creations on a canvas, with a needle and yarn...

An oval framed floral needlepoint is a classic addition to any home decor
.Needlepoint pillows are one of the fun finds in an antique shop and
they add a vintage
look and pretty
visual
to a settee or chair.

This framed needlepoint piece is from the early 1900's. Needlepoint is an artform that I love. I can not believe the detail in this piece done with a needle and yarn. The shading in it amazes me. It is 32" x 24" and very pretty...my picture of it doesn't do it justice...I have it hung above my fireplace.


Needlepoint is a form of embroidery where canvas is stitched with yarn. Needlepoint stitches are actually easy to learn. This needlecraft is often referred to as "tapestry," due to its woven look. The basic supplies needed for needlepoint consist of: canvas, needlepoint/tapestry needles, yarn, and a frame to tack your canvas on to keep it taught as you do your stitches.

There are conflicting opinions as to the terms describing needlepoint. The differences may result from the fact that needlepoint has come down to us from various countries and in various stitches, the most common stitch is half of a cross-stitch, which is also called ‘Tent stitch’.
Needlepoint-tapestry is an often-used expression which shows the relation of needlepoint to the tapestry designs of the middle ages. This is especially true when the needlepoint is worked in an upright Gobelin stitch, which gives the effect of woven tapestry.
This early work was done on a loosely-woven material like coarse linen. Later, canvases were made specifically for the purpose. As with all forms of embroidery it is very difficult to give exact dates, and even places where the technique originated. Canvas work dates back to the sixteenth century, but reached its peak during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries.
Needlepoint was extremely popular in Colonial America where it was used for pictures, as an upholstery fabric, and for fashion accessories. Many parlor chairs have needlepoint seats and of course needlepoint pillows are popular finds in antique shops today.
During the Victorian era, Berlin work came into popularity. It was often characterized by brilliant worsteds (which is smooth compact yarn from long wool fibers used especially for firm napless fabrics, carpeting, or knitting)and combinations of geometric and floral designs. The majority of designs were developed as hand-painted patterns on squared paper, especially made for copying on canvas as a pattern to follow. The best of these designs came from Berlin, hence the name.
It then became popular again in the late 1920's. Now in the last few years it has increased in popularity again, as the "thirty something" generation has begun to appeciate the crafts of their grandmothers, such as knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and yes, needlepoint. You can find designs and ready-to-sew packs available in many speciality shops all over the country.