Anna Pearson's Needlepoint Blog

First of all, what is needlepoint?   It is counted thread embroidery mostly covering the ground material – even weave canvas.   However my web site shows many different lacy designs and incorporating different coloured canvases into the design. Sometimes it is called tapestry erroneously but that is a different story! Girls Stitching in Tuscany There are three main types of needlepoint, Tent stitch from charts or on printed or hand-painted canvases; Florentine/Bargello traditional upright stitches worked in curves and spires and Stitchery on geometric designs and for adding interest to painted canvases. This blog covers equipment for all types of needlepoint that I have found useful though the years. One of the most attractive aspects of learning needlepoint right from the start is the fact that initially very little equipment is needed to get one going in the right direction. Later on as you become more hooked, possibly see fellow stitches either at class or ...

We have just returned from our very first river cruise; until now we have enjoyed exploring countries – like our recent trip to Myanmar (Burma that was) but that necessitated moving from city to city, beautiful location to fabulous temple – all packing, unpacking and different beds almost every night! On a river cruise such as this one we saw five countries, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary all from the comfort of one comfortable cabin, in the space of seven days.   Just for the record we travelled up the Danube, going from Bucharest (close to the mouth of the river into the Black Sea) and up though Belgrade to Budapest.   Also allowed quite some relaxed stitching time!   Crafts have always been popular in Eastern Europe, possibly as they have long cold winters and with their centuries of troubles including the very recent past, staying quiet at home was practical.    Furthermore some of the area have lent towards the Christian church in...

The Open House I held last week was a great success:  for the first time ever we had an early evening session in addition to the mid day one.  It enabled some working girls to come and see the designs and how different they are to what they originally thought of 'tapestry' - Old Master copies and Mermaids! I even reconnected with someone I had seen for at least 25 years which was very special.  Should you and I have ever met do let me know, whether it was at the Mill outside Norwich, here in London or somewhere in the States, I should love to hear from you. Very soon I am taking a small group on a stitching holiday to Italy;  we have been back to the same place 7 times, run by a family who grow all the food and make their own wine.  Nothing could be more perfect than sitting and stitching in such beautiful surroundings.  The 10 day forecast is in the upper 20s (one of the few things beyond my control!) so can't wait. What to take on any trip is a...