Diamonds, Hearts, Octagons, Stars, Sandy Arthur, Duo Designs, 2011, $44.95
On August 15, the next book in this series will be available. If I sat down and thought about the shapes in needlepoint that perplex me the most, these four would be at the top of the list.
Every time I need to stitch one of these I can’t find a stitch and, once I do, I’m never satisfied.
But no more, I have this book, a tremendous resource for the stitcher.
The stitches are arranged by shape and then by size within the shape. The Table of Contents summarizes them all. So if you need to find a stitch for an 8×8 diamond, for example, there are seven listed, on pages 28-30.
Pick your shape, pick your size and find your ideas.
One thing that makes this book so useful is that you’ll find many open shapes that can be filled with additional stitches, making shapes that are little works of art in themselves.
The diagrams are large and clear with occasional working notes to explain things.
I find myself actually looking forward to those shapes I once avoided.
The cost of the book is $44.95, more than the first book but with so many ideas for shapes neglected by other books, it’s a tremendous value and an essential book.
Many shops are taking orders for the book right now, for shipping in the middle of August. If you are looking for the iPhone/iPod/iPad version of Series II, it will be out in the fall.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
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