Needlepoint Cats

The patterns are realistic and the projects are great. I can't wait to try them out.

Cats are notoriously difficult animals to capture in art, and perhaps that is why cat lovers, like me, are so enchanted by a well-drawn picture of one. Having said that, needlepoint versions of cats which really capture their personalities are even more difficult to find. Julie Halser, a British needlepoint and cross stitch designer has managed to give us the treat of beautifully designed cats in her 1998 book, Needlepoint Cats. Being a cat lover herself, Hasler abses each design on an actual cat. Zoe's Favorite Toy, for example, shows a black and white cat with a toy mouse being held to the ground by one paw. My favorite design of all, Jo Jo, shows a massive grey British shorthair, against a mostly purple patchwork design. Jo Jo looks exactly like one of my cats, even down to the serene face. Another wonderful aspect of Hasler's designs is her way with backgrounds. No acres of single color backgrounds here; the designs include fields of flowers, a celestial background, Morris-style greenery, stained glass, and oriental rugs. Designs in many sizes are included here as well from the tops of small trinket boxes to shaped pillows and rugs. One of my favorites is Peeping Tom a small round picture of a cats face. Framed with a wide mat, you can almost imagine this cat is looking through a peephole at you. The book is clearly planned by a stitcher with exceptionally large, clear color charts, with a color key on the same page. The color numbers are given for the recommended thread. Along with an introductory chapter on basic techniques, there are helpful listings in the back of suppliers and a US/UK glossary to help with "translation." From start ot finish, this is an outstanding project book.

If you have at least intermediate needlepointing experience, you won't have any problems. However, beginners beware! The instructions for working the tent stitch on page 11 are appallingly incorrect. That aside, the charts are easy to read with a combination of color and symbols. Most of the backgrounds are repeats and would be easy to substitute for each other. The cats themselves are beautiful. Recommended for experienced needleworkers.

Julie Hasler has captured the heart of the cat lover. When I look at needlepoint books the first thing I look for is a design of a cat, and to think here is a book with no cutesy cats. Each design reminds one of some cat one has known. The only problem is deciding which to make first. Keep doing more books, Julie Hasler!

A range of cat designs with a difference. Each cat has character and the backgrounds are superb. If you are a cat lover you will love it although you may be like me and find it hard to decide which one to create first.