Barbara Russell

I bought the Nimble Needle in 2006 and soon there after I met Barbara Russell.  Barbara was closing her shop in Chestnut Hill Pa and offered me to purchase some display hardware.  She was supportive in every way for me over the years.  Barbara brought a level of professionalism, integrity and a her own personal touch to the world of needlepoint.  Though well known for her collection of dogs I looked to Barbara for all the other collections,  pieces that reflected international culture, art, birds, plants, people, pears and pooh too.  She didn’t release arbitrary designs rather her pieces were from memories of her travel, fragments from pieces of art, something beautiful, an avenue to teach child about a book or to promote the efforts and work of other artists and foundations.

To see all canvases in stock of Barbara’s go to http://nimbleneedlenj.com/product-category/needlepoint-canvases/?filter_brand=690

Orchid canvas as stitched in the picture of the oval pillow.  Customer chose to brighten up the dark background with a brighter turquoise color.

Keeping in the same color palette, a small arts and crafts styled piece designed to be stitched and worn as a pendant.  Barbara also has some small moths and orchids that can be stitched as jewelry too.

Taken from a 2011 exhibit Flirting with Abstraction at the Woodmere Art Museum.  This floral still life is an adaption from modernist (female) painter Alice Hood Miller who studied along with her mother at the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts.

Emmenopterys Henryi is a fine reflection of two interests of hers; horticulture and writing.  Introduced last year, purchase of canvas includes Barbara’s poem “Long Shot”.

Fresh and easy stitching from her Youth Collection.

Moravian Star, a common christmas decoration in areas settled by German immigrants.

Betsy Ross House, ornament, Philadelphia Pa.

Taken from the floor of the Chartres Cathedral, a classic labyrinth.  Not to be confused with a maze, a labyrinth has no dead ends.  Labyrinth walks have gained in popularity as form of meditation.  Shown here in a very soft golden straw and dark warm grey combination.

Barbara has a lovely collection of wildflowers, orchids and most recently added a Golden Fern.

Barbara best known for her collection of dogs does also have a great cats too.

Classic Pooh, two available on 18 count.

Unicorns and Rainbows for the eternal optimist, Brony or innocent young child.

I will miss Barbara and wish her friends and family my thoughts and prayers.  Barbara was always friendly and kind. Always stopping in when in my neighborhood, always willing for me to stop over and pick up items at her home.  Always prompt at shipping and attending to special requests with a gracious and friendly manner. I hope I can remember all the positive things about her when I feel like I’m falling short though I’ll never have her brilliant blue eyes!  Thank you Barbara for your all you gave to me.

These two pieces, also from Barbara’s youth collection were stitched by my daughter at age 10. While Lydia no longer indulges her mom in needlepointing she has become an awesome knitter.