Beth Russell's Traditional Needlepoint

This book is beautifully laid out and lovely to page through and read, but its loveliness is one of its downfalls: The charts are printed in full color, without utilizing symbols to indicate yarn colors. Although this choice makes the charts pleasant to look at, the subtle differences between yarn colors are sometimes very hard to see in the charts, making working from them difficult. I spent too much time squinting at the latest chart, making little pencil dots on it to differentiate between LIGHT grey green and MEDIUM-LIGHT grey green!

I'll be proud of the resulting product, and will forgive Russell's editorial choice. Do consider buying this book, but be prepared for some challenges in using it.


Love the designs, not crazy about the charts   December 14, 2001
 13 out of 13 found this review helpful

I really like Beth's design's, since they are much more interesting than what you find at craft stores. If you know how much her kits cost you'll teach yourself to read charts. The main problem I have is the charts. She uses alot of similar shades and unlike some authors she doesn't use markings to differentiate them andit can cause a problem. Also it helps to get an Appleton shade card.


Warning!   January 16, 2000
 48 out of 49 found this review helpful

This is not a new book. Don't be fooled. It was published in 1992, and has been released with a new cover photo. Good as it is, don't buy it twice!


Fantastic book with beautiful classic designs   November 4, 1998
 12 out of 14 found this review helpful

The patterns in this book are wonderful. They are not like the typical mass-produced commercial crap that's at every Mervyns in every town across America. The patterns range in size from pillows to small rugs. The colors are great. I recommend using the Appleton yarns.