If you have read many of the used book listings here you know I taught myself Needlepoint and Bargello Needlepoint from books. This is the #1 book that taught me to stitch, and stitch correctly, Bargello Needlepoint.

Margaret Boyles is a Master Teacher, her directions are concise and clear. her graphs are in full color and good size you don't have to peer at them with a magnifying glass.

I always have trouble finding this book in good condition or even decent condition. Each time I replace this book, it costs more than the last time. I know the price is high, it reflects the "market". Bargello: An Explosion in Color is becoming very rare and very expensive.

An update: more rare and more expensive every time I look for them.

The book is set up in sensibly, going from easy to stitch all the way to advanced & 4 Way Bargello. It took me 3 months to go from easy to fairly advanced but I will admit there are some patterns that are still beyond me and I haven't yet managed a successful 4-Way Bargello.

Ms Boyles begins the book with a primer on materials, then stitches. Then Bargello tips and understanding Bargello design. My first Bargello project, after Ripple of course, everyone does Ripples first, was Canvas 11 from page 45.

I stitched my way through the book. Not full size projects but sample sizes to learn the stitches. As I finished Canvas 52, an Average Level Florentine Embroidery Flat Top Pattern on page 104 I began to get very busy building NewNeedlepoint.com.

But I wanted to try an Advanced Pattern. I stitched Canvas 53, on page 106. It came out very good, good enough that I offered the pattern in my (now closed, never sold even 1) Bargello Category.

The book has further sections on Mitred Bargello, which is what she calls 4-Way Bargello and finishing and mounting instructions.

Anyway, I know I am talking about myself here. I want you to understand how great this book is.

Published by Macmillian Publishers in 1974, this is a hard cover book with 149 pages.   Bargello, An Explosion In Color is not dated at all, even the colors Mrs. Boyles uses seem current (most of them anyway)

I have several copies  of this book.  You will receive the best condition copy I have at the time of your order.