One of the things that’s been getting me through the long months of COVID isolation has been needlepoint (you can read my thoughts about my favourite craft here). Books are, of course, one of the other things. I doubt I’ve ever been so grateful to be an introvert. I’m not sure whether needle crafts have been catching on during this awful time, like baking and gardening have, but stitching is an excellent way to calm your mind while making something lasting. Another great aspect of needlepoint is that it lends itself to any subject matter. Anything from simple quotes to intricate scenes can be rendered with needle and thread, and you can really get creative with it. No surprise I’m partial to bookish designs, so I decided to share some links to patterns. If you’re already a stitcher, I hope you’ll find something you like. If you’ve never stitched before, maybe you’ll be inspired to give it a try (you don’t even need to be isolating!) Which pattern is your favourite? Share in the comments…
Perhaps this sentiment isn’t as relatable under current circumstances, but you can’t deny that Austen has a point. Free pattern.
Louisa May Alcott gets the credit for this somewhat negative take on book lovers. I wouldn’t change a thing, even if my brain is turned. Pattern.
I have a fondness for fairy tales, and Sleeping Beauty was always one of my favourites. Fairy tales tend to have an appealing aesthetic, as well– perfect for needlepoint. Have fun with this free pattern.
From fairy tales to something a little more adult. Cross-stitch (curse-stitch?) for when you’re really f@#*!%g into books 😉 Pattern.
A sweeter sentiment we can all get behind. Pattern.
Throw out those old scraps of paper and make yourself a bookmark worthy of keeping your place. Free pattern.
I love this design because in one simple image it cleverly expresses my entire reality: books are my world. Pattern.
When you need to let people know the movie didn’t quite cut it. You can even stitch it three different ways. Pattern 1.
Lastly, if you’re looking for more inspiration and patterns, check out these online archives of vintage embroidery books:
Need a break from embroidery? Download my books!
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
Aspasía S. Bissas 
I love doing needlework to calm down my crazy thoughts! Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of hand quilting, but I used to cross-stitch a lot. These are all such cute patterns! They make me want to find my old thread box! 😀
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I’m needlework obsessed 🙂 Definitely–break out the threads and Aida cloth!
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Fair enough. Its a good enough movie!👍🏻
Wasn’t too fussed about the wearing of green glasses in Oz, although I took my mum to see a wonderful theatrical version a few years back.
This was the one with Fairuzka Balk as Mildred Hubble and Time Curry as the Grand High Wizard….. the books were enjoyable, you’ll see where JK Rowling became inspired!
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Yes, the green glasses were quite disappointing (and really, don’t make any sense). Something about Oz captured my imagination, though.
Adding the Worst Witch to the list 🙂
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Never read it, so that’s going on my “To Read List”.
I remember watching the Worst Witch back in the 80’s and loving it…. I got all the books as a kid and was disappointed it “wasn’t like the on on the telly”.
Wizard of Oz too!
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I don’t recommend reading The Princess Bride– watch the movie again instead 🙂 I think I enjoyed the Oz books as much as the movie, although it’s been a long time for both. I haven’t read or seen the Worst Witch (!)– I’m guessing I should start with the books?
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“The book was better” Damn right!
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Almost always (I still think the Princess Bride movie was better) 🙂
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Very nice!! I have also seen lovely embroidered book marks.
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I’ve seen some beautiful French embroidery too (I’ll bet Brittany has a fascinating history with it) 🙂
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Certainly there is a strong history of lacework here but anything old quickly gets snapped up by the Paris and London dealers!
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I think most people are happy to get rid of the old and modernize. Then there’s the rest of us… 🙂
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Yes, it is amazing here. 1960s formica furniture now costs a fortune but hand made antique oak wardrobes and furniture are sold for a few Euro! Crazy how tastes and values change!
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Please tell anyone you know who doesn’t want their antiques to send them to me! Then again, the Venus de Milo was apparently found on a farmer’s refuse pile (and he was happy to have it hauled away) 😦
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Really? That I did not know. Crazy!
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Isn’t it? It took far too long for Greece to appreciate its antiquities. At least now anything that’s discovered (even in a refuse pile) belongs to the country and can’t legally be given away/sold/taken.
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