Needlepoint Stitches by Howren and Robertson

I couldn’t have stitched a dozen Christmas stockings without the series of three “Stitches for Effect” by Howren and Robertson. Each book has the same format. The first section is devoted to describing threads (very useful when a thread you aren’t familiar with is called for or if you want to substitute something you have on hand). There is a very handy thread to canvas conversion chart that tells you how many ply of a thread to use on a particular mesh, although I do find they tend to stitch “thinner” than I sometimes like. The next section is what it is all about. Stitches are listed in alphabetical order and are accompanied by a very clear, numbered diagram (have you noticed that some diagrams don’t tell you where to start, stop or continue???). The book recommends threads for effects and what effect you may be able to create. Best of all, one of the 4 indices is the Effect Index. Need ideas for bricks, moldings, clothing, paths, roads, whatever? Look them up and see which will best suit your canvas. When I’m too tired to stitch or I can’t figure out what to do next, I prop my canvas up and open these books for ideas. All 3 are available on our website.

Needlepoint Knots Fur & Turkeywork

This was one of my favorite new releases when it came out and I refer to it on any project that has fur, hair or a place for knots. There are so many knot variations that I check this book with each project to see if I can learn something new.

This is a spiral-bound sturdy paperback. It covers many stitches I had only heard of or that were so poorly diagrammed that they seemed impossible to stitch. Why I love it—all the models are photographed in clear color and the instructions are detailed but understandable. It’s easy to see how these stitches can be incorporated into your projects.

I consider this to be a must-have. You can order it on our website.

Needlepoint Suspenders!

This is a first for me—a customer ordered a custom painted canvas for suspenders using the family crests. The canvas is terrific and the finishing is perfect—what a great idea for a needlepoint project. You can see more finishing ideas on our website.

Needlepoint Tips and Techniques

I have started a new blog called Needlepoint Tips and Techniques where I will posting weekly progress reports on my current project. My first project is Halloween March from Susan Roberts.

Please take a look!