Jo Ippolito Christensen

This book is almost 40 years old. Some of the advice on materials to use would be different today - different materials are available, and we have learned more about the dangers of some that were used then. Certainly the designs would be different today. However the advice on designing your own is very good.

However the stitches are very well described and diagrammed. I particularly liked the many variations shown of certain standard stitches. The charts at the beginning of each chapter are show more very useful. show less

This is a very helpful and a useful reference on Needlepoint. he photos are great -- all the needlework looks like true works of art. The author goes into much greater detail about the varieties of yarns and their properties, as well as stitching techniques. There are also MANY more photos on the various steps: blocking and finishing, evaluating your designs, colors, etc. The author has further annotated the stitches section to include her comments (in addition to the stitch diagram, photo show more and stitch properties chart (yarn hog, good backing, etc.). She had notes (e.g. "this is a stand-alone stitch") in the prior version, but she does this to a far greater extent in this edition, which I find helpful.

One thing, however, I would have liked to see in this book (perhaps alongside the bibliography) is a resources list, perhaps listing the American Needlepoint Guild and its classes for design and color, etc. Perhaps also a point made that ideas can be gotten in needlework classes at your local shop, etc. show less

The projects have a very Sixties look. I keep this around because it makes interesting use of specialty stitches.

If you're going to use something other than continental stitch, this book is essential. Aside from descriptions, diagrams and pictures for each stitch, it has handy charts comparing stitches for coverage, fiber usage, and ease of working. It also has a large front section on design.