Needlepoint 101 and 202

You can’t beat this beginner’s book for the price. This book diagrams 21 stitches, including basketweave, suggests uses for each stitch and refers you to a color model that uses that stitch. The second half of the book features 12 canvases shown in color, both stitched and unstitched. The best part of this book, though, is the collection of helpful hints scattered throughout the book. The beginner will find all sorts of hints that will prevent mistakes most of us learned about the hard way. Spiral bound in paperback, this book’s small size (6” x 8”) makes it the perfect companion for your project bag.

After Needlepoint 101 came Needlepoint 202. I based a class on this book and found it to be chock-full of great stitches and models. My students got the book with the class and many bought extra copies to give to friends.

The book features 12 techniques—beading, couching, knots, padding, ruching (my favorite), Santa’s hair and beard stitches, thread blending, thread painting, tufted stitches, twisted cord and wrapped cord. (As they say in those television commercials)… But wait, that’s not all. The authors have diagrammed 42 stitches that are shown on the 12 color models, all of them current canvases. Each of the models is photographed in color before and after stitching. AND each model comes with the stitch guide. If you love the canvas, you can order it and use the book for the stitch guide. The photographs of the stitched models are very clear and definitely give you ideas for your projects.

This book is also a spiral-bound and small, so it is very portable. My only complaint is that the layout of the book is not easy to figure out—the authors placed the model/stitch guide and stitch sections in the middle of the 12 techniques. A small complaint for another reasonably priced book with lots of great ideas. Both books are available on our website.

Fancy Flowers Needlepoint DVD by Amy Bunger

I spent another enjoyable hour being entertained and wowed by Amy Bunger with her “Fancy Flowers” instructional DVD. Using a wacky vase canvas from Melissa Shirley, she demonstrates all sorts of techniques that can be used for flowers on any canvas.

My favorites included Packed Fly Stitches, Detached Buttonhole over found objects, Stacked Beads and the Turkey Work chapter. I finally got “Jump through the loop” turkey work! Some of us need to be shown how to do things….

So as winter goes on past the holidays, start thinking about and stitching cheerful spring flowers. All of Amy’s DVD’s are available on our website.

Needlepoint “Bible”

I’m mostly a self-taught stitcher, although I am indebted to Brenda Hart for teaching me lots of new tricks. A good reference library is invaluable for learning to use new stitches and to learn proper techniques. Not every book, however, is worth having on hand. These are some of my favorites:

Jo Christensen’s “Needlepoint Book” is called the “Bible of Needlepoint” by many. The first 7 chapters are crammed with all the information you need to begin needlepointing, making the correct choices in threads and colors, finishing, blocking and so much more. Chapters 8-17 group decorative stitches by type (straight, diagonal, cross, tied, etc.) and provide a drawing and a black and white close-up photograph of the stitch. Each chapter is preceded by chart that lists each stitch in that chapter and its characteristics—good backing, fast to stitch, yarn hog, snag-proof, distorts canvas and on and on for 21 descriptions. This book is a must have for any serious needlepointer. It will take you from beginner to Intermediate and beyond, or just makes a great reference when a stitch guide calls for a stitch you don’t remember or haven’t tried. We have this book with regular binding or spiral bound.

If this seems overwhelming to a newbie, The National NeedleArts Association publishes a 30 page paperback for $6.50 that takes you from beginner to advanced beginner and is not at all intimidating. It’s a great gift combo with a starter canvas and available on our website.

Needlepoint sale at the Bristly Thistle

From now until 12/31/2008 all in stock canvases and threads are 20% off. And, special orders from the January 2009 trade show are 15% off too! This is a great time to order that special canvas you need.

Imported threads have gotten pretty expensive over the last few years, but at 20% off, you can afford to replenish your stash. We have one of the best thread selections on the web or anywhere.

Discounts are available on the phone too! Give us a call at 1-877-5-STITCH.

Woven scarf kits

Hanzoncreativity of New Zealand creates upscale craft kits that recently featured in Vogue magazine.

Their scarf kits come complete with all you need to create a rich and unique woven scarf. Each kit includes a wonderful selection of gorgeous yarns and ribbons to weave a scarf that measures about 7 inches by about 6 feet.

Take advantage of our special prices and make wonderful scarves to give as presents, or give the kit as a present. Each kit can be completed in just a few hours and the technique is very easily learned by young and old.