Customer Reviews

Graham Rust's Needlepoint Designs: Over 20 Original Patterns, from Pincushion to Seashell Rug

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

From the tiny frog pin cushion to the elaborate tea cosy, rug and cushions, Rust's designs offer something for everyone. Graphs are printed in a large format with quantities for yarns clearly stated, as well as options for what to do with the finished article. A bonus is the final section which provides some pointers on how to construct your masterpiece into a functional houshold item.

Please do not mind the French bulldog on the cover not being given as a pattern inside. Graham Rust explains the difference between a regular watercolor and interpretation for needlepoint by using this work as an example, which was embroidered from his watercolor, by two experts in five months, using 95 colors.

There is a lot of petit-point in the book. This necessitates the use of crewel wool, which I am unable to find in my country.

The attention given to the implementation side is truly excellent. Suggestions are given for thread thickness, which I have not found in other books. The charts are color and symbol coded which makes a huge difference in usability and are large enough for easy following.

Thread brands used are Appleton, Anchor and DMC and an alternative -- usually into DMC for each chart is given at the back. This is truly appreciated.

Information on various brands' thread thickness and skein lengths can be found at the back of the book, again, a detail not often found.

Aside from the excellent designs, this level of implementation specific information makes this book a source of projects that *can* be implemented with ease.

Graham Rust's book is comparable to Kaffe Fassett's. Sometimes patterns may be a bit too too much for the average stitcher, but use it (like Fassett's) as a jumping point -- use a border or small element. This book is gorgeous!

Luckly, I didn't buy this book for the elusive English Bulldog pattern, but for the blue cabbage which is lovely. As an unexpected bonus, I found the sunflower chair back and seat cushion cover which also makes a unique throw. I really appreciated that these patterns were artistic rather than craft-sy (I think we're all pretty tired of those '70's geometric patterns in longstitch). All in all, I'm glad I got the book used for less than $5, but I would probably pay $10-$15 now that I've seen the quality of the designs.

Although this book has some nice patterns, the featured French bulldog cushion pictured and discussed in the forward and also pictured among the cushions on the cover of the book was not included among the patterns given in the book. I specifically bought the book to obtain the bulldog pattern.

Come on Mr. Rust, don,t put the needlepoint of the adorable dog pillow on the cover unless it is a pattern to follow inside the book.

This books shows that just because an artist is successful in one genre, it doesn't mean that his designs will work as needlepoint. I think nearly all of the designs in this book are ghastly. The pug dog looks as if it has a goitre. The stone face has a nose that looks like male genitals.

The illustrations show that Rust's watercolours are very effective. They just don't transfer happily to needlepoint. If you happen to like the designs, then fine, but I suggest that no one should buy this book without having a close look at the contents.

This is one of the best needlepoint books I have seen in ages. The designs are fresh and elegant, and the colors vibrant. I particularly love the seashell designs which I plan to use for seat covers.

All the patterns are both color- and symbol-coded which make it easy to identify color tones without one getting cross-eyed. For the beginner or serious needlepoint practitioner, this is a must-have book in your library. I can't wait to get Mr. Rust's next needlepoint book!

This book has beautiful European designs. Not only does it have beautiful designs but also Penlope and Gros Point which is very hard to find in the US. The book has wonderful resources as to where to find uncommon canvas and threads.