Needlepoint & Holidays

Today is Thanksgiving, a uniquely North American holiday. It’s only celebrate in the US and Canada (although on different days). Ex-pat Americans all over scramble to find the traditional foods of this holiday.

This got me thinking about needlepoint and it’s use for holidays. For decades, needlepoint Christmas stockings were a big deal and they still remain immensely popular. Also ornaments are hugely popular (I’ve been stitching them since the early 80’s).

Needlepoint tracks the trends in the decorating world. As decorating for Halloween has become more popular along with Halloween parties, Halloween needlepoint has become more popular.

Other holidays aren’t neglected either. There’s plenty of adorable Easter needlepoint, from eggs of all sizes and complexities to bunnies, chicks, and Easter houses.

You’ll also find lovely designs for St. Valentine’s Day, and not only hearts. You can also find old-fashioned kids and vintage designs.

In all this holiday-needlepoint madness, Thanksgiving has been a latecomer to the party. But recently I’ve found many canvases that can decorate your home not only for Thanksgiving but throughout the fall.

Pilgrims & Turkeys

Several designers now make series of First Thanksgiving Figures. Kelly Clark has two series of Thanksgiving figures. Raymond Crawford makes a small set where a turkey joins a Pilgrim boy and girl.

Melissa Shirley has sets of Thanksgiving people and a small set of adorable dressed animals from Debbie Mumm. Kathy Schenkel also has several sets including a set of small figures and a group of four roll-up designs. You’ll find the biggest variety of Indians in her sets.

Needledeeva makes a delightful set, with 12 pieces, including the Mayflower, and a bountiful table. Rebecca Wood has Thanksgiving set with some interesting pieces in her Villages series.

Last but not least Labors of Love makes the glorious 3-D turkey seen in this post.

Gourds & Pumpkins

You’ll find in Kathy Schenkel’s Fall/Thanksgiving collection a number of rounds that include single gourds, and groups of gourds.

If you are looking for a stunning collection of realistic gourds, take a look at the lovely collection from Ann Wheat Pace. The largest are 5″ square, so they would make a great centerpiece.

There are also some great pumpkins (not carved) from different designers. My favorite is from Whimsy and grace. May of these are divided so that you can showcase multiple stitches. If you want to stitch pumpkins in a variety of colors and shapes there’s a great canvas from Blue Dogwood Designs which I’ll be offering as a beginner’s needlepoint class next year.

Autumn Leaves

If you want a wide variety of autumnal designs, look at Melissa Shirley, she has baskets at all levels of complexity, flowers, pears, and rounds, along with a host of other designs. Raymond Crawford has several designs featuring leaves and Thanksgiving themes.

Kathy Schenkel also has many fall-thememed pieces including a delightful set of 3-D Indian corn. You could use your stash to stitch these and then finish them as roll-ups and use tamale wrappers for the husks.

For those looking for larger pieces, Rebecca Wood makes a glorious table runner of fall leaves.

Everyone, everywhere have a blessed day today and remember the good things in your life. If you are feasting, don’t eat too much!