Aug/Sep 12
Drawing on work previously published as part of the best-selling 'Beginner's Guide' series of needlecraft books, this volume provides a must-have reference for anyone interested in surface stitching. Expert guidance is provided on drawn threadwork, hardanger, goldwork stumpwork, silk shading, Mountmellick stitch, crewelwork and blackwork, which are all traditional techniques that are as popular and relevant today as they have ever been. This is a treasure trove of information suitable for absolute beginners as well as those wishing to explore new areas or to develop their existing skills and is a feast for the eyes in colour and inspiration.
* Fabrications *
Aug/Sep 12
A compendium of techniques, this is a compilation of projects from the 'Beginner's Guide' series of books. It's a real pick 'n' mix of traditional techniques, but all of the projects are very tempting and there isn't a single one that I wouldn't want to stitch. Every technique is clearly explained and there are photos and diagrams to clarify every step. The crewel work designs, for instance, all begin with the same basic outline diagram, but by working them in different stitches, the end results are very different. You'll find instructions and projects for silk shading, crewel work, Mountmellick, stumpwork, Hardanger, blackwork, drawn thread work and goldwork. If you've always wanted to try these techniques, this is the perfect introduction - and the only difficult decision will be making up your mind which to do first.
* Stitch *
June 12
An unusual guide to traditional and historical stitching techniques which you may not have heard of. It's an exhaustive encylopedia of surface stitching techniques. I loved reading through this book. The introductions to the history of each technique is fascinating.Blackwork is thought to have been brought to England by Moors and Arabs in the thirteenth century with soliders returning from the Crusades in the Holy Lands. Later on the Spanish Princess, Katharine of Aragon, brought the technique to England in 1501, and after marrying Henry VIII, heavily influenced the English court with her passion for embroidery. I felt excited after reading this when I stitched one of the patterns from the book above. The book covers eight major sewing techniques. Silk shading, Crewel Embroidery, Mountmellick, Stumpwork, Hardanger, Blackwork, Drawn Thread Embroidery and Goldwork. Within each section there is advice on materials, fabric, the basics and then some patterns to get you going. The step-by-step instructions are very slow and clear. It's so accessible and gives you that itch to stitch. Personally I cling to aida and cross stitch when I sew by hand as if for safety! So this book was a breath of fresh air which may shake my addiction to aida. I'm attracted to satin stitch and padded satin stitch in particular looks very clever. The basic advice in here means any questions you have had like how to frame or transferring a design onto the fabric is outlined in full. This book is well worth the money and you will refer to it time and time again.
* sewingisforgirls.blogspot.com *
Jun/Jul 12
This definitive guide to stitching is a great reference tool for anyone interested in stitching and embroidery. The book provides expert insights into traditional stitching techniques such as drawn thread work, hardanger, goldwork, stumpwork, silk shading, crewel work, mountmellick and blackwork, running through its history and materials used as well as detailing some lovely projects to try. Both experienced stitchers and needlework novices can benefit from this comprehensive resource with each section written by an expert.
* Craft Focus *
Dec 12
The Stitching Book is everything you could want in traditional embroidery in one volume. It gathers some of the masters of their field, eight authors in total, and gives you a comprehensive look into each. Included here are chapters on Silk Shading (Clare Hanham), Crewel Embroidery (Jane Rainbow), Mountmellick (Pat Trott), Stumpwork (Kay Dennis), Hardanger (Jill Carter), Blackwork (Lesley Wilkins), Drawn Thread Embroidery (Patricia Bage) and Goldwork (Ruth Chamberlain). For each discipline, there is an introduction about its history, how to prepare your fabric for working, a catalogue of stitches and how to frame and finish. The illustrative pieces of work are well photographed so you can see the techniques demonstrated and there are projects throughout, so all the instruction can be put into practice. It is a very useful book for those who are interested in traditional embroidery, as all these main areas are contained within it and there is enough information for the beginner and for those moving on to more advanced techniques. Traditional embroidery is also easily reworked into contemporary embroidery and this would be useful to anyone wanting a catalogue of traditional stitches in a variety of disciplines to take beyond that arena.
* Workshop On The Web *
