Modern Bargello Book Review

Tnia Francis (Search Press), 2020, ISBN:978-1-78221-825-8, $16.95.

This new book, from designer Tina Francis, puts the emphasis of beginning stitchers. It’s a good introduction to Bargello with large graphs and plenty of step=by-step phots. I question however, the moniker “modern.”

The book has 15 projects, all but one using traditional Bargello lines. The remaining project is a simple four-way design.

With all projects using large-mesh plastic or cloth canvas, the projects put an emphasis on fast and easy. The Bargello lines and motifs are not modern but traditional. The project on the cover is a good example. It is a traditional, but the colors and their placement is not traditional.

It’s the colors used that make these projects look modern. Only one project uses shading we think of as typical of Bargello, almost all the projets rely on single shades in several bright colors. This gives the projects a retro 70’s feel. It may not be toyour taste, but happily Bargello is flexible enough that you can stitch these projects in any colors you like.

The other aspect that makes thes projects “modern’ is their use of large-mesh canvas. No project in the book uses a mesh smaller than 12 and at least half use plastic canvas. I suspect in the author’s eyes, by using large canvas the projects become quick and easy to stitch, making them fit into modern busy lives.

Because of the large mesh, these projects do not rely on threads but often on yarns, but wool and acrylic.

I’ve ended up being very divided on this book. I like the clear directions, perfect for beginners as well as the directions for finishing many of the projects. Even so I feel as if the title made me expect something innovative (such as Liz Morrow’s designs) and insteadd got very little for my money.

If you are looking for a book to introduce someone to Bargello, this book is a good start.