Needlepoint

Needlepoint is a type of embroidery in which a design is stitched by hand into a matrix or backing using different colored yarns and threads. The backing is typically stiff with a regular open weave. The finer the matrix's weave and the yarn or thread, the more detailed the design can be. The most common stitch is on the diagonal filling the field with yarn and using color and stitch changes to accomplish the design. In the US needlepoint is commonly associated with colonial times and furnishings (e.g., seat cushions, pillows).

Sue has sown and done needle crafts (e.g., knitting, crochet, embroidery) since a girl, so we have needlework in our home including four needlepoint items. All four are wool yarn on stiff matrices. One is a chair seat cushion Sue stitched in the early 1980s. It is a floral design on a light tan background, currently on my 25 year Penn State Chair.

Another, also a floral design, was a wedding gift from our Great Aunt Elsie Layer (1894-1986) who stitched it in 1969. She had it placed on a foot stool, which moved with us from Ashland, OH, to Bloomington, IN, to Carbondale, IL, and here to State College. While we seldom used it as a foot stool, a number of our cats over the years found it to be the perfect place to nap. A few weeks ago, we removed it from the foot stool, thoroughly cleaner it with rug shampoo and a gentle brush, blocked it, and had it framed. It now graces a wall.

The other two needlepoint items were purchased at estate sales. One is a framed quote from Confucius about harmony and peace, and the second is the seat on a carved walnut chair that we use when extra seating is needed.