I was reminded how cool needlepoint can be at Jonathan Adler’s ICFF stand (new ‘bricks‘ design above). It doesn’t have to be so damn cheesy. My dear aunt Cherry not only has extraordinary taste she has created, over her life, beautiful cushions that grace her home and her family’s homes. I grew up with bargello stitch cushions on the couch (made by Cherry. and my  mother – under Cherry’s direction). For the life of me I can’t find a kit that includes all the stuff I’ll need to make a bargello stitch cushion. But Cherry did put me onto designer Kaffe Fasset - I love the shot of him cross-legged on his studio floor! His designs are beautiful but complicated. Ehrman Tapestry has some good kits…might be better to start with. Although I have the feeling this project may go the way of Jack’s quilt. When I was pregnant with my first child I started quilting a cover for his bed. I chose the most divine navy and white Japanese fabric and quilted about half of it. It has moved from Sydney to Los Angeles, back to Sydney and now back to LA in its sorry half-formed state. It’s one of those things – like my wedding album – that I mean to get to but never seem to have time.Kaffe Fassett’s Starburst (above) and English Eccentrics’ Enchanted Forest (below).