11 Awesome Literary Embroideries

I think I’ve mentioned before that I’m a huge fan of embroidery (AKA needlepoint, although it’s not quite the same thing). It’s not only that I find the results visually appealing, but it’s one of my favourite pastimes, as well. I was taught tapestry needlepoint when I was five, after which I forgot about it until I was a stressed university student and decided to take it up again. I’ve since tried other types of embroidery, including cross stitch, but tapestry is still my favourite; I’ve completed at least a couple of dozen over the years.

It occurred to me that embroidery and writing have a lot in common. In both cases you put together small units (stitches/words) in a precise and harmonious way over the course of weeks and months (sometimes years) until you’ve created a completed piece that tells a story. I also get a similar sense of satisfaction when I’ve completed an embroidery as I do when I’ve finished a story. Maybe needlepoint and writing activate similar parts of the brain. Then again, maybe it’s just me.

Whatever the case, books have definitely provided all kinds of inspiration for the embroiderers of the world. I thought I’d share some of the best literary-themed embroidery I’ve found. Are you a fan of embroidery/needlepoint? Share in the comments…

 

My first choice has a cute design, good colours, and a message you can’t argue with 🙂

 

This next piece came from an article on embroidered book covers. Check it out to see some other gorgeous works (although this one is my favourite).

 

For those who prefer a pattern, there’s also this classic cover in cross-stitch…

 

I couldn’t decide between these two Shakespearean cross-stitch pieces, so I’m sharing both. The first is a quote from “As You Like It,” and features what could basically be my personal coat-of-arms (books, comfy chair, cat, coffee/tea). The second is stage directions from “The Winter’s Tale,” and is just funny.

 

O.M.G. I don’t think I could find a better bookmark than this cross-stitch mashup of book culture and pop culture…

 

I love this tapestry portrait of Virginia Woolf (although I could do without the cigarette, and really, a pen would have made more sense).

 

A character portrait is also a good option…

 

Cats, books, colour– what more could you ask? And this looks like it would be a lot of fun to work on.

 

I love this updated take on the needlepoint classic of pink roses on a black background. And it’s always good to be honest 😉

 

Lastly, this cross-stitch that honours my favourite genre…

 

Love Lies Bleeding: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
Blood Magic: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
Tooth & Claw: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books

If you prefer a good paperback to an ebook, order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥

Cheers,

Aspasía S. Bissas