Melita Glavin shows off two books she got for Christmas: New Twists on Needlework Embellishment (by Suzanne Howren and Beth Robertson) and Embellishments for Canvas (by Mary Lou Helgesen).
Melita found the sections on using silk ribbons especially interesting. I own New Twists and found it interesting. I've not seen the Mary Lou Helgesen book, but it was apparently a companion to her famous Nativity set. Both are worth seeking out, especially if you are in Texas, which was Mary Lou's stomping ground.
The next set of books from Melita's library are all classics from June McKnight. I find her Architectural Stitches especially helpful. Plants and Animals is a good one, too.
Many shops carry June's books but if there's one you can't find, contact Old World Designs as June teaches there regularly. They might be able to help.
Melita just purchased a copy of Mary's Whimsical Small Stitches, the latest book from Mary Legallet.
Here's Mary's Instagram page so you can see what her diagrams look like.
Melita has added Dawn Donnelly's book Transformative Stitching: Needlework on the Diagonal to her library.
Melita has two volumes of Custom House of Needle Art's books--Quick Stitch Variations and More Quick Stitch Reference. These are very portable with good information and clear diagrams.
This is a classic book about Bargello followed by more Bargello books. If I remember correctly, I thought Barbara Snook's Bargello books full of lovely patterns. Dorothy Kaestner's 4 Way Bargello book has some wonderful patterns, which made my head hurt trying to follow.
I've never seen Nancy Kurten's Bargello book, although I'd like to.
This is a fascinating, although confusing for me with my dyslexia, Bargello book. I don't have trouble with random but following charts that change a lot is almost impossible for me.
I remember this Dorothy Kaestner Bargello book as being very interesting, with a lot of great designs.
Melita's finished her collection of Bargello books. Next up is Mary Shipp's wonderful design book. Her color book is amazing if you can find it.
Jane Zimmerman's books are amazing and full of ideas. Although she is known for her silk and metal designs, this book has a lot of stitches that will work on any type of needlepoint.
Written by Jane/Chilly HollowBlogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 19, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.
