Whether you are interested in goldwork, beadwork, crewel embroidery, cutwork, cross stitch, blackwork or Hardangar, this book will guide you through all the basic methods of working and suggest an exciting range of creative applications for each technique. Both hand and machine embroidery are included, and all the main stitches are featured with photographs and diagrams of each one, with information on their history and traditional uses. The final section consists of a highly innovative gallery - an inspiring collection of contemporary work from all over the world, with original interpretations of the world around us, including landscapes, people, animals, flowers and more.