Royal School of Needlework's Canvaswork Book UPDATED AGAIN

The Royal School of Needlework has published another in its series of Essential Stitch Guides, this time one on needlepoint (or as it is called in England, canvaswork).  As I read the review, I can't say I would recommend this to anyone who wants to add good needlepoint books to their library.  Not  if you do needlepoint American style, anyway.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/02/rsn-stitch-guide-canvaswork.html

The English style is on limited colors of canvas with fewer threads than what we have available to us, uses mostly slate frames (which are hard to find here, expensive and heavy--they also need good support which means a floor frame), and the English are used to working needlepoint from kits on large count with wool.  Mary's quote "there’s a small revival of individuality in canvas work today" pretty much sums up how the Brits view the world of needlepoint.  Recently I talked to a famous American designer about her one foray into producing designs for Ehrman, the well-known English needlepoint company.  Although Mr. Ehrman was delightful, "he had a ‘formula' of X-number of colors, 10-12 mesh, stitch painted, and he would determine subject."  This rigidity of format has produced some lovely designs but they are a far cry from what an American needlepointer expects and desires.  So the only reason I would see to buy this book is if you are interested in learning to transfer a design you want to stitch onto needlepoint canvas.  The Royal School knows everything there is to know about that topic!

It's not a Must Have, in other words, at least not for American stitchers.

UPDATE:  I got a note from Gretchen, the owner of Threads in Charlottesville, VA this week.  Gretchen has seen and sold quite a few copies of this book.  Here's what she has to say about it.

"I noted with interest your comments on the Royal School's book on Canvaswork. I have sold 6 copies or so to a variety of customers. Personally, I think it is eye candy for many levels of stitcher, has some great ideas for stitches, and above par color illustrations. And, at $21.95, it is a good value to boot! I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss it!

FYI, the Royal School also has books in this series on Bead Embroidery, Silk Shading, Stumpwork and Whitework.  the only one I have not sold is the Whitework - as it isn't applicable to my shop.  I have been favorably impressed with each  - especially at the price point."

Thanks for the input, Gretchen.  Judging from the comments I got from Donna and Carol (see below), I've been too hard on this book!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 27, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Quail's Quill Online

The Quail's Quill is online, bringing you a quick update on classes, trunk shows and new products available at Quail Run.  This mini-newsletter isn't as informative as the monthly one the shop does but it still has plenty of eye candy.
http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk//launch.aspx?pbid=69bfa3f1-dd93-4618-b806-6880fc346117

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Another Brilliant Organizer At Work

Mary Corbet shows off a way to organize a full range of thread colors.   It won't work for everyone but this might be the answer for you, for at least your favorite brand.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/03/thread-organization-for-whole-sets-of-embroidery-threads.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 19, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.