Customer Reviews

Beth Russell's Traditional Needlepoint

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4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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This is not a new book. Don't be fooled. It was published in 1992, and has been released with a new cover photo. Good as it is, don't buy it twice!

I'll start by saying that I LOVE Beth Russell's interpretations of Arts and Crafts designs in this book as well as her other two. She's chosen wonderful motifs and arranged them into lovely, unique needlepoint projects. I speak from experience, as I'm now working on my third project from her books, the orange border design shown on the cover of her latest volume, worked on large canvas to make a rug. I highly recommend all three books for lovers of needlepoint, other charted needlework, arts and crafts design, or William Morris.

This book is beautifully laid out and lovely to page through and read, but its loveliness is one of its downfalls: The charts are printed in full color, without utilizing symbols to indicate yarn colors. Although this choice makes the charts pleasant to look at, the subtle differences between yarn colors are sometimes very hard to see in the charts, making working from them difficult. I spent too much time squinting at the latest chart, making little pencil dots on it to differentiate between LIGHT grey green and MEDIUM-LIGHT grey green!

I'll be proud of the resulting product, and will forgive Russell's editorial choice. Do consider buying this book, but be prepared for some challenges in using it.

I really like Beth's design's, since they are much more interesting than what you find at craft stores. If you know how much her kits cost you'll teach yourself to read charts. The main problem I have is the charts. She uses alot of similar shades and unlike some authors she doesn't use markings to differentiate them andit can cause a problem. Also it helps to get an Appleton shade card.

This is a super book with patterns that cover a broad spectrum - some for beginners and some rather complex patterns. Lots of pillow patterns, but in addition to several rug patterns she tells you how to adapt the pillow patterns into rugs/tapestries. Most of the patterns are adapted from the work of William Morris, or other Arts & Crafts artisans.

The patterns in this book are wonderful. They are not like the typical mass-produced commercial crap that's at every Mervyns in every town across America. The patterns range in size from pillows to small rugs. The colors are great. I recommend using the Appleton yarns.

This book has several patterns that I plan on attempting in the next few projects. However, when I was considering the purchase of the book, I was unable to find a complete listing of the designs included in the book (always helpful when purchasing something like this). You can find part of the list, along with correspondeing pictures of the designs at the Beth Russell Needlepoint website under "Needlepoint Books." However, in an attempt to help other Amazon-ers, here is a list of the designs:

*Compton

*Hare

*Fox

*Woodpecker

*Honeysuckle (bell pull)

*Flowerpot

*Jackfield Rose

*African Marigold

*Jasmine (with an alphabet to customize)

*Pomegranate (rug)

*Morris

*Kazak (rug as well as bag w/ strap)

*Anemones

*Owls

*Rabbits

*Frog &Stork

*Annie Jack

*Bird & Leaf

The designs really are beautiful and traditional, and I think it is going to make a wonderful addition to my needlepoint books.

Very pleased with this excellent book. Wonderful illustrations and patterns. Inspiring and eye opening as I had not fully appreciated the complexity and beauty of William Morris needlepoint designs.

It is a very nice book if one is looking to do needlepoint with designs of flowers. It is very well explained and has very nice pictures.