Embroidery crafts Books

586 products


  • Mountmellick Embroidery Inspired by Nature

    Vetty Creations Mountmellick Embroidery Inspired by Nature

    Out of stock

    Book SynopsisMountmellick is a style of embroidery dating from around 1825 and originating from the town of Mountmellick in County Laois, Ireland. The embroidery is always white on white with a floral motif interpreted in a highly textured stitching.Trade ReviewMarch 05 This book begins with a fascinating history of Mountmellick embroidery in which the authors share their discoveries and observations of historic examples of this technique found during their research. After outlining fabric and thread requirements there is a collection of all the stitches used to build up Mountmellick motifs with clear, detailed instructions on how to work each one. The projects are varied as Mountmellick can be used for many applications as it is robust and, being all white, can be hot washed. There are traditional projects such as doilies and mats as well as contemporary applications such as bolsters and lampshades. * NEW STITCHES *Sep 05 ...Mountmellick is perhaps the chunkiest form of whitework embroidery, worked with thick cotton thread on a heavy cotton jean fabric. If authentic materials cannot be got, even from the list of suppliers in the appendix, then it does give some suggestions for substitutes. A short history of the technique is followed by a materials list. The section on stitches is clear and has a good combination of words and diagrams...This is a useful resource book. * Journal for Weavers, Spinners & Dyers *Table of ContentsThe following features are regarded as being characteristic of Mountmellick work: It is worked in white matt (no shine) thread on white cotton satin jean fabric. The shapes are big and bold and usually floral - the leaves and flowers are usually at least life-size, if not larger. It has a buttonholed edge, usually with a knitted fringe attached. Lace is not used. It is highly textured with many knotted and padded stitches employed. There is no openwork, such as eyelets.

    Out of stock

    £21.24

  • 100 Essential Embroidery Stitches

    GMC Publications 100 Essential Embroidery Stitches

    15 in stock

    Book Synopsis100 Essential Embroidery Stitches is a handy directory of 100 need-to-know freestyle embroidery stitches to refresh or add to your embroidery skills. Embroidery is like ‘painting’ with thread and this book gives you all the techniques you will need to create your own works of art. Whether you are new to embroidery and want to widen your repertoire or just need a comprehensive reference guide to look things up, you’ll find everything you need to improve your embroidery skills and feel confident tackling a wide range of projects. Organised into five main sections, the 100 stitches lend themselves to a variety of different uses. Running stitch, backstitch, chain stitch, split stitch and stem stitch are used for outlining, while others are used for filling and making textures, patterns, motifs and borders. Each stitch is rated for difficulty and is laid out with a decorative stitched sample and clear step-by-step instructions. There are also sections that cover other essential knowledge on tools and materials and preparing to stitch. Main sections include: Lines and outlines, Bands and borders, Isolated stitches and motifs, Filling stitches, Couching and laid work. 100 embroidery stitches to practise and perfect Embroidery is having a resurgence in popularity Suitable for all levels – each stitch has a difficulty rating of one to three 100 Essential Stitches series Trade ReviewThis is a valuable sourcebook for sewers, darners and knitters who like to add some embellishment to their work. Each stitch is explained through clear step-by-step text and photographs, plus there’s a comprehensive guide to the essential embroidery tools, materials and techniques. * Knitting magazine *Table of ContentsIntroduction Tools and Materials Basic Techniques Lines and Outlines 1 Running stitch 2 Whipped running stitch 3 Laced double running stitch 4 Backstitch 5 Threaded backstitch 6 Double threaded backstitch 7 Stem stitch 8 Cable stitch 9 Split stitch 10 Pekinese stitch 11 Single feather stitch 12 Cretan stitch 13 Chain stitch 14 Coral stitch 15 Petal stitch 16 Wheatear stitch 17 Cord stitch 18 Blanket stitch 19 Buttonhole stitch 20 Overcast stitch Bands and Borders 21 Feather stitch 22 Double feather stitch 23 Herringbone stitch 24 Tied herringbone 25 Interlaced herringbone 26 Chevron stitch 27 Double buttonhole 28 Spanish knotted feather 29 Rosette chain 30 Diamond stitch 31 Rope stitch 32 Zigzag chain 33 Double chain 34 Butterfly chain 35 Portuguese border stitch 36 Raised chain band 37 Closed blanket stitch 38 Closed feather stitch 39 Herringbone ladder stitch 40 Vandyke stitch Isolated Stitches and Motifs 41 Straight stitch 42 Fern stitch 43 Fly stitch 44 Swedish split stitch 45 Leaf stitch 46 Cross stitch 47 Detached chain 48 Fishbone stitch 49 Tête de boeuf 50 Wrapped cross stitch 51 Corded bar 52 Bullion stitch 53 French knot 54 Four-legged knot 55 Woven wheel 56 Whipped wheel 57 Raised cup 58 God’s eye 59 Woven picot 60 Maltese cross Filling Stitches 61 Seeding 62 Fly stitch filling 63 Darning stitch 64 Wave filling 65 Cloud filling 66 Plaid filling 67 Whipped satin stitch 68 Basket filling 69 Split stitch shading 70 Stem stitch shading 71 Buttonhole shading 72 Plate stitch 73 Brick stitch 74 Satin stitch 75 Padded satin stitch 76 Encroaching satin stitch 77 Ceylon stitch 78 Surface darning 79 Chequerboard darning 80 Interlaced cable chain Couching and Laid Work 81 Couched thread 82 Fancy couching 83 Zigzag couching 84 Tied cross stitch 85 Star stitch 86 Thorn stitch 87 Romanian stitch 88 Colcha stitch 89 Bokhara couching 90 Satin couching 91 Jacobean couching 92 Burden stitch 93 Bunched couching 94 Couched filling 95 Laid satin stitch 96 Laidwork trellis 97 Couched circle 98 Sprat’s head 99 Beading 100 Shisha stitch Index

    15 in stock

    £11.99

  • Flowers in Felt & Stitch: Creating Floral

    Search Press Ltd Flowers in Felt & Stitch: Creating Floral

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisPacked with colour and style, this gorgeous and inspiring new book from Scottish artist Moy Mackay delves deep into the world of felt painting. The book includes an introduction to Moy’s use of colour and texture, as well as a useful section detailing what inspires her and how she forms these initial ideas into a composition. There are 4 easy-to-follow but inspiring step-by-step projects, along with extensive galleries of Moy’s vibrant work. Unlike the broad range of her previous book, the focus here is flowers – in still life, in the landscape and as botanical portraits – and the book includes an in-depth techniques section on creating a range of different flower and leaf shapes, so that the reader can go on to produce their own unique masterpieces. "Moy's passionate use of colour and the deep texture created by felting are what draw me to her work. I also like the way that she concentrates on her surroundings for her subject matter – her work is very free."-Kaffe FassettTrade ReviewNovember 2014 Subtitled ‘Creating Floral Works Using Fleece, Fibres and Threads’. Moy Mackay’s ‘felt paintings’ are works of art. This book contains many images of her work. You can discover how to create a ‘felt painting’ with the four step-by-step projects. See the in-depth techniques used, learn what equipment is needed, be inspired and discover how to add detail with machine or hand stitching. Marvellous colourful and imaginative work. Highly recommended. * Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts *December 2014 Moy Mackay’s previous book ‘Art in Felt and Stitch’ (reviewed in WOW in September 2012) looked at felting a variety of subjects. In this follow-on book, flowers are the focus. From the outset, the author sets out her more unconventional approach to felting. Using felt fibres to ‘paint’ a picture, she talks of how to use these and other silks and threads to include as much detail as possible. She also uses scissors as an integral part of her process to achieve clear lines and angles. She takes us through the felting techniques from placement of fibres, wet felting, followed by needle felting and then embellishing through stitch. As a book geared towards flowers, the different flower forms are explored and felting techniques explained to achieve the shape and look of flowers as diverse as daisies, thistles and lavender. This is a particularly good section, providing enough different shapes for the reader to be able to tackle most flowers. The author’s reworking of a Victorian-style flower study is a work of art before it’s felted, and to see the project explained from start to finish puts the different stages into context. The book covers three main areas of flowers in art and adapts them to felting. In addition to the ‘Victorian Study’, there are ‘Flowers in Still Life’ and ‘Flowers in Landscape’. Each of these contains a sample project, fully illustrated with step-by-step instructions and photographs, together with a large variety of finished pieces for each section. This is a very bright and colourful book, full of beautiful felted pieces that show you how to felt flowers in a variety of artistic styles. * Workshop On The Web *February 2015 Textile artist Moy Mackay's book Art in Felt and Stitch was a huge success, and this follow-up volume delves a little deeper into her methods and inspirations, Moy's paintings are a vivid fusion of felting and stitching techniques with fine art; what really sings from these pages is the tremendous sense of energy her work contains, and this is an exuberance that extends to the reader. When you see what the author achieves with carding felt and hand stitching, you can't help but want to give these methods a try yourself. With a complete lack of any kind of pretension, Moy helps the reader construct their own works of art with ease, breaking down her techniques in a very understandable way, and encouraging experimentation. The images and illustrations are sumptuous, and the book provides a rich seam of inspiration which anybody with even a vaguely creative notion will want to follow. Whether you're looking for something different to do in between heavy quilting projects, or want to supplement your existing skill set, then you should give this book a try; its dreamlike images and good advice will stay with you. * Popular Patchwork *April 2015 Moy's 'felt paintings' blend traditional felting techniques using fleece, threads and fibres with hand and free-machine embroidery to create dynamic, tactile images. Colour guru Kaffe Fassett describes Moy's style as 'very free' with a 'passionate use of colour and deep texture'. As Kaffe says, Moy 'concentrates on her surroundings for her subject matter'. Indeed, in this especially, Moy's fine art training shines through. Flowers are not outlined and separated from their backgrounds, but interpreted as part of their environment whether in their natural habitat or in bouquet form in a still-life. Although outlines and details may be emphasised by stitch, the flowers are always completely integrated with the ground. In 'Summer Meadow', for example, suggestions of individual blooms are created using additional stitch in the foreground, diminishing subtly in size and quantity tumbling around a house at the picture's centre. The landscape is then interpreted more loosely, the horizon and skyscape melding as naturally as if real. Full-page images of Moy's jewel-like pictures are invitingly textural, encouraging further experimentation. Full instructions are given for creating both individual flower forms and landscapes. Introductory chapters cover not only basic techniques and materials but are also a guide to developing your own design style. * Stitch *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials and equipment 10 Inspiration 22 Colour 30 Adding texture and detail 36 Techniques 40 Essential flower forms 64 Leaves 82 Flower study 86 Flowers in still life 94 Flowers in the landscape 112 Index 128

    15 in stock

    £14.39

  • Fabulous Felt: 30 Easy-to-Sew Accessories and

    Search Press Ltd Fabulous Felt: 30 Easy-to-Sew Accessories and

    15 in stock

    Book Synopsis30 easy-to-make, stylish decorations all made from felt. The book includes templates, a comprehensive techniques section, guide to embroidery stitches and beautiful hand-drawn illustrations to accompany every project. The fabulous projects include mug hugs, hanging decorations, seasonal decorations, pillows, ornaments, wall-organisers, brooches, children’s toys and much more.Trade ReviewSeptember 2016 This book, the second from Yorkshire based designer Corinne Lapierre, is packed full of 30 craft patterns sewn using felt. It is easy to think of felt being used to make decorations, but this although the book does have patterns for lots of hangers and brooches, it also contains projects for the home, such as a wall hanging organiser, a mug cosy and a cushion. I was attracted to the wide variety of designsl, and the Scandinavian influence stops the book from looking too 'cutesy'. Sometimes felt books can feel like they are aimed at children, but the choice of designs and colours prevents this, and many of the projects feel very grown up. However, it would also be an ideal present for a child, as the patterns are well written and easy to follow, plus felt is a good introduction to using a needle and thread. The beginning of the book has clear photographs with the embroidery stitches and it is this addition which really enhances the designs. There is something very satisfying about makng items from felt. With no raw edges to worry about it is easy to get lost in playing with colour, cutting and stitching, and this book will provide you with enough inspiration to keep you sewing all through the year. * Popular Patchwork *Wool felt is the medium for the quirky, cute projects in designer Lapierre’s debut collection. The book opens with several brief tutorials on stitching and embroidering felt, including information about transferring embroidery patterns from templates and a detailed guide to the basic embroidery stitches used in the projects. This is followed by three seasonally inspired groups of accessories and embellishments, as well as a final “catch-all” chapter featuring a number of nature-and-animal-themed projects. Each project features a list of tools and supplies required (including the amount of felt needed in each color) as well as step-by-step instructions for completing the project with line drawings or photographs of key points. Projects span the small and simple, such as the carefully folded rose brooch, to intricate and complex, such as the owl pillow. Everything is hand-sewn and hand-embroidered, so a sewing machine isn’t required. Some basic sewing knowledge is assumed—there’s no information about cutting pattern pieces or constructing stuffed toys—but wool felt is a forgiving material and beginners should be able to work their way through the projects. VERDICT Sewists looking for “slow-sewing” projects or hand-stitchers desiring fun projects to embellish will be drawn to Lapierre’s adorable designs. * Library Journal USA *Fabulous Felt by Corinne Lopierre is a lovely book that gives you inspiration and projects to cover all seasons! There are 10 pages of techniques and stitches so this book is good for anyone new to working with felt. There are a number of projects for Summer, Spring, Autumn and Winter and these include both Easter and Christmas decorations and even Halloween. All the templates needed for the projects are in the back of the book and only a few require photocopying at more than 100% so most can be traced directly from the book. The instructions are clear and there are some lovely photos to help guide you! Overall I'm really pleased with this book! * Gemma Cornish *With 30 projects that are very appealing, it's really nice when it has all the information we need to get started. It gives extra motivation, when everything you need is at your fingers from start to finish. It comes with a step by step guide, amazing and lovely photos, good attention to details and all the templates needed are also provided. Absolutely love it and will definitely recomend it to friends. * Ana Afonso *Still working my way through this fabulous book. I'm a totally beginner to felting and have found this book excellent for newbies! The instructions are clear yet concise to follow and the patterns included are fabulous! I've picked out my first project and slowly working my way through- can't wait for it to be finished so I can pick another! * Helen Louise *This beautifully photographed book will appeal to both kids and adults. It's full of gorgeous contemporary scandi/folk style felt projects (30 to be exact) that are suitable for beginners and more advanced crafters. Each project contains details of materials and tools required plus step by instructions that are accompanied by clear photographs or illustrations. The templates at the back of the book are easy to trace and duplicate plus they are mainly true to size with the exception of a few that need to be enlarged 200%. My girls (9,9,10) are all totally smitten with the book and love how quick many of the makes are. They have started to create the most delightful gifts for friends, teachers and themselves and all the time they are slowly learning new stitching techniques that they can apply elsewhere. #ReviewItFriday * Blue Bear Wood *This book is colourful and very well set out with makes for both novices and experienced crafters. It ranges from small brooches and decorations to larger cushions and wall hangings. The step by step instructions, patterns and photography are very clear and it is easy for children to follow too. Thirty lovely items to keep you entertained crafting throughout the year. I am now looking forward to the next book by Corinne Lapierre. * Lynn Harris *Fabulous Felt by Corinne Lapierre is a delightful book that will suit beginners and experienced crafters alike. It would make a wonderful gift for beginners to encourage them since the instructions, lists of materials and descriptions of how to make the projects are clear and concise. Patterns are included and there is a lovely range of projects to choose from. More experience crafters could adapt the projects and make them more intricate as desired as a springboard for personal creativity. Instructions include the basic skills needed to embark on the projects from scratch and together with the colour photos make the book very accessible. The projects are so inspiring and some would be suitable for family craft sessions on a wet holiday. The finished projects would be lovely as handmade personal presents if you could bear to part with them or could be given as cutout kits for crafty recipient to make up for themselves. All in all it is a delightful book that would be inspiring to purchase or receive as a present. Thanks to Corinne for the hardworking and inspiration included in it. I already have a project picked out but have also found myself just picking up the book and reading it since it is so charming to browse through too. * Dianne Barnett *I received this book as a gift. I'm not the best crafter but my daughter is very much into creating things, so I was hoping it would give me easy to sew projects we would be able to do together. I find the book very clear structured. The projects are very charming, shown with very good photography and small enough for me as a beginner to try out. I was concerned not to manage to follow the instructions but the first few pages help understand terminology and give clear guidance applique and various stitches required. The templates are also very useful. I'm very happy with the book and am looking forward to trying our first project - the butterfly and flower hanging. * Nicole Selley *Fabulous Felt is a fantastic tutorial book with beautiful full-colour photography throughout. Each page is full of information and written in an simple, easy to understand format. There are thirty patterns included but these can be easily adapted to your own ideas and imagination. She patiently explains how to do each stitch in the project in the first few pages, using excellent photos to show how they are done. I like the fact that it is sectioned into themes, e.g. Summer Garden, Spring and Summer, etc. Every project is easy to find with the contents page at the front. There is an abundance of templates at the back and only a few of them need to be enlarged - always a bonus for me! I particularly like the chicken projects and have the perfect felt ready to do this. Each project has a small section on the side, detailing what templates, tools and material is needed. I really enjoyed looking through this and will definitely be using this book for years to come. 10/10. * Kaiserin Maggs *Fantastic book, very clearly written with excellent photographs. The part showing how to do some of the stitches is great for beginners and those of us who have forgotten how to do some! There are projects for everyone,children would be able to do some of them, or help someone older to do them. there is something for everyone and all seasons in this great book * Donna Hall *This book is set out well with clear photos showing the different techniques and equipment used to create the projects, exactly what I look for when attempting something new. The templates are clearly labelled and are printed with a thick enough line to accurately trace around. The instructions are comprehensive, easy to understand and along with the photos show exactly how each project should be completed. As felt comes in such wonderful colours, it would be easy to stray from the suggested colours to come up with personalised projects. Experimenting with the template sizes would help get much more out of this book, I'm thinking of enlarging the Woodland Mobile to make bunting for my campervan and shrinking the Lavender Sardines and adding a magnet to each one to make a fishing game! * Sarah Dennis *Lovely book well written. The projects are clearly explained and easy to make with fabulous photographs to help. All the templates are at the back of the book and easy to use. All the stitches are also clearly explained making the projects a delight to make. Highly recommended. * Jen English *June 2016 We love Corinne Lapierre's style and felt kits she produces and so we're excited to learn that she hasa a second fabulous new book coming out. You'll be glad to hear we weren't disappointed. Corinnehas designed 30 brilliant new scandi-style felt creations that are suitable for both the complete beginner as well as more experienced crafters, Split into four chapters: Summer Garden, Spring & Easter, Autumn & Winter and Home and Lifestyle, there's plenty to choose from yourself, your home and love ones. * Love to Make *Comment For all the projects Lapierre recommends felting material made from a blend of wool/viscose. Apart from supplying yourself with good quality felt, you do not need to equip yourself with much more than a basic sewing kit will provide. Some projects require the use of fusible webbing, plain tissue paper and toy stuffing and it would be enhancing to purchase some special threads, plus beads, buttons etc to make results extra pleasing. The book is suitable for crafters working at all levels. Techniques are shown in close up photography and there are templates at the back of the book. With the exception of just one of two designs the designs geared for children do not include small parts. Conclusion :How lovely that author Corinne Lapierre grew up with a creative Mum who inspired her! I see a lot of craft books but I was really taken aback by the stunning, yet gloriously simplistic layout of this one. I will be very quick to recommend Lapierre and her work in the future, plus the book itself. The felt designs are pretty fabulous so the book lives up to its bold title. This book has been received very well with 100% 5 star reviews on Amazon * Debra Hall -Notcompulsory.blogspot.co.uk *Find 30 little contemporary projects suitable for complete beginners. I think the front cover just about says it all for this book. Colourful, cute, desirable and fun projects. The book is split into chapters: Summer Garden; Spring & Easter; Autumn & Winter and Home & Lifestyle. The techniques section includes the basic techniques needed and the stitches used. Even children could easily master this, under supervision. There isn’t anything to dislike. It’s full of easy yet stylish projects using bought felt, well photographed and foolproof. There are templates too, some need to be enlarged. * Karen Platt- yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials & equipment 8 Techniques 10 Embroidery stitches 14 SUMMER GARDEN 20 Beach Hut Bunting 22 Rose Brooches 26 Flower Brooches 30 Lavender Sardines 32 Racoon & Fox 34 Spring & EASTER 38 Hen Egg Cosies 40 Bird Hanging 42 Easter Decorations 44 Spring Hanging 48 Butterfly & Flower Hanging 50 Decorative Rabbits 52 AUTUMN & WINTER 56 Christmas Lavender Bag 58 Woodland Mobile 60 Halloween Decorations 64 Christmas Pixie 68 Scandi Houses 70 Mug Cosy 72 Heart Hanging 74 Christmas Clog & Mitten 76 Scandi Horse 78 HOME & LIFESTYLE 80 Bag Charm 82 Russian Doll 84 Sleepy Fox Brooch 88 Scandi-Style Pillow 90 Owl Pillow 94 Sleepy Fox Pillow 98 Toy Bunny 102 Wall Hanging Organiser 106 Hedgehog Pillow 110 Children’s Wall Hanging 114 Templates 116

    15 in stock

    £11.69

  • Needlepoint

    David & Charles Needlepoint

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisLearn 50 simple and decorative needlepoint stitches with this pretty and accessible card deck.

    15 in stock

    £14.39

  • Thread Painting and Silk Shading Embroidery:

    The Crowood Press Ltd Thread Painting and Silk Shading Embroidery:

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisThread painting embroidery is one of the most beautiful embroidery techniques. Often mistaken for painted art, it shows off the true skill of an embroiderer. This book demystifies the technique and shows how easy it is to start embroidering your own stitched masterpieces. For the true beginner and the experienced stitcher alike it will be a treasured guide, explaining the techniques and providing the inspiration to master this exquisite form of embroidery. Over 600 colour photographs support twenty step-by-step projects that range from a simply shaded topiary tree to a three-dimensional hydrangea bouquet.

    15 in stock

    £17.95

  • Goldwork and Silk Shading Inspired by Nature

    Search Press Ltd Goldwork and Silk Shading Inspired by Nature

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisThis inspiring, practical guide to goldwork and silk shading is packed with both traditional and innovative techniques, six samplers and 24 stunning projects. Learn how to create exquisite works using either goldwork or silk shading, and then learn how to combine the two disciplines for visually stunning results. Learn to select the threads, materials and equipment required; plan out the order of your work; transfer your design to fabric; frame up your fabric; and discover inspiring stitch techniques to achieve the results you want. Using nature as inspiration, develop a glittering range of exquisitely worked flowers, fungi, trees, bats and dragonflies, with each piece accompanied by detailed instructions and essential top tips. The book features original designs throughout, and you will be encouraged to extend your skills to create your own beautiful embroideries, helped by exercises, projects, diagrams, full-size templates and stunning photographs. This book is an invaluable practical starting point for anyone wishing to learn about the art of goldwork and silk shading, and an excellent reference for all those already familiar with these popular techniques.Trade ReviewI love the front cover and the beautiful illustrations makes you excited to turn the cover. The inside cover introducing the author is really informative and the illustrations on adjoining page are stunning. The acknowledgement pages and contents pages whet your appetite as to the awaiting projects. I love the bat on the foreword page and the clearly explained introduction. The first chapter discusses in clear details the equipment needed to undertake these beautiful craft projects. The successive chapters cover the use of different sized needles, the fabrics and frames which will be required for gold work, how to transfer a design, and include illustrations of padding your project to provide area and depth to your finished piece of work. I love the stunning dragonfly illustration on the appliqué page on 22. Mounting your work is clearly explained in easy details and the goldwork is explained with some beautiful illustrations along with order of work details. Metal threads and their categories of use are discussed with helpful notes. Goldwork techniques such as purl chippings are beautifully illustrated and stem stitch information is discussed. The section on Handmade twists is informative, and is discussed along with Pearl purl, Elizabeth twist, Broad and whipped plate. I love the embroidered butterfly in this section. The goldwork wild rose, is beautiful and the colours of the goldwork violet is stunning. The three-dimensional goldwork is outstanding, especially the Christmas rose. Silk shading threads are usefully explained on page 59, along with silk shading techniques on page 60. Silk shading and the beautiful tulip flower and gold and silk work iris is brought to life in this part of the book. Flowers and the author’s stunning use of them in her work is also discussed. Trees and their use in embroidery is then discussed, with leaves, seeds and berries being shown in intricate and detailed images to enhance your craft projects. One leaf is portrayed in many ways. Fronds and fungi help bring textures and shades to embroidery pieces and are illustrated beautifully. Butterflies, bats and dragonflies, which are the author’s favourite are clearly defined. I love the bat and can’t wait to work on this project. Seasonal projects inspired by summer, autumn and winter are brought to life by the author. -- Caroline Perraton-Waters * Customer Review *Goldwork and Silk Shading Inspired by Nature is wonderful for anyone just starting out with the goldwork technique. But the information about silk shading is absolutely priceless as well. The book starts off talking about equipment; including needles, fabrics, frames (how to dress a slate frame), and hoops and ring frames (including how to bind them). Then it goes into how to transfer a pattern, tracing, prick and pounce and trace and tack. There’s a small section about mounting your finished piece properly, by using either the herringbone technique or the lacing technique. The second section of the book focusses on goldwork, explaining in detail exactly how it’s done. The order of work, the different types of metal threads, and the techniques, including the different stitches, are all discussed in detail. It then has a few projects that are entirely goldwork. They are stunning! The third section is dedicated to silk shading. Again, going into all the details of how to work the technique. It breaks down the stitches very clearly. Then has a few projects, even going into stump work. The fourth section demonstrates goldwork and silk shading combined. Again, explaining what’s required to stitch a piece using both techniques, and breaking down the stitches. Then Hazel takes you through projects that combine both techniques. Instructions are included to stitch samplers, small flowers and leaves, trees, berries and seed, fronds, and fungi, butterflies, dragonflies and even bats! The last projects are much larger and more detailed, putting everything that’s been learned throughout the book into practice. They are so beautiful. I especially love the Robin. I highly recommend this book. If you can find a copy, you won’t be disappointed. -- Jessica Devin * Embroidery Artist *Glorious and delicate depictions of nature. I liked the layout of this book and the combination of silk shading and goldwork which lent a delicacy to the finished pieces. Diagrams, photos and instructions were clear and there were plenty of projects to follow resulting in realistic nature embroideries. This is an inspiring and informative book. -- Marilyn Ralston * Amazon Customer Review *Definitive Work on Goldwork & Silk Shading. Goldwork and silk shading together – what a winning combination! Add in the fact that they are being used to depict the beauty of the natural world and you have a gorgeous book. Sadly this was the author’s final work and has been finished with help from her friends. This is the sequel to Hazel’s definitive work Goldwork: Techniques, Projects and Pure Inspiration and contains some material in common, mostly from the section on basic working methods and materials. If you are new to either type of embroidery, this book is a good place to start as you can discover what you need to purchase and what it is all for. See the myriad of metal threads available and learn how to dress a frame and a hoop, transfer patterns and how to use each type of thread. To put this knowledge to instant use there are quite a few projects to work through, all beautiful and impressively professional looking together with a list of materials and the all-important order of work. Do note that this might be a good book for beginners to goldwork and silk shading, but it is not ideal as a primer for people who are new to any type of embroidery. These are some of the more advanced techniques and the book is squarely aimed at those with a thorough grounding in all the basics. For example, the instructions aren’t accompanied by photographs and the information on 3D work is fairly sketchy. There are some diagrams for embroidery stitches and quite a few samplers where you can practice depicting sets of popular flora and fauna. These include trees, leaves, fungi, flower shapes as well as dragonflies, butterflies and, making a nice change, bats which were a favourite of the author. There are more projects where you can practice goldwork and silk shading together to make beautiful studies of all the above, plus a section of four projects depicting the four seasons. I was pleased to see that silk shading does not have to be done using silk threads, and most of the pieces shown have been worked using the cheaper and more widely available cotton alternative. This is a beautiful and very useful book to treasure, one for the keeper shelf. -- Rachel A Hyde * Customer Review *Table of ContentsForeword 6 Introduction 7 Equipment 8 Needles 10 Fabrics 12 Frames 13 Transferring a design 18 Padding 20 Mounting your work 23 Goldwork 24 Rules for goldwork 25 Order of work 26 Metal threads 27 Basic goldwork techniques 31 Purl chippings 31 Shading with chippings 32 Fuzzy effect 32 Graded cutwork 33 Stem stitch formation 34 Purl loops 35 Couched threads 36 Twists 39 Handmade twists 40 MIlliary 41 Plunging threads 43 Pearl purl 44 Elizabethan twist 46 Kid 47 Broad, 11’s and whipped plate 48 PROJECT: Wild rose 50 PROJECT: Goldwork violet 52 Three-dimensional goldwork 55 PROJECT: Christmas rose 54 Silk shading 56 Rules for silk shading 57 Order of work 58 Silk shading threads 59 Silk shading techniques 60 Split stitch 60 Silk shading 61 PROJECT: Silk-shaded wild rose 66 PROJECT: Silk-shaded violet 68 Adding a three-dimensional element 70 PROJECT: Three-dimensional Christmas rose 70 Goldwork and silk shading combined 72 A few basic rules 72 Order of work 72 Complimentary stitches 74 PROJECT: Combined wild rose 78 PROJECT: Combined violet 80 Adding a three-dimensional element 82 PROJECT: Three-dimensional Christmas rose 82 FLOWERS 84 SAMPLER: Flowers 84 Taking a simple flower further in metal threads 94 Taking a simple flower further in stranded cotton 95 PROJECT: Gold and silkwork iris 96 TREES 99 SAMPLER: Trees 100 Small trees 104 PROJECT: Bonsai tree 106 Leaves, seeds and berries 108 SAMPLER: Leaves 108 PROJECT: One leaf, many ways 114 SAMPLER: Berry and seed 116 PROJECT: Acorns 124 Fronds and fungi 126 SAMPLER: Fronds 126 SAMPLER: Fungi 132 Butterflies, bats and beasts 138 PROJECT: Three Butterflies 138 PROJECT: 3D Goldwork and silkwork butterfly 142 PROJECT: Three Bats 144 PROJECT: Bat 146 PROJECT: Bats 148 PROJECT: Three Dragonflies 150 PROJECT: Large Dragonfly 154 Seasonal projects 156 PROJECT: Clematis Early Semi-Double Dr Ruppel 156 PROJECT: Sumer Wildlife Garden 160 PROJECT: Autumn 164 PROJECT: Robin 168 Templates 172 Glossary 192

    15 in stock

    £14.99

  • Needlepoint Journal

    David & Charles Needlepoint Journal

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisKeep your needlepoint projects organized and recorded with this expertly crafted journal. Each page offers space to record details such as the kit or canvas name, size, stitches used, and other notes. Whether you're a seasoned needlepoint artist or are just starting out, this journal will become an indispensable tool in your creative process.

    15 in stock

    £10.78

  • Merry Stitchmas

    David & Charles Merry Stitchmas

    15 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    15 in stock

    £14.44

  • Animal Embroidery Workbook: Step-by-Step

    Landauer Publishing Animal Embroidery Workbook: Step-by-Step

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisEmbroider a menagerie of 30 adorable animals! From a sweet giraffe and a happy cat to a sly little red fox and a friendly hedgehog, Cute Critters features step-by-step instructions and dozens of easy-to-use patterns to create embroidery hoops for all your favorite animals with charming floral details. Intermediate embroiderers will pick them up in no time, and beginners can tackle the simpler projects and further their skills with the more complicated designs. Also included is basic introductory information about materials and supplies, techniques and a guide to basic stitches.

    15 in stock

    £12.74

  • Figure Work in Embroidery: Techniques and

    The Crowood Press Ltd Figure Work in Embroidery: Techniques and

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisFigures can bring an embroidery to life, but they are tricky to do well. This book guides you through the materials, stitches, body parts and clothes to give you the confidence and skills to embroider a figure and experiment, using your creative inspiration. With over 400 colour photographs it gives key information for getting started, creating designs and preparing embroideries; techniques for making three-dimensional forms using stitching and padding techniques; clear instruction for mastering stitches and then ideas for using them creatively. Specific advice is given for embroidering the face, hair, hands and feet as well as ideas for using stitching embellishments, such as beads, sequins, buttons, ribbons, feathers and jewellery charms. Step-by-step projects demonstrate a range of beautiful styles and techniques.Trade ReviewThis book was enjoyable to look at and to read through. I found all the information clearly and well explained. All the pictures and illustrations made sense and were relevant to the work. To have the history to start with helps to remind us we are not the first nor will we be the last to stitch figures. -- Anne Beckingham * SEW Region Magazine *

    15 in stock

    £17.95

  • Bayeux Stitch

    The Crowood Press Ltd Bayeux Stitch

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe term ‘Bayeux stitch’ often describes the laid and couched work that was used across Europe in the middle ages. This practical book of techniques and projects demonstrates the simple style of the Bayeux tapestry, before showing variations based on both surviving examples and adaptations of medieval manuscripts. It explains the narrow range of stitches used in laid and couched work and introduces the limited colour palette in medieval embroidery and the rhythmic use of colour. There are twelve projects with step-by-step sequences that illustrate how to stitch subjects ranging from knights to trees, and from dragons to bishops. By introducing subtle variations of techniques and materials, Tanya Bentham illustrates the endless potential of this beautiful embroidery, and brings it alive for today’s embroiderers.

    15 in stock

    £18.00

  • Embroidering Plants and Flowers for Beginners: 33

    Fox Chapel Publishing Embroidering Plants and Flowers for Beginners: 33

    5 in stock

    Book SynopsisElegant, fun and exciting, this is a must-have guide that embroidery enthusiasts of all skill levels will love. Opening with helpful overviews on tools, supplies, and techniques for transferring designs, installing the drum, and more, also included are easy-to-follow tutorials on all the essential embroidery stitches to help you get started. From there, you'll find over 30 embroidery designs for flowers, herbs, plants, and more that are realistic, easy to accomplish, and simply stunning. Inspired by the beauty and comfort of nature, the embroidery patterns featured within these pages range from wildflowers and cut flowers to garden and forest plants and favorite aromatic herbs. With ready-to-use patterns, step-by-step instructions, helpful diagrams, stunning photography, and extra ideas for decoration and displaying your finished product, it's the perfect source of inspiration for crafters, both beginner and advanced alike.

    5 in stock

    £13.59

  • Vintage French Needlework

    Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. Vintage French Needlework

    7 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    7 in stock

    £32.79

  • Stitching through the Seasons: Evocative Patterns

    Shambhala Publications Inc Stitching through the Seasons: Evocative Patterns

    5 in stock

    Book SynopsisBeautiful guided stitchwork for every season?featuring fall pumpkins and mushroom wreaths, winter skiers, spring blossoms, summer vegetables, and more!??With 56 unique embroidery pieces to reflect the seasons, this next book from beloved author Yumiko Higuchi takes creatives on a month-by-month exploration of colorful motifs that can be used on a variety of fabrics and surfaces. Each month starts with an emblem of the month number, such as a vibrant poppy wreath for May, a viny pumpkin for October, and sprigs of mistletoe and Christmas roses for December. Each emblem perfectly captures the spirit of the month, and the subsequent patterns for each month follow the seasonal theme.?Each design in the book is accompanied by step-by-step instructions for recreating it, including stitch types, thread colors by number, and thread type. There is also a detailed section on how to perform certain stitches and knots to guide beginners. Whether embroidering a new dress, a pillowcase, a bag, or even a jar cover for jam, Stitching through the Seasons has charming patterns that are sure to spark creativity and festivity for embroiderers both experienced and just starting out. ?

    5 in stock

    £15.99

  • PokeMon Cross Stitch

    David & Charles PokeMon Cross Stitch

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisAn official Pokémon Cross Stitch book! Stitch your own adorable Pokémon characters including Pikachu, Eevee, Squirtle and more, with simple cross stitch patterns and step-by-step instructions to guide you.

    15 in stock

    £12.74

  • Whitework with Colour Milner Craft Series

    SEARCH PRESS Whitework with Colour Milner Craft Series

    15 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    15 in stock

    £23.79

  • Embroidered & Embellished: 85 Stitches Using

    C & T Publishing Embroidered & Embellished: 85 Stitches Using

    10 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe complete visual guide to hand embroidery and embellishing. • Step-by-step photo instructions show exactly how to sew 85 different stitches • Includes 8 complete embroidery projects to stitch and embellish • The essential embroidery reference for everyone from beginners to experts.Trade ReviewMay 13 The second book by Brown (Ribbonwork Gardens) is a cornucopia of fancy stitches, which she has divided into four styles of embroidery: traditional; silk ribbon; raised and textured; and bead. Twenty or so stitches per style are carefully demonstrated in full-color photos of each step of stitching. Even experienced stitchers are likely to learn something new: for example, the Spiderweb Rose, or how to couch ribbon. Brown also provides a thorough overview of the ribbons, floss, threads, and tools likely to be needed, along with idiosyncratic advice taken from her many years of sewing. As a catalogue of possibility for stitching, this is a wonderful addition to a crafting library. * Publishers Weekly *

    10 in stock

    £20.89

  • 100 Mini Cross Stitch Designs

    GMC Publications 100 Mini Cross Stitch Designs

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisCross stitch is making a big comeback with modern crafters and it’s easy to see why. Providing the perfect introduction for beginners, 100 Mini Cross Stitch Designs will also appeal to intermediate and advanced cross stitchers looking for inspiration. The book provides a detailed section on tools and materials, instructions on getting started, reading cross stitch charts, essential stitches and finishing touches. With so many wonderful designs to choose from, selecting a project is likely to be the most time-consuming part of the whole process! From bees to bicycles, caravans to cupcakes, and rockets to rainbows, there are contemporary subjects and styles to suit every taste. Display your stitches in an embroidery hoop, frame, or greetings card, or choose a pattern that adorns clothing, home furnishings or other decorative items. There are useful tips on how to add your own personality to projects and ways to incorporate leftover thread or fabric. Projects include: Bee Cushion, Snowflake Ornaments, Cupcake Birthday Cards, Flowering Cactus, Forest Mushrooms, Ice Pops, Steam Train, Rainbow.

    15 in stock

    £13.59

  • Stitchcraft: An Embroidery Book of Simple

    Random House USA Inc Stitchcraft: An Embroidery Book of Simple

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisStep inside a world of arcane imagery and rich esoteric symbolism in this deeply imaginative embroidery art book! Author Gayla Partridge draws upon her knowledge of phrenology, anatomy, floral design and Ouija to create unique twists on an age-old craft. Through extraordinary, stylised photography and detailed close-ups of designs, the pieces in 'Stitchcraft' are entirely achievable with basic embroidery stitches and easy-to-follow instructions, enchanting embroidery beginners and experts alike.

    15 in stock

    £14.24

  • Cross Stitch: Welcome Baby: Over 50 Themed

    Tuva Publishing Cross Stitch: Welcome Baby: Over 50 Themed

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisWelcome Baby is a book of irresistible patterns to help you celebrate your very special new arrival. The book is packed with exciting new projects in a variety of sizes which can be used individually to make charming gifts and cards, or combined to make delightful samplers, pictures, and cushions. The challenge will be deciding which design to work on first.

    15 in stock

    £11.01

  • The Book of Cross Stitch: An Essential Guide

    Tuva Publishing The Book of Cross Stitch: An Essential Guide

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe Book of Cross Stitch - This is an essential guide for stitchers of all abilities, from an absolute beginner just learning a new craft to the more experienced stitcher looking to expand their knowledge. The book covers all aspects of the craft, from a brief history to what materials and tools you should use to best practice techniques to create your own chart. Also provided is a selection of projects for various abilities that grow in complexity as they cover the different methods outlined in the book, so your craft and skills can grow as you progress through the projects, making it an informative and inspirational book for all stitchers to enjoy. Projects include: Animals Figures Nature Plants and flowers With beautifully photographed step-by-step guides for each project, this book is simple to use and following the instructions is easy.

    15 in stock

    £11.99

  • Doodle Stitching The Christmas Collection

    Lark Books,U.S. Doodle Stitching The Christmas Collection

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisA Christmas-themed collection of embroidery transfers. Each transfer can be reused up to five times and there's an envelope to store cut-out designs.

    15 in stock

    £10.79

  • Textile Seascapes

    The Crowood Press Textile Seascapes

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisThis practical book is packed with instruction and ideas for the textile artist wanting to learn free-motion machine embroidery to create a seascape with fabric and stitch. As well as essential information and practical advice, it features three original step-by-step guides to coastal-inspired projects, which explain how to build a scene and capture the mood of the sea. Stunning finished examples show how you can develop your skills and confidence to create works in your own individual style.

    15 in stock

    £12.34

  • Mystical Stitches: Embroidery for Personal

    Workman Publishing Mystical Stitches: Embroidery for Personal

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisThis gorgeous embroidery book features more than 100 original designs inspired by a colorful folk art aesthetic and infused with metaphysical meaning. How-to instructions allow readers to combine and stitch each symbol to create unique embroidered objects of personal significance. Hand embroidery can be a joyous respite from busy daily life. It is an exploration of material, an invitation to slow down, and it allows time for contemplation. Mystical Stitches combines this beloved and accessible craft with a spiritual element, introducing more than 100 different symbols readers can use to create personal icons to wear or embellish items in the home. Christi Johnson offers patterns inspired by botanicals, animals, numbers, the cosmos, earth elements, and mythological icons for novice or well-practiced crafters to combine into talismans with personal meaning. Johnson's folk art style is vibrant and unintimidating and provides a framework for bringing spiritual elements into physical form. In addition to basic techniques, an overview of material options, and an illustrated encyclopedia of stitches, the extensive treasury of symbols is lavishly photographed in hand-stitched, full-colour spreads that will inspire readers to create personalised designs to stitch on clothes, hang on the wall, place on an altar, carry with them, or display in a place of prominence. AUTHOR: Christi Johnson creates mystical garments that blend elements of botanical dyes with handcrafted stitches. The resulting textile talismans honor the body, its boundaries, its extensions, and its relations to the world and cosmos around us. She works from the belief that through self-expression, we discover our power to transform our worlds. Raised in tropical Florida, Johnson studied Fashion Design at Otis College of Art and Design. She worked in the fashion industry in Los Angeles for nearly a decade, most notably designing "cosmically crafted" limited-edition embroideries for boutique brand Coast-Wide's denim workwear, and now lives in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. As a teacher, Johnson also offers workshops in natural dyeing and embroidery and has created kits and booklets for students and DIYers. Her garments, booklets, kits, and embroidered artwork have sold at maker studios and boutiques across the nation.

    15 in stock

    £18.04

  • fast2mark Embroidery Stencils

    C & T Publishing fast2mark Embroidery Stencils

    7 in stock

    Book SynopsisThis collection of stencils provides 90+ easy-to-mark designs with endless combinations.

    7 in stock

    £22.37

  • Schwalm Embroidery

    Sally Milner Publishing Pty Ltd Schwalm Embroidery

    5 in stock

    Book SynopsisRE-ISSUE This beautiful and delicate work is a form of whitework embroidery. It incorporates surface stitches, pulled fabric, drawn thread, needlelace and needleweaving, and is embroidered on garments and linen. All works are based on the 'Tree of Life'. Projects included in the book are suitable for the beginner through to the more advanced embroiderer.Table of ContentsColour photographs clearly show the intricacy and beauty of the work Clear and simple instruction in stages Step-by-step illustrations to complement instructions 9 projects from easy to advanced

    5 in stock

    £17.09

  • Transfer & Stitch: Butterflies, Bees and Bugs:

    Search Press Ltd Transfer & Stitch: Butterflies, Bees and Bugs:

    4 in stock

    Book SynopsisThis latest addition to the Transfer & Stitch series covers a huge range of designs of butterflies, bees and an assortment of bugs, to be embroidered onto clothing or home furnishings for a unique, quirky finish. Designs range from traditional, life-like insects to edgy modern steampunk designs. These intricate motifs can be rendered in metallic or variegated threads to give them a colourful, insect-like sheen. There are over fifty designs to choose from, starting from tiny ladybirds up to larger-scale grasshoppers, and each one comes with an iron-on transfer that can be applied directly to fabric.Trade ReviewI love Search Press books and this is no exception. It's different and encouraging, Lovely designs from the standard to beautiful to strange, all usable. With 32 pages of iron on transfers, which can be used up to 10 times, you will never be without a design to embroider. I like the way each design gives the threads to use and all the info you need to create that something special. I'm off to embroider some spiders. Did I ever think I would say that. -- Beverly Bigmore * Customer Review *The designs are clean modern and suitable for all ages. Being able to transfer the designs is a bonus. I hate it when a book states enlarge by 200 o/o. I've been learning embroidery for 10 months and am ready to improve so using rayon and metallic threads will be exciting. I like small projects the book has over 50 motifs. Over time collectively you could stitch these into an achievable larger piece. There is a chapter giving you ideas for your motifs. As confidence grows you can make up your own colour scheme or add embellishments. A lovely book. -- Joanne Moorey * Customer Review *There are over fifty iron-on transfers in here depicting a wealth of insects in a variety of styles. From naturalistic to simplistic, cute, folk art, steampunk, art deco, modern and more there is a bug for every occasion. This book is in three sections, making it easy to get the most out of the transfers. To start with you can find out what materials and tools you need, learn some essential freestyle embroidery stitches and prepare your hoop. Then each motif is brought to life in the “sampler” section showing one way it can look, complete with a key to DMC floss and instructions. See what the images look like when stitched onto a variety of items in a short photographic chapter and then there are the transfers themselves. Note that apart from the sampler there are no actual projects as such, merely ideas on what to embellish. This is enough, for the great thing about transfers is that they are just outlines, and as with a coloring book just looking at them tends to get the creative juices flowing. Many books on freestyle embroidery mostly use the traditional 6-ply cotton floss which is very versatile as it comes in so many colors. But this book takes it to the next level by putting DMC’s newer ranges through their paces and this really brings the images to new and vibrant life. The transfers themselves are on the large side, in keeping with the author’s use of them mostly to decorate clothing. Stylized butterflies, beetles with fancy carapaces, marching ants, patterned caterpillars and more fill the thirty-two transfer sheets complete with information on how to use them. The outlines are black making them most suitable for use on white or pale cotton material, but there are also instructions on how to use them on darker fabrics. This is an imaginative, user-friendly and useful addition to Search Press' Transfer and Stitch series, a modern take on the traditional book of embroidery transfers. -- Rachel A Hyde * Myshelf.com *50 insect motifs providing a great resource for anyone who stitches. Choose a motif, transfer it to your design using the iron-on transfer sheet and stitch. You'll find 32 stitched samplers offering over 50 embroidered designs together with 32 reusable iron-on transfer sheets. There are notes on the stitches and threads used to create each of the motifs and guidance on all you need to create them. Project ideas have been suggested to get you started. The front of the book is in colour and shows the examples and thread keys clearly. The stitches used are shown as how-tos with clear photos. The transfer sheets are line drawings at the back of the book. Anyone who loves bugs, will love this. -- Karen Platt * Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *Wow! What a beautiful book! -- Sarah Ann Roberts * Customer review *Lovely clear pictures and numbered designs for simplicity of use. -- Crystal Violet Ray * Customer review *Visually this is a wonderful book. -- Muriel Campbell * Customer review *Lovely designs to stitch, with nice clear instructions and colour suggestions -- Sharon Turner * Customer review *The designs are clean, modern and suitable for all ages. -- Joanne Moorey * Customer review *This is a lovely book -- Natasha Victoria Rickman * Customer review *I love Search Press books and this is no exception. -- Bezzy Bigmore * Customer review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 4 What you need 6 Stitches used 8 Transferring the designs 14 Using an embroidery hoop 15 The samplers 16-81 The projects 82 Babygrow 84 Pillowcase 85 Peg bag 86 Child’s sunhat 87 Paperweight 88 Notebook and keyring 89 Gardening apron 90 Framed picture 91 Desk tidy 92 T-shirt 93 Denim skirt 94 Tabard 95 The transfers 96

    4 in stock

    £13.49

  • Tula Pink Coloring with Thread

    F&W Publications Inc Tula Pink Coloring with Thread

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisColor a Whimsical World with Needle & Thread! There is no name more closely linked to ornate and fanciful fabric designs than Tula Pink.

    15 in stock

    £20.09

  • Floral Beauty in Cross Stitch

    Tuva Publishing Floral Beauty in Cross Stitch

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisThis book contains more than 30 designs on the theme of plants and flowers. A wide range of subjects are included, such as classic roses, bright red poppies, colourful sunflowers, delicate floral bouquets and bolder, more contemporary tropical flowers and foliage. The designs display a rich variety of colours and shading and Susan's love of detail. There are simple designs for the beginner and more challenging projects for the more experienced stitcher.

    15 in stock

    £11.99

  • Stitches from the Harvest: Hand Embroidery

    Martingale & Company Stitches from the Harvest: Hand Embroidery

    15 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    15 in stock

    £20.69

  • Sew Advent Calendars: Count Down to Christmas

    Search Press Ltd Sew Advent Calendars: Count Down to Christmas

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisCount down to Christmas with Debbie Shore. Sew unique, personalised advent calendars for your loved ones, and fill them with their favourite festive treats and handpicked goodies that they’ll really treasure. There are 20 designs included, from traditional flat-pocket calendars to hanging cones and festive pouches, for both adults and children alike, along with a treat-filled calendar for the family dog! The book contains all the techniques needed to make the calendars, and every project is shown clearly step-by-step, with helpful tips and advice throughout. Using Debbie’s friendly and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s time to get crafty and create a new festive family tradition!Trade ReviewNovember 2017 The build-up to Christmas is arguably bigger than the day itself, and this guide book will ensure that you're properly prepared, with 20 designs to suit every family member -even the dog! As always with Debbie, her tehcniques are thoughtfully explained and packed with handy tips. * Sew magazine * I was sent a copy of this book by Search Press Arts and Crafts in return for an honest review. Well what can I say, I love Debbie Shore and already have some of her lovely books. I am also addicted to making her tote bags from her youtube tutorials from which I learnt applique which will be helpful for projects in this book. Her instructions are always clear. This book is packed with projects to either follow exactly or you could adapt to make your own original piece. Yes, these calendars are definitely on my to do list, after I return from holiday! -- Shelagh Bird * Customer Review *I love this book! -- Pat Darlington * Customer Review *This is a must buy book! I love an advent calendar that comes with little gifts... there are many designs and lots of ideas such as what different numbers to buy. I like how you can customise the advent calendars however you wish. I love the idea of making a sausage dog version for dog treats for our pooch! The book has photographs and clear instructions including sewing essentials. This is the perfect way to do sewing in the run up to Christmas on cold autumn days. Off to buy fabric and haberdashery now! -- Penny Challinor * Customer Review *I have a few Debbie Shore books, but this one is going to be a favourite. Beautifully photographed and easy to understand instructions. Looking forward to christmas makes.. -- Vicki Chaput West * Customer Review *In her latest book, Shore (Half Yard Home) turns her attention to advent calendars in styles ranging from whimsical and kid-friendly to country-craft cute. Most of the calendars serve as a 24-day Christmas countdown, and there are options with pockets or pouches that can accommodate a small daily treat as well as those in which the countdown itself is the focus. The items are machine sewn with occasional hand-sewn embellishments such as embroidery or buttons. Shore’s instructions are clear enough for beginners to complete the projects successfully. As a bonus there’s even a dachshund-shaped advent calendar for dogs, featuring a daily biscuit as a treat. VERDICT Sewists interested in creating their own custom advent calendar will savor this collection. * Libray Journal, USA *In her newest book Debbie presents twenty stunning designs for fabric advent calendars to create for all the family. Each fresh and innovative project has full step-by-step instructions and full-sized templates where necessary and can be completed with ease by all abilities. Debbie even suggests some treats to be hidden within the pockets, pouches and cones. Perfect for anyone wanting to create something unusual and unique for the festive season and which can be enjoyed year after year as a special family keepsake. Excellent value for money. * East Kent Embroiderers Guild *Instead of buying ready-made advent calendars why not make your own? There are twenty different types in this book all made from fabric and suitable for all levels of expertise, even children. I could say also suitable for the family dog as there is a delightful dachshund shaped one – you will have to use your imagination to change it for cats. If like me you are mostly familiar with the flat type with windows or the hanging type with pockets prepare to be amazed with the sheer variety of calendars in here. From a rag doll holding a chalk board to bunting, wee bags, number cubes (think perpetual calendar), a snowman, cone shaped trees and my own favorite a train you will be spoilt for choice. There are several types of bunting and the type with pockets in too, all different shapes and styles for displaying in different spaces. Basic sewing equipment and skills are required but nothing more and special techniques are limited to a couple of embroidery stitches and making (and attaching) bias binding. There is a list of ideas for the treats to insert, and some ideas for different numbering options plus a page showing small thumbnails of the calendars for easy selection. Each project features a large photo of the item in situ plus a list of what you need, finished size and several steps with photographs. The mitten bunting is a simple project that children can make by hand; a nice touch and many of the other calendars have simple parts that younger family members (or beginner stitchers) can make easily. An imaginative book that a wide range of abilities can get a lot of fun out of. * Myshelf.com *It's countdown to Xmas with another fab book from Debbie Shore. Who does not love an advent calendar, that countdown that comes with little gifts? Debbie has created 20 designs, so you can make many people happy this Xmas. Includes sewing essentials and know-how - this is Debbies' rundown on what you need to know to make the projects; suggestions for adding treats, counting down - different numbers to buy and templates. Debbie has been inventive with her designs, using for example triangle pockets, quilted cones, cottage pockets, felt pyramids, pleats, chalk board, cubes, bunting, a train, tree, mittens and even a sausage dog. Discover many ways to deliver a countdown to Xmas with photographs and clear instructions. Never has Xmas been so much fun. * Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *Sew Advent Calendars by Debbie Shore includes 20 fun advent calendars for you to create. They range from weekly countdowns to daily countdowns and there is even a countdown for your dog. There are more traditional looking calendars, and some very original calendars. There is something for everyone here! Debbie starts off with an informative introduction, and then moves onto Sewing Essentials. She describes a bit about each essential so you are sure to know what you need. Next is a bit on Sewing Know-How. Debbie shares the important skills you will need to successfully create the projects in this book. This section is very informative and a great addition to the book! After that there is even a page on treat suggestions and another on various ways to create your numbers for your advent calendars. Debbie has really given a lot of thought to all the information you will need to succeed. After all that great info, the book moves into the 20 lovely advent calendars. Reading through, I found the instructions to be clear and easy to follow. The patterns are very well written, giving the crafter the tools they need to create beautiful projects. I really love the variety in this book. I would recommend it to any sewer looking for great ideas to decorate for the Christmas season. (http://jessieathome.com/sew-advent-calendars/) -- Jessie Rayot * Jessie at Home *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Sewing Essentials 8 Sewing know-how 12 Adding treats 15 Counting down 16 The Calendars 18 Triangle Pockets 18 12 Days of Christmas 22 Christmas Cottages 26 25 Steps to Christmas 30 Felt Pyramids 34 Twig Pouches 36 Lace Pocket Calendar 40 Pleated Pockets 44 Calendar Girl 48 Snowman Calendar 52 Quick Cones 56 Calendar Cubes 60 Advent Bunting 62 Treat Bags 66 Four-week Calendar 70 Santa Express 74 Snowball Calendar 80 Promise Tree 84 Canine Calendar 88 Hanging Mittens 92 Templates 95 Index 96

    15 in stock

    £9.49

  • Record, Map and Capture in Textile Art: Data

    Batsford Ltd Record, Map and Capture in Textile Art: Data

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisA guide to the increasingly popular trend of transforming data into beautiful textile art. This stylish and fascinating book from up-and-coming textile art star Jordan Cunliffe shows how raw data, maps and personal experience can be distilled into textile art, producing mesmerising works with deep meaning, whether obvious or hidden, and concentrating on the smaller, quieter moments that make up our lives. Jordan explores the use of stitched data to tell stories, pinpoint special places on maps, convey secret messages, and record personal detail, for example daily walks or nightly sleep patterns. Her finished work is beautifully precise, including a long strip of fabric containing a stitch for every day of her life, a reimagination of a favourite childhood book in unreadable code, and pleasing beaded representations of secretly important documents. Almost any aspect of your life can be represented in graph or map form, and here are many practical ways to achieve this, whether it's recording the colours of flowers on a favourite path to create your own unique palette, or encoding your most private thoughts in beaded morse code. This visually stunning book explores a new way of working and will help you explore a fresh new angle in your embroidery and textile work. Illustrated with a wealth of examples of the author's own work as well as pieces from other data-focused artists from around the world, Record, Map and Capture in Textile Art proves beyond all doubt that data can be beautiful, and can inspire stunning works of stitched art.Trade Review‘Data, well actually it can be a thing of great beauty … Let this book inspire you to capture your own narrative.’ Ailish Henderson Blog ‘There is much to inspire and inform all textile artists’ The Quilter ‘If you’ve ever kept a journal, or tracked changes in some way, this book inspires you to share that data in new and embroidered ways!’ Mr X Stitch ‘Meticulously explores how to distil experience into textile art.’ The Travelling Book Binder ‘A new and inspiring approach’ The Journal for Weavers, Spinners & DyersTable of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials 10 DIY Project 18 Data Visualization 22 The Bayeux Tapestry 27 Linear Time 28 Sleep 32 Sleeping and Waking 34 I Could Sleep for a Week 36 Overlapping Lives 38 Artist's Work: Laurie Frick 40 Artist's Work: The Tempestry Project 44 Artist's Work: Olivia Johnson 48 Artist's Work: Ahree Lee 50 DIY Projects 52 Steganography 60 Steganography in Wartime 64 22.3.2001: A Binary Beaded Diary 66 Coded Alphabet 70 Artist's Work: Sam Meech 74 Artist's Work: Raw Color 76 Artist's Work: Holly Berry 78 DIY Project 80 Algorithms 84 Ada Lovelace 89 Overlapping Number Series 90 Mapping the Sky 94 Artist's Work: Richard McVetis 98 Artist's Work: Evelin Kasikov 100 Artist's Work: Channing Hansen 104 Artist's Work: Michelle Stephens 106 DIY Projects 108 Conclusion 116 Graph Paper 118 Binary Code Translator 123 Morse Code Translator 124 Contributing Artists 125 Index 126 Acknowledgements 128

    15 in stock

    £18.36

  • Japanese Fabric Flowers: 65 Decorative Kanzashi

    Search Press Ltd Japanese Fabric Flowers: 65 Decorative Kanzashi

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisDiscover 65 beautiful Japanese-style fabric flowers to make from French artist Sylvie Blondeau. Projects include clear instructions with stunning accompanying photography. 'Japanese Fabric Flowers is one of those books that is just a joy to look at. The beautiful designs are stunning and really amazing', Tracy Shephard Postcard Reviews The Japanese word 'kanzashi' originally referred to decorative pins as part of the traditional female hairstyles. These pins were often works of art in themselves, holding in place elaborate floral arrangements made with natural or silk flowers. Today, kanzashi encompasses flowers made from regular fabrics. Sylvie Blondeau shows you how to make 65 of these simply stunning designs. The projects are so easy and fun to make that you will soon be making them for every occasion! They are perfect as accessories on clothing, jewellery, home decorations or table adornments for special occasions.Trade ReviewKanzashi flowers are a traditional Japanese craft originally used as a hair ornament. In this collection, French costume designer Blondeau presents the basics of kanzashi making, including designs ranging from simple to complex. Basic kanzashi flowers require simple supplies that most sewists will have on hand—fabric scraps (medium-weight fabrics such as cotton poplin or raw silk are ideal), fabric glue, and a hand sewing kit. As the flowers become more complex, kanzashi flower makers, which are plastic templates in five different shapes corresponding to a specific petal type, are used. Flowers can be finished with beads or buttons and incorporated into numerous projects, including jewelry or handbags, or used as an embellishment or an accessory. Step-by-step directions for sewing 16 different kanzashi are provided; 12 projects supply ideas for using the finished flowers as well as further variations. VERDICT Crafters with an interest in embellishment or in traditional Japanese crafts will enjoy this collection. * Library Journal USA *I adore fabric flowers and I am always amazed by the very effective and beautiful results achieved by the manipulation of small pieces of fabric. Kanzashi is the Japanese art of making these divine creations, and even though they look intricate and difficult to make they really are quite simple. Use them to adorn your bags, hats and home decor, you can even make earrings and necklaces which could be given as gifts to your favourite friends. Japanese Fabric Flowers is one of those books that is just a joy to look at. The beautiful designs are stunning and really amazing. Each design has a pattern, including tools needed and extra advice on cutting your fabric and even using embellishments. Templates are included and with simple visual diagrams there is no reason for you not to create something wonderful. This is a beautiful craft and well worth the effort as the final results are just stunning. -- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *Wow 65 different flowers to decorate things with. Sylvie brings together her skills to show you how to make beautiful flowers that can be easily be made with regular fabric. Not only does Sylvie share her step by step instructions to make beautiful flowers you also get step-by-step instructions for making different projects to add your flowers to. Sylvie explains the history behind these beautiful flowers and talks you through creating and using templates. Some of the flowers use the clover kanzashi (the name of the beautiful flowers) flower makers. These templates make it easier for you to make matching flowers all the time. In the book clear instructions are given so that you can make the flowers very easily. Each of the 65 designs have their own look Some look like specific types of flower and others are unique. Sylvie also takes you through using other materials to finish off your designs. You can use everything from buttons to chain. The book makes the flowers in multiple colours to create different designs. Plain fabric is used and then on others patterned fabric is used to create a completely different look. The flowers are fantastic to make with scraps of fabric and can be easily altered to match your decor or outfit. With so many flowers to make and so many projects to use them on this book offers so much. The book is full of amazing colours! For the full review and images please visit: www.crochetaddictuk.com * Crochet Addict UK *Kanzashi flowers are those beautiful fabric flowers associated with traditional Japanese hairstyles, especially those of geishas. They are not hard to make, and can be used to adorn more than hair decorations; they are also a great way of using up oddments of fabric. This book, translated from the French shows you how to make both the styles with just fabric, and those using the plastic Clover Flower Makers. There are sixteen different flowers to choose from, plus the more Western yoyo (aka Suffolk puff), rosette and padded “pumpkin” shape reminiscent of pincushions. Each flower has a series of captioned diagrams that are well laid out on the page but would be even better if they were all in a dark line color rather than red, pink or orange. There is a handy gallery of all the finished types, and then it is on with the projects. All these are illustrated with large photographs, often giving more than one view of the finished piece and separate parts. The print is quite small, and instructions don’t always feature staged diagrams so some sewing experience is essential for the more challenging projects. You won’t find any Japanese style hair decorations in here and the hanging “falls” are omitted, but instead there are many ingenious ways of using the flowers to decorate all kinds of other things. These are beautiful and unusual – waterlily table decorations, lots of jewelry, Christmas decorations, Peter Pan collar with flower and a crafter’s bag to name some. If you have always wanted to make your own kanzashi this is the place to discover how, and also how they fit into modern Western life. * Rachel Hyde - Myshelf.com *Great value book with full colour photos and instructions to make 65 fabulous flowers. Some you can make with card, for others it recommends a template maker. Love the ideas and end results in this book. Use your fabric stash and scraps, you need 3 inch diameter circles. You learn the basics first - rounded petals, pointed petals and so on and then specific flowers. I love them all. Easy to make flowers that match your handmade outfits. * Karen Platt- yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *

    15 in stock

    £10.44

  • Art of Embroidery

    Instituto Monsa de Ediciones Art of Embroidery

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisIn this book, you will find a true expression of creativity and a celebration of women. Join 14 impressive embroiderers and their journey to creating exquisite art. In this innovative look at their experiences and creations, you will learn about their inspirations, lifestyles, and stories. With illuminating and in-depth interviews about how to get started with embroidery to how to combine textures and colours, it's an absolute pleasure to enjoy the work of these artists in print. Inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes from these masterful embroiderers, including: . Nature . Femininity . The human form . Lettering And so much more! This definitive and motivating book makes the perfect gift for a loved one or for you to keep for yourself -- A true work of art that you can hold and consult whenever needed. AUTHOR: Eva Minguet is a creative based in Barcelona and author of several books including the popular Women's Club, Wes Anderson Tribute, Murals, Kawaii Manga.Lovely !, Twin Peaks. Since 2012, she has leaded the production department of Monsa Publishing House, seeking inspiration for the different books in which she works, preparing the layout, the selection of material, and organizing the editorial schedule.

    15 in stock

    £15.74

  • Simple Weave: Weave without a large loom

    Batsford Ltd Simple Weave: Weave without a large loom

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisAn introduction to weaving without large looms, with 15 weaving projects and a guide to making your own tools. In Simple Weave, the world of weaving opens beyond gigantic looms and inaccessible patterns. Kerstin Neumüller demonstrates how you can weave with tools that are easy to make yourself and often small enough to fit in your pocket. Here lies inspiration for those who have never woven but are eager to try, as well as for experienced weavers interested in working with flexible and portable tools. Practical and beautiful keepsakes to make include Scandi-style bands, bracelets, pencil and laptop cases and a wall hanging. Kerstin also shares her journey from textiles to woodworking, offering instructions for how to make your own pocket-sized weaving tools. The book is divided into three accessible chapters: Techniques and basic weaving theory. 15 achievable weaving projects including bands, a pencil case, coasters and tea towels. Making your own tools. This section includes descriptions of how to carve a heddle, make a weave stretcher, carve a backstrap loom and make a frame loom. Enjoy the mindfulness and rhythm of this traditional craft and create bespoke, contemporary pieces to fit your own style.Trade Review‘Fifteen projects, not the usual…think small in size, big in quality. Pencil cases, bracelets…..I dare you not to lie awake with weaving what if scenarios….this time though, your intertwined dreams may not be out of your size bracket.’ Ailish Henderson Blog

    15 in stock

    £12.74

  • Wild Mittens Unruly Socks 3: 25 More Outrageously Unique Knitting Patterns

    Trafalgar Square Wild Mittens Unruly Socks 3: 25 More Outrageously Unique Knitting Patterns

    Out of stock

    The highly anticipated third installment of this popular set takes knitters on a brand-new and freshly exhilarating journey, filled with color and imagination: roaring tigers, cunning foxes, wide-eyed fawns, whirling flowers, and so much more! With Lumi Karmitsa's creativity, inventiveness, and unforgettable color combinations coming to life on every page, this is an endlessly charming collection full of design delights no knitter will want to miss. - Packed with dynamic, expressive, irrepressibly fun patterns for mittens, socks, and matching sets. - Clear step-by-step instructions, with full-color charts and high-quality photos. - Readily adaptable designs—mix and match, choose your own colors, work long or short socks and mittens with or without decorative cuffs.

    Out of stock

    £19.00

  • Kaffe Fassett's Quilts In Wales

    Taunton Press Inc Kaffe Fassett's Quilts In Wales

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisThis book is a masterpiece of quilting. The 24th in the series--includes a range of quilts for all skill levels. Artist Kaffe Fassett is a name every quilter knows. His work has been commissioned by the British monarchy, American fashion designers, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. With his unerring eye, Kaffe has found the perfect location for his exquisite new collection of quilts, featuring both his scintillating new fabric designs and his classics, all in his unique colour palette. This time he has chosen the iconic 13th-century Powis Castle in north Wales, where the 20 quilts in this book are set off against the storybook castle and stunning grounds. Photographed brilliantly by Debbie Patterson, they are displayed in all their glory in a sumptuous eye-catching quilt gallery. The new designs include: Saturated red quilt consisting of rich deep hues Cold Frames quilt, with its dramatic black-and-white sashing framing fussy-cut flower prints The cool geometry of his Marble Tiles quilt takes its inspiration from the painted panelling in the Long Gallery Vintage Library quilt echoes the warm tones of the hundreds of leather-bound books in the Castle's collection. As usual, this book--the 24th in the series--includes a range of quilts for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced, and features an eclectic mix of patterns and colours ranging from Philip Jacobs' eye-catching bold floral prints to Brandon Mably's smaller-scale quirky patterns. In addition, flat shots, a practical know-how section, and a glossary back up the fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions for each quilt. This stunning book with impressive designs and eye-watering photography is as much of a keepsake as it is a beautiful gift for a loved one.

    15 in stock

    £22.50

  • Modern Punch Needle: Modern and Fresh Punch

    Tuva Publishing Modern Punch Needle: Modern and Fresh Punch

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisIn this book, you will find 25 different projects that you can make using the punch-needle technique, which has taken Instagram and Pinterest by storm. Transform traditional punch embroidery into modern accessories for yourself or to add colour to your home. The book explores the materials which can be used in punch embroidery, provides step-by-step instructions and allows you to create unique and inspiring pieces using templates. You will be amazed to see what you can do with a punch needle, some yarn and a piece of fabric! Projects include cushions, children’s bags, rugs and wall hangings.

    15 in stock

    £11.99

  • Opus Anglicanum: A Practical Guide

    The Crowood Press Ltd Opus Anglicanum: A Practical Guide

    10 in stock

    Book SynopsisOpus Anglicanum, 'English work', was one of the high arts of the Middle Ages, treasured and traded by princes and bishops across Europe. This practical guide explains how just two seemingly simple stitches - split stitch and underside couching - can give extraordinarily complex and sophisticated results that exploit the qualities of silk and gold thread. It introduces new techniques through fourteen projects that progress in difficulty. The book advises on shading, adding detail and authentic use of colour; gives in-depth instruction on stitching faces, hair and hands, as well as wings, animals and landscaping and includes detailed reproductions of original pieces, as well as some with a contemporary twist. The book concentrates on the heyday of Opus Anglicanum, from the twelfth century to the fourteenth, when mastery of this art was at its height.Trade ReviewTanya Bentham covers everything in detail – from materials and tools, to embroidering with silk thread (drawing upon the original techniques used by Medieval stitchers). The result is a comprehensive guide to creating your own Medieval stitched masterpiece. * Textile Art Magazine - Embroidery *This book is a 'Must-Have' for medieval-inspired embroiderers. -- Anne Webber, Book Threads reviewer * Book Threads, SEW Region magazine *

    10 in stock

    £17.95

  • RSN Essential Stitch Guides: Goldwork: Large

    Search Press Ltd RSN Essential Stitch Guides: Goldwork: Large

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisA new, larger format edition of the classic reference work on goldwork embroidery by the Royal School of Needlework (RSN). The Essential Stitch Guides provide a set of definitive works on traditional embroidery techniques. Written by Helen McCook, Graduate Apprentice, Tutor and renowned embroiderer, this book begins with an historical account of goldwork, then moves on to the materials and equipment required; framing up, how to transfer a design on to fabric and how to start and finish a thread. The main section of the book then covers all of the essential stitches and techniques through clear, step-by-step diagrams and photographs, coupled with beautiful, close-up photographs showing how then can be used in a finished piece. All the key traditional techniques are included: couching, bricking, basketweave, cutwork, spangles, s-ing, pearl purl, plate and kid. The book ends with beautiful and exquisitely-worked examples of how the techniques can be combined in finished pieces. The RSN teaches hand embroidery to the highest standard and is well respected all over the world. It not only upholds the traditions of English embroidery that go back many hundreds of years, but is constantly taking embroidery forward in new and innovative ways.Trade ReviewThis book is a reformatted, larger version of the original 2012 edition. It’s A4 which makes it much easier to read, see and use because everything is printed larger. I’ve seen goldwork mentioned in various embroidery books so I wondered what I could actually learn from a specific book on it and how a whole book could be dedicated just to that technique but wow there’s a lot of content and different ways of using gold and metallic elements in your embroidery work. It’s absolutely full of step-by-step pictures and instructions to show you how to use gold thread and add sequins all the way up to much more complicated pieces incorporating multiple goldwork techniques using plate, couching, padding, purl and more. The instructions are clearly worded and pictured in detail so that you can easily follow along. There is a vast array of different techniques and these range from traditional designs to more contemporary and modern. I have a number of these RSN books and I’m always amazed at the sheer amount of information and variety in techniques they provide within each highly specific area of embroidery. It really is the book I didn’t know I needed and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to incorporate goldwork in their embroidery because you won’t find a more detailed, wide-ranging techniques book anywhere. -- Lucy Fyles * Amazon *I'm a goldwork beginner and feels this is a fantastic book which will help me alongside the kits I've bought. Clear photos alongside clear explanations of the materials and equipment needed, along with illustrated info on different types of stiches and techniques used in goldwork. There are also a few beautiful examples of completed work. -- Christi Poulsom * Amazon *I received a copy of Helen McCook’s Goldwork through a competition on Search Press and I’m thrilled with my copy. Goldwork is a gorgeous technique which is made very approachable using the step by step treatment in this book. Following an introduction into the technique and its history the book details all the materials and equipment you need alongside descriptions of the best way to set these up. The large format of the book means the photographs that go with the instructions are of good size and very clear. The mid section of the book goes through how to use each type of thread and the different effects achievable using different stitches, with clear photographs of each step. The final section of the book examines some projects done by the author with descriptions of how they were done. These are written in a way to inspire the reader to develop their own work. Overall, this book has a clear and thorough approach which leaves the reader reader to pick up a needle and get stitching. -- Bev de Vine * Amazon *Like most RSN embroidery books, this book is heavily focused on the techniques. With excellent instructions and pictures, you learn a wide variety of techniques from designing to framing up. -- Maria Crouchley * Amazon *RSN Essential Stitch Guides: Goldwork is a comprehensive book that seeks to share the history of the needlework technique, the tools required to try it, a breakdown of the associated techniques as well as images of inspirational projects. The images are sublime and are a testament to the true beauty of this technique and the interwoven elements of colour, light, and texture. The contents page is clear and inspiring with such rich colours and textures. The introduction includes background information about the Royal School of Needlework as well as the technique of Goldwork itself before then providing a detailed exploration of fabric, threads, hoops and frames, tools and more. It provides clear and easy to follow information about how to frame up or hoop up depending on your preference and project. What I really like is that this book does not presume prior knowledge, so it really does guide you through the whole process in a way that is useful for experienced stitchers and new stitchers alike. Next, the book moves onto the methods involved in goldwork. These methods include couching with different threads, finishing your stitching with different threads, how to handle angles when stitching, cutwork, basketweave and more. I had a go at couching with rococo, before subsequently following the instructions for couching angles. The book then moves onto the stitches that can be used as surface stitches in goldwork (chain stitch, feather stitch, trellis stitch). I can’t wait to try these out! Lastly, the book presents a section on ‘Combining Techniques’. In this section, a range of photos are presented along with information about the materials and techniques used. All in all, this is a beautiful book. -- Naomi Clarke * naomialice.co.uk *Table of ContentsThe Royal School of Needlework 6, Introduction 8, The history of metal thread work 10, Materials and equipment 14, Framing up 24, Design 30, Starting to stitch 34, Order of work 36, Padding 38 Methods 44 Couching 45, Combining threads 45, Japanese gold 46, Turning and plunging 47, Bricking 50, Couching in a circle 51, Pearl purl 52, Twists 54, Basketweave 56, Cutwork 58, Cutwork chips over felt 59, Cutwork purls over felt 60, Cutwork purls over soft string 62, Flat cutwork 64, Kid 65, S-ing 66, Spangles 68, Spangles held on with purls 69 Plate 70 Attaching plate over soft string 71, Attaching plate over felt 72 Stitching with gold threads 73 Chain stitch 74, Feather stitch 75, Pekinese stitch 76, Trellis stitch 77 Using colour 78 Diaper couching 78, Or Nué 80, Or Nué with paint 82 Combining techniques 86 Three Wishes 86, Indian Summer 88, Spring Flight 89, More a Scottish Thistle than an English Rose 90, Pomegranate and Gilly Flower 92, Snowdrops 94 Index 96

    15 in stock

    £11.69

  • RSN Essential Stitch Guides: Canvaswork: Large

    Search Press Ltd RSN Essential Stitch Guides: Canvaswork: Large

    10 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe Royal School of Needlework teaches hand embroidery to the highest standard, developing techniques in new and innovative ways. Written by RSN apprentice and tutor Rachel Doyle, this book contains an extensive guide to canvaswork techniques, and includes complete information on the major stitches while offering stunning new design ideas. Here you will find diagonal stitches, horizontal and vertical stitches, raised, textured and filling stitches. Decorative effects are explored too, making this a fantastic source book and an invaluable reference for canvaswork stitches.Trade ReviewAs someone who has done cross stitch, I was really interested to learn canvaswork. I think this book is a great introduction for beginners, it is mostly focused on initial set up and has clear and large pictures and charts of the stitches with concise info about their usage. There is small section on creating your own design and regular pictures of finished works to give you inspiration. I think this book would be best used to practice sampler stitches, before moving on to larger pieces or perhaps a kit or two. It is a book that I will likely refer back to as and when I get more confident and attempt a design of my own. -- Charlotte Jessica Bailey * Customer Review *I have always found the RSN books to be very good and this is no exception. Starting with a brief introduction and history it then goes into much more depth about how to prepare and stitch your own design. The bulk of the book is devoted to stitches. They have excellent photographed samples and clear diagrams which are easy to follow. The stitches I have tried so far have all worked well. What I particularly like is the photos of finished pieces which show how versatile canvaswork can be. -- Nicola Urmenyi * Customer Review *An excellent book for anyone new to canvaswork or wanting to learn more stitches. This book takes you back to basics giving a brief history and explaining the tools, techniques and stitches clearly. Written instructions are accompanied by clear diagrams and photography taking you through each stitch with suggestions on how to incorporate them within a project. A great reference book to go back to time and again. -- Bernadette McGowan * Customer Review *This is a very useful reference book for canvaswork. There are comprehensive instructions for materials needed and preparation. The stitch diagrams are large and clear and the accompanying photographs illustrate and bring the stitch to life. I like the way that there are photos of completed projects throughout the book, many of which are contemporary and show how versatile and adaptable this technique can be. -- Marilyn Ralston * Amazon Customer Review *I've dabbled in cross stitch and embroidery, but I am a complete canvaswork novice. This book is really informative, starting off with some history, before detailing the supplies you need (and explaining the different types of needles), as well as how to start and finish a thread. The main part of the book contains a stitch library, with detailed instructions not only on how to do each stitch, but the best uses for the stitch as well. The stitch diagrams are easy to understand even for novices, while the photos clearly show the stitches so you know how it should look at the end. The final pages of the book explain how to blend stitches and blend colours, for when you're wanting to make your canvaswork a bit more detailed. While I think the book is ideal for beginners, I think it would also work well as a reference guide for those who have already got some canvaswork knowledge! -- Lorna Abrahams * Customer Review *Table of ContentsThe Royal School of Needlework 6, Introduction 8, The history of canvaswork 10, Materials 12, Framing up 18, Design 24, Stitch order 32, Stitches 34, Algerian eye, variation 36, Alternating cross 38, Barred square 39, Broad cross 40, Byzantine 42, Cashmere, diagonal 43, Chain 44, Chequer 45, Cushion, crossed 46, Cushion, reversed 47, Double linked cross 48, Double straight cross 49, Dutch 50, Fan 51, Fern 52, Fishbone, stepped 53, Florentine 54, Flying cross 56, French 57, Gobelin, encroaching 58, Gobelin, straight 59, Gobelin, tied 60, Half Rhodes 61, Hungarian grounding 62, John 65, Leaf 66, Maltese cross 69, Milanese 70, Moorish 71, Norwich 72, Oatmeal 73, Oblong double tied cross 74, Parisian 75, Perspective, variation 76, Pineapple half drop 77, Plait 78, Raised spot 79, Rhodes 80, Rice 81, Romanian couching 82, Scotch 84, Shell 85, Tent 86, Tied pavilion 88, Turkey rug knot 89, Upright cross 90, Victorian step 92, Web 93, Moving on 94, Index 96

    10 in stock

    £11.69

  • Pet Portrait Embroidery: Lovingly Stitch Your Dog

    C & T Publishing Pet Portrait Embroidery: Lovingly Stitch Your Dog

    Out of stock

    Book SynopsisCelebrate your pet with a modern embroidered art portrait. Michelle Staub puts a modern spin on thread painting with her easy-to-learn approach and just four embroidery stitches. Start today with 20 customizable projects and paint stunningly realistic pet portraits with just a needle and thread. Try your hand at two styles – minimal outlines and incredible full-colour renderings.Trade ReviewIf you are the proud owner of a pampered pet or have someone in your life that can't get enough of their fluffy friend, you need to get your hands on a copy of Pet Portrait Embroidery by Michelle Staub of Stitching Sabbatical. With this fantastic guide to hand, you will be able to lovingly create a realistic dog or cat depiction, choosing between a minimal outline or a full-colour rendering. Designed for all skill levels, this collection of 20 customizable projects relies on just four embroidery stitches, so even beginners can join in the fun. * Sew Magazine *

    Out of stock

    £18.99

  • Dried Flower Embroidery: An Introduction to the

    Quadrille Publishing Ltd Dried Flower Embroidery: An Introduction to the

    Out of stock

    Book SynopsisDried Flower Embroidery celebrates the craft of flowers on tulle. Discover how to create beautiful displays of your favourite everlasting blooms, grasses and foliage.Starting with the basics, Olga takes you step-by-step through how to master this craft – from techniques for drying flowers to making your own frames and embroidering onto tulle, using nature as your thread and drawing inspiration from the natural world. Expand your creativity and go on to create lovely designs of your own.Featuring a collection of 16 projects from wall hangings to homewares and wearables – suitable for beginners and seasoned professionals alike – Olga inspires you to bring a touch of nature indoors, as she offers a fresh and modern approach to the craft of embroidery.Presented through exquisite photography, Dried Flower Embroidery shows you how to create botanical artworks to display in your own home. Discover the joy of embroidering with dried flowers and make your own natural art with this irresistible book – a must-have for lovers of floral arrangements and interiors alike.Trade ReviewWOW! I didn't think anything in print could do Olga's work justice but this book is a creative masterpiece which has really captured her artistic integrity. Olga combines the simplicity of wild flowers with exquisite craftsmanship to create outstanding works of art. This book uses beautiful images to guide the reader through the process of dried flower embroidery on tulle. A must-have book for creative people. * Anna Baptiste, Event Director, The Stitch Festival *Olga's delightful approach will have you creating the most beautiful dried floral embroidery projects in no time. From the very first page, she invites her readers on a mindful walk through nature. Olga teaches us all how to find beauty in the natural ingredients all around us, from growing, foraging, and drying incredible flora to pressing and storing botanicals worthy of immortalizing: this book is a celebration of flowers and an approachable craft worthy of pursuit in all seasons. * Sarah Simon (TheMintGardener), author of Modern Watercolor Botanicals *I am so happy that Olga wrote this book! She is a true artist's soul and her flower embroideries have a breathtaking beauty. The beautiful photos of her instructions make you want to start right away. * Karin Heimberger-Preisler, author of Flower Ladies *Forget notions of difficult stitches or fusty old flowers – Prinku’s projects tantalize, thanks to her eye for contemporary design and finely honed awareness of colour when working with natural materials. Prinku has packed her book with ideas that update the concept of dried flowers for our homes. The results are fresh and modern, and speak to the zeitgeist and our renewed appreciation for nature and making things by hand. * Jo Hall, Embroidery Magazine *What an absolute treat,it's exquisite... From first to last page, Dried Flower Embroidery is utterly captivating and gorgeous. The projects are dreamy and make me want to set aside a weekend or two to try this wonderfully innovative take on embroidery... I loved the childhood stories, I felt transported to another place and time. The photography is wonderfully immersive... This is a book to cherish and spend time with. * Stuart Hillard, author of Sew Fabulous and Sewing Bee contestant *I have been eagerly awaiting Olga's first book to come out and wow, I am in awe of how stunningly beautiful the book is. It is a joy to read about Olga's cultural and family heritage and what led her to invent this unique craft form. The book is so accessible and full of beautiful photographs... It made me impetuous to try one of the projects immediately! And that to me, is a sign of a successful book. It is a book to treasure and pick up again and again, as there's so many lovely projects to make and it'll make a superb gift for anyone who is a keen crafter too! * Esen Kaya, gallery curator at the Aga Khan Centre *The ultimate celebration of flower-on-tulle. * Sew magazine *

    Out of stock

    £13.50

  • Weekend Makes: Punch Needle

    GMC Publications Weekend Makes: Punch Needle

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisPunch Needleis one of the hottest trends in needlecraft right now. It's fun and its fast! With 25 quick and easy punch needle designs, this book is great way to learn the craft or challenge yourself with a new design idea. This title introduces you to the basics of the craft, including the materials you need, marking your fabric, and the basic stitches and techniques. There are also tips for successful stitching, guiding you through the process of making some stunning projects in very little time.

    15 in stock

    £11.99

  • Cross Stitch Wildflowers and Grasses: 32

    Search Press Ltd Cross Stitch Wildflowers and Grasses: 32

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisEmbroidery artist Hisako Nishisu invites you to try her new collection of elegant cross stitch designs, inspired by the beauty and simplicity of wildflowers and grasses. There are over 30 stunning motifs to choose from, so whether you admire the lily of the valley or the violet, or prefer to stitch the Japanese silverleaf, there is sure to be a project that will catch your eye. After a gallery of beautifully photographed embroideries, a cross stitch overview is provided outlining the tools, materials and techniques needed for completing these charming samplers. This is followed by a clear, full-page chart for each design. Once your floral sampler is finished, frame it and hang it for a beautiful addition to any room, or use the designs to add pretty motifs to your linens, clothing and accessories.Trade ReviewI absolutely adore cross stitch and this book is a beauty. Over 30 botanical motifs, including Dandlion, Japanese primrose and many more are yours to use to decorate and adorn your home. The first part of the book showcase each design stitched and finished. There are techniques, stitch guide and things you will need to start your cross stitching journey and then there are the cross stitching charts. All the designs are stitched using DMC thread, but you can use your own choice of threads and colours. The designs in this book would make a stunning sampler, but can also be used to descorate hand towels, aprons and napkins. All the designs are both elegant and stunning. Happy cross stitching! -- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *This book has 32 botanical motifs of wildflowers and grasses in cross stitch. Not all plants are native to the UK but are no less beautiful. Hisako uses DMC embroidery linen, in off white. The embroidery floss is also DMC and worked over two threads. The first pages illustrate all the motifs with the corresponding page numbers of the fully worked piece. Five different stitches are used – cross, back, straight, ¾, and Holbein stitch. All stitches are illustrated in the middle of the book together with project instructions, tools, and materials. The charts follow, which are very clear and are easy to understand, with thread numbers and corresponding symbols. These pieces can be framed in their own right, but Hisako also shows how the embroideries can embellish household linen, clothing, and accessories. Hisako’s motto is ‘enjoyable embroidery, exciting creations.’ -- Sally Wilkinson * The SEW Region Magazine - Book Threads *A wonderful, must-have book! This is a most beautiful book - the projects are lovely and are very achievable. The flowers are gorgeous and very life-like. It made me want to start an embroidered wild flower immediately. Never has an embroidery book inspired me more! -- Judy Mary Healey * Amazon *Table of ContentsProjects Japanese Primrose 10 Japanese Thistle 29 Anemone Nikoensis 20 Japanese Wild Radish 25 Shepherd’s Purse 14 Annual Blue-Eyed Grass 2 1 Houttuynia 28 Violet 12 False Strawberry 24 Horsetail 13 Lily of the Valley 18 Veronica Persica 17 Narrow Leaved Vetch 16 Dandelion 11 Chinese Milk Vetch 22 Strawberry Saxifrage 26 Balloon Flower 40 Great Burnet 45 Pincushion Flower 41 Skunk Vine 42 Tatarian Aster 48 Spotted Bellflower 33 Japanese Snake Gourd 46 Wood Sorrel 30 Japanese Silverleaf 49 Chinese Plantain 34 Trifolium Repens 37 False Bindweed 36 Fringed Pink 38 Lady’s Tresses 32 Day Flower 44 Jumpseed 50 Inspiration Gallery 52 Project Instructions 59

    15 in stock

    £9.74

  • Stitched Textiles: Seascapes

    Search Press Ltd Stitched Textiles: Seascapes

    Out of stock

    Book SynopsisAmanda Hislop’s Seascapes is a wonderful reference tool for all textile artists, whatever their skills level. Amanda puts particular emphasis on taking your work from initial inspiration through to the design stage. Her advice and guidance is all clearly explained through practical exercises and inspirational examples that then lead to projects which build upon and consolidate the lessons learned. Textile artists, embroiders, painters and quilters – whatever their skill level – will be inspired by Amanda’s deep love for and fascination with the varied moods of the sea and coastal landscapes. Exploration – both of technique and design – is at the heart of this book. Amanda reveals the skills and processes she uses to make her incredible textile seascapes. Featuring original projects, practical and enjoyable design exercises, and extensive sections on composition and mark-making, this instructional guide is brimming over with fabulous ideas for a stunning selection of fabric and stitch scenes.Trade ReviewI loved this book, it’s fabulous! It has some amazing photographs that make the book interesting to look at and the paper is very good quality printing. One of my favourite parts is all of the ideas to use unusual materials that I’ve taken inspiration from in helping students I work with in a secondary school and in my own crafts at home. I highly recommend this book and look forward to getting more of Amanda’s published works. The book has very easy to follow steps and information on how to develop each medium into your work effectively. -- Linda-Gordon Campbell * Customer review *A brilliant book for a stitcher who wants to learn using mixed media, excellent descriptions of the materials and their uses, with a good step by step guide in pictures to follow. Very informative on how to sketch your ideas when on location and how to transfer them into stitch and varied materials. -- Lyn Rochester * Customer review *I'm one of those lucky people living by the sea and enjoy walking on the beach almost daily. I take thousands of photos on my walks, as the sea is never boring. This book is exactly what I was looking for to encourage me to venture into the world of textile art beyond just photography. From opening the first pages I was gripped by this book. Of course the photographs are two dimensional but the photographs in this book are almost tactile and i just had to stroke them. The use of acrylic paint on stitched fabric might be a total novelty to many stitches as it is to me so I'm looking forwards trying that technique soon. I've picked up lots of tips and I'm still on the first chapter! Never heard of CMC thickener and now I can't wait to try it. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone wanting to start or improve their artistic stitching and explore outside one's comfort zone. Amanda's instructions are clear and encouraging exploration from simple mark making, creating personalised sketchbooks to various sources of inspiration. She explains the basic principles of composition, use of colour and stitches without being prescriptive. She gives plenty of examples and ideas for exploration. And now for the exciting part of the book - the projects. There are four projects all explained step by step but leaving the reader with the freedom to create a very personal piece of textile art The possibilities are endless. Each project leads you through the stages of processes but gives you the freedom to explore and create an unique piece of work if one wishes so. I found the chapter on creating dynamism very interesting. Amanda explains how to achieve a sense of movement and I feel empowered with knowledge to try her techniques and explore textile art even further than I ever dared. -- Mariola Beata Smith * Customer review *A beautiful textile art book, full of information from where the author finds inspiration, what tools to use and basic techniques to stage by stage photographic and written instructions to create stunning projects. Perfect as a gift, a resource or coffee table book. -- Zoe Ballard * Customer review *This is an outstanding book. Covers techniques and excellent instructions. Beautiful examples of sketchbooks and ideas. -- Jacqui Dove * Customer review *The book is beautifully presented with very clear instructions for different techniques. The illustrations are clear and useful for practical tasks. The book is inspirational to embroiders like myself or other kinds of textile artists. -- Pauline Pritchard * Customer review *This book more than lived up to the promise of the cover. Every image conjures up the taste of salt, the dampness of foam and the colours of the sea. This is a book for beginner and expert alike. She offers, not just a list of tools and materials needed to create such images, but the reasons for using each in differing circumstances. Many examples use found or recycled materials, extending the experience beyond the craft place. She shares the stages of her work from the sketch books she uses in the field to the building up of layers. With this multi-media approach, Amanda uses a mix of exercises and mark making to encourage experimenting with materials. There are projects described step by step, but Amanda also points out that working from your own experience, your own sketches or photographs, will produce more personal pieces with a greater sense of involvement. I can’t wait to put some of her ideas into practice and I am sure that I will refer to this book time and again. Amanda Hislop writes that she sets out to “create an atmospheric sense of place” in her artwork. She does not disappoint. -- Ann Williams * Customer review *If you like to paint and stitch, which many Silk Painters do, this is the book for you. Not into sewing, then the interpretation will capture your imagination. Amanda Hislop usese a restricted palette of blues, greys and ochres to create wonderful seascapes, working with sketchbooks from location visits. An extensive use of mark making, thumbnail sketches and moodboards leads to translating mark into stitch. This book is a lively interpretation of sea, shore, rocks and shells, taking note of mood and atmosphere. I have looked at this book many times and each time find something new that triggers ideas for a new painting. The colour palette certainly ensures the mind will consider new colours. Most of us love the sea, visiting it through another's eyes is exciting. -- Margaret Dunning * International Journal of the Guild of Silk Painters *The coast is a special place for many people, evoking memories of childhood vacations or time spent admiring its beauty. This latest entry in Search Press’ Stitched Textiles series explores one artist’s love affair with the seaside and how she creates pictures that express it in paint and thread. I always enjoy the books in this series, as I love the way that each book not only shows how to do it but gives an insight into an artist’s vision and methods of working. Everybody’s style is different, and a good primer will give the tools and understanding to do it yourself, but also see how the author does it. This is not a book about wearable, washable textiles but the sort of art you can hang on the wall so the list of materials includes things like different types of paper, many with a good wet strength. Reading through the lists of items Ms Hislop uses was fascinating, as it includes various types of wax, gauze and many other unusual things. Seeing them put through their paces to create art was quite an education, as was seeing the sketchbooks the artist makes of marks and patterns, and having a go at some of the exercises. There are chapters on her use of colour, composition rules, how she uses a sewing machine to free motion stitch and how to turn those sketch book marks into stitches. Other chapters look at dividing a page into sea, sky and shore and creating a series of pictures, working with texture and making the horizon your focal point. After all this learning it is time to have a go at some projects and there are four of these, interspersed with a look at how to get certain effects right. These include atmosphere, creating a sense of movement and items found on the shoreline. Each section has plenty of examples and the projects have the type of staged photographs Search Press do so well, and which give even a beginner a chance at making a decent fist of it. This is a very inspiring book that will give anybody many ideas to explore. If you cannot find a good range of embroidery and needlecraft materials locally try http://www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers. -- Rachel A Hyde * myshelf.com *The latest in this excellent Stitched Textiles series is Amanda’s first book showcasing her love of the sea as inspiration and packed with examples of her work. For anyone who loves the ever-changing moods of the sea and coastlines, then this is the book for you. Amanda shows us how to use a wide range of materials, including paints and papers, fabrics and threads, demonstrating how colour and texture can produce the effect we might wish to portray. Amanda enjoys depicting not just the sea and sky but the flotsam and jetsam of the seashore, including shells, pebbles, rocks and fossils. She guides us through the processes with four step-by-step projects, using a mixed-media approach, encouraging the reader to create their own satisfying interpretation of a favourite coastal area. Highly recommended. * East Kent Embroiderers' *Who doesn't love the sea? And the possibilities to create textile work from this natural wonder are endless. Amanda Hislop shares her wonderful techniques and inspiration in this latest Stitched Textiles publication from Search Press. Amanda uses a wide range of materials to create her seascape pieces and there is a comprehensive discussion about which base fabrics, threads, paints etc. and found materials to use in your work. Amanda's approach uses exercises to build up marks in a sketchbook and there are a few exercises to get you looking and starting to build up a set of references to use in your textile work. She guides you, even if you're not comfortable with drawing, and this section is a great help for loosening up! Composition is discussed in quite some detail to make you think about the balance between sea and sky, how much detail you want to show and takes you through basic principles to achieve a balanced picture. The book then goes on to talk about colour and how to approach the changes of light in a seascape. Developing the mark-making theme, Amanda guides us through doodling with your sewing machine to add line and texture to a textile piece. Again, there are exercises to walk you through the processes. As with the other books in this series, this book offers you the chance to follow four step-by-step projects to develop your skills before embarking on your own seascapes. Amanda covers the shoreline, man-made forms, textures and patterns to help your textile piece develop into an accomplished piece of work. Once again, this series of book have become 'must-reads' for those of us wishing to explore how to develop and improve techniques for textile art. Amanda's book covers a huge amount of ground and is accessible for those who don't feel particularly artistic! The step-by-step projects give you the confidence to have a go and really just relax and play! Highly recommended. * Julie Briggs - Sewing Directory *An exciting addition to this wonderful series that explores textile techniques and design. Step inside the wonderful world of seascapes with artist Amanda Hislop. Find original projects, step-by-step demonstrations, clear photographs and instructions and inspiration through design exercises. Discover how to capture the magic of the seaside, the shore and sea in stitch. Many wonderful samples of finished work and of how the artist works. Looks at inspiration, sketchbooks, drawing and mark making as well as methods. A delight for anyone who loves the sea and stitch. -- Karen Platt * karenplatt.co.uk *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials 8 Inspiration 14 Colours 38 Using stitch 46 The sea, the sky and the shore 56 Imagined Seascapes 66 Step-by-step project Mood and atmosphere 74 Stormy Seas, Waves Crash 84 Step-by-step project The shoreline 92 Elements of the Shore 102 Step-by-step project Rhythms, patterns and structures 110 Sand Banks in the Estuary 120 Step-by-step project Index 128

    Out of stock

    £14.39

  • Whitework Embroidery: Create 30 Beautiful

    Search Press Ltd Whitework Embroidery: Create 30 Beautiful

    Out of stock

    Book SynopsisThis sumptuous book by accomplished embroiderer Ayako Otsuka is full of incredibly delicate and beautiful whitework embroidery of all kinds. Whitework is simply embroidery worked in white thread on white fabric, and it is renowned for its calm beauty and simplicity. An ancient form of embroidery that was popular in the Middle Ages, Ayako has brought whitework completely up to date with her gorgeous examples. The projects include such items as a sampler, a tea cosy, a teddy bear cushion, a christening gown, a ring bearer’s pillow and a table runner. Some items are more complex than others, and there is a comprehensive techniques section with detailed step-by-step instructions, clear photographs and diagrams to guide you. Featuring drawn thread work, Schwalm, Ajour and Hedebo embroidery among other techniques, there is a wealth of information here for the keen embroiderer and 30 very beautiful projects to choose from. Trade ReviewCreate 30 exquisite whitework projects using traditional stitches and techniques under the guidance of accomplished embroiderer Ayako Otsuka. Using draw thread work, Schwalm embroidery, Ajour embroidery, Hedebo embroidery and other techniques, Otsuka includes step-by-step instructions, clear photographs and diagrams to guide you. * The Textile Art Magazine - Embroidery *Love the front cover, it is inviting you to sit and 'look at me' and enticing you to look inside. The photographs and descriptions offer delicious ideas to tempt a creative mind, for me as a novice to this embroidery. So often in craft books they begin with a chapter on tools and materials. I like the setup of the first section of your photos of projects at the beginning. This sparks my interest whilst my mind is thinking what do I need to get started, but let's turn another page and wow, more delicious ideas. To get started on a project, very little is required. Living in North Devon I haven't been able to find any suitable linen locally, so will have to search the internet instead. From page 88 the instructions for the projects are clear and well laid out. Any problems with the stitches are easily solved in the Basic Embroidery section where the colour of blue thread makes it clear to follow. I can see many of my friends and fellow crafters wanting a copy! -- Kath Harding * Customer review *Whitework embroidery is something I haven't tried before so I was eager to flick through this book and it hasn't disappointed. I love the idea of starting by creating a sampler to learn all the different stitches and techniques. There is a section on tools and materials and then an in-depth guide to the various stitches with clear photographs, and everything seems to be clearly explained. It all made sense to me even as a beginner. I especially loved the full-size templates in the back of the book as they will make it so much easier. The book is packed full of projects, I particularly loved the christening gown, it would make the perfect family heirloom. Even though this is a traditional technique I can see some of the projects in here being used as a centre panel of a cushion maybe surrounded by a bright modern print. The book is beautifully photographed and well thought out. -- Sarah Gage * Customer review *A beautiful book, featuring traditional and modern designs, with a comprehensive worksheet. Excellent step by step photos and diagrams, plus stitch glossary. Very good section on tools and materials. -- Lyn Rochester * Customer review *This is a beautiful looking book with many gorgeous, inspiring photographs. Some of these are of complete projects whilst many others form part of the very clear step by step instructions. Additionally, there are also many diagrams for each project with clear instructions for each step in the process. At the back of the book there are instructions for the basic embroidery stitches and also a set of patterns as required for projects in the book. The book includes a total of 30 designs with some which could be successfully attempted by a first time Whitework Embroiderer through to other more challenging designs. There are two samplers which give an opportunity to practice and demonstrate the skills learnt. I dream of one day being able to make the very beautiful Heritage Christening Gown. -- Louise Waters * Customer review *An extremely well laid out book for those of that have never attempted Whitework before but also I think for those with some previous experience too. Rather like having a workshop at home, which you can work through at your own pace, with clear instructions and excellent pictures as well. And of course there's no reason you couldn't transfer the skills learnt to use red, black or blue threads for example as you become more confident, accomplished or adventurous! -- Lyn Lewis * Customer review *This book is a great stand alone read before you even pick up a needle. It has sections on the history of whitework with examples of styles from different countries. Techniques included are Schwalm, Hedebo and Hvidsom as well as the more familiar broderie anglaise, pulled thread and drawn thread work. All are beautifully photographed to make your mouth water. There are 30 projects ranging from simple small bags, sachets and needlebooks to challenging projects for cushions babywear and samplers. Instructions are clearly presented with each step accompanied by colour photographs, and paper patterns for the projects are included at the back of the book. Materials and tools are discussed, these being fairly simple and readily available, making it an inexpensive craft. Stitches are mostly basic embroidery stitches and instructions for these are also included at the end of the book. The only thing missing is a list of suppliers but as most materials are readily available from local shops or online it's not really necessary. Even if you never attempted whitework before this book inspires the confidence to try it out while at the same time experienced whiteworkers will enjoy the more intricate designs. It's a beautiful, beautiful book I have thoroughly enjoyed reading, It will become a treasured part of my stitch book collection and I can't wait to get started on some of the projects. -- Carol Fenlon * Customer review *An absolutely beautiful book, full of detailed instructions, lovely photos/pictures. The introduction tells of the history behind the different stitches, its a fab coffee table book too. -- Jane Symonds * Customer review *What an amazing book! Just what I wanted to relight a passion for embroidery. All instructions very clear and even has templates included. I am getting it for a friend for Christmas I was that impressed. -- Emma Brown * Customer review *What a beautiful book this is. 30 gorgeous whitework embroidery designs for you to make. These interesting and varied designs use traditional stitches. The detailed techniques section is accompanied by step-by-step illustrations. The instructions show different types of whitework including drawn, counted and pulled. Two sampler patterns allow you to practice your skills. This book is suitable for beginner upwards. Handmade projects make perfect gifts and keepsakes and include table linens and items such as a teacosy, cushions, accessories, gifts for babies including a heirloom christening gown, and gifts for a wedding such as a ringbearer pillow. Embroiderers will find this book a pleasure to look at and practical with good projects and clear instructions. The projects are elegant. I have one niggle, all the photos are at the front followed by tools, materials, techniques and then the instructions and the back with only line drawings. I prefer clear photos with the project instructions. -- Karen Platt * karenplatt.co.uk *Understated, classic and beautiful – that is whitework, a traditional and often neglected style of embroidery. This book brings it up to date and shows how it can be used to adorn all kinds of useful and elegant items for the home and beyond. I confess that although I have tried many types of embroidery, I have never done any whitework. Fortunately, it says on the back cover that this book is ideal for anybody new to it or who needs a refresher. Like all the books I have seen that originated in Japan this one follows a particular layout. At the front are photographs of all the projects, followed by the instructions and patterns. Also, at the front is a short introduction to whitework, mentioning five different styles and where they originated from. You then get to try them all out in two samplers first which is a great idea as you then get a flavour of what they are like and how they are worked. There are thirty projects to make including cushions, sewing kit items such as a needle case and pincushion, heirloom pieces for christenings and weddings, table settings, sachets and more. Following the gallery is a section on what tools and materials you will need (not many) and all the stitches. These are grouped under the five styles, so you get to know which stitches are associated with each. There are many pages of staged photographs and diagrams, some of which might have been even better larger (ditto the print) but you will need sharp vision and a good light anyway for whitework. Many of the stitches are quite complex so it is good that so many stages are shown, together with tips for foolproof results. Last are the projects, each with a list of materials, finished size and written instructions, plus diagrams and at the back a pullout pattern sheet. To any real beginners all this might seem daunting; I would recommend anybody who has never done any type of embroidery to have a go at some freestyle first, as whitework is not one of the easiest types. Some of the more complex pieces such as the christening gown come with instructions and diagrams rather like those on a paper pattern. The simpler sections are given to mark out with measurements, the more complex parts appear on the pattern sheet. To make most of these projects you will need the usual sewing know-how plus a sewing machine. At the very back is an index of stitches plus diagrams for some freestyle stitches which are also featured in some projects. I have never done any whitework before as it seemed like such a bewilderingly huge topic with so many styles, but this book helps simplify it and I feel that I will at last take the plunge. Highly recommended for making the complex seem very doable. If you cannot find a good range of embroidery and needlecraft materials locally try http://www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers. -- Rachel A Hyde * Myshelf.com *Whitework Embroidery is an absolute beautiful thing to see. White embroidery on white fabric is just stunning. It gives an antique and millionaire feel to any home. Filled with techniques, this is a book that will advance your skills and enable you to complete a project with a stunning professional finish. There are 30 projects, the Baby layette is amazing, but that said all the designs are skilfully and expertly showcased. I just hope I can achieve the same result. The introduction to the book is an interesting read and gives some history on the craft. There are 2 samplers included which give the chance to practice and hone your embroidery. These can be as small or as large as you choose. Each project has a visual and written stitch guide included and a large double sided pattern sheet has the designs that can be easily traced. If you love embroidery then this book is for you. Even a beginner will appreciate the beauty of the work involved and it will inspire and motivate any stitcher. -- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *Table of ContentsWhitework Sampler I Doily Dish Covers Tea Pot Cosy Edged Placemats Buttonhole Scallop Coasters The Cushion Collection: Floral Cushion Snowflake Cushion Teddy Bear Cushion Hen Cushion Drawn Work Bolster Eyelet Cushion Envelope Pillow Whitework Sampler II Christening Gown Bib Bonnet Booties Sachets Drawstring Pouches Ring Bearer’s Pillow Table Runner Napkin Rings Pin Cushion Doily Embroidery Tool Case Cube Pin Cushions Needle Book Tools & Materials Whitework Techniques: Schwalm Embroidery Hedebo Embroidery Drawn Thread Work Eyelet Work Count Work Mask Work Ajour Embroidery Surface Embroidery Stitches

    Out of stock

    £13.49

© 2025 Book Curl

    • American Express
    • Apple Pay
    • Diners Club
    • Discover
    • Google Pay
    • Maestro
    • Mastercard
    • PayPal
    • Shop Pay
    • Union Pay
    • Visa

    Login

    Forgot your password?

    Don't have an account yet?
    Create account