Embroidery crafts Books

Book SynopsisAs with all embroidery techniques, the working of crewel embroidery is meant to be an enjoyable pursuit. It is adaptable to a wide range of purposes such as fashion items, soft furnishings and wall hangings. This book demonstrates how surface stitches are used in crewel work and explains some rules which will help the embroiderer to achieve the best results. Using traditional style designs, Shelagh Amor has presented a comprehensive guide to Crewel Embroidery. She guides the embroiderer through colour choices and design to make an exciting piece of work. There is something here for all Crewel Embroiderers, from the beginner to the advanced.Table of ContentsIntroduction Historical notes Materials and tools Transferring designs Framing up Colour principles Colour choices for crewel embroidery Starting to embroider Crewel designs and stitches Creating a Tree of Life design Creating a scroll design Blocking Design sheets Stitch glossary About the author Acknowledgments

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Book SynopsisIn Freestyle Embroidery on Wool you will learn how to kickstart your creativity and become confident at making your own colourful and expressive designs using appliqué and embroidery on felted wool fabric. Using her own detailed and imaginative embroidery as examples Karin Derland teaches you how to go about creating your own designs using appliqué and embroidery on wool felt. Karin shares plenty of instruction and helpful tips on making colour choices, how to apply ribbons, mirrors and other accessories, making and using cardboard templates for appliqué shapes and how to combine different types of threads and stitches for best effect. Sketches, diagrams and detailed photographs of different types of embroidered pillows, cushions, cases and other items will give you a head start on creating and applying your own designs. The book also offers plenty of inspirational images through Karin's colourful embroidery that draws on both the Swedish and Indian traditions. These can be used as an inspirational library of ideas when creating your own work. How simple or complex a piece becomes is up to you and your own level of experience and personal choice. Although the emphasis is on developing your own expressive embroidery, some step-by-step projects are included to help build confidence before launching out on your own. This is wool appliqué embroidery at its best - free, beautiful and generous. A note on materials: The author recommends using kläde and vadmal, which are both types of Swedish 100% wool fabric of varying weight. They are made from woven fabric that has an even surface and processed so there is no visible weave. A good equivalent in the UK is a felted wool fabric such as Melton wool. Hobby felt containing polyester is not suitable.Trade Review"There's never been a better time to take up a craft...And now here's all the inspiration you need. This new book is packed with gorgeously detailed and imaginative embroidery, then shows how to go about creating your own designs using applique and embroidery on wool felt...Includes step-by step projects to build up your confidence before launching your own designs to create personalised works of art. We are sure William Morris would have approved." * The William Morris Society magazine *"Packed with inspiration and guidance and a few step-by-step projects to get you started and build your confidence." * Simply Sewing *"If you have more than a passing interest in embroidery, then this book is for you." * Embroidery *Table of ContentsContents Introduction Part 1 Before we get going Equipment Materials Inspiration How to start? Compose a pattern Cardboard templates Some advice on colour Part 2 Watch and learn Basic stitches Embroidery nr 1-5 Application technique Embroidery nr 6-7 Edging stitches Embroidery nr 8-9 Part 3 Step-by-Step Embroidery Bracelets Storage cases Hanging creations Pillow with a patterned band Make a sewing frame When the embordiery is finished Where to buy Notes

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Book SynopsisAnnoyed? Upset? Distraught? Want to stab a sharp object into something? Then this book is for you. Stitching for public protest is not new. First-wave feminists in the US and in Britain used needlework in their demonstrations and public protest lectures during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. However, needlework and other handcrafts declined throughout the twentieth century, with second-wave feminists arguing against 'the oppression of the needle'. In the 21st century, though, there has been a steep resurgence and many are now turning to crafts, especially needlework, as an activism strategy. Feminist Betsy Greer makes this point strongly when she proclaims 'I think every act of making is an act of revolution'. Inspired by the banners and signs at marches around the world, Really Cross Stitch takes all that anger, outrage and protest and puts it inside a pretty, decorative border. Along with some wonderfully snarky commentary and general annoyance. Featuring more than 40 truly original cross stitch designs, the book contains instructions on techniques for new stitchers from making to finishing a stitch. There is also a handy list of required materials to get you ready to stab.Trade ReviewIf you want some Radical Cross Stitch, or ideas for start your own craftivism campaign, Rayna Fahey's book will do the job! Packed with politically inspired designs, thoughtful commentary and a sassy sense of humour, it's a good addition to any socially minded stitcher's library! * Mr X Stitch *The patterns in this book are 1) ah-mazing and 2) great for any graph-related project. So whether you cross stitch or not, this book is absolutely perfect for any graphing fiend [...] * Yarn Geekery *Table of ContentsIntroduction A Short History The Basics You Will Need… How to Cross Stitch Patterns Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisBeloved Japanese embroidery artist, Yumiko Higuchi’s freshest collection of motifs, is showcased here on a variety of purses, wallets, and bags. Inside, you’ll find an assortment of simple, folk-inspired floral and animal designs stitched in Yumiko’s signature style, as well nine lovely bag patterns inspired by the motifs. Beautiful step-by-step photos clearly explain Yumiko Higuchi’s favourite techniques for sewing bags, installing metal purse clasps, and making pompom and tassel embellishments. Use these lovely embroidery motifs to make stunning, one-of-a-kind bags, or be inspired to design your own unique projects.Trade ReviewJapanese embroidery, to me, is always so beautifully delicate, and this book showcases the art of embroidery to perfection. I love the folk art designs that adorn the bag and purse projects and the flamingos are my absolute favourite. There is a pattern sheet included, so the designs can be traced to your fabric and along with the written instructions for each project, there are drawings to help guide you. There is a lot of technique help and tips to give your project a perfect finish. The designs will inspire you to create your own unique and personal style, and can be used to decorate cushions clothes and so much more. -- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *The Japanese embroidery artist returns with a new collection of embroidery motifs, beautifully showcased in a range of purses. Higuchi's simple folk-inspired motifs of flora and fauna make for attractive, contemporary repeat patterns or quirky one-off designs that will satisfy even the experienced embroiderer. Step-by-step instructions for embroidering and making up the purses, plus a pull out pattern sheet, complete the line-up. * Embroidery magazine - Nov-Dec 2020 *

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Book SynopsisThis compact compendium of 20 cross-stitch charts uses a limited and identical palette of threads for each project. There are 20 circular designs in the book, and each of the patterns is accompanied by a full-colour and symbol chart for 14-count Aida or 28-count evenweave linen. Each design concentrates on a flower or a floral group that captures the very essence of the shapes and colours of the plant. The designs include seasonal wreaths, vases and jugs brimming with colour, gardens with lovely cottages and birds, flowers in a landscape, and single beautiful blooms. Each project re-creates a little bit of nature. AUTHOR: Lesley Teare is a leading textile designer and needlecraft designer and the author of several books on cross-stitch designs, including Fantasy Cross Stitch and Oriental Cross Stitch. Many of her designs appear regularly in top needlework magazines.

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Book SynopsisInspired by the great diversity of Iznik and Delft pottery, this book brings to you a selection of bright, modern designs. The patterns in this book are varied in both their size and complexity, from small designs for tags, pincushions, and cards to more involved designs for pictures and other display items. Many are simple, quick to stitch and usable in multiple ways. An individual small design could be repeated to form a band for a table cloth, curtain, or towel edge--or tiled to produce a larger pattern for a cushion or sampler style design--making it a suitable book for both new and experienced stitchers to enjoy.

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Book SynopsisAn irresistible collection of over 400 popular pets in easy cross stitch techniques.

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Book SynopsisFat, striped, sweet, or grumpy, this book offers 380 embroidery stitch patterns for cat lovers. Each of the 15 themed pattern sets offers a variety of designs that range from simple to complex and includes photos of the finished patterns, a stitch guide, and full-size templates. From kitty corners and borders to classic felines and festive holiday cats, Cat Lady Embroidery has a cat to embroider for every occasion. With an overview of tools and materials, instructions on getting started, a thread conversion chart, and a step-by-step review of the 15 basic embroidery stitches used, this book is perfect for embroiderers of all skill levels. Created by a group of amazingly talented artists, this collection contains a variety of different embroidery styles, so there are folk art–inspired cats, cartoon-style cats, trendy cat-themed patches, and realistic pet portrait-style motifs. There’s even a project inspiration gallery showcasing wonderful ways to use these motifs—maybe you’ll be inspired to embroider a cat peeking out from a shirt pocket or smiling up at you from a pair of slippers. Inspire your inner cat lady with these and more original designs: Breed-specific feline faces Stretching, sleeping, hiding, eating, and playing cats Mummy, vampire, and witch cats for Halloween Santa, reindeer, and angel cats for Christmas Sailor, baker, musician, and other dressed-up cats Cat alphabets in three different styles Cats with plants and flowers Fun designs and clear instructions make this book a must have for any cat-loving embroidery enthusiast's library.Trade Review“A whopping 380 embroidery patterns, exclusively for moggies. What’s not to love?” * Love Sewing *A ideal instruction manual for embroidery beginners, as well as anyone looking for fun and simple patterns, the original designs and clear instructions comprising Cat Lady Embroidery is a 'must have' for any embroidery enthusiasts library and is unreservedly recommended for personal and community library needlecraft instructional reference collections. * Midwest Book Review *

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Book SynopsisTextile artists find inspiration all around them – from fleeting memories to treasured items, sketches, poems and photographs. But how do you collect and record these precious thoughts and ideas? Tilly Rose shows you how, by creating stunning fabric and paper journals filled with inspiration to spark your creativity. A lovingly created journal tells a story. It provides a fascinating glimpse into your world and is a beautiful object in its own right to be cherished by generations to come. There are eight beautiful designs to choose from, incorporating a range of exciting techniques that include layering and collage, hand embroidery, transferring your own designs to cloth, stamping, appliqué, embellishing, patchwork and free motion machine embroidery. All of the techniques are explained with clear instructions and step-by-step photographs, so even those who are just setting out on their creative journey will find inspiration and all the know-how they need to make their own gorgeous daydream journals.Trade ReviewDaydream Journals by Tilly Rose is jam packed with inspiration for those looking to create mixed media journals. Tilly shares the techniques and inspirations behind her beautiful journals, teaching you how to use fabric, paper, embroidery and natural products like flowers, leaves, berries and twigs to create unique masterpieces. This book is not so much a step-by-step instruction manual for creating exact replicas of her journals. Rather it is one that gives you the starting point for creating your own unique journals. She shares her sources of inspiration, as well as well as giving advice on finding your own. Some of the many techniques covered in the book include Indian block printing, flower tapping, solar dying, creating natural dyes, adding embellishments, embroidery stitches, applique and crazy patchwork. The first half of the book is focused on inspiration and techniques, the second half is project based. The projects are intended more as a starting point, showing you the basic steps for creating the items featured but encouraging you to decide upon the finer details yourself. So that your finished project will be personal and unique. There are a few different journal projects plus a button jar project and a small embroidered bag. See the collage below for some of the projects from the book. This gorgeous book is sure to have you bursting with inspiration and ready to stitch your own daydream journal in no time! -- Fiona Pullen * The Sewing Directory *A sense of family and relationships, nature, and memories emanates from Rose's special way to journal. With more than just words and doodles, UK-based author Rose (Stitched Memories, 2018) encourages readers to seriously stop, smell, hear, and taste their surroundings as journaling inspiration. She encourages the addition of flowers and other botanicals using methods (some of which she invented) like squishing, petal washing, flower tapping, berry squishing, leaf imprints, and solar dyeing. These techniques are further boosted by creativity with fabric and thread, such as couching and appliqué, all explained with good captions and colour photographs. As for the mystery of putting it all together, plenty of paper clips, safety pins, glue, and other adherents become the foundation for eight projects, most of which are books, like "diary of a fen gal," inspired by nature walks. There's also a "jar of smiles" to hold odds and ends; a scrolled journal; and a purse. Fusing craft and nature, Rose's endeavour emits an otherworldly aura. -- Barbara Jacobs * Booklist *Textile artists find inspiration all around them, from fleeting memories to treasured items, sketches, poems and photos. Why not collect and record everything in a stunning journal? These eight designs include techniques such as layering, collage, hand embroidery, transferring designs to cloth, stamping, applique, embellishing, patchwork and free motion machine embroidery. * Machine Knitting Monthly *Even those who are just setting out on their creative journey will find inspiration and all the know-how they need to make their own gorgeous daydream journals. -- Craft Focus * Craft Focus *This book is an absolute delight! As well as general instructions for various different techniques, there are also several projects using those techniques. The photography is stunning and the detailed instructions accompanying the photographs make me believe that I could actually achieve a level of skill in my own work with which I would be content. A beautiful book, and even if you never get around to doing any of the projects you wouldn't regret buying it as it is so lovely to look at! -- Amanda Skipp * Amazon Customer *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Inspiration 10 Where to begin 10, Finding everyday inspirations 12, Keeping a daydream journal 14 Taking the first steps 16 Written words 18, Doodles 19, Tools and materials 20, Collecting snippets 22 Techniques 24 Creating pages and backgrounds 24 Working with mother earth 36 Moving on to cloth and thread 48 Essentials for slow stitching 50, Starting to stitch 54 The projects 62 Gatherings 64, Diary of a Fen Gal 70, Meandering Paths 78, An Alchemy of Secrets 84, Tales from a Victorian, Haberdashery 90, Winter Sparkle 96, Jar of Smiles 104, A Fenland Dockey 110, Tilly’s Stitchery 118, Templates 126, Index 128

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Book SynopsisSashiko: the needlework form of both decorative and functional embroidery developed in Japan many centuries ago.With just four key materials needed—needle, thread, thimble and fabric—Sashiko stitches have long been a favorite for quilting and embroidery. Today, the style is popular in the visible mending movement because of its simplicity, efficiency and aesthetic appeal. With Simply Sashiko, you can apply centuries-old Japanese techniques to your home, clothing and accessories in a fun, modern way.This book gives you simple but thorough lessons on the ins and outs (literally) of 36 different sashiko patterns, plus designs for stylish home and personal accessories so you can try them out, including: Decorative pouches Little purses Placemats and napkins Covered brooches and buttons And much more! Step-by-step instructions and detailed color photos show you everything from transferring patterns to perfecting your stitch technique. User-friendly templates help you keep your motifs balanced and even, while color combinations ranging from the traditional white and indigo to multicolored threads on primary colored backgrounds inspire you to get creative with these basic stitches.Trade Review"Simply Sashiko is a complete guide to the technique, with 36 different patterns that will appeal to both embroiderers and quilters. With actual-size templates and step-by-step instructions included this book lives up to its subtitle of 'classic Japanese embroidery made easy.'"--Embroidery Magazine.

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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.

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Book SynopsisExplore the rich cultural heritage of Japanese embroidery with this beautifully crafted book, which offers a stunning collection of 200 patterns, capturing the timeless elegance and intricate artistry of Japanese design.Enjoy a wide array of patterns inspired by the graceful beauty of kimonos, the delicate charm of floral arrangements, and the profound simplicity of traditional Japanese design. Each pattern is meticulously charted with clear colour guides, ensuring that both beginners and experienced stitchers can create the patterns with ease.Embrace the mindfulness and calming nature of repetitive stitching. The soothing process of cross stitching allows you to immerse yourself in a meditative practice, enhancing your well-being while creating beautiful art. Many of the patterns in this book are designed as repeat patterns, enabling you to extend them to cover any size of fabric, offering flexibility and creativity in your projects.With simple techniques and detailed instructions, this book makes the art of cross stitching accessible to everyone. Whether you''re looking to adorn your home with unique decor or create heartfelt handmade gifts, this essential directory of authentic Japanese cross stitch patterns provides endless inspiration.

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Book SynopsisRealistic embroidery that soars out of the hoop!Embroidery reaches a new level of splendour with Megan Zaniewski's stumpwork embroidery techniques. In this book of nature-inspired pieces and projects, you will learn the essentials of thread painting, creating 3D elements that make your embroidery leap off of the fabric, and finishing techniques that allow your final project to shine. Stitch adorable, fuzzy creatures, intricately beautiful insects, and lively botanicals. Then, use them to decorate your home or adorn your wardrobe as unique accessories. Whether you are just beginning with embroidery or are a seasoned stitcher, Stumpwork Embroidery & Thread Painting will help take your projects to a new level of beauty and realism.

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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.

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Book SynopsisWeekend Makes: Hoop Embroidery features 25 beautifully stitched embroideries that are mounted and hung in an embroidery hoop. Inexpensive and quick to make, these small pieces are perfect for using up remnants of fabric and embroidery thread, felt, buttons and beads. The essential tools and techniques section means that those new to embroidery will be able to pick up a much-loved craft and create beautiful and simple pieces. The book also covers how to finish the back of the pieces, as well as how to hang them. These simple projects are achievable for all levels of ability. AUTHOR: Rosemary Drysdale grew up in the north of England. After studying textile design at Durham University, Rosemary emigrated to the United States and worked as an embroidery designer. She was at the forefront of the cross-stitch craze in the 1990s, travelling the world teaching workshops and giving demonstrations. She is recognised as a global expert on black work embroidery, as well as a teacher of many other advanced stitching techniques. She lives in East Hampton, NY with her husband. 50 photographs, 60 illustrations

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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.

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Book SynopsisFrolic through fields of flowers as you take your embroidery skills to the next level! Lovely Little Embroideries is an inspirational guide to creating 22 stunning, small, and easy embroidery hoops, accessories, ornaments, and more, all featuring every stitcher’s favorite subject – flower bouquets! Opening with overviews on basic supplies, transfer methods, and how to finish the back of a hoop, also included is an illustrated stitch guide for both basic stitches to more advanced ones. With step-by-step instructions and photography for stitching floral embroidery hoops, pendant necklaces, holiday ornaments, lavender sachets, and more, this must-have craft book offers fresh and modern embroidery patterns to fine-tune your skills that every passionate stitcher will love! Embroidery artist Beth Stackhouse is the owner of Forest Chorus Studio where she offers embroidery pattern tutorials, fiber art, and embroidered jewelry. Her work has been featured on MarthaStewart.com, MAKERS Magazine, KOEL Magazine, Feeling Stitchy, and other well-known publications within the needlework and crafting industry.

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Book SynopsisYou will find 25 fabulous cross stitch designs made by Japanese designer Kyoko Maruoka. There are various designs including animals, flowers, animals, flowers, foods, weather, space, people, scenery, dolls, houses in delicate colours. All designs can be stitched by beginners and advanced stitchers both. With this book, you will be able to make many objects like bags, frames, coasters, cushions, baskets etc stitching these lovely cross stitch charts. AUTHOR: Kyoko Maruoka is the Japanese cross stitch designer behind the 'Gera!' cross stitch brand. She started cross stitch for making her nephew's birth sampler in 1997. She enjoyed to cross stitch designs from various countries. Then she started to draw her original patterns in 2006 and sold her patterns all over the world as well as Japan. She especially loves to design cross stitch charts in modern and nostalgic themes. She lives in Tokyo and likes art and reading books!

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Book SynopsisFrom quaint cottages and gardens, to coastal shorelines, city scapes, wintery scenes, and tropical islands, Cross Stitch Let's Travel takes you on an inspiring cross stitch adventure around the globe, allowing you to travel one stitch at a time from the comfort of your home. This collection features landscape themed designs in various sizes, from borders to small and medium sized designs in both traditional and modern styles, each presented as an easy to follow, full colour chart and key that would be suitable for any number for home crafting projects, from greeting cards, hoops, and pictures, or they can be combined into larger projects for home decoration and samplers, so there are options to suit every level of ability. This book would make a very useful addition to any sewers library. AUTHOR: Durene Jones is a cross stitch designer whose designs have been published in many popular cross stitch magazines. She is the author of Cross Stitch: Floral Summer Days. She lives in Durham, England.

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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.

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Book SynopsisDiscover the world of punch needle embroidery with this modern take on a traditional craft. It’s easy to master as you’re guided by clear step-by-step instructions, patterns and beautiful photography. Faustine and Cathy will teach you all you need to know about punch needling through the creation of 20 adorable, contemporary animal motifs including a folk-inspired leopard, a delightful rabbit, a llama and a cunning fox. Each project is accompanied by a list of all the tools and materials, including the wool colours and stitches, you'll need to bring your adorable new friends to life. The reuseable, iron-on templates make taking up this popular craft even easier! Grab some yarn and a punch needle, and relax with this fun, simple craft as you create a whole menagerie of punch needle friends.Trade ReviewA lovely book. I haven’t tried punch needle embroidery before, but I have now ordered what I need to get started. All the projects look really nice and not too difficult. There is a lot of useful information included, the instructions are very clear and easy to understand. The pictures are great and really helpful. -- Lynn Woodcock * Amazon *This book is ideal for both beginners, with clear instructions and for advance punch needlers with both iron on transfers and patterns to enlarge. There is a lovely range of animal gifts to create. -- Penny Swiffen * Amazon *This book has got me hooked :) All the projects in this book require you to work on a twelve inch sized hoop and after some practice at needle punching… anything to make it non-slip will be worth it. There are iron on transfers in the back of this book which you could also trace against a light board if needed. The projects in this start with basic techniques and as you go through the book there are new techniques to learn. The designs would be lovely for a kids nursery! But also the techniques you build up will put you in good stead to create your own! A lovely book that I have enjoyed loads so far. Do not give up if you find punch needling difficult, when you get it working it is quick and addictive!! -- Deanna Shellard * Customer Review *Table of ContentsMeet Faustine! 6 Tools and Materials 7 Meet your punch needle 7 Choosing yarn 8 Other tools and materials 9 Punch Needle Techniques 10 Transferring the design to the canvas 10 Transferring the design to the reverse of the canvas 10 Fitting the canvas in the embroidery hoop 11 How to thread your punch needle 11 Using the punch needle 12 Types of stitches 13 Making embellishments 14 Finishing 15 Other display ideas 15 The Projects 16 Polar Bear 18 Rabbit 22 Giraffe 26 Cow 30 Panda 34 Badger 38 Wolf 42 Cat 46 Dog 50 Otter 54 Doe 58 Raccoon 64 Fox 70 Red Panda 76 Horse 82 Llama 88 Koala 94 Leopard 100 Sloth 106 Lion 112 Templates 118 Index and Credits 128

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Book SynopsisSlip into serenity through your stitches with this collection of 24 beautiful, meditative mandalas by Polka & Bloom's Carina Envoldsen-Harris. In our hurried modern world, we rarely take a moment to rest and spend time with our thoughts. In this book, rekindle lost tranquillity and quickly discover a new obsession with these exquisite mandalas. By following the delicate and repetitive patterns in the motifs, you can finally soothe your mind, slow down and treat yourself to much-needed me-time and peacefulness. The book offers 12 large and 12 smaller mandalas to embroider, which Carina explains how to make through simple, beautiful stitch diagrams and keys. Only 10 stitches have been used to create all the mandalas, and each one is explained and accompanied by clear, step-by-step diagrams at the beginning of the book. In addition, there are notes on what you need in your basic embroidery kit – from fabrics through to needles and thread – which means those new to embroidery can start their journey to mindfulness right away. With Carina's gentle guidance beginners can also learn how to display their creations in embroidery hoops, including the much-loved Dandelyne hoops which the 12 mini mandalas can fit inside perfectly. Any long-forgotten, tired pieces in your wardrobe and home? There is also advice and photos inside on how to use your stunning mandalas to embellish myriad accessories and items, from shoes to tote bags. If readers are less confident about jumping straight into embroidery – or are pressed for time – 24 corresponding black and white motifs can be found on transfer sheets at the back of the book, which you can iron onto your chosen fabric multiple times. There is also a final, mystical mandala template included for you to transfer, allowing you to test your new embroidery skills and develop your new-found creativity. So sit back, pick up your needles and lose yourself in the captivating, calming world of embroidery. Trade ReviewThis book is beautifully photographed, with lots of bright, compelling images of each project. Carina’s wonderful sense of color is evident throughout this book. It's a delightful book, and I recommend it to any stitcher! What's in the book There are 24 total patterns with iron on transfers, and materials, stitch, and color guides.There are 12 large patterns made to fit in a 6 or 7 inch embroidery hoop, and 12 mini patterns for tiny Dandelyne hoops. I love that the Table of Contents includes a visual guide of every project in the book, to pique your curiosity, and give you a clue of where you might want to start. Each pattern page includes a color line diagram, with DMC floss suggestions, a stitch guide, and a large, lovely photo of the finished piece. One thing I love about the Winter Solstice pattern, is that it incorporates DMC Coloris floss, a bright variegated floss that looks quite nice stitched up as a mandala. Each of the mini patterns have a common theme: The Explorers, The Gardeners, and The Artists, and I love that each of the mini hoops has a female name- it gives them a nice dash of personality. Using the transfer patterns was a breeze - I used a hot iron with no steam, ironing the front and back of the fabric first, to heat it up, then pinning the transfer face down and ironing. Again, I highly recommend this book - the patterns are enjoyable, intricate, and very adaptable! http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2018/06/book-review-mandalas-to-embroider.html * Feeling Stitchy *Mandalas, meditative embroideries in circles, created with different sized hoops. 24 designs are included, but you can use this as pure inspiration for your own designs. Simple stitch diagrams and keys plus a transfer sheet provide everything you need to sew the designs. The designs are also adaptable to clothing and accessories. Information is given on working with hoops and there is a stitch directory too. Simple yet satisfying. * Karen Platt *Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning “circle”, and these beautiful round motifs are a part of Buddhist and Hindu religion. Recently they have gained popularity for more secular reasons, but are still a meditative and calming practice which is why they feature in so many coloring books. Embroidery is also a soothing hobby, and so putting the two together makes sense. The result is a book of twenty-four gorgeous patterns. I was sold just looking at the lovely image on the cover, and although the word “beginner” is not actually used I reckon this book is suitable for one. The mandalas are stitched using just ten simple stitches, and there are instructions on how to use a hoop and other basics. The stitches are explained with some very clear diagrams each with a caption complete with the sort of helpful hints you don’t usually see in books of stitches but which are very useful for beginners. You don’t need much either; just cotton fabric, floss, a hoop and off you go (although if you really are new to this I recommend practising on a scrap of cloth before tackling a pattern). There are twelve large (about 6”) mandalas and twelve small (about 2”) ones, each shown stitched and as a color diagram which gives the stitches used and DMC threads. At the back are the iron-on transfers complete with instructions on how to do this, including how to do this in other ways. The patterns themselves are so pretty, each one colorful and stitched in four to ten different colors. At the beginning is a page showing thumbnail images of all of them for easy selection, the designs featuring flowers, paisleys, abstracts and Christmas motifs. Not all are stitched on white which is good, and there are some ideas as to what to stitch them onto if you don’t just want to leave them in hoop frames. The smaller designs can be shown off in the new Dandelyne frames and worn as jewelry. A delightful book that makes me eager to start stitching, and one which will appeal to many levels of embroidery expertise. * Rachel A Hyde *Contains all the information you need to embroider...small mandalas. -- Linda Rumsey * Customer review *As a new embroiderer this book has helped me understand the right tools to use and what to use and where. It even has some great patterns in the back that really helped me break that barrier from useless to “Hey, I actually can do this!”. I would highly recommend this if you want to get creative but are not sure which route to take. Fab book with simple directions. -- Kuli Lombardelli * Customer review *I love this book, so easy to read and follow the patterns. -- Lynne Strawbridge * Customer review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials & equipment 8 Stitches used 10 Using embroidery hoops 14 The mandalas 16 Transferring the designs 48 Transfers 49

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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

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisEmbroidery is one of the most typical traditional crafts in China, and has been practiced for two to three thousand years— an art form that has survived through time. This book combines the most classic techniques of Chinese embroidery with modern aesthetics to offer a new creative experience.A comprehensive guide to embroidery, the book is illustrated with detailed text, close-up photographs and computer graphics, and step-by-step explanations of the process of embroidery. This book will help you to:• Understand the unique aesthetic designs and color schemes that have emerged from traditional Chinese embroidery;• Fully master the tools, materials, and basic techniques used in embroidery;• Learn nearly 20 classic Chinese embroidery techniques, and use each one to embroider a beautiful small-sized piece or pattern;• Produce around 10 pieces, including butterflies, flowers, and kingfishers, integrating a variety of techniques;• Gain new inspiration and stimulate your imagination and creativity for new projects.• Find transfer patterns for each piece in the appendix for you to print out and use.

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Book SynopsisMake your own embroidery patterns and thread portraits that are inspired by the nature that surrounds you! Featuring complete overviews on tools, embroidery stitches, and various skills and techniques to know, From finding your subject and taking a photo to making it into a line art template, thread painting, and so much more, this inspiring, skill-building guide is sure to take your embroidery to the next level!

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Book SynopsisKay Dennis is passionate about Stumpwork. This intricate, raised and padded embroidery has its origins in the 17th century, and is enjoying a revival amongst embroiderers and lacemakers. It is wonderfully versatile and will appeal both to the novice and needleworker. Using a mix of flat, padded, wired and free-standing elements, it employs a wide range of embroidery techniques. This comprehensive and colourful book covers both basic and needle lace techniques – sections on each contain a series of elaborate step-by-step demonstrations showing how to work individual techniques, followed by a project combining all the methods. Kay takes inspiration from a variety of sources and her designs include animals, flowers, fruits and insects – popular motifs in the 17th century. She also creates contemporary designs and there are advanced projects on landscape and figurative work. A gallery of Kay's work is included to inspire the reader.Trade ReviewSearch Press is celebrating 50 years in print and has reissued selected titles from their back list. Each of these is considered a classic of its kind, and this book, Stumpwork for Beginners from 2001, has been selected for republication. Stumpwork is often considered one of the more advanced forms of embroidery and was the culmination of years of learning other styles and working samplers for young ladies in the 16th and 17th centuries. This padded, raised form of embroidery was mounted onto caskets and cabinets and gets its name from the carved pieces of wood used as bases for faces and other 3D features. This book shows the beginner what to buy and which stitches you need to make a start. A wide range of threads can be used and most if not all the other tools and materials are common to other styles of needlework. You don’t need any wood carving skills either, just toy filling to pad out shapes you want to raise. Some books on stumpwork emulate the style associated with the original pieces but this book has updated it and taken inspiration largely from nature. There are no chapters concerned with learning stitch by stitch, but you jump right in with a sampler of several elements which teaches you the basics. Make and prepare padding, learn stitches such as turkey knot and spider’s web and then progress to needlelace. Find out how to make heads and hands, and then bring it all together in a picture of a gardener tending a garden full of fruit and flowers. The elements and pictures include toadstools, a seaside scene, fish in the seaweed, poppy heads, topiary with a polymer clay pot and a butterfly. All are ideal for mounting on boxes of your own and it is easy to see why this book was selected for classic status: it helps to explode the myth that stumpwork is a mysterious, complex style suited only for very advanced embroiderers. The author claims that even a total beginner to all forms of embroidery could tackle these projects and although it is possible I think that the book is more aimed at those who are au fait with some other needlework styles and want to try something different. If you cannot find a good range of embroidery and needlecraft materials locally try http://www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers. -- Rachel Hyde * myshelf.com *Table of ContentsIntroduction History Materials Getting started EMBROIDERY TECHNIQUES Flowing flowers Acorns Poppy Seed Heads Topiary Butterfly NEEDLELACE TECHNIQUES Leaf Flower Seaweed and Fish Orange Branch Mushrooms Foxgloves SCENES AND FIGURES Birds and Beach Heads and Hands The Gardener PATTERNS INDEX

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Book SynopsisThis book unites Chinese and Western embroidery techniques to create gorgeous practical beadwork jewelry with floral elements that are rich in Chinese culture. The projects range from simple to difficult, giving you a basic yet comprehensive grasp of bead embroidery, and teaching you how to create nearly twenty pieces of unique bead embroidery jewelry to embellish your daily outfits. With this book, you will: ·Master the use of bead embroidery tools, understand the characteristics of different bead embroidery materials, and get started easily. ·Acquire rich hand sewing and hook needle techniques, including more than 20 techniques to lay a solid foundation for making beaded jewelry. ·Learn to embroider nearly 20 different kinds of flowers using a combination of bead embroidery techniques through illustrated tutorials, and make jewelry that incorporates Chinese aesthetics, including earrings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, hairbands, and clutch bags, bringing the art of bead embroidery into your daily life. ·Experience the beauty of beaded flowers from a Chinese aesthetic perspective, to broaden your creativity and inspire you.

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Book SynopsisColourful and contemporary embroidery for the modern stitcher. There’s something magical about embroidery – some thread, some stitches, some time, and suddenly a plain piece of material is transformed into a picture, a pattern, or a piece of geometric art. Embroidery today is moving away from the traditional to the modern, with motifs including everything from cacti to crystals, simple white stitching on coloured cloth, decorative stitches on denim, and mandala patterns as wall art. Laura Strutt has designed 35 modern makes taking you from the simplest of stitches to more sophisticated techniques. Each make has full step-by-step instructions and there are coloured charts where needed for you to recreate the look exactly – but of course you can always choose your own colours if you prefer. With tips on everything from finishing pieces to colour theory, and a techniques section covering all the stitches you will need to know, you can hand-embroider any of these projects with confidence.

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Book SynopsisA beautifulin-depth, practical guide to the exquisite textile art of renowned embroiderer, Chloe Giordano, now expanded with fresh insights and three inspiring new artworks."Utterly amazing! The embroidery work of Chloe Giordano is delicate, tiny, beautiful, realistic, adorable, detailed, perfect ? there are so many adjectives you could use to describe her work!" - Mary Corbet, Needle ''n ThreadTake a walk through the stunning stitched world of renownedembroiderer Chloe Giordano, and discover not only her unique way of working with sewing thread but also asublime collection of her exquisite textile art, inspired by her love of the natural world. This expanded paperback edition gives fresh insight into the ways Chloe''s style is evolving and developing, and contains three new artworks, each containing insights into her creative process.Taking one project from conception through to completion, see how Chloe plans her designs, chooses colours, selects threads, blends colours and finally stitches her designs in order to create her beautifully detailed embroideries. Packed with Chloe''s guidance on every aspect of the process, including hooping and framing, this book will inspire you to create stunning thread paintings of your own.In the second part of the book, wend your way through a beautiful gallery of Chloe''s work showcasing her popular, intricate embroideries that celebrate wildlife both big and small ? from foxes, fawns through to hares, rabbits, mice and more. All are accompanied by the back story and inspiration behind the piece, offering a fascinating and exclusive look into Chloe''s creative process.For needle-paintingthat will astound you with its lifelike, delicate beauty pick up this book and get lost in the magical woodland art of Chloe Giordano.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisIn this fourth title in Hazel Blomkamp’s series on crewel embroidery with a twist, the focus is on farm and game birds. The birds give a nod to current trends, most notably the Zentangle look with crewel-style filling-in stitches and techniques. Crewel Birds is a celebration of Hazel’s signature techniques: a wide variety of surface/crewel stitches, some of which are brand new and many with a different take or different ways of combining stitches to make them more interesting. Also included are needle lace techniques used as embroidery stitches, loom weaving techniques modified for embroidery, and unique combinations of both of these. The incorporation of beads and crystals adds even more dazzle to the intricate designs. There are six projects, each explained with detailed step-by-step instructions and clear photographs, with design templates and a full stitch gallery providing everything readers need to recreate them with ease. The projects comprise a phoenix, rooster, common pheasant, mallard duck, flamingo and golden pheasant. In addition to these sumptuous embroideries, Hazel explains how to hand quilt the backgrounds and finish the edges with binding to put them together in a ‘rag book’, as an alternative to framing. For embroiderers looking for something different and new to stitch, and for those keen to challenge themselves with more complex embroidery techniques, this book is a must-have.Trade ReviewThe book is great. The pictures are very detailed and the use of colour makes it easy to differentiate between the stitches. All the instructions are clear and easy to follow. The list of colours at the start of each project is helpful too. A really good book. Would thoroughly recommend. -- Claire Holmes * Amazon *To look at a Crewel bird, you would think, wow, what intricate stitching, I would never be able to do this. Well the answer is you can. This book is extremely detailed, telling you all the techniques, teaching you what equipment you should use and then giving bird patterns in easy to follow steps. I was lucky that the book arrived before 2 long power cuts in my area. It was the perfect time to pick up my sewing and I'm pleased to say that the patterns turn out exactly as they say they can. Worth purchasing to learn Jacobean embroidery, I will definitely be doing more. -- Dale Dow * Amazon *This book contains so many sections, from a detailed stitch guide to picture patterns. The stitch guide is easy to follow and can be transferred to any embroidery project you undertake. Very informative and inspirational. -- Sue Patricia Southwick * Amazon *What a beautiful book for beginners like me or those who have been seeing this stunning craft for a while. I very much liked it because it gives step-by-step instructions on every different stitch and there are some really pretty patterns to use. I love it. -- Denise Marvin * Amazon *This book is lovely. Having never tried crewel embroidery I was looking forward to this book and hopeful that it wouldn't be beyond my capabilities as a beginner It is beautifully set out and though probably aimed at someone who has done this technique before due to the complexity of the designs but the author takes you right through all the basics, helping to select lighting, tools, fabrics, threads and needles. There is a large detailed section about all the stitches that are used that even as a beginner I could follow. The book contains 6 projects and while this doesn't seem a lot each is accompanied with exquisite instruction. You are lead step-by-step through each project which details the thread colours to use and which stitch to use. It's pretty much stitch by numbers, without numbers but with detailed pictures at regular intervals throughout the instructions, it's really easy to follow and find where you are stitching next. -- Cathie Chant * Amazon *A beautiful, comprehensive introduction to crewel work. This is simply a beautiful book as well as being a well thought out and easy to understand introduction to all the stitches needed to create these gorgeous projects. The diagrams are easily understood and there are step-by-step instructions for each project. Can't wait to have a go. -- Louise Blackah * Amazon *Brilliant book with easy to understand instructions and printable patterns in the back of the book. -- Jennifer Brain * Amazon *This book is amazing, the colours are wonderful. Instructions on how to do all the stitches are well thought out and very clear and you are taken through the patterns step-by-step. Now I need to get around to trying out the stitches. -- Helen Wooton * Amazon *A stunningly beautiful book. Definitely projects to aspire to! A comprehensive how to stitch guide including how to do needle lace and needle weaving which I have never seen before. Beautiful intricate projects with detailed instructions on how to complete the projects and templates included. -- Nicki Crompton * Amazon *This is the fourth in this author’s stunning “Crewel” series that updates crewel/Jacobean embroidery for the 21st century while losing none of its beauty and unique style. I love these books; not only because the projects in them are so gorgeous or the stitch diagrams so clear but because they use mostly cotton or silk threads rather than wool which I am allergic to. That was the main type of thread available back in the 17th century, but now we have many more choices and look at what you can do with them! There are six beautiful bird embroideries to stitch in here, depicting a phoenix, mallard, two pheasants, flamingo and rooster. You get to use not only cotton floss, perle, cordonette, silk ribbon, metallic thread and seed beads but have the option of an unusual method of displaying your work. If you have walls filled with pictures like the author (or too many large windows like this reviewer) you might like to make a quilted “rag book” to house them and instructions for this are given. To begin the author goes through what you need to buy and how to do things like transfer patterns, wash embroidery if you need to and other useful tips. This is followed by a section of pale green pages containing all the stitch diagrams and instructions. There are quite a few, but all the stitch diagrams are easy to follow and mostly of a good size. Learn the basic freestyle and crewel stitches, various bead stitches, needle weaving techniques and needle lace. The latter tend to look quite involved but the written instructions are a help and if you go at it slowly it is surprising how easy it really is. The rest of the book contains those glorious bird projects and in case you were wondering no, this is not a suitable book for total beginners. It is aimed squarely at experienced stitchers who can tackle quite large involved patterns with mostly text instructions with a few small inset photos showing what section is being done. There are many good books on the market for beginners so it is great to see something for those of us who are up for a challenge! One of my favourite things about the designs is their muted backgrounds of ecru leaves, grasses, chicken wire etc recalling the unpainted backdrops to the hand coloured natural history books of the 18th and 19th centuries. They perfectly frame and set off the lively colours of the birds providing just enough detail to place them in a setting but not vie with their beauty. At the back of the book are all the templates which need to be enlarged before use, or if you want to buy printed panels, just the materials you need to make a project or a full kit you can do so from the author’s website. Even if you just want to learn the stitches and make up your own designs you can find out most of what you need to know in here. Another winner from this hugely talented author. -- Rachel A Hyde * Amazon *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION 8 GENERAL TIPS BEFORE STARTING 10 MATERIALS AND TOOLS 14 GENERAL PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS 19 STITCHES AND TECHNIQUES Embroidery Stitches 26 Bead-Embroidery Stitches 51 Needlelace Techniques 55 Needle-Weaving Techniques 62 PROJECTS Claude 73 Colin 85 Dave 105 Kevin 119 Dick 135 Nigel 155 TEMPLATES 168

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Book SynopsisApproximately 130 patterns reflect a modern sensibility, with motifs ranging from trendy to vintage and kitschy. All fit into a 6-inch or smaller embroidery hoop, so they're quick projects that can be finished in an evening or weekend.

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Book SynopsisDiscover 26 stunning, fully colored cross-stitch patterns at your fingertips! This collection of charted designs offers exquisite florals like buttercups, pansies, and spring flowers. With the Pocketbook Crafts series, crafters can now enjoy their projects on the go, with instructions in a portable size guide featuring space for checklists and notes ? perfect for infusing floral charm wherever they wander.

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Book SynopsisEight popular cross stitch designers have come together to bring readers the Cross Stitchers Countdown to Christmas. A ready resource of festive cross stitch motifs, each of the 25 chapters provide an inspirational way to create charming cards, beautiful keepsakes and delightful items for the home. Designs range from the classic to the contemporary and many are ideal to stitch in an evening or a weekend - perfect for that busy time of year. With clear color charts, photographs and easy-to-follow stitching instructions, readers will be well on their way to stitching something special this Christmas.

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Book SynopsisRaised Embroidery is an exciting and practical book packed full of techniques and ideas that explain how to give depth and texture to your embroidery. It carefully explains each stitch, discusses padding options and then shows how to transform a flat design into a three-dimensional artwork. Whatever your level of experience, this book will inspire you to learn traditional skills to try in new designs and to make fabulous raised pieces.

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Book SynopsisA guide for crafters and fiber artists on using your sewing machine to turn bits of nature into exquisite art!

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Book SynopsisNeedlework artist Juno combines botanical embroidery with spiritual self-care in 24 quirky designs!Trade Review“Delightful . . . Many of the pieces are richly detailed . . . embroiderers will be wowed by the impressive needlework.” -- Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisDelve into new and unique embroidery designs inspired by botanicals and nature and created by well-known and well-respected Japanese needlecraft artist Yanase Rei.

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisStitch your way across the USA with 10 embroidery patterns featuring the most popular national parks and the materials to make any 2 of the projects.National Parks Embroidery kit brings home the majesty of our national parks. America is brimming with natural wonders, diverse wildlife, and historic treasures. This collection contains original embroidery patterns, an introduction to each park, and instructions on embroidery techniques. Included with the kit are materials to make any 2 of the 10 projects in the book:   6-inch bamboo embroidery hoop 8 skeins of 6-strand DMC embroidery floss  2 pieces of cotton fabric 2 iron heat transfer sheets 2 embroidery needles on a card 40-page instruction and pattern book The patterns range in skill level, from easy to advanced, and include these scenes from the national parks:  

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Book SynopsisA sampler is a project made from a "sampling" of different stitches or different motifs.

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