Heirlooms in Needlepoint: 50 Classic Original Designs

Antique and traditional textiles ranging from Tudor embroidery, kelim and other carpet and rug patterns, oriental weaves and prints to antique patchwork have inspired Sue Hawkins to create a range of richly coloured needlepoint designs - large and small - that are as covetable as they are enjoyable to make. Her work demonstrates clearly the special affinity that textile patterns have with needlepoint embroidery. The author works mainly in simple tent stitch over single-thread canvas, but she uses cross stitch and long and short stitch to great effect. In the Tudor cushion, for example, this lends the floral motifs a three-dimensional quality and is combined with a vibrant bargello border to create an object of lasting elegance. The author is well aware of the limited amount of time most people have to devote to craft activities and the book features a series of main projects, each accompanied by a number of co-ordinating smaller projects on the same theme which could be completed in a few hours and yet make attractive, personal gifts or adornments for the home. Full instructions are given for each project and attractive but practical hand-coloured charts accompany the various designs. There is a glossary of stitches used and a section on basic needlepoint techniques. There are also sections on stretching and blocking canvas, making-up cushions in different styles and mounting embroidery on wooden boxes and many other objects.