I have been painting my apartment over the past few weeks and today was dusting off the frames of the many needlepoints as I re-hang them and thought I would write a few words about their making. As luck would have it I also stumbled upon the traditional crosstich patterns of Jacob de Graaf this morning on his website Modern Folk Embroidery which were so inspiring. I have always had a passion for needlework of all kinds. It began with watching my Mother carefully embroidering a set of Deer from a kit which arrived with the images lightly printed in cyan blue and all the colors of floss included. I remember wanting to get my hands on those gorgeous skeins of cotton and do something creative with them even as a small child. I didn't begin doing my own embroidery however until years later when, inspired by an adorable Sailor Dog embroidered pillow in Marie Claire Idées that I did a needlepoint portrait pillow of my dog Toby. Another dog themed sampler in Marie Claire Idées tipped me over the edge forever. Inspired by that design, I began my first sampler which hangs to this day in my hall. (I borrowed heavily from that design as the kit was no longer available but I put in my dog Toby as well as some of my other favorite breeds). It was a visit to my Swedish friend Louise in Paris however that began my love of cross stitch. Her beautiful traditional Redwork samplers made me determined to learn that somewhat intimidating craft. My first efforts were a series of one color dog designs in a traditional folk style. I still love them for their simplicity but I upon close inspection one can find many beginners flaws! I continued designing patterns based on favorite themes such as vintage sewing, anthropomorphic kitchen utensils etc. and am currently finishing up a Christmas Dessert pattern based on the books of the Victorian homemaker Mrs. Beeton .

My Mourning Dove Pattern. (my favorite bird!)

Vintage Seashore Needlepoint inspired by a 1950's tablecloth

Vintage Anthropomorphic Kitchen Needlepoint

Of course I had to do one of New York, my home.

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I have had needlepoint on my mind lately. Cross stitch is one of my favorite hobbies, it is soothing to me like a big old gulp of brandy and meditative as it focusses one part of my brain while simultaneously allowing the rest to wander. I work on it during train trips, when sitting on the beach or just home while watching television. I always have one in progress and when I am nearing the end I must design a new one so there is no down time in between. Obsessive? I prefer to think of it as part of my mental health regime. I design and chart my own original images so it really is just an extension of my creative world. At least that is what I tell myself.

I went to an exhibition a few weeks ago of Olek's work at the Jonathan Levine Gallery in Chelsea and was struck by the utter strangeness of her work. Her rooms full of objects covered in crochet and doilies were amazing and compelled me to do a search of others who are taking needlepoint in new and unexpected directions. It was comforting to learn that I am not the only needlepoint enthusiast who isn't satisfied with Grandma's samplers.

I stumbled upon an intriguing shop called Subversive Cross Stitch which is chock full of well, subversive sayings in humble, home sweet home settings and I think they are hilarious. I can't tell you how many times my friends and I come up with a particularly profound comment on the absurdities of life and we mark it by stating "That should be embroidered onto a pillow!" Based on what I've seen I think it may be time to start designing those pillows.

I definitely need to work one of these up for my dog Bingo...

Of course there is always Brigid Berlin's witty NY Post covers...

I thought this next one was notable from LadyBeta...

And this one from StephXstitch...

This disturbing take on a classic poster from Kaplio...

Of course this post wouldn't be complete without a steaming pile of dung from Andwabisabi...

Overall I am sensing an undercurrent of unrest in the younger generation's take on needlepoint but I have to admit that I find the sarcasm amusing and refreshing!