Arts & Crafts Needlepoint: 25 Needlepoint Projects [Hardcover]

Beth Russell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2006

Arts & Crafts Needlepoint is an exquisite collection of Beth Russell's designs based on patterns created by the well-loved Arts & Crafts movement of the late 19th century. Here are 25 period-style designs that are easy to follow. They range from the simple to the more challenging and alternative colorways are often given. Each of the designs is accompanied by clear stitch-by-stitch charts, suggestions for the best needle size and canvas mesh, details of precise yarn requirements, stitch types, and order of work. The practical reference section provides complete information on framing up and basic techniques. Arts & Crafts Needlepoint is both practical and inspirational with many photographs taken in William Morris' former home and National Trust property, Red House in Bexleyheath. Those new to needlepoint will find the instructions simple and clear, while those who are more experienced can use Beth's beautiful patterns to create some of their own unique interpretations.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Beth Russell founded Designers' Forum in London where she heads a small, enthusiastic group of designers and embroiderers who interpret her designs. She became interested in the Arts & Crafts Movement after being inspired by Frank Brangwyn's huge mural panels in her native Swansea in Wales. Beth has worked for the Royal School of Needlework, the Good Housekeeping Institute and as a photographic stylist. She lives in London.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Anova Books (October 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1905400438
• ISBN-13: 978-1905400430
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #353,775 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A new edition of a classic, January 29, 2007

By 

Laura A. Berkholtz "Avid Reader" (Madison) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Arts & Crafts Needlepoint: 25 Needlepoint Projects (Hardcover)

This book is a new edition of "Victorian Needlepoint". It has new pictures, and more importantly, new computer-generated charts. If you have seen the old one, the charts were hand drawn and indecipherable in places. This edition provides clear charts so you don't have to guess which color is used, or where the stitches fall. And the designs are beautiful and timeless. I have the old edition and just got this one...a must have for needlepoint fans!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Far more than a needlepoint "armchair travel" book, November 29, 2008

By 

Esther Schindler (Scottsdale, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Arts & Crafts Needlepoint: 25 Needlepoint Projects (Hardcover)

I'm a big fan of Arts & Crafts architecture. I've made pilgrimages to the Gamble House in Pasadena and the William Morris museum in London. I've collected books on arts and crafts textiles, bungalow homes and more. So, given that I also like needlework (though my main theme is quilting), how could I resist a needlepoint book in the same genre? Well, for several years I _could_, because I am a rank beginner.

On the other hand, I found a copy of Beth Russell's Arts & Crafts Needlepoint book on sale, and figured that I could use it as "inspiration" even if I wasn't up to actually doing one of her pieces (needlework without preprinted designs can scare me). I already knew that her work is beautifully designed; during that trip to London, I purchased a 6" version of her Morris "strawberry thief" needlepoint kit. (And it didn't turn out half bad! All mistakes are my own ineptitude, not hers, I assure you.)

To my great surprise, this book is a better introduction than I expected. I haven't actually done any of the projects, so perhaps I'm speaking with misplaced self-confidence, but her how-to photos make it clear how to do a tent stitch and the instructions on "mounting for framing" have me halfway through getting that older project onto the wall. I'm not promising that I'll zoom through any of these projects, but Russell makes me *want* to.

Her idea of Arts & Crafts designs is primarily William Morris, along with William deMorgan and their contemporaries. These don't incorporate many American adopters of the movement (such as Greene & Greene, though there's one Tiffany window-inspired design), but that's okay, because her stuff is beautiful. If I *don't* use this as anything except an "ooooh, pretty!" coffee table book, that's fine.

Among the designs are three variations on the strawberry thief, two Lodden versions, Acanthus, Bird & Lily, a trellis design from Morris' garden at Red House... well, lots of choices. If you're a William Morris fan you'll recognize them.

The projects themselves range in size from fairly small -- several are 12-14" square -- to pretty darned large (a rug that's 75"x48"). They are well photographed, both in their final form (such as chair upholstery) and in the actual pattern (though I'm obviously less trustworthy on the details). The material list includes everything you need for the project (size 20 tapestry needle, 14-count single canvas, Appleton crewel wool: light blue green (641) 1 skein...) and the "order of stitching" points out a few things to watch for ("you will find there is room for seven rows...").

It's a lovely book. Obviously it's more than suitable for any needlepoint fan, but anyone who is interested in the Arts & Crafts movement will enjoy this book, too.

5.0 out of 5 stars Needlepoint; William Morris (and more), October 2, 2011

By 

Robin - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Arts & Crafts Needlepoint: 25 Needlepoint Projects (Hardcover)

If you are a William Morris fan and enjoy needlepoint, this is the book for you. Details on stitches used and needlepoint basics. Make cushions, rugs, tiles. Spoilt for choice, but my favourite - Strawberry Thief (3 versions).