It’s always fun to add a new book of stitches to your library. Stitches a la Carte, written by Lynda Richardson is certainly a staff favorite here at Needlepoint.Com.
It’s always fun to add a new book of stitches to your library. Stitches a la Carte, written by Lynda Richardson is certainly a staff favorite here at Needlepoint.Com.
Stitches a la Carte is different than so many of the other needlepoint books available. Rather than focusing on teaching conventional stitches like Diagonal Mosaic or Scotch Stitch, the book centers around bold openwork background stitches that aren't found anywhere else. If you are new to needlepoint, an openwork background is any stitch that leaves some canvas visible when you are done stitching.
We love using openwork backgrounds on canvases. Selecting these types of backgrounds definitely speeds up the process of stitching your backgrounds since you aren't filling every hole on the canvas. These openwork stitches can be used to add a whole new dimension of texture to large open areas of color.
Stitches a la Carte includes sixty-five background stitches. The book is laid out with just one background stitch printed on each page, making the patterns exceptionally easy to read and follow. Stitches are suited for a variety of different size canvases. Some are great for smaller spaces and some are better suited to larger ones.
In addition to an abundance of stitches you won't find anywhere else, the book is peppered with fun anecdotes and stories as you flip through the pages.
A few years back Lynda Richardson published a sequel- Stitches a la Carte II: The Lost Stitches. This includes another 60 unique stitches you can use to bring your stitching to life.
One thing is certain, you'll never be short of inspiration with these two books by your side!
Whether you're heading to the beach, flying to see family, or road-tripping with friends, summer is the perfect time to bring your stitching along for the ride. With a little...
At Needlepoint.Com, we believe needlepoint should be enjoyable for everyone—from curious beginners to confident stitchers. That’s why our kits are carefully labeled by skill level to help you find the...
The holiday season is a time of joy, anticipation, and cherished traditions. At Needlepoint.Com, we're delighted to offer a collection of countdown-to-Christmas kits that blend the art of needlepoint with...
free shipping on all orders over $75
earn needle points for special perks + deals
sign up for 15% off your first order
Skill Levels
Level 1
Learning the foundation stitches, Tent, Continental and Basketweave Stitch. Learning the appropriate way to start and end threads. Chooses clearly defined designs with plenty of background and no shading. Likes to work large areas of one stitch that requires no compensation. Comfortable with using floss, pearl cotton, merino wool and/or tapestry wool.
Level 2
Expanding on foundation stitches and learning Alternating Continental, T-Stitch, Brick Stitch and its variations. Learning to read stitch diagrams that also include verbiage. Starting to learn how to compensate a stitch that cannot be completed within a defined area. Working with a mixture of single strand and pliable threads on one project to add depth and dimension. Adding stitches that build off of Tent such as Mosaic, Scotch and Cashmere.
Level 3
Learning more complicated stitches such as Rhodes, Byzantine, and Herringbone. Also adding composite stitches into repertoire such as Criss-Cross Hungarian. Reads stitch diagrams with or without numbers and verbiage. Understands compensation. Adding textured threads including man-made fibers intended for metallic, sparkly, and fluffy effects to projects and can work through shading effectively. Uses a stitch guide for projects and sticks to it. Comfortable plying and or blending threads.
Level 4
Enjoys a good stitch guide but is willing to dismiss parts in order to incorporate personal artistic interpretation. Has a library of "go to" stitches and can work through all variations of Turkey Work, Jessica Stitch, Crescent Stitch and Openwork Background stitches. Comfortable compensating in complex design areas. Ok with random stitches such as long and short stitches. Views a stitch guide as just a guide and is comfortable using stitches other than what is recommended.