Archive for the ‘Introduction to Needlepoint’ Category

Classic craft

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Needlepoint is a fun, classic craft that when done correctly can produce some wonderful works of art from fabric and thread. Many times an inexperienced crafter may have confusion about what exactly is needlepoint and how it is different from other crafts like cross stitching and embroidery. Just because you use fabric, thread and a need doesn’t mean that needlepoint and embroidery are the same, in fact they are different and embroidery doesn’t have much to do at all with needlepoint.

Embroidery is done on plain fabric and is done most often done by freehand. With embroidery the stitches like the blanket stitch, outline stitch, running stitch and chain stitch are all combined with decorative knots to make designs. Cross stitching and needlepoint are a little more difficult to distinguish apart. Yes, they both use fabric/canvases that have little holes but in cross stitching the stitches are formed by making an x across the squares to make a pattern. Different stitches are used for cross stitching and the designs for needlepoint fill up the entire fabric while cross stitching may be a larger or smaller but always have blank canvases. There are many great stitches to use in needlepoint. You can find a lot of great websites for you to find a wealth of information on needlepoint and you can get lots of inspiration and ideas .

Tags:
Posted in Introduction to Needlepoint | No Comments »

Traditional form

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

Needlepoint is a traditional form of art that dates back hundreds of years and has come a long way since then. There are many new themes in needlepoint; there are not just those stuffy old cottages of the past. There are so many different types of threads to choose from that will add depth and character to your projects. There are so many embellishments that you can add to any project to make it more exciting.

You can transform or add pizzazz to any simple project by adding embellishments effectively. You can add such things like tassels, sequin, beads or Bedazzlers to give your project dimension. You just have to know how to use your embellishments effectively. If you don’t find what you are looking for at the needlepoint shop, think outside the box. Go to your local bead store or try a fabric store for interesting buttons or miniature items to add to your needlepoint. These types of items can add a wonderful dimension to your work. All you have to do is use your imagination and I am sure you will find many good ideas at your local craft store. Like you can try and use large beads for the centers of poinsettias, just be sure you choose the right size so that they mass together in a natural way. You can also use rubber gaskets as rings, all you have to do is cover them with a gold buttonhole thread and “wa-la!” you have 3-D rings. All it takes is a little imagination and a trip to the craft store.

Tags:
Posted in Introduction to Needlepoint | No Comments »

New hobby

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Needlepoint has been around for centuries and for good reasons. If you are not familiar with needlepoint let me give you a brief description on what needlepoint is. Needlepoint is the art of pulling thread through an open-weave canvas. The most commonly used fibers are wool yarns and cotton floss, the open weave canvas typically used is starched cotton, so that way it is stiff but can later be washed and handles without damaging the finish work of art. I think that people categorize needlepoint as something “old ladies, do” but I can say from experience that, that is no longer the case. It is now being thought of as a creative outlet that people can use to get away from a stressful day.

Needlepoint will help you to get away from your everyday stress by helping you to focus on your craft. Needlepoint can also be found to be dually challenging and relaxing. Needlepoint is not just for gray-haired grannies passing the time but is now for young girls, women and can be beneficial for boys and men off all ages. Everyone can benefit from the therapeutic benefits of needlepoint. You get the benefits of relaxation and also get the creation of beauty; it all comes together through needlepoint. Stitching is a very calming activity that allows time for you to meditate. It also, helps one to relax and unwind after a stressful day. I highly recommend needlepoint to anyone who is looking for a way to de-stress or just looking for a new hobby.

Tags:
Posted in Introduction to Needlepoint | No Comments »

Needlepoint

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

Needlepoint is for anyone whether you are young or old needlepoint is really easier than you would think. Needlepoint is fairly affordable and you will not break the bank with your new found hobby. Even if you are a beginner or someone who needs a little refresher a beginner needlepoint kits may be for you, they are not just for children! Children are capable of learning how to needlepoint, with some adult guidance, from about the ages of six or so. Large mesh canvases are easier for anyone to learn on. Needlepoint is good for everyone especially because it helps the young acquire math skills and helps others to keep the mind sharp with math skills and spatial concepts.

You will be able to find a beginner needlepoint kit to suit you. Kits come in all sorts of classic and modern designs and colors, you will be sure to find something to your liking. Each kit comes with a printed large canvas, wool yarn and “how-To” instructions. Once you have mastered the beginner kits you can move on to other types of canvas like plastic, mono, Penelope, interlock and rug. The easiest to start off with is the plastic canvas because it is stiff and is generally for smaller projects. A plastic canvas is an excellent way for a beginner to learn and practice different stitches. There are few basics to learn about needlepoint but once you familiarize yourself and practice you will soon be a pro.

Posted in Introduction to Needlepoint | No Comments »

Welcome to www.needlepointideas.com

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

Welcome to my brand new blog. I think you will find everything you need and more on my new blog. I welcome all suggestions and comments. Check this site often as we grow and we will be adding all sorts of wonderful articles for our readers. I thank you all for visiting and look forward to any and all feedback. Thank you.

Posted in Introduction to Needlepoint | No Comments »