stitches

June McKnight, self-published, 2012

I’m of two minds about this book. While I think the information and ideas in the book are wonderful and amazingly creative. And I love the way it gathers so much useful information in one place. There are some small improvements that could be made to make it one of the most useful needlepoint books I’ve seen.

The book combines in one, project-bag-sized book information about so many kinds of embellishments. A fantastic opening chapter is called “Beading 101.” Along with learning about June’s inspiration for and development of the book, she has a fantastic glossary of different kinds of beads and embellishments that is the best I’ve ever seen. In this chapter she also has useful tips on how to test beads for colorfastness, shading with beads, and tons more.

There are chapters on beads, bugle beads, crystals, pearls, rhinestones, sequins, and a final chapter of embellishments inspired by the gowns worn by First Ladies at Inaugural Balls that use a variety of embellishments.

Each of these chapters has different stitches or specialty effects (check out the bugle bead candelabra), taking two pages each. On the left page is the name of the stitch, a close-up picture, and a list of what threads and embellishments are used in the sample. On the right page is the name, a large diagram, done in several colors, and some stitching notes.

I love the way that so many of the stitches and effects take common stitches such as Pavilion, Scotch, or Cashmere and add beads in inventive ways. Or add other embellishments you may not have thought of. For example, you may know that seed beads can be put between the units of criss-cross hungarian, but what if you lengthened the units, put more space between them and used sequins. Attached with beads, it makes for a bold, modern look. That’s just one of the many great ideas in this book.

But there are some problems. The book would be improved as well by a table of contents. This would make it easy to find different kind of effects. I’m planning on making mine easier to use by adding tabs, but with a table of contents I wouldn’t need to. The index in the back of the book breaks stuff down this way, but the back is not the first place people look for this, the front is.

The fancy display font used in the stitching notes makes them hard to read. I’m glad that Beading 101 and the introductions to each chapter weren’t in this font; they would be impossible to read. Even so, I found looking at the notes to be tiring. June’s readers would be much better served if she had used her text font for the notes.

The most difficult problems revolve around the pictures of the examples. When there is good distinction in color between the thread and the embellishment, it’s easy to see how they interact. But, often enough, the stitched examples use colors that are the same or too close, making it difficult to see the effect. If this was stitching on a canvas, that would be great, but these are supposed to teach me something, to give me an idea of how this would work. But if I can’t see how the thread and embellishment interact, why bother?

But most importantly, the pictures are badly inconsistent. I know, from frustrating experience, that taking extreme close-up shots of needlepoint that clearly show the stitches is difficult, but there are at least three different types of pictures here. Some, the smallest number, have clear stitching and canvas mesh. These are wonderful. The majority have clear stitching but out-of-focus bare canvas. It’s a legitimate choice for this kind of photo, even if it is not the more usual choice. But far too many of the pictures have both the canvas and the stitching out-of-focus. That’s bad. Sometimes it is so bad, I can’t even tell what the stitch is supposed to look like. This is a big flaw in the book, especially if I’m paging through looking for a stitch to use.

Bling is a good and useful book, one much needed in the needlepoint world, I just wish it was better.

Please note: A copy of this book was furnished to me for purposes of review. I was not compensated in any other way.

Read the rest here:
Bling –book review

Explore Stitches, Threads & Techniques in my Newest Class

by NutsAboutNeedlepoint

in Classes,Nuts About Needlepoint

mondrian, piet amaryllis needlepoint beginner class from needlepoint expert janet m. perry

I just fell in love with this striking amaryllis by Piet Mondrian. Its simplicity and bold color make it a perfect palette for trying needlepoint techniques.

Even of you are a new stitcher, you’ll love the way this class gives you “just a taste” of so many thing, including:

four different threads
open canvas techniques such as shadow stitching and laidwork
simple ways to make areas stand out
textured stitches

You’ll love the way this piece becomes so much more than a sampler. Yes, you’ll learn techniques, and yes, you’ll want to put them to use in your very next project. But it’s so much more, this amaryllis is a lovely work of art.

Like all my classes with Art Needlepoint, the class is completely free with the purchase of the kit. Class begins February 15, 2012, so don’t delay in getting started. Just contact Art Needlepoint to order.

Order the kit here: http://www.artneedlepoint.com/kits/amaryllis-kit-by-piet-mondrian

Since this class is held entirely via email, you can stitch at your own pace!

I hope you’ll join me.

Exploring the Painted Stitch Canvas

by NutsAboutNeedlepoint

in Nuts About Needlepoint

painted stitches tree needlepoint, stitched by needlepoint expert janet m perry, vintage canvas by kris

I was so excited when I found the vintage canvas on eBay awhile ago. I like it because the stitches are already painted on, much as the wonderful designs of Barbara Bergsten are.

This type of needlepoint has the pattern of the stitch already there on the canvas, you pick your threads and follow along.

In the bottom left corner, you can see a patch I’ve already stitched, in Jacquard. The green line was painted on the canvas, I stitched that first and then filled in the cream.

The patch above will be Framed Scotch, I’m stitching the Scotch Stitches now and the white lines that frame the squares will be in Continental.

For some of the patches here, the stitch to use is quite clear, for others I’ll need to make some choices.

But if you are a beginner, or just want to expand your repertoire of stitches, look at Barbara’s great designs. She’s endlessly inventive and her painted stitches are just perfect and a joy to stitch.

With Painted Stitch canvases and a good stitch dictionary, you’ll learn tons of new stitches quickly.

P.S. In future posts, you’ll see this piece again because I’m using it to test three new threads.

Excerpt from:
Exploring the Painted Stitch Canvas

Pocket Stitch Books from Needlepoint, Inc and Threadworx – Product Review

by NutsAboutNeedlepoint

in Nuts About Needlepoint

Recently I got two little stitch books that cover basic stitches and that are just the right size to pop into your project bag or purse. Needlepoint Inc’s book is called Simply Stitches and Thread Candy Studio’s book is called Simple Stitches. Both books are small and cover a variety of stitches, suitable for beginning stitchers.

Thread Candy Studio’s Simple Stitches has volume 1 on the cover. It begins with a section on thread use information that is organized by mesh size for 18 and 14 mesh canvas, 28 or 32 count linen over 2, and 7 + 10 count canvas. There is also a little box that has some general guidelines for choosing threads. While most of this information is correct, some of it, especially the suggestions for linen are only appropriate for cross stitch but this is never noted. The next page has an explanation of different types and sizes of needles. This is followed by a few pages of stitching tips, including specific tips for left-handers.

The stitches in this book are in alphabetical order by name with large numbered diagrams. Many stitches have two versions, one for right- and one for left-handers. By careful if you are learning a stitch to use the correct diagram. Each stitch has the stitch family listed, stitch tips, and, for many stitches suggestions for effects or threads.

All the stitches are listed in the index.

Needlepoint Inc’s Simply Stitches is designed to be a quick reference book of frequently used needlepoint stitches. It has no text, just one stitch per page with large clear diagrams. They are also in alphabetical order but a Table of Stitches at the front of the book allows you go directly to the stitch you want.

The stitches cover many beginning stitches as well as some unusual and more advanced stitches.

I prefer Needlepoint Inc’s approach to this kind of book, it has the information I need but in a compact format that will continue to be useful whether I am just learning to stitch or need an easy reference to carry with me.

But both are great little tools for any stitcher.

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Pocket Stitch Books from Needlepoint, Inc and Threadworx – Product Review

Free Stitch Guides from Associated Talents

by NutsAboutNeedlepoint

in Nuts About Needlepoint

Associated Talents now has free PDF guides for a number of their canvases now available on their site.

The guides have color pictures of the stitched canvas, a supply list, color charts of the stitches, and explanations of any specialized techniques used. These include their inventive techniques for both beads and sequins.

Currently more than 20 guides are available and can be seen on their site. Click on any picture and the guide opens in a new window.

This is such a great idea!

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Free Stitch Guides from Associated Talents

2012 SOTM Colors – Reveal your Teal

by NutsAboutNeedlepoint

in Nuts About Needlepoint

teal needlepoint threads

Teal is, in clothing, a universally flattering color. In my family where we got from golden to ashy to ruddy to olive, it’s the only color we can all wear successfully.

It is also just about my favorite color and currently I am on a serious teal buying spree, getting a leather tote, tops, dresses, and just about anything else I can get me hands on.

But all this is besides the point. I’m going to make the ANG 2012 Stitch of the Month (anyone can follow and it’s free, check it out). The piece will be done in shades of one color in a variety of threads.

I want to use different color and I want to use all stash threads. I also didn’t want to use a color that is strongly associated with a cause, since I don’t know what the result will be (it’s a mystery project).

So I picked teal because I love it.

These are just the first threads I’ve pulled for the project. They include some metallic, Grandeur and Pebbly Perle, Waterlilies, a vareigated knitting yarn, Vineyard Merino, Silk & Ivory, Dragonfly Lotus Threads, and Planet Earth wool. I haven’t gone through all the drawers yet, so I know I will be adding more threads.

It’s way overkill but this gives me plenty for picking and choosing. I’m thinking I’m going to buy some teal paint and sponge paint white canvas for the background. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

BTW, teal also happens to be the color of our local hockey team, the Sharks, who used Reveal your Teal as a slogan one season.

Continue reading here:
2012 SOTM Colors – Reveal your Teal

Do You Know Someone Who Wants to Learn Needlepoint?

by NutsAboutNeedlepoint

in Classes,Nuts About Needlepoint

Often people think needlepoint is hard to do, not very creative, and very boring. We know the truth — it’s easy, endlessly creative, and a great stress reliever.
beginning needlepoint stitch sampler designed by needlepoint expert janet m. perry
Do you know someone who wants to learn needlepoint? Maybe it’s someone in your family. Maybe it’s a co-worker who looks at your work and wishes she could do it herself.

I can help. I have a free beginning needlepoint course that is sent through email. Called “Right from the Beginning,” it teaches you about the different types of needlepoint, ten stitches, the tools, and everything you need to get started.

Over 1500 people have taken the course so far. Just sign up on the linked page to get started.

And if you are a beginner, several of the classes I have comping up are ones that will expand your knowledge of stitches and threads. Just contact me (using the link in the masthead) for more information.

See original here:
Do You Know Someone Who Wants to Learn Needlepoint?

Come Stitch with Me – Winter Stars Part 1

by NutsAboutNeedlepoint

in Nuts About Needlepoint

Originally posted 2009-01-20 06:07:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Winter Stars Needlepoint Pattern Free for stash needlepoint

A sparkly sky in icy blues. white, and pale grays is the inspiration for this Scrap Bag Needlepoint piece based on a quilt design.

You can make the quilt in any monochromatic color you like. To do so, first pick out your background color. In my case this was white, pale gray, and pale blue. Pull out all your threads in this color. Then pull out all your threads in the main color of the quilt. In my case this was blue to blue-violet. There will be a few blue-green patches, but not many.

For each block of the quilt you will use two shades of blue and one accent color. As you can see by the sample, you can have the darker shade either as the center or as the points. The only trick is to keep the look varied by not having the same thread in two blocks next to each other.

I try to keep the same thread from appearing in the same row, horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, but then I have lots of thread for these.

The layout will have 5 rows of five blocks. It is stitched on a 14″ square piece of 18 mesh mono canvas. I chose a dark blue for the canvas, as I wanted to have an underlying blue theme. You can pick any color.

The block is made up of a Scotch variation called Islay. Some are a single color, while some are split between two colors.

Scotch Stitches over more than five threads have a tendency to catch and snag. One way to fix this is to split up the stitches. You lose the smooth box look, but for something which is based on a quilt, you get little divisions, which look like the ties in an old-fashioned quilt.

As the design builds, this creates a nice rhythm.

The block has nine Islay and Reverse Islay Stitches in it. The corner blocks can be either of the two stitches. The diagram shows one possibility, the picture at the top of the post shows another.

Begin by finding the center of the canvas. This should be the center of one block.

Always complete a block before moving onto the next block.

As I add blocks I find them easiest to stitch by making a corner block which is next to an already stitched block. Then I stitch the triangle points, then the center blocks, then I finish up the background.

When you are fitting in triangles or making the second triangle on a side, begin with the outside stitches and work towards the corner, this makes the triangles easier to stitch.

Come back next month for the first borders and to see the center section completed.

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Come Stitch with Me – Winter Stars Part 1

Spiffing Up One-Thread Lines

by NutsAboutNeedlepoint

in Nuts About Needlepoint

ideas for creating one stitch lines from needlepoint expert janet m. perry

one stitch line samples

I’ve noticed recently that an awful lot of canvases have one-thread wide lines in them. Not that this is a recent development, but just that I finally noticed it.

Yes, you can do Tent Stitch and, very often, that’s the right thing to do. But sometimes you want to “kick it up a notch,” as the saying goes.

I’ve developed several stitches that I often use to make those single-thread lines stand out. The picture above shows some and in this post, I describe them and a couple of others.

Oblique Continental & Reverse Oblique Continental

oblique continental

These stitches take the basic Tent Stitch and elongate it, so instead of “over 1 and up 1″ it becomes “over 2 and up 1.” I like it because it becomes an almost ropey look. I also like that it seems to stand up a bit more than Tent. This stitch, in either slant, it the one I use most often when I want a different type of line.

Dashes & Dots

dashes & dots

Another way to change a one-stitch line is to add Cross Stitches over a single thread. This could be as simple as alternating between the two stitches. Or you could make a more decorative pattern as I did here, with longer lines of Tent (dashes) separated by one Cross (dots)

Four-way Continental

single line four-way continental

Four-way Continental when done in a single line creates a slight wavy look. I think it’a great for a line that is going to stick out from the surrounding design, like a snowman’s pipe stem or a perch on a birdhouse.

Single-line Wavy Gobelin

wavy gobelin stitch

You might think of this as a form of elongated Four-way Continental. Oblique stitches alternate in slants. I think the finished look is far more wavy than Four-way Continental and that it is quite an unusual look.

Whipped Backstitch

whipped backstitch

I love this stitch because it creates a thin, seamless line. It also is a great solution if you need to outline something, or make a single curved line. This stitch will stand up from the canvas slightly. Also be aware that this stitch is thinner than the other stitches here, so be sure to stitch underneath the line where you will put this stitch.

Whipped Chain Stitch

whipped chain stitch

If you want a bolder but still seamless line, you can’t do better than Whipped Chain Stitch. Like Whipped Backstitch, it is seamless and works around curves. But it is thicker (it will cover a line well) and it stands out even more. Whipped Chain Stitch is a great solution for lines that you really want to have stand out.

Read this article:
Spiffing Up One-Thread Lines

LAS Mini-Sock – Potpourri III

by NutsAboutNeedlepoint

in Nuts About Needlepoint

learn a stitch needlepoint mini-sock, designed and stitched by needlepoint expert janet m. perry

I made this mini-sock because I just love the shade of Watercolours used here, Blue Spruce. I like that combination of icy teal and pink, although this skein didn’t have much pink in it.

outline for crazy quilt needlepoint mini-sock sampler, developed by needlepoint expert janet m. perry

Click image to go to full-size template

You’ll notice that the patches on this mini-sock are different than the ones we have been using. There are six here, so use this outline (click for the full-size template). If you want to use the other outline, just leave out one of the patches.

Patch 1 – Double Straight Cross
double straight cross stitch for needlepoint, diagrammed by needlepoint expert janet m. perry
This popular Cross Stitch gets lots of texture from using two very different threads: rayon and Very Velvet. Although both crosses are exactly the same, the different weights of the threads makes it look almost as if the rayon crosses are a grid over the bulkier velvet. It’s a neat effect.

Patch 2 – Flemish Bond
flemish bond stitch for needlepoint, diagrammed by needlepoint expert janet m. perry
This straight stitch consists of different patterns in alternating rows. Every other row consists of groups of three Horizontal Gobelins over three threads. The other row consists of pairs of alternating horizontal
and Vertical Gobelins of different lengths. The horizontal stitches are over two threads while the vertical stitches are over three threads. It creates a complex pattern.

Although you can make this stitch by making all the horizontal stitches in one pass, followed by all the vertical stitches, I make it one row at a time.

Patch 3 – Linenfold
linenfold needlepoint stitch, diagrammed by needlepoint expert janet m. perry
This stitch gets its name from a type of carved paneling popular in Tudor England. It’s alternating columns of Diagonal and Horizontal Gobelin. Although I have seen versions of this stitch with columns of many different widths, usually one column, using Horizontal Gobelin is significantly wider than the other column.

I always think of the wide columns as the linen and the narrow columns as the folds. Here it is stitched using Needlepoint, Inc. silk.

Patch 4 – Pavement Stitch
pavement stitch combination of mosaic, cashmere and scotch stitches for needlepoint, diagrammed by needlepoint expert janet m. perry
This stitch is a combination of Mosaic, Cashmere, and Scorch stitches. I stitched it in three threads but it is equally lovely in one or two. Its name comes from the way it looks like fancy stamped pavement. The stitches are reversed in the mini-sock and are done in Kreinik metallic, rayon, and Very Velvet.

Patch 5 Arrowhead Scotch
arrowhead scotch stitch for needlepoint, diagrammed by needlepoint expert janet m. perry
In this Scotch Stitch variation a line of Tent Stitches along two edges is done in a different thread, so that the main part of the Scotch looks like an arrow. I think the effect is more pronounced in some threads than others. Here, it’s just a nice pattern, stitched in Watercolours and Kreinik.

Patch 6 – Loire
loire parisian stitch variation, diagrammed by needlepoint expert janet m perry
This stitch is a variation of Double Parisian Stitch. Instead of alternating blocks of two long stitches and two short stitches. It alternates blocks sizes as well. This creates alternating rows of two long and one short, or one long and two short. The Frosty Rays used here kind of mutes the stitch pattern.

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LAS Mini-Sock – Potpourri III

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