365 Days of Bargello Needlepoint
2010 Resolution: To Stitch 365 Different Bargello Needlepoint Designs–One Each Day!
A long standing goal of mine is to stitch every design from the books in my Bargello needlepoint library, and this year I’m resolving to make significant strides towards completing that goal. I’ve planned an ambitious undertaking–I resolve to stitch a sample of 365 different Bargello designs…one for each day of the year.
Each design will be stitched as a stand-alone 3″ square on 18-mesh needlepoint canvas. 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.
The designs will be taken from books written by a variety of Bargello needlepoint gurus. I plan to stitch 2-3 hours each morning, and post the completed design along with resource information later that afternoon. The Bargello Needlepoint Stitch Notebook will be used to record challenge results.
Since these will be small squares, most of the needlepoint supplies such as threads and canvas will be taken from my needlepoint stash.
Bargello True Confessions: Why This Is Such A Big Challenge
This resolution will be a big challenge. 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. For example, last year I started a Bargello Needlepoint Diary and managed to get through 7 stitching days of the pillow (one of my first original designs). I soon lost interest in it and started several new projects, which were actually completed.
A reader emailed me asking for a picture of the finished pillow and for several weeks I couldn’t find it. It was buried deep down in my “Round Tuit” drawer. I’m sure you have one of those “one of these days I’ll get round to it” places of your own. I must confess that there are quite a lot of Bargello and other embroidery treasures in the “Round Tuit” drawer. On a sad note, during this past Fall cleaning, I mistakenly placed the unfinished pillow with other canvases and materials that were donated to charity.
So, as you can see, to live up to my resolution to stitch 365 different Bargello needlepoint designs will truly be a big challenge!
Starting Out The Way I Mean To Go On…
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. This will make it easier to focus on pure stitching each day in 2010.
Beginning the night of January 1st and each succeeding night I plan to take another look at the color scheme, mount the canvas, and set up the stitching station with needlepoint stand, tools and design book.
From time to time, I may stitch ahead as the creative juices lead me. When this happens, the extra designs will be saved for a “rainy day” when life intrudes with unforeseen emergencies, illnesses or extra appointments. I truly am committed to stitching at least one Bargello needlepoint design each day.
A Special Dedication
My father passed away at the end of September, 2009 and I have 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. I miss him so very much. I believe that this 365-Day Bargello Needlepoint Challenge will revive my love of needlepoint and motivate me to stitch like I’ve never done before. As a result I’m dedicating this year’s creative efforts to his memory. Here’s to you, Daddy.
Join the 365-Day Challenge
Join me as I start this journey beginning tomorrow, January 1st. Choose several designs of your own, or if you have the featured Bargello needlepoint books in your library, you can stitch the same ones I will be making.
If you’re somewhat shy about committing to a full year, why not stitch for a week or two, a month, a quarter or even for half of the year. During the first quarter of 2011 all 365 completed squares will be finished into one or several exquisite and unique needlepoint creations! I’m not sure just yet what they will be; but I have a few ideas and will keep you posted. I welcome any suggestions you may have.
Take the plunge, accept the 365-Day Bargello Needlepoint Challenge and stitch with me! Ready…Set…Go!
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1Jane/Chilly Hollow
wrote on 1 January 2010 at 8:20
Honey, I wish you luck with this! I can’t wait to see how it goes. Bargello isn’t my favorite type of stitching but it can be very beautiful and small sections of bargello-type stitches enliven many of my completed needlepoint canvases. So I expect to learn something as you work.
And we’re off!
Jane, waving from Chilly Hollow
2Jocelyn
wrote on 1 January 2010 at 9:38
I would love to join you in such a project, but I know I wouldn’t be able to keep it up. I do stitch nearly every day, but my time is limited as I work full time.
But when I do samplers such as this, little stitching examples, I have found I prefer to work with bigger pieces of canvas. Having to attach it to the frame every single time I start a new stitch is so time consuming and I start to think “I don’t have time to do that right now”. Instead I prefer to mark a few squares on a bigger canvas and that gives me more time to actually stitch.
On the other hand, seeing that little pile of completed sqares is so satisfying, isn’t it!
Jocelyn
3Bargello Love
wrote on 1 January 2010 at 13:10
Hello Jocelyn, I thought about using a large piece of canvas, say enough for 9 squares, but then like you said I wouldn’t get the satisfaction of completion each day. I believe that separate squares will motivate me to keep stitching! Althea
4Bargello Love
wrote on 1 January 2010 at 13:10
Jane, Thanks for the encouragement! Althea
5Rebecca Lake
wrote on 2 January 2010 at 15:25
I was wondering what size canvas you were going to use?
Rebecca
6Bargello Love
wrote on 2 January 2010 at 15:28
Hello Rebecca, I’m using 18 mesh canvas that I have cut into 6″ square pieces. So far, it’s working fine! Althea
7Bargello Love
wrote on 2 January 2010 at 15:32
Jocelyn, you can select one design a month, week, or whatever period you would like…even one for the whole year. That way, there’s no pressure or stress for you. Think about it! Althea
8Rebecca Lake
wrote on 2 January 2010 at 15:35
If we don’t have the book she’s using is there anyplace else that we can find these patterns?
Rebecca L.
9Bargello Love
wrote on 3 January 2010 at 22:54
Rebecca, you may be able to find Bargello: An Explosion In Color by Margaret Boyles, in the library or someone in your local needlepoint guild may be able to lend you a copy. I purchase my books from used bookstores or Amazon.com. Althea
10Amanda
wrote on 4 January 2010 at 10:29
I’m in awe of your dedication and determination. Best of luck to you. I look forward to checking in and seeing all of your wonderful creations!
11Bargello Love
wrote on 4 January 2010 at 11:02
Thanks Amanda, I appreciate the encouragement, and I hope you enjoy viewing the designs. Althea
12Cornelia
wrote on 12 January 2010 at 18:48
Dang – this is a stellar effort. It has the inspiration of Julie and Julia.
13Bargello Love
wrote on 13 January 2010 at 6:26
Hello Cornelia, Thanks for your kind words. I wanted to do something to celebrate my father’s life, and after seeing the movie, “Julie & Julia”, it inspired me to take the plunge and pursue the idea that had been forming in my mind. Althea
14Miriam Klaassen
wrote on 16 January 2010 at 3:49
Wow what a challenge! I wish you good luck and I like your samples sofar very much.
15Marianne White
wrote on 3 February 2010 at 19:28
Hi Sandi….a long time ago, i got the chart”Sandi Ragan” squares on squares Rainbow Gallery and did it on 18 mesh canvas with a variety of fibers, and added an inch to it all around, using a few other stitches as well….i entered it into a fair, and won a ribbon …. it was beautiful and i had a blast doing it….thank you for the pattern
16Anne Roberts
wrote on 7 February 2010 at 12:00
I just discovered this site and I am so excited about your project. I am pulling out my bargello books from long ago and plan to try to catch up. Thank you very much for sharing this project! Anne
17Bargello Love
wrote on 7 February 2010 at 13:32
Hello Anne,
I’m so glad that you will be joining me. Have some fun with the stitches. I am truly having a ball! Happy Stitchin’. Althea
18Martha Ortiz
wrote on 9 March 2010 at 13:00
Que pena que no llegue a tiempo para inciar este hermoso bordado de Bagello,
Digame si aun es tiempo de iniciar con los retos diarios de este bordado realmente es un deleite bordarlo,
Que tendría que hacer para hacer este bordado de los 365 dias.
Le agradeceria muchisimo me contestará.
19Bargello Love
wrote on 9 March 2010 at 18:20
Hola Martha,
Gracias por escribir un comentario sobre el proyecto de 365 días Bargello. Aunque no habla español, voy a tratar de responder a su pregunta. Puede iniciar el proyecto del Bargello, en cualquier momento, y usted no tiene que hacer 365 días. Usted puede hacer uno un bordado de una semana, mes o tantas veces como quieras durante todo el año. Lo importante para recordar es mantener la costura. Espero que el traductor de idiomas en línea recibe este derecho. Althea