DavidGloman.com - Arts and Paintings

Easy to understand   August 1, 2001

It details hundreds of different stiches and has great pictures so you can see what stiches should look like. I goes through all aspects of needlepoint from picking out a canvas to finishing it.


A new and improved Black Book!   July 16, 2001
  50 out of 51 found this review helpful

Like most stitchers, I've used "the Black Book" for years. The new edition is a must-have for anyone who does needlepoint. All the good stuff you've used in the past is still there - lessons on how to begin, the tools of the trade, hundreds of stitches and how to use them, and fnishing instructions. Part of the reason that Christensen has been such a universally used resource is that her step-by-step instructions on how to do different stiches are easy to follow. As wonderful as the old edition was, this new one is even better. Not only are there more stiches - and very useful ones - but the information on tools and materials has been drastically revised. One of the most significant changes that caught my attention is that unlike the previous edition, Christensen is now recommending routine use of frames. Of course, this is consistent with what most of us have been doing for years. Christensen makes some general observations about the new types of threads available and how to use them, but she doesn't discuss them in detail. This is probably a wise choice since the vast variety of threads has been constantly changing and will no doubt continue to do so. My one complaint is that when selecting projects to show in the book, Christensen has very deliberately chosen to drastically limit the number of projects that have holiday themes, particularly Christmas. This seems like a strange choice since you only have to walk in to any needlepoint shop to know that Christmas projects make up the bulk of the business. Other holidays, including those of different religions and traditions are also popular. Personally, I almost never stitch anything but Christmas stockings and ornaments, and most stitchers I know are the same. Other than this personal bias, however, I have found the new edition to be an excellent improvement on an already great book.


Purchasing my second copy!   July 2, 2001
  8 out of 11 found this review helpful

Bought the first one as I was impressed with the information that it contained. Unfortunately when I moved I gave it to a friend who was stitching a lot at the time. This book has great diagrams of the stitches and is very easy to use. It's a terrific reference book that anyone who likes to stitch should have.


This is THE top guide to needlepoint stitches   August 25, 2000
  19 out of 19 found this review helpful

If you only own one book about needlepoint, then this is the book to have. The layout, stitch explanations and illustrations are all excellent. The color photographs of completed projects illustrate the beauty of going beyond basketweave in stitching, and Jo's book clearly shows how a variety of stitches are done. Your immagination can take you then on to new heights and turn the craft of needlepoint into an art.


Excellent Reference   January 22, 2000
  24 out of 24 found this review helpful

This book is like a bible to a needlepointer...I keep it right by my side, especially when starting a new project. Good pictures, lots of them, and easy intructions...I'm self taught and this has been a valuable tool.