Not Your Mother’s Needlepoint

BREWSTER – Needlepoint has never been out of style, but the Cape Cod chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild is ready to reintroduce needlepoint to a new world. 

 Their latest show, “It’s Not Your Mother’s Needlepoint,” is on display at the Brewster Ladies’ Library for the month of January. The exhibition includes 98 curated pieces either hung or laid out for viewers to peruse. 

 Seventeen artists have work in the collection, which is made up of a wide range of visual concepts, 3D objects, jewelry box covers, holiday stockings and wearable merchandise. About 22 pieces are for sale, with a number already sporting “sold” stickers. 

 A multitude of subjects are captured within the body of work, including flowers and vegetation, animals, food, kimonos and a cover of the New Yorker magazine, to name a few. 

 The medium provides a product that can be quite literally anything the artist imagines. From framed landscapes to stand-up figurines to Fabergé eggs to pillows to handbags to wall hangings, there are no limits to an artist’s imagination when it comes to the subject, the craft and the final product. 

 The world of needlepoint is ever evolving with new techniques and contemporary materials. Elaborate scenes are freehanded, beautiful colors are integrated and skills are redefined in the new age of the craft. 

 The Cape Cod chapter is an “eclectic and friendly group that runs the gamut from brand new to experienced stitchers,” according to a promotional piece for the exhibit. Members are always looking to grow with the craft and learn from fellow artists in the group. 

 “Everything from geometrics to landscapes to still life to contemporary to personal designed work” can find a home in the guild. Materials like silk, metallic, wood, gold, cotton and rayon thread are used for different textures and colors. 

 To become a member of the chapter, reach out to Carolyn Bell at 508-681-5656 or attend the monthly meeting at the Dennis police station on the second Monday of the month. For a beginner needlepoint class, contact Cindy Cadzik at ckadzik@comcast.net. 

 The exhibit will be on display through the end of the month.