365 Days of Bargello Needlepoint Revisited

A long standing goal of mine was to stitch every design from the books in my Bargello needlepoint library, and in 2010  I resolved to do just that! Beginning with January 1st through December 31st of that year, I stitched a 5-inch square  sample on 18-mesh needlepoint canvas of 365 different bargello needlepoint designs each and every day. Each design was taken from books written by a collection of some of  bargello needlepoint’s greatest designers.

Bargello True Confessions: Why It Was Such A Big Challenge

This was actually the challenge of a lifetime! Why? Because I have a lot of good intentions when it comes to Bargello needlepoint. I enjoy creating and starting new projects; but alas, I must admit that I start more than I finish.

How It Was Done

During the 2009 Christmas holidays, I chose most of the 365 designs from my Bargello Needlepoint Library, selected the color schemes for the first 10 designs, and cut the canvas into 6″ squares. Rising early each morning and stitched for two to three hours, and then posted the completed design along with resource information later that afternoon.

Bargello Stand and Canvas ready for each day's stitching

The majority of needlepoint supplies such as threads and canvas were  taken from my needlepoint stash. From time to time, I stitched ahead as the creative juices led me. When this happened, the extra designs were saved for a “rainy day” when life intruded with unforeseen emergencies, illnesses and scheduling conflicts. I set my mind and commitment to stitching at least one Bargello needlepoint design each day that year.

A Special Dedication

My beloved father passed away at the end of September, 2009 and for several months I had found it difficult to stitch embroidery of any kind since that time. He was such a big fan of anything creative I made–even when it didn’t quite live up to specs and I missed him so very much.

I felt led to embark on the 365-Day Bargello Needlepoint Challenge to revive my love of needlepoint and motivate me to stitch like I’d never done before. So, I dedicated the Challenge to his memory.

Join the 365-Day Challenge

Since that time I have found that the 365-Day Bargello Challenge has not gotten old or outdated. Many readers have emailed me about tips and patterns to continue the challenge even though it has been over for a few years. This is not a challenge for the fainthearted. It will require commitment and tenacity, and patience and creativity. It should be quite a lot of fun, though–especially if you’re a Bargello fanatic like me.

Over the next few months I will be re-posting each day’s completed design along with reflections of what it meant to stitch them. I hope you enjoy revisiting the 365-Day Bargello Needlepoint Challenge.