Stitches with Hart Book Review

Brenda Hart, self-published, 2021, spiral-bound, $55.

Brebda’s book is packed full of stitches and you’ll find so many great ideas here. The book puts the emphasis on stitches with 91 single-sided pages of grids that look like mono canvas Wirth multiple stitches on each page. The pages do not contain stitches that are similar or that are even in the same stitch family.Short notes are on the diagrams when needed, but the focus is on the diagrams. The stitch diagrams are not numbered.

While most diagrams are in a single line weight, beads are indicated by circles and some diagrams have more than one line weight./

Each stitch also has the name on the grid. The stitches are all lined in an index at the back of the book.

At the beginning of the book is a two-page introduction that says that the book includes many background stitches. She also discusses balanced canvases, embellishments and thread suggestions (included for some but not all stitches).

Stitches are not put in the book in any particular order, but you’ll often find related stitches on the same page. Some of the stitches need more than one diagram. These are clearly labeled and can be found next to each other.

The diagrams are large and clear, with plenty of space between each diagrams. Unhappily though, for those looking for numbered diagrams or organization in the book, you’ll be disappointed. These flaws don’t make the book unusable, but they do limit it for many stitchers.

You are going to find lots of great ideas and stitches in this book, but you are going to have to apply your own knowledge of needlepoint and stitches to it. It will reward you with new stitches when you page through it, but you may not be able to turn to a specific stitch for a particular purpose. Even so, with well over 300 stitches in it, it’s a worthwhile book to have.

Please note:I am still struggling with COVID & am only able tp work shortened days and make my writing less clear.