Melitastitches4fun's Blog

There are two spiral bound booklets created by ANG chapters that I am aware of. It’s quite an undertaking involving many people and kudos to both groups.

A Background Stitch Reference Book by the Golden Gate Canvas Workers Chapter is the older of the two booklets and as far as I know is out of print and no longer available. Stitches are placed into 7 sections including straight, slanted, cross, eyelet, woven/tied, specialty, and exposed canvas techniques. They do not cite where stitch patterns were sourced nor is there a bibliography. Some are described as “special stitch variations and patterns developed by some chapter members” but many can be found in other books such as Pavillion, Criss Cross Hungarian, and others. However, be sure to read the added comments. For the Criss Cross Hungarian, “When using a colored canvas, an interesting contrast develops by not using the Cross stitches.” I’ve used beads before but never thought about not adding anything. There are 2 Trame with Blackwork patterns that look very interesting. When I think of backgrounds, I usually gravitate towards non-directional and small uncomplicated patterns so they don’t distract. But, I can see trying a few of these larger patterns especially worked in the same colored threads which would add texture and interest.

The Lone Star Chapter released the Grab -n- Go Stitches at the ANG Seminar in 2019 and it is available through Houston Needlepoint stores which are listed at lonestarang.com. Members shared their favorite stitches which are also placed into 7 sections including “Stitches that Read Straight”, “Stitches that Read Diagonal”, “Stitches that Read Oblique”, Leaf stitches, Laid Fillings, Blackwork, Darning patterns, and Lagniappe (which means bonus or extra). Patterns are not named or numbered. There are many composite stitches with interesting patterns I’ve not seen before. The 92-page booklet is 5″ x 8.5″ but most pages have 6 patterns on each side. So, there are around 500 patterns including the Lagniappe diagrams. So, it is one jam-packed booklet and only $30.

A stitch book would be a great fund raiser for a chapter but a lot of work!

I have both of these, and I don’t think I’ve ever used either. I forget about the Background Stitch Reference Book, which I shouldn’t. I find the Grab-n-Go Stitches overwhelming.

Comment by Remedial Stitcher April 11, 2022 @ 6:40 am

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