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I first discovered needlepoint when I walked into a needlework shop in Brooklyn in 1993. I was looking for portable projects to do while I rode the subway or waited in line at various places. My mother and Grandmother had taught me to embroider when I was a child. I had also studied weaving in college but had long since sold my loom due to lack of space in an earlier Manhattan apartment and my focus on illustration as a career.Needlepoint represented the best of all these worlds- portable, with the image possibilities of woven tapestry, and useful as home embellishment. I was hooked. I got a book, taught myself the stitches, and took off from there. I do have one confession, however- I "sew" when I needlepoint. I don't understand the insistence on proper form when the results can be the same with less paraphenalia, and more comfort. It reminds me of dressage riding- form has obliterated function. Anyway, my sister sewing needlepointers- declare yourselves! You have nothing to lose but your frames! Don't, however, get me started on the proliferation of "no-sew" sewing projects. I have yet to see one that wasn't vulgar, skimpy or that didn't reflect the lack of time and effort expended on it. 
I draw on many influences in my needlework designs: The medieval designs described by A. W. N. Pugin, the designs of the Bloomsbury artists from the Omega Workshop, the jazzy designs of 1940's and 50's barkcloth, and the works of the mistress of all design, Mother Nature; I draw on all these for inspiration.  I also work with felt; old-fashioned, store-bought wool felt is once again available and I love the flat color and ease of working. I've been making simple caps, embellished with beads and embroidery, and lined with satin.  
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 The whole shootin' match- Site Design, Graphics, and Images unless otherwise noted: © P.M.Law/T.E.A.S./ MMIII & MMVI Email: |
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