kilim-designs

Originally posted 2004-01-14 14:57:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Pamela H. Gardner

In the more than thirty years I have been doing needlepoint, I have seen few projects which pack as much learning into them as this quilt sampler. And I have seen even fewer books which present materials and options as clearly and completely as this one.

“Molehill” is a study in both stitch variation and color. Each of the six blocks covers variations of one or two stitches, with 7 or eight variations used to represent the different fabrics in the block. Each block also uses a different color scheme. By working each of the blocks, the stitcher will not only learn many stitches, but will also cover a complete color course.

Three different color options are presented in the book. One is based on a solid color of floss and uses all floss for the design. Helpful charts present shade number for each color and the instructions outline how to find complements, triads and analogous color schemes from this chart. The second and third options use overdyed threads, one using a skein which has many colors and one with a skein which has only shades of one color.

Since color planning can be very difficult, the book has charts for you to use in planning your color scheme, color pictures of many completed projects, and suggestions for color schemes. By working through these instructions step by step, the stitcher can create a
needlepoint showing great color sophistication and use what is learned in other projects.

Each chapter covering a patch begins with a picture of three stitches samples showing some of the many color options. The next section talks about the basic stitch family which will be varied in the block. A section n the kind of color scheme used for the block follows. Stitching instructions follow with tips on how to work this stitch, a chart of the entire block and specific instructions and diagrams of each of the stitches. Specific instructions for the two overdyed color options are clearly marked in the instructions by different typestyles.

The book also includes three different border options of varying complexity. Since planning borders can be difficult, this level of detail and attention will be welcome to most stitchers. Since many borders are also difficult to stitch, the fact that these border vary in their level of difficulty will also be most welcome.

The opening chapter of the book not only present the basic information about color and creating a color scheme for the project, it also covers in great detail how to prepare the canvas for stitching. Using this thorough level of preparation on every project will make stitching easier and more successful.

Ever since I got the book I have been thinking about what colors to use for my project. It’s is beautiful, complex and challenging without being beyond the level of an intermediate stitcher. I look at my baskets of thread and try to decide which will be best —
Tahiti, Blue Spruce, all floss? I think the biggest problem is trying to decide.

For a limited time From Molehill to Mountain is available at a special introductory price of $40 plus shipping and handling. You can get details about how to order form the website:
http://home.att.net/~sheepiedesigns. This site also has outstanding previews of the book and shows stitched samples of many different color schemes for the project.

Originally posted here:
From Molehill to Mountain – Book Review

Folk Art Needlepoint

Originally posted 2008-09-24 23:11:45. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

FOLK ART NEEDLEPOINT: 20 Projects Adapted from Objects in the American Folk Art Museum, Ruth Peltason, Potter Craft, 2008, ISBN 978-0-307-35180-7, $35.00

Folk art, with its simple lines and bold colors is an outstanding source of ideas for needlepoint. This beautifully produced book takes as its sources all kinds of items from the museum, from hooked rugs to weathervanes and delivers them up as lovely needlepoint.
The projects are mostly stitched in Basketweave, with commonly available threads such as floss, pearl cotton, and Persian wool. This is fantastic because it makes the projects accessible to stitchers everywhere. The reference section at the back of the book has instructions on making all the stitches and a color conversion chart.

The projects, designed by Karyn Gerhard, are divided into five sections: Daily Life, Beasts & Bugs, Flowers, Hearts, and Geometrics. Each section begins with a listing of the projects. The projects each have a picture of the original piece and have the needlepoint photographed in a room setting that showcases more folk art (for even more inspiration). The introduction to each project talks about the project and the other folk art in the setting. Each project also has a material list, information about stiching and finishing it, and some lovely and inventive ideas for variations. That seems like a simple thing, but many books lack it and you can tell from the variations that Ruth and Karyn are needlepointers themselves.

The charts are large and in full color with synbols as well, making them easy to read. The color key not only lists the symbols in the chart with the thread and color number, but it also lists how many skeins are needed. If you want to stitch one of the projects in the book, you can take this and buy everything you need all at once. Another useful, but often neglected item.

Also in this section is extensive information about the objects used as inspiration, additional information about needlepoint, finishing instructions, and a list of sources.

A inspiring book, beautifully produced. I’d love to see more like it.

Read the original:
Folk Art Needlepoint

Freebie Alert – New Needlepoint Designs

Over the weekend Denise at Craft Gossip published a post of free needlepoint designs. You know I’m crazy about her round-ups of free projects, which she publishes often.

Usually needlepoint charts are listed among the other charts, so this is a rare opportunity to indulge in the wonderful talent and generosity out there.

There are also lots of whole stitch cross stitch charts (which can be stitched as is in needlepoint). I’m particularly fond of the mosaic motif in the previous post. But there are tons of great ideas in that post (A is for Apple, that great rooster) and in the Valentine’s motifs, she’s been posting all week.

If you’re in need of a little pick-me-up, especially in light of the recent snow storm, take a look and give yourself a present. In fact, I’m going off to print a bunch of my favorites right now.

Go here to read the rest:
Freebie Alert – New Needlepoint Designs

Beginning Kits for Miniature Embroidery – Janet Granger

One of your needlepoint resolutions is to learn 1/12 scale needlepoint. Or maybe you are a dollhouse or miniature lover and you’ve seen exquisite needlepoint and you think “I can do that!”

Janet Granger of the UK is the designer to go to for kits for miniature embroidery for both beginners and experts. The site is a wealth of ideas and projects that just make me drool. Throughout her site, she notes projects that are suitable for beginners. Better yet. many of her projects are a;so available as charts.

Begin with the rugs. These are stitched on 18 mesh canvas and so are no smaller than the canvas you use most of the time. She has carpet kits, in small, medium, and large. They come in a variety of colors and traditional styles. In addition to the area rugs, or carpets, there are also stair runners.

The next smallest size of canvas is 22 count (slightly larger than Congress Cloth. On this size canvas, she has wallhanging kits (these could also be wonderfully complex ornaments). Many of these are medieval in style, so it’s a look you don’t find often in needlepoint. There is also a huge collection of cushion kits on 22 mesh. These could also be used as fobs or small ornaments.

Once we get to smaller counts the needlepoint is done on silk gauze. Most of the other types of designs are done on this. Janet has many ranging from the whimsical (tea cosies) to the more common (dining room chair seats).

I love looking at Janet’s site and thinking how much fun it would be to make these.

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Embroidery Floss Basics Over at Needlework Tips & Techniques, there is a…
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Continued here:
Beginning Kits for Miniature Embroidery – Janet Granger

Why I Love Needlepoint Auctions

needlepoint auction items, kathy schenkel, jody designs, ladybug, lighthouse, angel, petei

Yesterday I went to the a benefit auction at one of my local ANG chapters. Many guild chapters use auctions as a significant way to raise funds. For you, as a stitcher, auctions present amazing opportunities to find canvases books, and supplies at a bargain price.

Auctions can be very bad places for your budget, so it’s best to do some preparation before you go. First, look at your stash and know where you have holes and what things you collect.

My friend who came with me collects snowmen, she bought 2. I have been wanting to do a Mindy mini-sock and found one. I have always wanted to try using Sisha mirrors in my needlepoint; the Aspen project pictured below does just that.

auction items, painted pony angel, sisha mirror, bargello needlepoint

The second thing is to know your budget. Live auctions are especially bad for this. I knew what I wanted to spend and got a bagful for only $1 over my budget, including my $15 “splurge” on that Painted Pony SF angel.

Remember what’s in your stash and don’t rebuy or buy back what you donated. I’ve done this. It’s often a problem at local auctions. They shop at the same shops you do, there will be canvases and projects there you already own.

auction items, bargello needlepoint, needlepoint book

If you want to learn a technique, try something by a designer, or try a new thread, the auction is a great place to do this. If the lighthouse cube is $40 you will want to have it professionally finished, no matter what. If it’s $6, you might try to finish it yourself.

As you can see by the pictures (by no means everything I got), I found canvases, projects large and small, vintage books, an intriguing 8-way Bargello mostly done, and a large canvas project bag. Not bad for a morning’s shopping!