No. 99, Jun/Jul 06
...In [this] book, the realism is one aspect of the designs that immediately strikes the reader. After a detailed introduction of transferring techniques, fabrics, threads and methods of starting and finishing threads, Tanja Berlin presents over twenty original designs. These are given with expert advice from world-renowned masters of the art of thread painting.
Each project is presented with clear step-by-step stitch instructions and colour illustrations throughout.
* Workbox *
Sept 06
The 12th book in this series features the art of painting with a needle, showcasing dozens of stunning designs from some of the world's best embroiderers. Each design is presented with simple instructions, clear colour photography plus pattern and stitch direction diagram, making re-creation easy. First, learn how to transfer designs; choose fabrics, threads and needles; get the low down on hoops, techniques and general stitch knowledge. Sectioned as animals and birds or flowers and fruit, the designs are so beautiful, fairly intricate and very lifelike. Armed with a certain amount of patience and attention to detail the results will do doubt be amazing and extremely satisfying for anyone keen on hand sewing. This could be a catalyst for creating your own designs from photographs of your own personal preferred subject matter.
* Sew Today *
Mar 06
If you enjoy embroidery, and want to make your work look as lifelike as possible pick up this excellent book and take a course in thread painting. As the name suggests, a piece of work done using this method is more akin in appearance to a painting than is usual in other embroidery styles, and the projects in here are just beautiful.
Inspirations magazine publishes the books in this series and their luscious style is evident here. Small pictures from historical sources dot the pages, and there are quotations to enjoy as well. In fact, this is a lovely book to look at so it is easy to be seduced into making something in here purely because it will be a joy to work and look at forever afterwards. Lifelike birds and animals, fruit and flowers (much with an inevitable Australian slant) are well explained along with the stunning illustrations, but this is not a book for those who have never picked up a needle before. One project is explained in great detail with lots of staged photos, but most are explained in words rather than pictures and more suited to practiced embroiderers. The patterns at the back are helpful, showing the outlines you transfer and line drawings with the stitches and their directions. If you are not a beginner and want to create a masterpiece that could become a heirloom, this is surely the book for you.
* Myshelf.com *
Newsletter 63, Summer 06
If ever there was a book to make your fingers itch and get you sorting through your threads, this is it. There is a wide range of designs to choose from and each project is clearly illustrated and includes guidance for stitch direction. The step by step instructions for each stage are so precise that if systematically followed a good result would be possible for most of us.
* West Country Embroiderers *