Needlework Patterns From The Metropolitan Museum of Art - 1976
Apologies for the fuzzy edges, this is a BIG book and it didn't fit well on my scanner. As the title suggests this tome is filled with patterns for needlework derived from textiles in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The beautiful crewel on the cover is one fine example.
One thing I really enjoy about this book is that it has a photo of the original alongside the modern derivation. Sometimes the modern interpretation is only a small part of the original design, or uses different techniques, but it is always wonderful to see where and when the original came from.
This Pastoral Landscape is one of the first patterns in the book and initially I was worried they would all be needlepoint recreations. I think needlepoint is lovely, but I do like some variety in my needlework. I was not disappointed with this book.
From amazing crewel bed curtains, to intricate Chinese silk embroidery, to Peruvian needlework, this book certainly has variety. Even just from a textile art history perspective, this book is packed with treasures. To have modern interpretations of these patterns as well is an absolute treat.
I think my favorite thing about this book, however, is the stitch glossary. Not only is it extensive, covering every stitch used in the modern patterns and then some, but it also has an example of a historical textile for each stitch. Clear instructions and illustrated diagrams make the stitch easy to learn, and the delightful pictures of it in use are perfect inspiration. All in all this book is a feast for the creative mind of any needle artist or textile enthusiast.
