From Molehill to Mountain – Book Review

Originally posted 2004-01-14 14:57:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Pamela H. Gardner

In the more than thirty years I have been doing needlepoint, I have seen few projects which pack as much learning into them as this quilt sampler. And I have seen even fewer books which present materials and options as clearly and completely as this one.

“Molehill” is a study in both stitch variation and color. Each of the six blocks covers variations of one or two stitches, with 7 or eight variations used to represent the different fabrics in the block. Each block also uses a different color scheme. By working each of the blocks, the stitcher will not only learn many stitches, but will also cover a complete color course.

Three different color options are presented in the book. One is based on a solid color of floss and uses all floss for the design. Helpful charts present shade number for each color and the instructions outline how to find complements, triads and analogous color schemes from this chart. The second and third options use overdyed threads, one using a skein which has many colors and one with a skein which has only shades of one color.

Since color planning can be very difficult, the book has charts for you to use in planning your color scheme, color pictures of many completed projects, and suggestions for color schemes. By working through these instructions step by step, the stitcher can create a
needlepoint showing great color sophistication and use what is learned in other projects.

Each chapter covering a patch begins with a picture of three stitches samples showing some of the many color options. The next section talks about the basic stitch family which will be varied in the block. A section n the kind of color scheme used for the block follows. Stitching instructions follow with tips on how to work this stitch, a chart of the entire block and specific instructions and diagrams of each of the stitches. Specific instructions for the two overdyed color options are clearly marked in the instructions by different typestyles.

The book also includes three different border options of varying complexity. Since planning borders can be difficult, this level of detail and attention will be welcome to most stitchers. Since many borders are also difficult to stitch, the fact that these border vary in their level of difficulty will also be most welcome.

The opening chapter of the book not only present the basic information about color and creating a color scheme for the project, it also covers in great detail how to prepare the canvas for stitching. Using this thorough level of preparation on every project will make stitching easier and more successful.

Ever since I got the book I have been thinking about what colors to use for my project. It’s is beautiful, complex and challenging without being beyond the level of an intermediate stitcher. I look at my baskets of thread and try to decide which will be best —
Tahiti, Blue Spruce, all floss? I think the biggest problem is trying to decide.

For a limited time From Molehill to Mountain is available at a special introductory price of $40 plus shipping and handling. You can get details about how to order form the website:
http://home.att.net/~sheepiedesigns. This site also has outstanding previews of the book and shows stitched samples of many different color schemes for the project.

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1. My Point Exactly – book review
2. Kilim Designs in Needlepoint – Book Review
3. The New Anchor Book of Blackwork — Book Review
4. A Background Stitch Reference Book — Book Review
5. Finishing 101 – Needlepoint Book Review