Fashion & Needlepoint

Needlepoint, especially vintage looking designs, has attracted the attention of the high fashion world. Several designers, including Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino, had pieces in their fall collections that were, or were inspired by needlepoint. Doc Marten’s has a pair of needlepoint-covered boots. I now see needlepoint pop up often in fashion magazines as something on editors’ radars.

If it’s in high-end fashion now, there is a real possibility that it will trickle down to the masses within a couple of years.

In the meantime we can be in the forefront of fashion.

Do you have some vintage needlepoint? Do you have needlepoint waiting to be finished? Here are some ideas of what can be done.

Take two rectangular or square pieces the same size, sew them together, line them and add fringe and a heavy chain strap. You’ve got a fashionable bag.

Turn a belt canvas into trim at the waistband of a dress.

Take a long envelope fold it over and turn it into a clutch purse (clutch purses, especially oversized ones are big this year).

Gather a bunch of pieces, and sew them into a unique slouchy hobo, like the one here.

Make a pair of needlepoint slippers. This kind of slipper is also a big fashion trend and needlepoint ones keep showing up.

Collect some vintage needlepoint bracelets, If you do silk gauze, make some inserts and add them to your own bracelets, especially using bracelets with channels.

Finally why not cut up some old needlepoint and use them to cover a pair of shoes? Click on the picture to see how.

I’ve seen needlepoint strappy sandals (from Tory Burch), custom needlepoint cowboy boots, needlepoint furniture (chairs and footstools).

Take your needlepoint out from under the bed, upcycle it, wear it and be in the forefront of fashion.