Weave your way through the web using this overview of outstanding needlework and handcraft related sites. Review the top needlework resource and reference sites, the highlights of each and use the handy links. Scroll down the page for site overviews or if you're interested in a specific topic click on the categories below for descriptions and links. New Listing! Needlework Tours Lucinda Hathaway's Sewjourns: http://www.serendipitytours.com Travel and stitching for small groups of interested embroiderers. All tours include hands-on stitching workshops with designers and teachers in the area being toured. Lucinda has been planning, organizing and escorting needlework tours for nine years. Her trips always include hands-on stitching workshops. Her clients have stitched with Elizabeth Bradley, Julia Hickman, Adele Welsbey, Veronica Shaw, The Restall Three at Tri-Thy, Mary Stickley at Threads of Amersham; they have visited Stella Edwards and Candace Bahouth. She can take no more than 12 stitchers in order to also accomodate the teachers. In nine years of escorting these trips, she has enjoyed every minute, and so will you! Pack your needle and thread and prepare for serendipity!
Lucinda Hathaway
602 Norton Street
Longboat Key, FL 34228
941-383-0216
lucinda@serendipitytours.com
Site Descriptions and Highlights
Cameo Roze's - Stitcher's Studio
This great overall needlework reference site has been put together by Margaret Davaz also known online as Host Cameo or Cameo Too in the America Online Chat Rooms, and as CameoRoze in the Internet newsgroups and internet chat rooms. The site is loaded with information and has links to other places on the web for stitchers like events, shops, associations, designers, chats etc.
Highlights of the Site:
What's New - a calendar of events to special stitch related vacations, chats, new stitch related web sites, a shop showcase, reports on recent conferences and festivals, upcoming needlework shows and events, catalog lists, links to Guilds and Associations and much more.
Tips and Tricks - a selection of hints and shortcuts for stitchers.
Unfurl the URL - CameoRozes' selects a new or noteworthy site that she reviews.
Internet Chat - a pretty thorough list and description of places on the internet for chats. Includes AOL chat rooms and software or membership and special requirements to hook up and participate in specific chat sites.
From the Field - a list of recent events, like shows and festivals, plus links to reports from show and festival participants who share their own perspective on the events.
Designers - a list of designers with bios on each and contact information and sources for distributors of their designs.
Counted Cross Stitch, Needlework, and Stitchery
An amazingly complete, award winning site produced by Kathleen Dyer with abundant resources for stitchers covering a wide range of categories. Nicely organized so you can find what you want easily but also great for just exploring. You won't believe the things you can find. Not a graphically rich site but an outstanding index of what, who and where on the web. You can find almost anything related to needlework and handcrafts.
Highlights of the Site:
Designs and Supplies - a list of designers and what their specialties are, retailers who carry specialty items, mail order sources, shopping malls on the internet, stores that carry needlework supplies including some of the chain stores, and a link to finding needlework shops in London and the UK.
Media - has an extensive list of resources for needlework related software, a surprisingly long list of magazines and newsletters catering to the needlecraft crowd with something for everyone. Find that specific book you're looking for with a comprehensive list of mail order and on-line ordering. Includes sources for rare and used books, a small selection of video sources including some for instructional videos.
More Charts - a wide selection of web sources for free charts and patterns, links to web indexes to find patterns and photo-to-chart services.
In Motion - links to organizations, activities and events related to needlecrafts including some trade associations and links to charities offering craft/needlework to the needy.
Knowledge - links you up with hundreds of sources on the web for anything from instructions, to stitcher's personal web sites, from specialty stitching sites to historical and museum resources. The list goes on and on.
Much More - has links to photo album sites of stitchers and a page with links to some other needlecrafts like tatting and lacemaking.
The Embroiderer's Guild of America, Inc. (EGA)
The site of the EGA - a non-profit, educational, charitable, non-discriminatory organization which is open to ALL stitchers: beginning, intermediate and advanced. It was founded in 1958 as the American branch of the Embroiderer's Guild of London and is dedicated to preserving and promoting the needlearts through classes and seminars, needlework shows, regional activities and publication of the Needle Arts Magazine.
Highlights of Site:
Membership - (http://www.needlearts.com/ega/membership.html) Stitchers can choose a chapter in their area with regularly scheduled workshops, lectures and stitch-ins. All members receive a copy of Needle Arts Magazine and an annual Educational Supplement published by the education Department.
EGA Chapters - (http://www.needlearts.com/ega/chapters.html) A complete listing of chapters by city and state.
Calendar of Events - (http://www.needlearts.com/ega/ega_calendar.html) Lists exhibits, showcases, meetings, retreats and classes by location and date throughout the year.
Merchandise - (http://www.needlearts.com/ega/merchandise.html) Offers videos that explore the legacy of the needlearts and booklets that feature many different patterns and designs for needlework.
Needle Arts - (http://www.needlearts.com/ega/taste_of_needlearts.html) First published in 1970 this quarterly publication contains topical articles, hints and how-to=s, letters to the editor, chapter news, calendar of events and regularly updated information from the Education Department.
Study with the EGA - (http://www.needlearts.com/ega/study.html) The courses offered foster high standards of design, color and workmanship in the embroidery arts. Internationally recognized teachers offer a wide range of classes from the most basic to advanced techniques in needlework execution and design.
In the true spirit of the web Johanna Cormier has put together a very impressive collection of stitch diagrams for the beginner and more advanced stitcher. It is a great reference, actually more like an encyclopedia of stitches. Needlecraft folks and those who start a project and realize they don't know how to do a specific stitch will find a great reference tool here.
Highlights of the Site:
Stitch Instructions - Cross stitches, Interweaving, Pulled Thread and other stitches like Satin, Chequer, and Queen including diagrams for all the stitches and basic, half, 1/4, 1/2 ,3/4, and Smyrna Cross Stitches, Rice, Star, Tied Cross, Bosnia, Paris stitches just to name a few. The diagrams are graphic intensive but beautifully illustrated with very clear instructions.
Needlework Links - a short list in comparison to some of the other sites we've highlighted but a nice selection to browse through and make some nice discoveries.
Needlework Tips - embroiderers will appreciate this collection of tips, especially beginners who'll have the benefit of Johanna's experience.
The American Needlepoint Guild, Inc. (ANG) http://www.needlepoint.org
The site of the ANG - an educational, non-profit organization whose main purpose is the educational and cultural development through participation in and encouragement of interest in the art of needlepoint. ANG defines needlepoint as any counted or free stitchery worked by hand with a threaded needle on a readily countable woven ground. ANG offers education through correspondence courses, audio-visual programs, national seminars, and both teacher and judging certification programs.
Highlights of the ANG site:
Chapters - (http://www.needlepoint.org/chapters.htm) Chapter membership offers active participation and fellowship on local and state levels through programs and instruction in the field of needlepoint. The only requirement for membership is an enthusiasm for needlepoint and a desire to learn more about this art.
National Magazine - (http://www.needlepoint.org/magazine.htm) "Needle Pointers" is a bi-monthly publication containing educational articles, charted designs, book and video reviews, Guild information and news of chapter activities.
National Meetings - (http://www.needlepoint.org/seminar.htm) At the annual meeting, classes are held at all levels with national teachers, and a needlepoint exhibit which is open to the public.
Correspondence Courses - (http://www.needlepoint.org/education.html) ANG offers a varied program of correspondence courses by qualified teachers, which is open to all members.
Teacher Certification - (http://www.needlepoint.org/teach.htm) The Master Teacher program offers teacher training and certification on five levels. Application is made to the chairman of the program listed in "Needle Pointers".
Judging Certification - (http://www.needlepoint.org/judge.html) ANG offers judging certification designed to train qualified evaluators in all phases of needlework shows and exhibitions.
A weekly on-line magazine and resource list with areas for hobbies/games, art/crafts and needlework. The needlework area is hosted by Janet M. Perry. A recent visit featured a review of lights and magnifiers, an offer for a free ornament chart, a review of outstanding needlepoint books and more. The site also contains a well done reference area with links to needlecraft/stitching related sites on the web.
Highlights of the Site:
New Feature - the latest addition to the site featured ongoing instructions for a Blackwork Christmas stocking with weekly updates to the project. Color photos of stitched samples along with diagrams and concise instructions are provided.
Previous Features - includes a list of past projects, articles, tips and guides, like an introduction to bargello, unraveling the mystery of using silk in a pattern, the ins and outs of substituting thread and other very useful information.
Best of the Net - a compilation of descriptions and links to outstanding content on the net. Ranging from design, fibers, instruction and projects, shops, and inspiring exhibits.
Resource List - nicely organized by category with brief descriptions and links to web resources for anything from books, magazines, software, designers, fibers, fabrics, stitch guides, instruction, projects, stores, supplies and finishing, techniques, tips for success and a potpourri of sites that don't fit in anywhere else. A great source for browsing to find great things available on the web.
Put together by Debi McMahon with some very useful and hard to find information like pattern corrections, internet jargon, stitching diagrams as well as links to designers, manufacturers, suppliers, shops, organizations and activities and other related references.
Highlights of the Site:
Pattern Corrections - a long list of links with corrections for a wide variety of published patterns. You may want to check her list before you start your next pattern. Links to helpful hints, too.
Fun Stitching Things - great for any Web Surfer Newbies who don't know the internet jargon of newsgroups and chat rooms. Learn the internet stitcher's vocabulary in this sometimes amusing listing and index of web jargon. Lighten up your surfing with her humorous series of posts, too.
Reference Library - some great stitching diagrams and instructions and other reference material.
A site put together by Martha Beth Lewis that offers some unique information on copyright laws and needlework as well as a page on avoiding and living with repetitive stress injuries. One section deals with stitching tips and it also has some interesting links to needlework points of interest you may not be familiar with.
Highlights of the Site:
Tips and Tricks - tips on things like making tassles, twisted cords, finishing a bellpull, washing and blocking your work to make you more productive and help you stitch better.
Copyright and Needlework - a nice summary of articles on copyright information for stitchers, a good reference for some general information on public domain issues, what you can copyright, self-publishing and the like. You'll still need legal counsel but this gives you some good general information.
Repetitive Stress Injuries and Needlework - repetative stress injuries caused by overuse can be bothersome.This section provides some useful information for avoiding some problems and for preventing them from occuring in the first place. Those having minor problems may find some tips that help.
This site's unique approach to providing stitching basics is well worth the visit. It is put together by Clara N. Fitzgerald, a master's student at the Dept. of Psychology at the University of Illinois. Beginners will love the animated stitching diagrams throughout the site which is loaded with really useful information about cross stitch, embroidery, hardanger, drawn thread and more. The unique presentation via animated illustrations makes the diagrams easy to follow.
Other Highlights of the Site:
Getting Started - you'll see animations of separating floss, how to thread a needle for floss and blending filament, anchoring thread and blending filament as well as ending a thread along with well crafted explanations for each.
Cross Stitch - basic cross stitch, stitch-at-a-time for variegated threads, partial stitches, petit point, backstitch and double cross stitch all shown with animated diagrams.
Embroidery, Hardanger and Drawn Thread - were under construction when we visited but we expect it will be as well done as the other sections when completed.
The National Needlework Association (TNNA)
The site of the TNNA - a trade organization for the needlework and craft industry whose mission is to focus on the preservation, encouragement and enhancement of the tradition of needlearts and to cultivate a strong, growing and profitable needlearts industry. The site contains lots of resources for retailers and the trade but also contains excellent in depth illustrated how to's for Knitting, Crochet, Embroidering and Needlepoint. How to sections are excerpts from their books the and the beginner will find much to learn and get started with. These popular books are readily available at shops.
Highlights of the How to Sections:
Knit - (http://www.creative-industries.com/tnna/knit.html) The difference between English and Continental knitting is explained, and basic knitting instructions are provided along with large illustrations, expertly done and clearly explained in a series of examples. The two basic knitting stitches are explained and clearly illustrated along with the garter stitch.
Crochet - (http://www.creative-industries.com/tnna/crochet.html/ ) begins with a little bit of the history of this needleart and discusses some popular applications for using it to make afghans and crocheted lace for home projects as well as for clothing. The diagrams begins with the chain stitch and are followed by examples of how to do slip stitch, single crochet, and a foundation chain with easy to follow illustrations.
Embroidery- (http://www.creative-industries.com/tnna/embroider.html) This section also begins with a history of embroidery and provides hints on counted cross-stitch, the most popular form of embroidery in the US. Reading design charts are described and basics like determining the width and height of your design and finding the center of a chart are covered. A chart shows different size needles and there's one for thread usage for cross-stitching, backstitching and tapestry.
Needlepoint- (http://www.creative-industries.com/tnna/needlepoint.html) As with the other needlearts a brief history is provided and is followed by diagrams of different techniques like the tent stitch, bargello, detailed diagrams of horizontal rows and vertical rows of stitching are provided.
A site for lovers of the ever popular samplers. Put together by Rosemary I. H. Powell the site has just about every area of samplers covered from books, designers, the history of, and origins and meanings of sampler motifs, a sampler showcase, a spotlight on individual designers, and more.
Highlights of the Site:
Sampler Motifs - a very interesting look at the origins of and meanings of some of the symbols used in sampler designs. Did you know a squirrel represents mischief in the Garden of Eden.
A Sampling of Books - a lengthy list of sampler books with descriptions of each and pertinent information.
Sampler Designers and Suppliers - an extensive list of both traditional and modern sampler designers and stores with contact information for each.
A Brief History of Samplers - history buffs will enjoy reading about the origins of samplers which have had differing importance over time. Did you know samplers were part of a young Victorian's girl's education at one time?
Sampler Links Around the World - is just what it sounds like but you'll be amazed at the variety in the links provided.
Sampler Spotlight - a gallery of sampler stitchers creations.
Needlework/ Handcraft Reference Sites
specializes in quilt patterns for patchwork, appliqué, paper piecing, and redwork, as well as Thimbleberries club and block of the month. It serves as the online order fulfillment for leading quilting pattern designers to customers and quilt shops featuring quilting products, quilting fabrics with secure ordering and economical shipping.
Cameo Roze's - Stitcher's Studio
This great overall needlework reference site has been put together by Margaret Davaz also known online as Host Cameo or Cameo Too in the America Online Chat Rooms, and as CameoRoze in the Internet newsgroups and internet chat rooms. The site is loaded with great information and has links to other places on the web for for stitchers like events, shops, associations, designers, chats etc.
Counted Cross Stitch, Needlework, and Stitchery
An amazingly complete, award winning site produced by Kathleen Dyer with abundant resources for stitchers covering a wide range of categories. Nicely organized so you can find what you want easily but also great for just exploring. You won't believe the things you can find. Not a graphically rich site but an outstanding index of what, who and where on the web. You can find almost anything related to needlework and handcrafts.
A weekly on-line magazine and resource list with areas for hobbies/games, art/crafts and needlework. The needlework area is hosted by Janet M. Perry. A recent visit featured a review of lights and magnifiers, an offer for a free ornament chart, a review of outstanding needlepoint books and more. The site also contains a well done reference area with links to needlecraft/stitching related sites on the web.
Put together by Debi McMahon with some very useful and hard to find information like pattern corrections, internet jargon, stitching diagrams as well as links to designers, manufacturers, suppliers, shops, organizations and activities and other related references.
A site put together by Martha Beth Lewis that is not as large or as comprehensive as some of the others but offers some unique information on copyright laws and needlework as well as a page on avoiding and living with repetitive stress injuries. One section deals with stitching tips and it also has some interesting links to needlework points of interest you may not be familiar with.
Back to Top of Page Tips and Guides
Cameo Roze's - Stitcher's Studio
- Tips and Tricks - a selection of hints and shortcuts for stitchers.
- Needlework Tips - embroiderers will appreciate this collection of tips, especially beginners who'll have the benefit of Johanna's experience.
- Previous Features - includes a list of past projects, articles, tips and guides, like an introduction to bargello, unraveling the mystery of using silk in a pattern, the ins and outs of substituting thread and other very useful information.
- Pattern Corrections - a long list of links with corrections for a wide variety of published patterns. You may want to check her list before you start your next pattern. Links to helpful hints, too.
- Tips and Tricks - tips on things like making tassles, twisted cords, finishing a bellpull, washing and blocking your work and more to make you more productive and help you stitch better.
- Getting Started - you'll see animations of separating floss, how to thread a needle for floss and blending filament, anchoring thread, blending filament and ending a thread along with well crafted explanations for each.
Back to Top of Page Chat Rooms/Newsgroups
Cameo Roze's - Stitcher's Studio
- Internet Chat - a pretty thorough list and description of places on the internet for chats. Includes AOL chat rooms and software or membership and special requirements to hook up and participate in specific chat sites.
- Fun Stitching Things - great for any Web Surfer Newbies who don't know the internet jargon of newsgroups and chat rooms. Learn the internet stitcher's vocabulary in this sometimes amusing listing and index of web jargon. Lighten up your surfing with her humorous series of posts, too.
Back to Top of Page Festivals/Events
Cameo Roze's - Stitcher's Studio
- What's New - a calendar of events to special stitch related vacations, chats, new stitch related web sites, a shop showcase, reports on recent conferences and festivals, upcoming needlework shows and events, catalog lists, links to Guilds and Associations and much more.
- From the Field - a list of recent events, like shows and festivals, plus links to reports from show and festival participants who share their own perspective on the events.
Counted Cross Stitch, Needlework, and Stitchery
- In Motion - links to organizations, activities and events related to needlecrafts including some trade associations and links to charities offering craft/needlework to the needy.
Needlework Designers
Cameo Roze's - Stitcher's Studio
- Designers - a list of designers with bios on each and contact information and sources for distributors of their designs.
Counted Cross Stitch, Needlework, and Stitchery
- Designs and Supplies - a list of designers and what their specialties are, retailers who carry specialty items, mail order sources, shopping malls on the internet, stores that carry needlework supplies including some of the chain stores, and a link to finding needlework shops in London and the UK.
- Much More - has links to photo album sites of stitchers and a page with links to some other needlecrafts like tatting and lacemaking.
- Resource List - a nicely organized by category with brief descriptions and links to web resources for anything from books, magazines, software, designers, fibers, fabrics, stitch guides, instruction, projects, stores, supplies and finishing, techniques, tips for success and a potpourri of sites that don't fit in anywhere else. A great source for browsing to find great things available on the web.
- Sampler Designers and Suppliers - an extensive list of both traditional and modern sampler designers and stores with contact information for each.
Back to Top of Page Needlework Suppliers
Counted Cross Stitch, Needlework, and Stitchery
- Designs and Supplies - a list of designers and what their specialties are, retailers who carry specialty items, mail order sources, shopping malls on the internet, stores that carry needlework supplies including some of the chain stores, and a link to finding needlework shops in London and the UK.
- Resource List - nicely organized by category with brief descriptions and links to web resources for anything from books, magazines, software, designers, fibers, fabrics, stitch guides, instruction, projects, stores, supplies and finishing, techniques, tips for success and a potpourri of sites that don't fit in anywhere else. A great source for browsing to find great things available on the web.
- Overview: Put together by Debi McMahon with some very useful and hard to find information like pattern corrections, internet jargon, stitching diagrams as well as links to designers, manufacturers, suppliers, shops, organizations and activities and other related references.
- Sampler Designers and Suppliers - an extensive list of both traditional and modern sampler designers and stores with contact information for each.
Back to Top of Page Publications/Software/Videos
- A British publication, published six times a year which offers the world's finest textile photography, unparalleled design and peerless writing.
Open a copy of Selvedge and you sense there is a philosophy that Selvedge readers subscribe to. A belief system based on a cerebral and sensual addiction to textiles in all forms. Readers share a belief in the importance of their material surroundings and a passion for the beautiful and beautifully made.
- Selvedge Magazine aims to provide a textile publication which fits seamlessly into your creative lifestyle. Directed towards an international, discerning audience, Selvedge covers fine textiles in every context: fine art, interiors, fashion, travel and shopping. Caron site visitors will gain inspiration from the broad scope of the publication and the talented artists they profile.
Counted Cross Stitch, Needlework, and Stitchery
- Media - has an extensive list of resources for needlework related software, a surprisingly long list of magazines and newsletters catering to the needlecraft crowd with something for everyone. Find that specific book you're looking for with a comprehensive list of mail order and on-line ordering. Includes sources for rare and used books, a small selection of video sources including some for instructional videos.
- Resource List - nicely organized by category with brief descriptions and links to web resources for anything from books, magazines, software, designers, fibers, fabrics, stitch guides, instruction, projects, stores, supplies and finishing, techniques, tips for success and a potpourri of sites that don't fit in anywhere else. A great source for browsing to find great things available on the web.
Back to Top of Page
Books
Counted Cross Stitch, Needlework, and Stitchery
- Media - has an extensive list of resources for needlework related software, a surprisingly long list of magazines and newsletters catering to the needlecraft crowd with something for everyone. Find that specific book you're looking for with a comprehensive list of mail order and on-line ordering. Includes sources for rare and used books, a small selection of video sources including some for instructional videos.
- Resource List - nicely organized by category with brief descriptions and links to web resources for anything from books, magazines, software, designers, fibers, fabrics, stitch guides, instruction, projects, stores, supplies and finishing, techniques, tips for success and a potpourri of sites that don't fit in anywhere else. A great source for browsing to find great things available on the web.
- A Sampling of Books - a lengthy list of sampler books with descriptions of each and pertinent information.
Back to Top of Page
Charts/Patterns
Counted Cross Stitch, Needlework, and Stitchery
More Charts - a wide selection of web sources for free charts and patterns, links to web indexes to find patterns and photo-to-chart services.
New Feature - the latest addition to the site featured ongoing instructions for a Blackwork Christmas stocking with weekly updates to the project. Color photos of stitched samples along with diagrams and concise instructions are provided.
Back to Top of Page
Guilds/Organizations
The site of the EGA - a non-profit, educational, charitable, non-discriminatory organization which is open to ALL stitchers: beginning, intermediate and advanced. It was founded in 1958 as the American branch of the Embroiderer's Guild of London and is dedicated to preserving and promoting the needlearts through classes and seminars, needlework shows, regional activities and publication of the Needle Arts Magazine.
Highlights of Site:
Membership - (http://www.needlearts.com/ega/membership.html) Stitchers can choose a chapter in their area with regularly scheduled workshops, lectures and stitch-ins. All members receive a copy of Needle Arts Magazine and an annual Educational Supplement published by the education Department.
EGA Chapters - (http://www.needlearts.com/ega/chapters.html) A complete listing of chapters by city and state.
Calendar of Events - (http://www.needlearts.com/ega/ega_calendar.html) Lists exhibits, showcases, meetings, retreats and classes by location and date throughout the year.
Merchandise - (http://www.needlearts.com/ega/merchandise.html) Offers videos that explore the legacy of the needlearts and booklets that feature many different patterns and designs for needlework.
Needle Arts - (http://www.needlearts.com/ega/taste_of_needlearts.html) First published in 1970 this quarterly publication contains topical articles, hints and how-to=s, letters to the editor, chapter news, calendar of events and regularly updated information from the Education Department.
Study with the EGA - (http://www.needlearts.com/ega/study.html) The courses offered foster high standards of design, color and workmanship in the embroidery arts. Internationally recognized teachers offer a wide range of classes from the most basic to advanced techniques in needlework execution and design.
The site of the TNNA - a trade organization for the needlework and craft industry whose mission is to focus on the preservation, encouragement and enhancement of the tradition of needlearts and to cultivate a strong, growing and profitable needlearts industry. The site contains lots of resources for retailers and the trade but also contains excellent in depth illustrated how to's for Knitting, Crochet, Embroidering and Needlepoint. How to sections are excerpts from their books the and the beginner will find much to learn and get started with. These popular books are readily available at shops.
Highlights of the How to Sections:
Knit - (http://www.creative-industries.com/tnna/knit.html) The difference between English and Continental knitting is explained, and basic knitting instructions are provided along with large illustrations, expertly done and clearly explained in a series of examples. The two basic knitting stitches are explained and clearly illustrated along with the garter stitch.
Crochet - (http://www.creative-industries.com/tnna/crochet.html/ ) begins with a little bit of the history of this needleart and discusses some popular applications for using it to make afghans and crocheted lace for home projects as well as for clothing. The diagrams begins with the chain stitch and are followed by examples of how to do slip stitch, single crochet, and a foundation chain with easy to follow illustrations.
Embroidery- (http://www.creative-industries.com/tnna/embroider.html) This section also begins with a history of embroidery and provides hints on counted cross-stitch, the most popular form of embroidery in the US. Reading design charts are described and basics like determining the width and height of your design and finding the center of a chart are covered. A chart shows different size needles and there's one for thread usage for cross-stitching, backstitching and tapestry.
Needlepoint- (http://www.creative-industries.com/tnna/needlepoint.html) As with the other needlearts a brief history is provided and is followed by diagrams of different techniques like the tent stitch, bargello, detailed diagrams of horizontal rows and vertical rows of stitching are provided.
The American Needlepoint Guild, Inc. (ANG) http://www.needlepoint.org
The site of the ANG - an educational, non-profit organization whose main purpose is the educational and cultural development through participation in and encouragement of interest in the art of needlepoint. ANG defines needlepoint as any counted or free stitchery worked by hand with a threaded needle on a readily countable woven ground. ANG offers education through correspondence courses, audio-visual programs, national seminars, and both teacher and judging certification programs.
Highlights of the ANG site:
Chapters - (http://www.needlepoint.org/chapters.htm) Chapter membership offers active participation and fellowship on local and state levels through programs and instruction in the field of needlepoint. The only requirement for membership is an enthusiasm for needlepoint and a desire to learn more about this art.
National Magazine - (http://www.needlepoint.org/magazine.htm) "Needle Pointers" is a bi-monthly publication containing educational articles, charted designs, book and video reviews, Guild information and news of chapter activities.
National Meetings - (http://www.needlepoint.org/seminar.htm) At the annual meeting, classes are held at all levels with national teachers, and a needlepoint exhibit which is open to the public.
Correspondence Courses - (http://www.needlepoint.org/education.html) ANG offers a varied program of correspondence courses by qualified teachers, which is open to all members.
Teacher Certification - (http://www.needlepoint.org/teach.htm) The Master Teacher program offers teacher training and certification on five levels. Application is made to the chairman of the program listed in "Needle Pointers".
Judging Certification - (http://www.needlepoint.org/judge.html) ANG offers judging certification designed to train qualified evaluators in all phases of needlework shows and exhibitions.
Samplers
A site for lovers of the ever popular samplers. Put together by Rosemary I. H. Powell the site has just about every area of samplers covered from books, designers, the history of, and origins and meanings of sampler motifs, a sampler showcase, a spotlight on individual designers, and more.
Highlights of the Site:
- Sampler Motifs - a very interesting look at the origins of and meanings of some of the symbols used in sampler designs. Did you know a squirrel represents mischief in the Garden of Eden.
- A Sampling of Books - a lengthy list of sampler books with descriptions of each and pertinent information.
- Sampler Designers and Suppliers - an extensive list of both traditional and modern sampler designers and stores with contact information for each.
- A Brief History of Samplers - history buffs will enjoy reading about the origins of samplers which have had differing importance over time. Did you know samplers were part of a young Victorian's girl's education at one time?
- Sampler Links Around the World - is just what it sounds like but you'll be amazed at the variety in the links provided.
- Sampler Spotlight - a gallery of sampler stitchers creations.
Back to Top of Page
Stitching Instructions
Counted Cross Stitch, Needlework, and Stitchery
- Knowledge - links you up with hundreds of sources on the web for anything from instructions, to stitcher's personal web sites, from specialty stitching sites to historical and museum resources. The list goes on and on.
- Overview: In the true spirit of the web Johanna Cormier has put together a very impressive collection of stitch diagrams for the beginner and more advanced stitcher. It is a great reference, actually more like an encyclopedia of stitches. Needlecraft folks and those who start a project and realize they don't know how to do a specific stitch will find a great reference tool here.
- Stitch Instructions - Cross stitches, Interweaving, Pulled Thread and other stitches like Satin, Chequer, and Queen including diagrams for all the stitches and basic, half, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and Smyrna Cross Stitches, Rice, Star, Tied Cross, Bosnia, Paris stitches just to name a few. The diagrams are graphic intensive but beautifully illustrated with very clear instructions.
- Previous Features - includes a list of past projects, articles, tips and guides, like an introduction to bargello, unraveling the mystery of using silk in a pattern, the ins and outs of substituting thread and other very useful information.
- Reference Library - some great stitching diagrams and instructions and other reference material.
Overview: This site's unique approach to providing stitching basics is well worth the visit. It is put together by Clara N. Fitzgerald, a master's student at the Dept. of Psychology at the University of Illinois. Beginners will love the animated stitching diagrams throughout the site which is loaded with really useful information about cross stitch, embroidery, hardanger, drawn thread and more. The unique presentation via animated illustrations makes the diagrams easy to follow.
Other Highlights of the Site:
- Getting Started - you'll see animations of separating floss, how to thread a needle for floss and blending filament, anchoring thread and blending filament and ending a thread along with well crafted explanations for each.
- Cross Stitch - basic cross stitch, stitch-at-a-time for variegated threads, partial stitches, petit point, backstitch and double cross stitch all shown with animated diagrams.
- Embroidery, Hardanger and Drawn Thread - were under construction when we visited but we expect it will be as well done as the other sections when completed.
The National Needlework Association (TNNA) tnna.info@offinger.com
The site of the TNNA - a trade organization for the needlework and craft industry whose mission is to focus on the preservation, encouragement and enhancement of the tradition of needlearts and to cultivate a strong, growing and profitable needlearts industry. The site contains lots of resources for retailers and the trade but also contains excellent in depth illustrated how to's for Knitting, Crochet, Embroidering and Needlepoint. How to sections are excerpts from their books the and the beginner will find much to learn and get started with. These popular books are readily available at shops.
Highlights of the How to Sections:
- Knit - (http://www.creative-industries.com/tnna/knit.html) The difference between English and Continental knitting is explained, and basic knitting instructions are provided along with large illustrations, expertly done and clearly explained in a series of examples. The two basic knitting stitches are explained and clearly illustrated along with the garter stitch.
- Crochet - (http://www.creative-industries.com/tnna/crochet.html/ ) begins with a little bit of the history of this needleart and discusses some popular applications for using it to make afghans and crocheted lace for home projects as well as for clothing. The diagrams begins with the chain stitch and are followed by examples of how to do slip stitch, single crochet, and a foundation chain with easy to follow illustrations.
- Embroidery- (http://www.creative-industries.com/tnna/embroider.html) This section also begins with a history of embroidery and provides hints on counted cross-stitch, the most popular form of embroidery in the US. Reading design charts are described and basics like determining the width and height of your design and finding the center of a chart are covered. A chart shows different size needles and there's one for thread usage for cross-stitching, backstitching and tapestry.
- Needlepoint- (http://www.creative-industries.com/tnna/needlepoint.html) As with the other needlearts a brief history is provided and is followed by diagrams of different techniques like the tent stitch, bargello, detailed diagrams of horizontal rows and vertical rows of stitching are provided.
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Pattern Corrections
- Pattern Corrections - a long list of links with corrections for a wide variety of published patterns.You may want to check her list before you start your next pattern. Links to helpful hints, too.
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Copyright Laws
- Copyright and Needlework - a nice summary of articles on copyright information for stitchers, a good reference for some general information on public domain issues, what you can copyright, self-publishing and the like. You'll still need legal counsel but this gives you some good general information.
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Repetitive Stress Injuries
- Repetitive Stress Injuries and Needlework - repetative stress injuries caused by overuse can be bothersome.This section provides some useful information for avoiding some problems and for preventing it from occuring in the first place. Those having minor problems may find some tips that help.
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