Updated September 8, 2023.
I’ve been indulging in my love of vintage style lately by reading Retro Renovation’s blog. Although it specializes in Mid-century Modern, there is tons of stuff there for any vintage style. There’s lots of inspiration and ideas for your needlepoint projects.
One of the blog’s great loves is Bargello, especially vintage pieces and kits from the 70’s and vintage style pieces created from older books. I can’t agree more! Pick colors that fit with the period or your decor and you get lovely pieces from 1970’s Bargello books.
Having just bought a German book from this period with very cool patterns, I thought I’d do a round-up of several great Bargello posts on Retro Renovation.
Bobbie Learns Bargello: an interview with a renovator who learned Bargello from vintage Erica Wilson and Margaret Boyles books
Bargello’s Popularity: an interview with a former teacher of Bargello, plus speculation on its popularity.
Why You Should Be Buying Vintage Needlepoint for Pillows: and not just Bargello ones.
Troy Gets Crafty: inspired by the blog and some vintage books, Troy makes a four-way Bargello for a first project.
They also recommend collecting vintage needlepoint. There are usually plenty of stitched but not finished pieces on eBay. Remember to buy it now before it becomes popular prices go through the roof!
I can’t agree with this blog more; Bargello is easy on the budget, incredibly simple to stitch, and can be made to fit any color scheme or decor. If you already stitch Bargello try some of these ideas for new pieces. If you haven’t tried it, use these posts as a springboard to start something beautiful today.
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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