Twenty to Make: Modern Needlepoint: (Twenty to Make)

Each of these twenty beautiful needlepoint designs from Jayne Schofield is accompanied by a full-colour chart, key and general instructions. These fun, quirky designs in bright, contemporary colours are all small, measuring on average approximately 10 x 12.5cm (4 x 5in), though the designs come in a variety of formats and include tall, narrow designs as well as squares. All the designs are worked on 10-hole canvas and there is a broad range of subjects to choose from, including a country cottage, flowers, hearts, a festive reindeer, a hen, owl and some sheep, to name a few. So, whatever the occasion, there is bound to be a design that suits it perfectly. There are general instructions and a simple stitch diagram at the beginning of the book, so even those new to needlepoint will be able to accomplish all of the projects. At the start of the book there is a double-page spread of basic techniques. Jayne uses Anchor threads and provides the code numbers for the colours used; however, any suitable thread such as DMC or Madeira could be used.

Table of Contents:
Introduction 4 Stitching instructions 6 Apple 8 Baby Boy 10 Regatta 12 Beach Huts 14 Butterfly 16 Cat 18 Circles 20 Daisies 22 Dutch Tile 24 Three Fish 26 Nesting Hen 28 Town House 30 Jug and Flower 32 Owl 34 Baby Girl 36 Reindeer 38 Sheep 40 Snowman 42 Tulips 44 Folk House 46

About the Author :
Jayne Schofield was born in Morecambe, by the sea in Lancashire, and after many years of travelling she came back to this area to raise her family. Her passion for creativity led her to gain a degree in Illustration and Design at Staffordshire University and from there went to work in the gift and fashion industries. She now works as a freelance illustrator and designer from her home studio. She produces her illustrations using a combination of traditional and digital collage techniques and mixes texture, type and imagery to create playful and fun art. She sews and creates applique and textile designs, and has written two books on cross stitch and needlepoint design.

Review :
I am a huge fan of the twenty to make range of books. They offer fantastic value for money and give you everything you need to know to make what ever is within. Modern Needlepoint does not disappoint. The designs are fun and interesting and can be used for a number of different things. They would look great as a picture, as a card or added to any number of things. All the designs use a basic half cross tent stitch and the designs are easy to follow. Each of the designs has it's own set of pages which include a break down of the yarn that is needed, the pattern and a picture of what it looks like finished. All of the designs are bright and vibrant with a unique theme. They would be ideal for both adults and children as the patterns are easy to follow. The book is fun, fantastic value and great as a gift or to make gifts from. Full review and inside images: http://www.crochetaddictuk.com/2016/01/modern-needlepoint-twenty-to-make.html   UK–based needlecraft designer Schofield, who publishes patterns under the brand the Stitching Shed, presents the essentials of needlepoint in this project-focused pattern collection. The 20 designs are stitched in half-cross, a simple stitch often used in beginners’ needlepoint and in needlepoint kits because it uses less fiber than stitches with better canvas coverage. Schofield’s color palette is bright and bold, and the motifs are cheery, including several floral designs, animals, and insects (e.g., fish, butterflies, sheep, and a reindeer), and baby carriages in both a boy and a girl color scheme. The charts are full-color and generously sized, making them easy to read, and the key supplies both descriptive color names for the fiber and the number of the Anchor tapestry wool used in the model. A two-page summary of needlepoint principles is included, but novice stitchers may wish to consult an additional reference, such as Jo Ippolito Christensen’s The Needlepoint Book.VERDICT Needlepoint is due for a resurgence— we’ve already seen it with crossstitch and embroidery—and this brief guide provides a no-fuss, no-frills entry point for those new to the craft.