Kilim Designs in Needlepoint: Over 25 Projects Inspired by Traditional Kilim Patterns [Hardcover]

Dorothy Wood (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1999

Inspired by the traditional and beautiful weavings of the people of Central Asia, here are more than 25 projects featuring colorful, intricate geometric patterns. Ranging from large pieces such as rugs and cushions to smaller items like purses and curtain tie-backs, these needlepoint designs are based on kilims from Afghanistan, Anatolia (Turkey), and Persia (Iran). Background information on kilims and the symbolism behind their characteristic motifs enhance the beauty of these projects, all of which are done entirely in tent stitch. Full-color charts and photos and how-to instructions make these unique designs accessible to needleworkers of all levels of experience

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Tacon and Wood aren't the firstAor the lastAcraft designers to adapt traditional ethnic textile designs to contemporary needlepoint. It would be difficult to choose between these books, as both are beautifully put together, featuring easy-to-stitch projects outstanding in both color and form. Wood's book includes 25 projects based on weavings from Afghanistan, Turkey, and Iran, while Tacon's book includes 43 designs, many for small pieces like pin cushions, glasses cases, needlecases, sachets, and greeting card insets. As is the case with all geometric patterns, these projects could be adapted to other textile crafts such as cross-stitch, tapestry weaving, and tapestry crochet. Recommended for public libraries.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Is there ever anything completely new in design? British textile artist Wood borrows and adapts centuries-old motifs from the rug makers of central Asia, and then translates more than 25 different kilims into personal and homestyle needlepoint items. Flat-weave carpets from Afghanistan, Turkey, and Iran are emulated. Chapter 1 provides a brief introduction to the geography and symbolism surrounding the weavings. Then each design, prefaced by a few sentences about its original provenance, includes a color photograph and a color graph as well as a list of materials and how-to-finish information. Great color combinations are featured, as are unique motifs and patterns, such as camels, peacocks, and two-headed unidentified animals. Barbara Jacobs

Product Details

• Hardcover: 127 pages
• Publisher: Ward Lock Ltd (March 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0706377273
• ISBN-13: 978-0706377279
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #780,743 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Kilim Designs in Needlepoint, April 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Kilim Designs in Needlepoint: Over 25 Projects Inspired by Traditional Kilim Patterns (Hardcover)

The instructions for the 25 projects are well written and illustrated for the beginner as well as those how have done needlepoint for years. The color photographs are of high quality, making the finished projects extremely enticing to make. Each project not only has a description of the item, but also a well written brief history of the origin of the specific item to be stitched. The color charts was well illustrated and easy to follow. Thirteen pages are dedicated to materials and techniques from how to make the first needlepoint stitch to framing, hanging, finishing, making knotted fringes and tassels. This area of the book is a Big Plus! One last comment, This is truly a great needlepoint book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring Charted Needlepoint for a Wide Variety of Items, August 29, 2009

By 

Janet Perry "Needlepoint and Bargello author" (Napa, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Kilim Designs in Needlepoint: Over 25 Projects Inspired by Traditional Kilim Patterns (Hardcover)

Dorothy Wood, (Ward Lock,London), 1998 <strong>out of print</strong>

I didn't buy this book when it came out, since Kilims aren't my favorite type of rugs. I found it at the library a couple of weeks ago, and now I regret my initial decision. This is a lovely and creative book, well worth seeking out.

The book has a short, but thorough introduction going over the history of Kilim (flat woven rugs from the same area as "Oriental" rugs), the people who make them, and the yarns and designs used. In this section there are many inspiring pictures of rugs and motifs.

The projects in the book are divided into three chapters, sorted according to the area where the rugs originated. Each area has nine projects and, because the designs have many motifs and borders, you could uses sections of them to make many more. For each project there is a color picture of the finished item, a clear material list, stitching and finishing instructions, and large, color charts.

Some of the projects are large, some small. There is a huge variety of them, something not often found in needlepoint books. Along with the expected pillows, there are wallhangings, footstools, tote bags, book covers, neck purses, and so much more.

At the end of the book there are short chapters on materials, equipment, and techniques, wrapping up an excellent book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Needlepoint Designs, February 14, 2008

By 

A. Mironov (San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kilim Designs in Needlepoint: Over 25 Projects Inspired by Traditional Kilim Patterns (Hardcover)

This is one of the best books on needlepoint patterns. The patterns are large, full color and easy to read. The instructions are easy to follow and there is additional information in the last chapter about needlepoint. The designs based on Kilim carpets and rugs are stunning! If you have any interest in needlepoint rugs this book is must have for your library.