Celtic Needlepoint

by Alice Starmore

The dazzling artistry and consummate craftsmanship of the Celts has provided us with some of the finest treasures of the ancient world. In this glorious book, Celtic art and ornament--from intricate jewelry to illuminated manuscripts--fire the imagination of a superbly talented designer. Finding in needlepoint the perfect medium for exploring the elaborate detail and delicate fluidity of Celtic art, Alice Starmore has produced a magnificent collection of original designs. Stonework, interlacing key patterns, knotwork, spirals, and plant and animal forms all provide fertile ground for exquisite needlepoint creations worked in rich, glowing colors. Designs range from cushions and belts to a bookmark, rug, stool cover, and chair seat. There are detailed instructions and easy-to-follow charts, and a conversion chart offers a further selection of yarns. There is also a comprehensive lesson in all the basic needlepoint techniques. Featuring100 color photos, this is a book to inspire and delight all needleworkers. Alice Starmore is a prominent knitwear designer and author; among her books are The Celtic Collection and Fishermen's Sweaters.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Knitting, Reference

128 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1994

About the author

Alice Starmore (née Matheson) was raised in a traditional, Gaelic-speaking Scottish fishing village. She began knitting as a child, studying the folk knitting traditions of her native Scotland. Starmore later expanded her textile studies, traveling in Scandinavia in the late 1970s on a Winston Churchill Fellowship.

Broadly recognized as one of the world's authorities on Fair Isle and other folk knitting traditions, Starmore founded Windfall Press in 1991. Windfall produces knitting patterns and instructional manuals as well as a large number of Scottish Gaelic titles.

Starmore expanded her career beyond knitting in the 1990s, focusing on fine art and photography. She held her first major solo exhibition in 2008 on the Isle of Lewis.

Reviews

[Melaniedk]

Alice Starmore's books are just breathtaking. I completed one of the needlepoint projects in this book, following her color selection in appleton yarns, and it turned out stunning.

[Willa Guadalupe Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful inspiring book for those who like to do needlework.

[Eithne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at the library what a lovely book. The patterns are stunning well presented and easy to follow. My favorite is the Spiral Chessboard. I will be adding this to my collection soon

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

good designs for plastic canvas

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

definitely a worthwhile investment

[Bernie4444 · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Author of "The Fair Isle Knitting Handbook"

This is Alice Starmore's first Needlepoint book, which shows her diversity of needle skills. As with all of Alice's books, there is, nothing skimped or overlooked.

This is not only an introduction to Needlepoint but also what makes it Celtic their history and culture. We are treated to a smorgasbord of color from great photographs of Irish landscapes to actual Needlepoint patterns in this oversized book

I am only interested in the patterns, however; the projects that are presented in this book are of useful items such as a hexagonal knotwork cushion and a circular bird stool cover.

Even though there is a list of tools and yarns to use for these projects some being out of date, you will probably have good substitutes and your existing stash.

Aside from its practical value, this also makes a good coffee-table book.

[Kathryn Baron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some nice patterns. Wish there were hints on where to get footstool etc.

[C2015 · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 I love. So many great designs, but really only one thing I’m likely to make maybe two.