Five diamonds make up this lively four-way Bargello design found on pp. 132-133 in Bargello: An Explosion In Color by Margaret Boyles. A large center diamond is surrounded by four small ones (two fused on each side) in each section of the Bargello pattern. What makes this last Bargello design stitched from this book so… [Continue Reading]
Small diamonds are the centerpieces of this dainty Bargello design found on pp. 130-121 in Bargello: An Explosion In Color by Margaret Boyles. To establish the Bargello pattern, work all four centered diamonds first, followed by the background stitches. The designer suggests that you complete all the background stitches first to get all the four-way… [Continue Reading]
“Domes and Spires” is an old favorite design among Bargello needlepointers. It was used to stitch Day 5’s Bargello Challenge Design, but takes on a totally new look when mitered and stitched in four sections. The pattern and color photo can be found on pp. 128-129 in Bargello: An Explosion In Color by Margaret Boyles.… [Continue Reading]
Four-way Bargello is one of my favorite forms of needlepoint. This pattern on pp. 126-127 in Bargello: An Explosion In Color by Margaret Boyles, is a basic flame stitch pattern. Using a monochromatic color scheme and starting with the darkest color, a beautiful kaleidoscope pattern is fashioned by centering a top peak stitch midway down… [Continue Reading]
This Bargello design is considered to be “very advanced” because it is quite intricate and MUST BE carefully counted from the chart–no guesswork here! I spent 4 hours on it (started stitching at 6 AM and didn’t finish until 10 AM)! In all that time I was only able to complete one of the motifs… [Continue Reading]
My friend Jeff loved Frank Lloyd Wright. Every room in his house had Frank Lloyd Wright pictures, rugs, clocks, sun catchers, stained glass windows…you name it; whatever FLW created, Jeff had it in one form or another. He was so addicted. His vacations were spent in hotels that housed FLW originals or touring and taking… [Continue Reading]
The Gobelin Droit stitch is one of the seven Bargello Filler Stitches. Although this pattern, found on pp. 118-119 in Bargello: An Explosion In Color by Margaret Boyles, is technically not a true Bargello pattern, it does create a nice geometric design that can be used in fun needlepoint projects. When completed, it looks like… [Continue Reading]
I love using silk thread to stitch Bargello needlepoint. It’s my fiber of choice—no matter the design. I’ve used silk to make Bargello pillows, box covers, wallet inserts—just about anything you can stitch. Now, I must admit that wool is better for items that get a lot of wear and tear like Bargello needlepoint rugs,… [Continue Reading]
Here is another advanced Florentine design. At first it may appear to be extremely complicated to work; but closer inspection of the pattern yields the key to stitching success. Found on pp. 116-117 in Bargello: An Explosion In Color by Margaret Boyles, this 6-1 step Bargello pattern is worked using stitches in two lengths. The… [Continue Reading]
Quilters are famous for using templates to cut out fabric shapes for a quilting project. Templates keep the measurements exact so that the pieces join precisely as designed. The same can be said when using a template with Bargello needlepoint. It helps the needlepointer create a unique design starting with an outline and then filling… [Continue Reading]
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