New designs in needlepoint?

[Janet]

I would love to know if anyone has or has seen any new designs in needlepoint. All I remember, when I did a few pictures long ago, was the regular old style of needlepoint and all stitches were pretty much alike. So is there different stitches in needlepoint now or would that make it embroidery and not needlepoint?
As you can see I know very little in this subject but would love to know other's opinion of this idea and see if I can learn something new.
I also noticed that there were painted canves out there that had the designs on them. Are all needlepoints like this? I guess freeform would be just making up your own design on a plain canvas. . right?

[Vicky Davis]

Janet you can also paint your own canvas and do it free form. Many of the painted designs look too good to cover up with thread. I am still a little in the dark about this too, so we will learn together.

[Janet]

thanks Vicky. . I am getting excited to see what everyone brings to the table. . I already love the handbag Jocelyn has shown us. . .I can see this group is going to be fun. .

[Jocelyn]

I'm not sure what you mean by freeform needlepoint. Come to that, the term "needlepoint" means different things to different people. Some regard needlepoint as just tent stitch, and the work that includes lots of textured stitching they call 'canvaswork'. Others allow the term 'needlepoint' to cover it all.

So perhaps it would be worthwhile to define from the beginning, what sort of work this Group covers. What do you think, Cheryl?

Here is the back of a purse I made, as an example of "textured" needlepoint:

Jocelyn

[Janet]

Oh wow!
I want some of this. I can see . . this is for sure not my mother's needlepoint. It looks like a 'freeform" project to me.
If this is a canvas underneath the stitches, how did you form it into a handbag? I am thinking the canvas was cut into pattern pieces and then after forming the bag, the stitches were done?
I love the fact that the pattern can be painted on first so I am not having to "guess" at ever turn what I will do next. I never learned to read pattern instructions, but then never saw a pattern to where I liked the whole thing, so I would end up "doing my own thing" which was fun, but sometimes frustrating as I would get stuck.
So are there patterns out there for this, or something like this or how to make-up and paint out own?
Thanks for sharing. . .

[Jocelyn]

Janet, this was done (with some variations) from a pattern by Jean Hilton. I stitched the canvas (which wraps over the top to the front flap) as one rectangle. Then I made the inner form of the bag out of plastic canvas (a totally different sort of "canvas", LOL), covered it with fabric, then stitched the rectangle of needlepoint to the fabric. It's all done by hand 'cos I don't own a sewing machine.

I am afraid I cannot help at all with painted canvas as I have never used it. In fact, I don't think we even have painted canvasses here in New Zealand.
Jocelyn

[Janet]

These shots show quite a bit and explains a lot with the different typs of stitches. This is looking better by the minute to me. May I ask what type of paint can one use to paint a canvas. . craft paints, maybe watered down a bit to make more of a wash?

[judy harper]

I have used oil paints since I first started designing - as they are easier to handle, and for the type of designs I do, they are prettier. Also - The National Cathedral specifies oil paint for their work, as in the long run it doesn't flake or lift in subsequent use and dry cleaning. Many designers do use acrylicl paints, and I like the little bottles in the craft departments for this - but they have to be handled carefully, as they bleed if too thin, and clog holes if too thick. I find I waste less paint if I use oils, as I can just stick the palette into the freezer, and it will keep for weeks. You can't do a "wash" with acrylics, as it would bleed. Just trial and error will tell you what consistency to use.

[Jocelyn]

Cheryl I just love your picture of the hillside town and the yachts on the lake! I have only ever attempted one little picture in needlepoint (mine is usually all geometric-type stuff) and it turned out ok, but not great. I would love to do a picture in the style of your one, to depict a couple of places my DH and I have travelled to; but that will have to wait until some of my WIPs are finished, or I shall never finish anything LOL.
The way you have done the yachts is sheer genius!
Jocelyn

[Janet]

I agree with Jocelyn, as I loved the sail boats and everything too. It has a lot of personalty to it and I think when some one adds their own style, even to a printed piece it is very special.

[judy harper]

As a painted canvas designer since 1969, I didn't know until recently about this "counted canvas" thing - I'm using it now for my own designs, as it adds a whole new dimension. I have some of both types on my blog.

[judy harper]

Janet - there are new designs every day - both painted canvases by various designers, and also what we call "counted" canvas, which is done from a chart. It's a wonderful hobby and very relaxing. Actually, I think this new thing might be called "canvas embroidery" as traditional needlepoint, as we did it in the 70's on painted canvas, was totally basketweave. Now we have the freedom of wonderful novelty fibers, gorgeous silks, and other types of enhancement and embellishment - much more creative.

[Nicola Thomson]

Needlepoint is part of canvaswork and, as such, there are a lot of stitches you can use.A purist may disagree.Yes freeform is your idea / design / stitch etc.

This recent piece I worked( and handpainted beforehand) for a retail store.