Subtitled: Inspirational Ideas & Techniques for Creating Original Designs.     

With a forward by Dame Joan Sutherland.

This is not about the technical side of needlepoint or as this UK author calls it Canvas Embroidery (they all do).

This book is about original design, rich color and varied textures.   The author says his unusual and colorful designs are created with "his flair and intuition"    That got my attention.

Robert Capes talks about his beginning as a needlepointer.  It was to relieve some of the pressures in his life.  He soon found that stitching was so much more than that.

He goes on to say that "The best way to do any piece is through a process of trial and error."  His has a good suggestion that I have not seen before in these books. "I always keep a piece of blank canvas besides me  as I work so that I can try out a new stitch before I put it in a design." (also a good idea for trying out unusual color combinations).

The book begins with some of his early pieces.that he calls Decorative Samplers.  Most canvases, throughout the book, include a numbered template.

Next is Christmas themed, a wreath pillow and a Christmas Stocking.   Both very fine designs.  Then Easter, then a "cartoon" design.

The next is called "A Touch of Whimsey" for Adults.  It is the same design that is on the cover of Mira Silverstein's book, Guide to Companion Stitches.   A design I have always liked.

The projects slowly become more complex (and interesting).   Traditional Pieces with a Difference,  Medieval Wallhanging, The Alice Collection which is 47 pages.

This has not been a complete list of the projects.  In all, there are 22 designs.  The last ones might be my favorites, Japanese Lady. She is wonderful with a bargello influenced robe.   Then a needlepoint portrait of Dame Joan Sutherland.

There is a glossary and19 pages of stitches.

This is a  hard cover book, published by B. T. Batsford in London (of course) in 1992.   Creative Needlepoint has  138 pages. 

It is in Very Good condition,  a tiny bit of wear of the hardcover and dust jacket edges, otherwise excellent.  I do not have an inside picture yet,  I will post it here soon