Needlepoint Part One

A new craft I am really enjoying is one I never thought I could enjoy.  

Needlepoint!

I always thought it was to boring, to old, and that it just looked overly simple.  Surface embroidery somehow seemed more artistic and sophisticated.  Oh little did I know.  This week I'd like to post a "HOW TO" needlepoint a basket, but it is a lot of information.  I've decided to break things up and post  as we work through the week.

First off a little background and key word definitions because if you are like me then you maybe thought all needle work was the same.  But in truth they are all very different and require a vast knowledge and tons of practice with different stitches.  I am new to the craft and will share with you what I have learned and give links to the sites that have been so helpful to me.

Let's start with a few definitions:

• Surface Embroidery (according to wikipedia) - is any form of embroidery in which the pattern is worked using decorative stitches and laid threads on top of the foundation fabric or canvas rather than through the fabric.

Doesn't that sound fun? No? Well pictures always help.  When I think of surface embroidery I think of all those cute appliques on baby clothes, tapestries, and stumpwork.  Elizabeth Braun of  Sew in Love gives a beautiful pictorial on her blog of a bee. 

Sew in Love - Stumpwork Bee

This is a Felt applique owl - embroidered onto canvas,
that I designed and created for a show I had earlier this year.

Let's just say I am a huge fan of surface embroidery.  Next up:

• Needlepoint - my dictionary defines it as embroidery worked over canvas, typically in a diagonal stitch covering the entire surface of the fabric.

When I think of needlepoint I think of a purse of my Grandmother's, or that ancient pillow on my mother's sofa.  I always wondered why she kept it around, but now that I've done some needlepoint I get it.  It takes a really long time to work a tiny space and the materials are pricey.  We will talk kits another day.  Here is a small example of my first needlepoint attempt.  It is a 2" square of plastic canvas that I worked the basket weave stitch.  It gets it's name from what happens on the back of the canvas while the stitch is worked (right).  I think it is a pretty as the front (left ).  My square is fuzzy because I carry it in my purse.  I do this to remind myself that I have a project to attend to.  Life can get in the way of crafting sometimes and this little trick helps me stay on track.

see the diagonal stitches!

Just like a basket

Okay now that we have established that needlepoint is different, let's get into why it is fantastic!  Needlepoint is a great craft for those who have a long attention span for a project.  It takes a long time to work the canvas and also requires some diligence.  When worked properly with good materials it will last forever!!!!  This is why people take the time to do it.  Rugs are often needlepointed and fetch a major price tag.  It is an economical craft if you look at it from the time point of view, meaning :

cost of materials divided by  # days spent working & how long it lasts.

If you can't see it that way and only evaluate the upfront cost needlepoint may be $$$. But since we are crafty here at MBU, I've found ways around that.  Another reason I love it is because of how many things you can needle point :

• pillows
• purses
• jewelry
• rugs
• baskets
• and on and on and on............

Needlepoint can be worked with many different materials on different types of canvas.  Choosing the best of each will ensure your work will endure.  For beginners I suggest plastic canvas.  Here's why:

• Plastic canvas is cheap and you can find it in most craft supply isles
• It comes in different sizes and can accommodate different types of threads
• It is sturdy - if your stitches are too tight you won't warp the canvas (warped canvas = ruined work)

A bit about canvas sizes - 

• smaller number = bigger holes   #7 or 7 holes per inch
• bigger number = smaller holes  #14 or 14 holes per inch
• big holes - worsted weight yarn
• small holes - embroidery thread

My last photo for today is materials for starting a needlepoint project on plastic canvas.  What you see is the yarn I chose for my sister's basket, inspired by her very 50's kitchen color scheme of mint chocolate chip and my addition of what I call a "gerber daisy pink", #7 plastic canvas,  a #14 tapestry needle, and scissors.  Remember how I mentioned that MBU has found ways around the hight cost of needlepoint materials?  This project only cost about $12 for everything you see.  Not bad, not bad at all.

materials needed