halloween stitching now that we're finally enjoying some fall weather (i.e. it's no longer 100°). 🫠 👻

09/13/2026

This is that teamwork that makes the dream work!

I had a crazy idea to use cut up pool noodles as big ol' chunky beads for class demonstrations and Ghost Boy Tim said, "Say less!"

Stay tuned for progress pics! Looks like we're gonna need more pool noodles!

09/09/2026

Happy WIP Wednesday!

Now that Needlework Marketplace mania is drawing to a close, I'm able to get some stitching time in! I've been so eager to stitch this guy ever since he arrived! This is my Sunflower Bat canvas available on GhostBoyNeedleworks.com!

What we have done so far!
Ears - the inside is Basketweave, and the exterior is an Encroaching Gobelin
Wings - Packed Stem Stitch. I did 2-3 layer of stem stitch for the larger bones along the top of his wing, and a single round of Stem for the finer bones going down vertically. I finished the Packed Stem by whipping it with another strand of Essentials to make them look like a single thick line
Belly Fur- more Encroaching Gobelin
Feet- Basketweave

This one is going to have some fun details added so keep an eye out for updates!

09/06/2026

08/21/2026

Happy Finish Friday!

I've had this finish stashed away for several years now in my Shoebox of Forgotten Finishes™️, and it was finally time to give it the proper respect that it deserves! And what a beautiful job my framer did! The texture on that frame just oozes with horror movie appeal, and the crimson suede matboard?! Yes, please!

🕸 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖂𝖎𝖙𝖈𝖍𝖞 𝕾𝖙𝖎𝖙𝖈𝖍𝖊𝖗 🕸 has been a huge inspiration for me not only as I got into stitching as a hobby, but into making my own designs! Every day I'm grateful for the spooky, stitching community for carving out space in this hobby for the offbeat weirdos! Cuz sometimes the granny doing these granny hobbies is actually an ancient swamp witch, and we deserve fun patterns too!

Pattern is Chopping Mall SAL from The Witchy Stitcher. Fabric is Echo linen from Picture This Plus.

08/17/2026

We got a bunch of needlepoint canvases back in stock this week! And several NEW canvases! 🥳 It's the best stitch mail Monday ever!

Back in Stock on GhostBoyNeedleworks.com!

Zip It
Dandelion in Concrete
Fu - "Good Fortune"
Lu - "Prosperity"
Shou - "Longevity"

And showing up for the first time on GhostBoyNeedleworks.com!

Electric Dance
USA 250th
Stitch Lich
Werewolf Gator

08/12/2026

Happy WIP Wednesday!

I've been working on my model of Electric Dance and I am having such a blast stitching her!

I love the texture of her dress! I used two colors of Essentials and did the skirt in a diagonal mosaic and her torso in an encroaching gobelin and I love how it transitions from one section to the other.

Still to decide are stitches for her hair and the background. I've got Bella Lusso for the hair and I'm debating whether to do a ton of French knots or if I want to experiment with another stitch. It's been such a joy to bring her to life, pun very much intended! 🤣

Canvas is called Electric Dance and will go live on GhostBoyNeedleworks.com this Friday, August 14th along with Werewolf Gator and Stitch Lich!