I needle pointed my first pillow sixteen years ago- a fish, for Mr. Blandings, who is a bit of an outdoors man. Since, I've rarely been without a project. Like all hobbies, it can become a bit of an obsession.
I stitched these nautical flags for all the boys; easy because you can draw them on the canvas yourself.
Sister Parish was a fan of needlepoint and was a
stitcher herself. An ambitious project for even the most dedicated, this is the runner she stitched for her home in Maine.
Sister Parish's runner, Dark Harbor house, H&G Complete Guide to Interior Decoration, 1970
A veteran of Parish-Hadley,
Bunny Williams, also uses a good bit of needlepoint in her rooms. Two of my favorite rooms are of her hand, both with great needlepoint projects on display.
I do not have credits for these images, however, Williams has written a wonderful book about the property in the top photo, An Affair with a House. The other images are her home in the city.
I'd consider
Diamond Baratta current champions of American craft. Whether you like their style or not, I think you have to admire their courage and creativity. As with all of their designs, their needlepoint pieces take on a larger, bolder
palette than traditional - to great affect.
House Beautiful, March 2003
House and Garden, April 2000
You do not have to confine your needlepoint to pillows - it's fabulous on furniture as well.
House and Garden, June 1997
