The Beatrix Potter Needlepoint Book

by Pat Menchini, Graham Henderson (Photographer)

Following her "Beatrix Potter Knitting Book", designer Pat Menchini has compiled a collection of needlecraft items for the home ranging from small embroidered designs on cushions and mats to large tapestry patterns for chair coverings curtains or rugs. All the patterns are inspired by Beatrix Potter's watercolours, making particular use of the exquisite flower and nature paintings now becoming known through the Beatrix Potter "Country World" range of adult gift stationery and textiles. The book features colour photographs of the designs in appropriate settings. As well as easy to follow charts and diagrams and clear instruction, there are simple patterns for the beginner as well as more challenging ideas for the expert, and as a bonus the author includes suggestions for how each design can be adapted to suit different objects according to the readers own furnishings or requirements.

Genres: Reference, Crafts

128 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1990

Reviews

[Dilly Dalley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book with needlepoint and knitting patterns based on Beatrix Potter's work and artistic interests. Apparently Beatrix Potter "left many drawings of furniture, fireplaces, rugs, cushions, shawls and plaid, taken from cottage homes in Lakeland". The book was photographed in the Lake District and much of it in Hill Top. It has patterns for many soft furnishings and domestic items.

I bought this book, published in 1990, secondhand for the pattern for a checked mohair rug. I've always wanted a mohair travel rug and hope to knit one, one day. In the meantime, this is a sweet book, with good quality photos and reproductions of images from Beatrix Potter's lovely illustrations.

It has a particular Englishness to it and is sympathetic to the artistic sensibilities of Beatrix Potter, who did so much in her lifetime to ensure that a segment of Rural England would be retained into the future.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book.

[Judi]

Although this is called a Needlepoint book, it includes projects for other needle crafts like cross stitch and knitting. It's the type of craft book I like, a common theme with lots of options. I would literally like to make everything. Beautiful photographs along with information about Beatrix Potter, her illustrations and photos of her home.