Create Needlepoint!

Design to Finished Needlepoint

When I design a needlepoint canvas I usually have at least one idea of how I imagine the canvas finished. Usually this works out the way I thought it would. Not so with the Needlepoint Bookend Wellies. They are cute, but look like elf boots! I don’t think the design was wide enough to compensate for the filling. This was a good learning experience for me!! I still think needlepoint bookends and doorstops are a good idea. I just need to paint them a little chubbier!

Needlepoint Bridge Cube

I love functional needlepoint! My sister, Sarah, came up with this idea. Her bridge group is always wondering who is vulnerable. She made this cube out of card board and I converted it to needlepoint. Just flip the cube to the proper vulnerability and place it in front of the dealer. You always know who dealt too! Here is the stitched sample! It is weighted so it won’t roll off the table. Bridge Cubes are available at Barbara Bergsten Designs.

Initially Stitches 6” x 6” Tote Square

Today was the second class for Initially Stitches 6” x 6” Tote Square. We worked on the gingham ribbon stitching scotch stitch, reverse scotch stitch and Basketweave tent stitch. All the tote squares are basically the same, but the color combinations make them look totally different. Mary is even becoming a specialty stitch convert! All the canvases look great!!

Stitching from your Stash

I’ve been thinking about this topic for awhile and wanted to have some epiphany why this stitching from your stash is such a good idea. I’ve seen stitchers bring old canvases to the shop that would be beautiful current pieces with new threads. My first tip is don’t stitch the old stash canvas in old kit threads. Buy new threads and really punch up the colors. Or use new specialty threads to highlight areas. Specialty threads probably weren’t available when you bought the canvas. Add some different stitches to add texture. There is a reason these canvases become stash instead of current or finished pieces. Look at the canvas again, could it become something it wasn’t originally intended? Belts become flip flops, a center floral pillow could be a standup doorstop, or only stitch part of the canvas for a purse or tote insert. Think decorative, functional, and wearable! Yesterday Anne and I were talking about a Stash Swap. Kind of like a cookie exchange. I’ll keep you posted!

Designing Needlepoint Canvases

On April 16^th I showed you a picture of my favorite golf cart and knew it would somehow become a needlepoint canvas. The golf cart is finished, but should I do a border, a background?? I was stuck. I decided to add a companion piece. Sand chairs on the beach. If these become pillows someone might want a pair. I’ve taken colors from the golf cart and coordinated them with the sand chairs. Watermelons are in both canvases. Imagine all this stuff was carried in the golf cart. Now there is a little story and some more inspiration. I still don’t know how they will end but I am no longer stuck! Look for them soon at Barbara Bergsten Designs.

Laurel School Needlepoint

This piece was a special order to commemorate their 50^th class reunion. The class is refurbishing the school’s stain glass window and will be selling needlepoint kits to help with the fundraising. Chessie did a beautiful job of stitching the finished piece!

Needlepoint Pillow

I love Wednesdays! That is the day Anthony our expert finisher brings in all his gorgeous creations! It still amazes me how simple needlepoint canvases become such wonderful, finished objects! For this canvas and many others click Barbara Bergsten Designs

Earth Day

Today is Earth Day and I was trying to think about something to particularly “Green” about needlepoint. Soy Luster™ threads came to mind! If you haven’t stitched with Soy Luster™ I would highly recommend giving this soy silk fiber a try. The threads are available in both solids and shadows. “Earth friendly? Yes. 100% Soy Silk® and Formaldehyde Free. We all want to do something green for this earth. Now we can in 82 delicious colors.” www.thepurepalette.com click for more information.

Parisian Needlepoint Stitch

We had our first class for Initially Stitches 6” x 6” Tote Square. Before class everyone chose their threads and stitched the center initial with the Basketweave tent stitch. The first stitch we learned was the Parisian Stitch. I taught it using two colors of thread, a light thread for the short stitch and a contrasting thread for the long stitch. I also had them stitch all the short stitches first and then go back and fill in with the long stitches. This worked great!! Everyone seem to catch on very quickly!

Stitch Diagrams ©2006 Ruth Schmuff

#14 Mesh Needlepoint Canvas

I design a majority of my canvases on #14 mesh needlepoint canvas. The reason I do this is in a large part because Vineyard Silks needlepoint threads cover #14 and #18 mesh with 1 strand. Vineyard Silks are my go to thread. I love the wide array of specialty threads for unique areas, but most of my stitching is done with Vineyard Silks. The color and feel are exceptional, but most of all they isn’t any pull or drag while stitching. Canvases finished on #14 mesh canvas also have a finer feel than #13. All in all I love #14 mesh canvas!