4 comments about Embroidery Companion: Classic Designs for Modern Living.

1. Although embroidery books have started to pop up again in the past few years, there are still very few books out there with up-to-date patterns and projects for those who like needlework. Alicia Paulson's new book fills that need perfectly--it's one of the best I've seen. Her patterns are modern but with a vintage sensibility, and the projects that utilize each pattern are beautiful and practical: napkins, headbands, pillowcases, a tablecloth, an apron, curtains, a skirt, even a simple quilt. There are sections on embroidery, cross-stitch and crewel, so you can choose which style you prefer (or flirt with each and find out which you prefer, if you're a beginner.)
   
   The patterns are also very versatile. A creative stitcher could use parts of a headband pattern to make a bookmark, for instance, or take a motif from a sampler and stitch it onto a shirt. The possibilities are nearly endless.
   
   Best of all is Alicia's writing style, which is never cloying, but always warm, heartfelt, friendly and informative. Her love of sewing and creating comes through vividly. I read through the general directions carefully and I think they would be very helpful for a beginner. I'm an experienced needleworker, but I also found some ideas and tips that I hadn't thought of. There is also a source list in the back for supplies and patterns, if you live as I do in an area with no needlework stores.
   
   I'm looking forward to tackling my first project from the book--the hard part will be deciding which one to do first!



2. I love Alicia Paulson's work. This book, from the heartwarming dedication to the last project, is wonderful. I am excited and inspired to try almost every project _right now_. In the style of her previous book and her blog, Alicia Paulson has written a winner.



3. Alicia Paulson has created a beautiful book. I have poured over each page amazed by her photography and her talent at design. Unlike some embroidery books I own Alicia provides you with goregeous projects to compliment and show off your handwork without distracting from it. A few of my favorites are the Days of the Week Dishtowels, Strawberry Tablecloth, Blossom Napkin, and Dahlia Field Pillow. Actually I could list every single one as a favorite! Alicia's writing is inviting and encouraging, like having a good friend to help you through the projects. This book is a must for any stitcher!



4. This is a book that will appeal to seasoned embroiderers and new ones alike, but I should state that my embroidery experience is limited to the counted cross-stitch I did twenty years ago as a teenager and some very minimal "needlepoint" as a child. So this is a review from an "advanced beginner." :) The book begins with an introduction to embroidery in general-- and then divides into three sections: Decorative Embroidery projects, Counted Cross Stitch projects, and Crewel projects. Each section contains information on the types of needles, tools and materials required, a history of the type of needlework, and, of course, about 10 inspired and delightful projects, for a total of 30. Each project has two ratings for ease, one for the embroidery itself, and one for the finishing (the sewing or other preparations needed to make the work complete). The finishing is also described and drawn in helpful detail and assumes only minimal sewing skills on the part of the reader. Quite a few of the projects do require a bit of sewing for completion, but for the most part, the sewing required is simple-- and of course, local embroidery shops can usually recommend someone to do the finishing for you if you can't sew. I should add that at the end, there is also a helpful list of resources in case you don't have a wonderful needlework shop nearby, and a well-written section on how to do the various stitches, which is crucial if you're fairly clueless like myself.
   
   The projects range from the very simple to the very complex, but most are in the realm of "easy" to "medium"-- this would be an ideal book for a new embroiderer, but also an inspiring one for someone experienced in needlework, because the projects are amazing. I was relieved to find that she gives details like what size of needles she prefers, since I wouldn't know where to start. The projects are both modern and old-fashioned at the same time-- they look up-to-date, but they have a pretty, old-fashioned sensibility. And they're things that are actually useful and beautiful, not just a bunch of motifs that the embroiderer has to find a use for. There are, of course, cross-stitch samplers and decorative pillows, but you'll also find a tablecloth, a kerchief, hot-water-bottle holders, curtains, an apron, a tote bag, a photo-album cover, pillowcases-- you get the idea. These are things that can be used in everyday life. The photography is gorgeous, the tone is friendly, comforting, and easy to read, and (like her blog) very warm and personal-- you come away feeling like you wish you lived down the street from Alicia and glad that she's sharing her expertise and enthusiasm with you. :) Obviously I can't say enough nice things about this book-- anyone who reads "Posie Gets Cozy" or who enjoyed Stitched in Time, or who just wants some good embroidery projects to do, will love this one. It's pretty, practical, helpful, and inspiring.

5 comments about Doodle Stitching: Fresh & Fun Embroidery for Beginners.

1. Very informative, with clear illustrations of each stitch and design. Many wonderful ideas.



2. I gave this book 4 stars because it was for a friend, so I haven't actually used the patterns and can't attest to how well done they are. However, I did look through the book with her and she is VERY excited about the pattern selection. The book also has patterns for simple things like little stuffed owl animals, ipod case, apron, etc. The book is really cute and put together well. If I didn't have so many hobbies already I would pick up stitching, too ;)



3. Instructions are easy to follow and there are some really fun creative ideas inside! Very enjoyable to read.



4. I love love the book,i have so many fun ideas i cant wait to do more
   Virginia



5. This is a great book for casual embroidery. I haven't done any for over 30 years and it takes a while to get back into the groove. This book helped. It had fresh ideas for small projects that were easy.

No comments about Doodle Stitching: The Motif Collection: 400+ Easy Embroidery Designs.

No comments about Drawn to Stitch: Line, Drawing, and Mark-Making in Textile Art.

5 comments about Embroidered Effects: Projects and Patterns to Inspire Your Stitching (Sublime Stitching).

1. This book is very inspiring with all the projects and ideas. Love the designs! Pocket to store used transfers is a plus. Can't wait for the next book. The only thing I would change is putting photos instead of illustrations of the stitches shown. But that's no biggie. ;)



2. I love this book! The ideas are beautiful, of course, but I really like the front section that shows how to do all the stitches. Until I got this book, I was a back-stitch only kind of girl. But Jenny Hart really simplifies the instructions on how to make each stitch. I was inspired to step out of my box and I think the results are great!
   
   I haven't made any of her exact projects, but I have taken them and tweaked them to my taste.
   
   I would highly recommend this book even for a beginning embroiderer (is that a word?).



3. I'm sorry but I had several problems with this book. The author does not provide all the colors used for each design in the projects section. Also, the brand of embroidery floss used is a very difficult brand to find. The author provides a color number and name, however, the names do not match the names used by the brand for each number, a little confusing. The author also mentions that there is an embroidery floss conversion chart online at the recommended brand's website which I could not find. The photos of the designs have mood lighting that interferes with your ability to see which colors are used where. There are some fun designs that are contemporary that I purchased the book for, but the author does not make it very easy to copy her designs based on the examples in the book with the information provided. Its really up to you to make it your own. I wish I had looked more carefully at the book before I purchased it. If I had, I probably would not have bought the book.



4. Jenny makes learning embroidery fun and easy - and inspiring! Can't wait to embroider everything I see!!!!! :-)



5. As someone completely new to the fascinating world of embroidery, this was really the perfect purchase. The author takes time to discuss the tools, materials and nuance of thread types in a very accessible way before we ever get to the projects, which have clear instruction (enough for me, anyway) and ratings of difficulty. There are a ton of stitches listed as examples. This is a great book not because it's some kind of stitching bible, but exactly because it is not exhaustive and dense; it gives the reader the basic foundation (tools, materials, and technique are all explained), a quick and hip way to express all of these principles, and can serve in the future as a basis for continuing each individual's own crafting life. I appreciate the author's humility and levity in writing. Most of all I love it for its openness. This book gives me everything I need to go out and go crazy for needlework, and to make my own patterns later on. It's a great addition to my craft book shelf, and I happily suggest it to any other young (twenty-something, adolescent) aspiring crafter.

5 comments about Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches.

1. This book is amazing. I can't begin to say how much I love it. I actually have checked it out from the library at least two times before and well, I needed it for good! The stitch diagrams are the easiest to understand out of any book I have used. This is a book I will go back to again and again. I have been stitching for about nine months and can honestly say, I was able to pick up new stitches quickly and easily using this guide. If you are going to buy just one book to learn embroidery - this should be the one!



2. Bought this so my daughter and I could learn new stitches. It's good for beginners as well as more experienced crafters. Lots of stitches that I've never even heard of. It will keep us busy for a while. I like all the brightly colored pictures showing how to work each stitch. They are clear and easy to follow. I think that, especially for a beginner, having numbers showing where to put your needle first, second and so on would make the pictures even clearer. But still, we have no trouble following the directions, so I would buy this book again. It's easy to follow and for each stitch there is a paragraph which describes exactly how to work the stitch and how to use it in your projects.



3. What a great book. It has so many great stitches. I am a beginner stitcher and I am looking forward to trying out some of them. This book has just about any stitch you could be looking for on cloth or cavas.



4. This book is great! I am using it to review what I have forgotten.



5. I love this book. Great for any embroidery project and teaches you all the stitches. I have looked at every single page hundreds of times! And you can really figure out how to make a stitch by looking at their diagrams and photos together (but there are also descriptions). Great for fashion and home!
   
   (Has basic and complicated stitches.)

5 comments about Alabama Stitch Book: Projects and Stories Celebrating Hand-Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery for Contemporary Sustainable Style.

1. Let me begin by saying that I am a self taught intermediate level sewer. The book was beautifully photographed and well written but I found most of the patterns a little bit too complicated and time consuming. I made the t-shirt corset on pg 155 first, using an old t-shirt of my husbands and hand sewing- it took about 6 hours from start to finish and it didn't turn out well enough to wear. I found the exposed seams looked a little sloppy and 'homemade' but not in a good way. Next I tried the reverse applique corset, it took 3 hours just to make the all over stencil and the finished product looked primitive, not couture. I don't think you could really use old t-shirts to make the skirts unless you are very small, I am a size 10 and couldn't find enough matching t's to complete the pattern. Maybe a more experienced sewer could make these patterns work but I found them all a bit too tedious.



2. I am a total novice (or was when I picked up this book a few weeks ago) and found it to be both inspirational and instructive. I read it on a Monday and finished my first project (the reverse applique bandana) by Thursday. If you like the "unfinished" aesthetic of the pieces, you're almost guaranteed to be happy with the results, as any minor imperfections will not detract from the overall look.
   
   It inspired me to get into hand-sewing even as I'm learning machine-sewing, and gave me courage to experiment a bit with making my own patterns.
   
   Enthusiastically recommended.



3. Wonderful book, great eye-candy and the patterns really work! I made the corset top from a t-shirt right away (you DO need x-large t-shirts for the fabric) It fit great, was really fun to make and came out well. I agree nice cotton knit fabric is hard to find, and it is tricky to hit the jackpot at Goodwill for multiple t-shirts, but I did score 4 x-l cotton t-shirts at a local outlet for $2.99 each, all the same color, so my next project is a skirt.



4. This book opened new doors of creativity and inspiration for me. I used to want to sew clothes but the typical patterns seemed so fussy and tight. Finding this book helped me see that the actual pattern for the clothing could be simple and your own creativity and design sensibility could be what makes the piece fly! I feel liberated by the style and techniques in this book - I hate to stop working on the project that I currently have underway.



5. This book inspired me with new ideas, especially about working with recycled T Shirts, which I have been doing. The methods she has created could be used in other ways, you could personalize them. There is one part of the instructions
   that I can't completely make sense of, maybe just me, the rest are good.

5 comments about The New Crewel: Exquisite Designs in Contemporary Embroidery.

1. This is an excellent choice for the very early beginner as well as someone with experience. I believe it would be rather appealing to anyone seeking to apply an old style art form to new modern designs. I also believe this book would encourage a younger person to take up (or at least try) crewel or embroidery - especially if older or more traditional designs and patterns have been a turn off.



2. The modern colors, designs, and projects in this book are particularly appropriate for encouraging young people to explore needle arts. The book also has unique ideas for quick, simple projects that are fun, useful, different, and attractive. Well designed with good photography. Recommended.



3. Hip, new designs for the modern needle gals. Fun projects, good directions, bright photos. Really helps you think outside the old crewel box for new projects and ideas.



4. These elegant and imaginative designs breathe fresh air into an old art form. The book is well laid out and clearly written. The cover design is a delight and is representative of what waits inside.



5. I really like this book because it isn't filled with patterns of Thomas Kincade-like images. It is fresh and modern, with great ideas for projects and good instructions for getting started. I ordered several patterns and wool yarn from Ms Shaunessey's online store too. Terriffic!

5 comments about Bead Embroidery.

1. I have a couple of bead embrodery books but this one is the BEST..im so glad I ran across it and the pictures & instructions are the Best....B.W.



2. Take yourself away from your jewelry making for awhile and try this - if you love to embroider and love to bead you will love this book. It really gets your crafting juices flowing.



3. I really enjoyed the beadwork techniques in this book. The instructions were easy to follow. The diagrams and photos were amazing.



4. This is a step-by-step guide to making the design on the cover of the book, with the stitches, use of the beads, and bead selection clearly explained. Great for a beginner or someone who wishes to polish skills.



5. Beautiful photos of bead embroidery. Good for a beginner - I was looking for a more advanced book, though. If you are new to embroidery or want good illustrations of basic stitches, this book is great. As an experienced stitcher, it was not as advanced as I had hoped.

No comments about Stumpwork & Goldwork Embroidery Inspired by Turkish, Syrian & Persian Tiles (Milner Craft Series).