Needlepoint Roundup

In the fashion world where, to paraphrase Heidi Klum, one day you're in, and the next day you're out, it's nice to know that certain types of accessories have a classic, timeless appeal. Case in point- needlepoint. While we know we're not going to see a needlepoint belt parading down the runway at Bryant Park anytime soon, we also know that due to this fact, we're not going to be seeing them on the clearance rack at Loehmans once they've had their heyday. Needlepoint accessories are not a one-season purchase; they're a long-term investment. They are whimsical, casually chic, and speak to the interests of their owner or wearer, with makes the MoS girls big fans. 

10 years ago the only way to get your hands on, say, a needlepoint belt was to splash out $350 for one at C. Orrico, or be lucky enough to have a friend/mother/sister make you one. But today you'll find a pleathora of needlepoint items on the marketplace at a variety of pricepoints. A few of our favorites:

We love to see needlepoint with a dash of humor, like this Chick Magnet Key Fob from Smathers & Branson.

Someone I know loves his Trident Belt and wears it all the time (note: Smathers & Branson makes belts for every school imaginable- and they make a great gift!)

I know this Beer Can Belt is geared towards men, but is it odd that I would kind of like to wear it? 

For women, Smathers & Branson makes some sophisticated designs that are a nice departure from what you typically see on a women's needlepoint belt. We love this Black Bamboo pattern.

Or the timeless Coral pattern.

Even Lilly Pulitzer has gotten in the needlepoint game this season with her greek key needlepoint belt. We are shocked it's not pink and green!

Classic Lilly colors have a chance to shine in this Key Fob in Parade Pink Speckle & Hide.

We love the appeal of a needlepoint makeup bag or change purse to throw in your purse. The design of this Needlepoint cosmetic bag, by By Paige has a retro appeal. 

And of course how can one go wrong with houndstooth, like on this Coin Purse.

Needlepoint headbands are also fantastic for adding flair to a casual outfit, like this Smathers & Branson needlepoint headband.

We are dying for these Leopard Needlepoint Flats by By Paige!

Stubbs & Wootton always has fantastic needlepoint shoes, like this new Guise Navy Mule.

How adorable are these Needlepoint Baby Booties by By Paige? Love those little gators!

I have to confess that I've started a few needlepoint projects of my own, but have yet to actually finish one. I think my problem is that I started out to "big" with a large pillow and a belt. Those are a lot to take on for a beginning needlepointer! Perhaps I should start small, like with this adorable Empress Coin Purse case.

Sometimes it's difficult to find needlepoint patterns that are stylish. For example, as much as we love cats, we don't think we'll be rushing to complete the "All Burned Out" pattern anytime soon. Thus, we were delighted to find out about Jenny Henry, who makes needlepoint patterns that I'd be happy to actually use. Like this Black Weave Coin Purse from The Point of it All.

Or this Jenny Henry Knotted Mirror Frame, which you can actually have finished into a pillow (see below).

And of course we totally get a kick out of this mix-tape needlepoint pouch, which is available in kit form.











Are you a needlepoint fan? Have you completed any great needlepoint projects? Do tell!