I cannot count my day complete
'Til needle, thread and fabric meet.
~Author Unknown

Sharing a common thread with those who love the art of hand embroidery

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Exploring the world of petit point

As always, through my embroidery journey, I am always looking to learn about new techniques or new stitches...................
and as most of you know, my passion is embroidery with a vintage look. These past few weeks I have been researching petit point...........a form of needlepoint.........just worked on a smaller weave of canvas. Berlin work charts that depict clusters of roses , violets and forget me nots, have always captured my attention. I could write a post that would go on forever about Berlin work,  as well as Nowotny charts out of Vienna............... 
however, I will spare you that.
Isn't the rose spray above just lovely?
I can see this stitched onto a pale pink bath towel, can't you?   If you are interested in the charts an the history of such,  just check out these in the wonderful world of the Internet.........there is much to read. However,  I have found it to be a little more difficult to find about petit point............although there is a wealth of instruction on needlepoint. They actually are sisters in the needlework world.


I am in awe of the beautiful artwork and craftsmanship that went into making these beautiful charts.I would love a petit point purse like this...........even if I am wearing jeans! What do you think??

The designers were quite talented. So now, after my research and hunting, I now have my threads and linens ready...............

and I just got this wonderful book, full of pictures, charts, patterns and instructions. The charts above came from this edition. I am in the middle, but almost finished with a previous embroidery project............and I am about to dive into the world of petit point. I hope I will have something stitched soon to show to you. If you are interested in this wonderful form of  needlework, the book can be found on Amazon and if you click onto this link
http://www.gittas.com/FreeStuff/Instructions/Petit_Point.htm, you can find instructions to do petit point.
Are you already familiar with this kind of work? Or do you do needlepoint?
I would love to hear!

6 comments:

Cindy said...

Those charts are lovely, Kathleen. I have always liked petit point better that regular needlepoint. The tiny stitches appeal to me and I think needlepoint reminds me of the 70s!

We used to have 2 locally owned needle work shops in town where you could buy just the amount of yarn you needed. I miss that. I can't wait to see your newest project. It's so fun to try out new things, isn't it?

Karen said...

Kathleen, I really enjoyed your post about Berlinwork charts. I love these, too, and have all 3 of Raffaella's books. I have just recently discovered your beautiful blog and have been enjoying it very much!

The Woodbury's said...

Thanks for the wonderful post. I have never seen petit point before -- it is just beautiful! I'm sure you will have a great time and do a wonderful job on whatever project you choose to undertake.

lil red hen said...

I just recently found your other blog, and when I saw this one -- well -- I didn't know what I had been missing!! Your work is gorgeous! I do embroidery work but nothing as detailed as yours. I quilt and have done several redwork projects; simple outline stitching, etc. So, I'll be visiting often to view your lovely works.

Cora from Hidden Riches said...

Whenever I come by here I'm left breathless! Such tiny, little stitches in that petit point!!!!! Surely a work of love. I've seen these on foot rests, etc., and I think I would kill anyone who put their feet up on a work of art like that. So. . . . are we going to see you doing some of this petit point soon????

Tink's Tinkerings said...

thanks so much for stopping by, yes I have made alot of the shawls and more after 50 years of crocheting but the fan shawl is my favorite , mine is 35+ yrs old and is always drapped over my sitting chair in the living room. still looks like new. you work is so beautiful going to have a look around to see whats new.