Reviews (2)

Beautiful, brilliant needlework!!!
I absolutely love the patterns in this book.In my opinion this needlework resource is worth far more than I spent on it.It is definitely one of my favorites.I also appreciated the brief, but interesting notes on historical origin of the pieces.The pieces are rather small, but can easily be enlarged on a photocopier.It wouldn't be too difficult to change some of the patterns to blackwork instead of cross stitch.They don't appear to be simple, "one nighters" to complete, but they are absolutely beautiful and worth the time it would take to do some of them.There is also a great variety to choose from and infinite possibilities to present several pieces together.The charts are presented in black and white.Traditionally, the colors of either red-on-white, blue-on-white, or black-on-white were used.But some of the pictures are so clear that you could easily incorporate more colors if you wanted, or use varigated threads for a unique look.There are many motifs and bands incorporating birds, deer, flowers, crosses, and stars.If I could keep only one cross stitch book out of all of the ones that I own, I probably would treasure this one the most.

A charming collection of counted cross stitch folk designs..
An introduction discusses many origions throughout ethinic groups, religions and countries over hundreds of years. Each plate is numbered with their "probable origin, date and use of pattern." References include: falcons, carnations, peacocks, tree of life, pomegranite, and numerous other plants and animals.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Cross-stitch    3. Decoration and ornament    4. Needlework - Embroidery    5. Patterns    6. Romania    7. Transylvania    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    9. Handicrafts   

Reviews (20)

An ideal, clear, beautiful book.
Useful for the more experienced needleworker, but also for anyone with a general interest, Techniques of Indian Embroidery offers an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in drawing on the wealth of Indian embroidery techniques, and illustrates clearly how to achieve many beautiful stitches and techniques.

A splendid record and inspiration!
Many people think of Indian embroidery as shisha (glass) work, which incorporates tiny mirrors into rich, colourful embroidered patterns. Particular to India, this embroidery technique is thought to have been developed by the wife of Shah Jahan; he built the Taj Mahal at Agra in her honour. Shisha is covered in this book, together with many other techniques, all illustrated with splendid examples. Sections cover embroidery stitches; quilting, darning and pattern-darning; counted-thread work; whitework; metal work; embroidery with a hook; and applique and patchwork. A section at the back gives diagrams of the stitches used, but the main use of this book is as a splendid record and inspiration, tracing the origins and techniques used for centuries in India to adorn clothes, homes, temples and animals. But this is no dry history book; it is written in a very practical, interesting way.

Using stitches effectively - all the help you need!
Professor Anne Morrell, formerly Anne Butler, has chosen twenty of the most popular embroidery stitches, and her aim is to show not only how to work them, but also how to USE them effectively in finished pieces of embroidery, either on their own or in combination with other stitches. Each stitch there is a working diagram, an explanatory text and a photograph of the stitch in progress. This introductory page is followed by a series of photographs showing examples of the stitch in use, some historical, others from the work of contemporary embroiderers; all serve to illustrate the rich variety of effects which can be obtained with one stitch. The basic techniques and materials necessary for embroidery are explained in an introduction, together with some hints for the student on how to work with a wide range of stitches. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorative arts    5. Embroidery    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. India    8. Needlework - Embroidery   

Reviews (1)

A real worth of your collections
I am always fascinated with Helen's works. This one particular. I should say her technique is not that complicated and subtle compared to Chinese SuZhou embroidery's. But her ways of interpreting country creatures like flowers, plants, birds, animals are so vivid that they seem to come to life. Her stitches are just like impressionists' stroke, which capture the every essential piece of natural beauty. I love her landscape works especially. I regret not seeing so many landscape works in this book, but her two works of the same scene in late spring and early winter already ensnare my heart and I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves embroidery and nature. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Embroidery    5. Embroidery   

Reviews (2)

Beautiful silk embroidery!
This book is FULL of color photos of Ms. Stevens' lovely embroidery with plenty of sketches to help in making your own.A short summary of techniques and tools are discussed at the end of the book.This is amonumental achievement, and not her only one!A wonderful andinspirational way to spend many afternoons. The embroidery is almost alldone in silk, with some wool, and lots of suggestions for doing your ownwork.

Beautiful pictures of exquisite silk thread embroidery.
The book contains beautiful representations offlowers, birds, butterflies done in delicate silk thread stitches.The book was published in England and printed in Germany. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Embroidery   

Reviews (1)

Great source of ideas
This was my first Kaye Pyke book and it is well loved as well as used. I was lucky to attend one of her courses many years ago now but the skills are easy to obtain through the instructions in this book. This book has been an inspiration for many of my own projects and is great for the beginner ribbon embroiderer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Embroidery   

Reviews (1)

Inspirational Embroidery Ideas!!!
This is an absolutely amazing book.As a moderately experienced embroiderer and fiber arts person, I mostly drew inspiration and instruction from the many color pictures, not just of the author's embroideries, but those of her students!The embroideries pictured are just stunning. What is truly impressive is just how technically simple this embroidery style is.She does provide very complete instructions on the stitches (straight stitches, french knots, and lazy daisies are about as complicated as it gets) but mostly this book is about ideas and artistry.She provides complete directions on one example, but then clearly she wants you to branch out and embroider your own gardens and landscapes.And I was able to!I'm not the greatest artist, but using this book I've been able to create original embroidery designs that look almost as good as those in the book!If you are getting a little tired of cross-stitch or following other people's designs, this is the book for you! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Embroidery    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Embroidery   

Subjects:  1. Animal forms    2. Art Needlework    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Decoration and ornament    5. Embroidery    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework - Embroidery    8. Patterns    9. Plant forms   

Reviews (4)

great book
This book has alot of how to for learning. The picture are easy to see and understand. A great book for someone just starting. I have quilted for years and still learn new ideas.

Great Applique Book
This is one of the nicest applique books I have found on 3 dimensional applique.Beautiful work, clear instructions and great ideas.I highly recommend it.

my favorite applique reference
I do mostly applique quilts.This book has the best set of amazingly realistic flowers and other items from nature that I've seen.It's easy to incorporate items into a design of your own.I think they work because of the easy blending of applique and embroidery techniques.. whatever works. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Quilts & Quilting   

Reviews (3)

Lush designs...definitely not for the novice
Bradley's book is filled with beautiful tapestries, a history of needlepoint (or Berlinwork as it was orginally called) and wonderful graphs of the designs.With all of the different shades used in each project, this is definitely not for the novice.One annoyance about the book--she features photos of projects that aren't in the book!However, they are available in the kits she designs and in other books.

awesome,a joy to read
I collect medieval tapestry needlepoint and am always happy to find a book such as this.Unfortunately the copy I found was at the public library so I didn'thave time to do any of the projects before Ihad to return thebook.The projects look absolutely beautiful and the history attached toeach was very interesting.

The charts in this book are a marvel in the use of color.
Elizabeth Bradley has written a masterpiece for the needlepointer who loves beautifully muted colors and traditional English design. As usual, Ms. Bradley begins with an informative introduction giving the history of Victorian canvaswork and then proceeds to give the reader a real feast with her adaptions of historical motifs. Among the choice offerings are The Parrot, The Spring Basket of Flowers, Barley Twists and Cornflowers, Rose and Primula Border, and Patchwork Pieces. The projects are suitable for the intermediate to advanced needlepointer. This is probably one of the premier needlepoint books in print today and should not be missed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Canvas embroidery    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlepoint    7. Needlework    8. Needlework - Needlepoint    9. Needlework, Victorian    10. Patterns    11. Embroidery    12. Non-Classifiable   

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Arts And Crafts    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - General    7. Embroidery   

Reviews (1)

New Challange for using my Embroidery Machine
Was not aware that you could do Embroidery work on paper until I received this book. Can make greeting cards, Scrapbook Pages, Picture Frames and a large number of other prodjects which I intend to persue as soon as I can find the time. A real fun book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Paper Crafts    8. Papercrafts    9. Quilts & Quilting    10. Embroidery   

Reviews (4)

A FABULOUS needlepoint resource!
I bought this book in order to make a truly unique seat cover for a vintage chair. The photos are great, the charts easy to follow and there is even a list of colors needed in both wool and DMC floss, depending on your preference. The results were fabulous. And this is only the second needlepoint project I've done in my life. I've bought a second book by Ms. Serena called Berlin Work and I'm looking forward to a third with Animal designs. If you're looking for some truly historical designs, this is the book for you. If you can find my website, there are pictures of my chair there. m. LAIUPPA

A must-have source of original needlework designs
This book is the best source I have found for original designs. Anyone looking for extremely detailed and diverse designs would enjoy this book. Most of the designs could be used directly from the photos of the charts.This book is magnificent! Truly different than any other needlepoint book Ihave seen, well worth purchasing. There is enough material to last alifetime of stiching!

The finest collection of patterns and examples available.
This is the finest collection of charted historical embroidery patterns I have ever encountered.The illustration articles and patterns are of exceptional qualityand extremely well reproduced - many of the originalpainted patterns appear in a size one can work from as easily astheselection of black and white patterns produced for the book. We can onlyhope that Raffaella Serena will produce more works of this calibre. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Needlework - General    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Vienna    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Ludwig Nowotny (Firm)    7. Embroidery    8. European history: c 1750 to c 1900    9. Art Needlework    10. Patterns    11. 19th century    12. History    13. Antiques/Collectibles    14. Austria    15. Biedermeier (Art)    16. Canvas embroidery   

Reviews (3)

Painting with Thread
Lovely photos of a very knowledgeable artist's embroidery techniques.Inspiration galore.Glad to add this book to my library.

gorgeous work
I love the author's loose free style and the photography of the embroidery is excellent, with many, many full-sized photos. The cover photo of the multi-colored dog is representational of the work on the inside. Nice section on inspiration. My main quibble is that there is very, very little instruction for the actual stitching: five pages (mostly pictures) are it. Too much space is wasted on line drawings of the author's own work. Rather thin for the price, but beautifully executed.

A bold, colorful yet somewhat abstract flavor pervades
Painting With Stitches: Creating Freestyle Embroidery By Hand is a guide deftly prepared by Sue Dove for advanced embroiderers seeking to create a needlecraft project unrestricted by rigid motifs. A bold, colorful yet somewhat abstract flavor pervades the example embroidered creations, which adapt original artwork to fabric and are displayed with appealing photography. The "materials and techniques" tutorial is informative but brief, with most of Painting With Stitches being devoted to the sample vivid art creations and diagrams that captivate the imagination. A superb guide and a highly recommended source of inspiration for any experienced embroiderer who is looking to create something daring and different. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Embroidery    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Needlework - General    8. Patterns    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework   

Reviews (2)

Exceeded my expectations
This book features some unique and beatiful designs, such as a pattern for an evening bag called "Bird of Paradise" and a rather nifty handbag called "All Roses". There's patterns for everything from totes, drawstring bags, handbags, evening bags, and a couple of whimsical designs for a little girl's first purse.
Outstanding beginners book
If you're looking for a book to teach you how to make bags, this book is a great choice -- even if you don't do embroidery. The book describes how to make 16 classic styles with clear, complete instructions and full-size patterns.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Embroidery   

Reviews (2)

Easy for beginner, yet complicated patterns also !
This book is diverse within types of patterns from Southwestern to tummbling teddybears to a gentle lilac, one can imangine the softness and feel of these through the pictures. Ideas on color and finishing are veryclear and opportuninites for different projects just make laundy, groceryshopping, cleaning and those special cleaning projects just seem lessimportant in the long run. With results of lovely peices to grace thatfavorite easy chair, or over the back of sofa along with matching pillows.Such a quiet lovely hobby, not difficult, and I am convinced could help towoman keep her sanity in todays instant paced world. A good take alongproject while waiting for summer trains, planes and endless swimminglessons, baseball practices and the constant parade of "things"that keep us on the run. Now I can take my own piece of mind around with methese projects, a walkman and a diet coke! Let's here it for woman'ssurvival!

Easy for beginner, yet complicated patterns also !
This book is diverse within types of patterns from Southwestern to tummbling teddybears to a gentle lilac, one can imangine the softness and feel of these through the pictures. Ideas on color and finishing are veryclear and opportuninites for different projects just make laundy, groceryshopping, cleaning and those special cleaning projects just seem lessimportant in the long run. With results of lovely peices to grace thatfavorite easy chair, or over the back of sofa along with matching pillows.Such a quiet lovely hobby, not difficult, and I am convinced could help towoman keep her sanity in todays instant paced world. A good take alongproject while waiting for summer trains, planes and endless swimminglessons, baseball practices and the constant parade of "things"that keep us on the run. Now I can take my own piece of mind around with methese projects, a walkman and a diet coke! Let's here it for woman'ssurvival! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    3. Crafts & Hobbies / Weaving    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Needlework - General    7. Embroidery    8. Folk art    9. Needlework    10. Patterns    11. Swedish    12. Weaving   

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Design - Textile & Costume    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Quilt Making    8. Quilts & Quilting    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Embroidery    10. Embroidery    11. Quiltmaking    12. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes   

Reviews (1)

Not all garden.
Not all patterns in this book are flowers, there are also woodland animals, lovely wedding pictures/samplers and many large projects that will require some endurance to finish. Afghans, pillows, and smaller items likefruits and vegetables for jar covers and ornaments. If you like nature thisis a great pattern book to own. One can easily take out single items fromthe large patterns to embellish towels or bags. A nice book, typically withthe patterns in a small print that will have to be enlarged for easierstitching. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animal forms    2. Art Needlework    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Cross-stitch    5. Decoration and ornament    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework - Embroidery    8. Patterns    9. Plant forms   

Reviews (1)

Gorgeous designs
This book is a wonderful addition to anyone's heirloom or children's clothing book library.The dresses are absolutely beautiful.I made a double scalloped collar from the book.The directions arewonderful and easy to follow.The pictures are absolutely exquisite.I can't wait to make another outfit from this book.My daughter loves her special dress and very fancy collar.I love this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Embroidery    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Embroidery    5. Patterns    6. Silk ribbon embroidery    7. Smocking   

Reviews (8)

Hawaiian Quilting - Elizabeth Root
Very well constructed book, with excellent drawings of patterns and thorough instructions included.There are additional graphics depicting suggested quilting ideas, which, for the novice hawaiian quilter, such as myself, is an excellent tool to create an outstanding finished result.Her patterns are full sized so you do not need to re-size the patterns to use them.You can trace or copy them for use.Overall, an excellent hawaiian quilting instruction book.

An Hawaiian Quilting Must!
I found this book to be absolutely great!!There is a great variety of easy, medium, and more challenging blocks to complete in this book.Also, there is a good variety of designs amongst the blocks.Each block is represented in color on the front and back covers.The rest of the book is in black and white.Root also gives you an idea of how each block could be quilted.Although I only have 1 thing that I would change, and it's probably just my own personal curiousity but nonetheless, I wish the blocks had a little tid bit of their own history saying why that design came to be immortalized in a quilt.The book still deserves 5 stars!

Very Good!!!
I wasn't sure what to expect when I was waiting for this book to arrive. When I got it, I was pleasantly surprised. The color pictures are pictured to show the beautiful finished patterns. There's a nice how-to section in the beginning of the book. It also has a page of supplies you need to start. This makes it much easier to understand the whole process. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hawaii    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Patterns    6. Quilting    7. Quilts & Quilting    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Quilts & Quilting    9. Embroidery    10. Patchwork & applique    11. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (1)

Thanks Darlene!
Ordered this book the first day available.Well written, lots of great pictures, very easy to follow and understand - like Darlene's presentations on HSN.This is pretty basic stuff but since Darlene could sell me sand by the truckload (insofar as sewing) in the middle of the Sahara, well, 'nuff said.Cannot wait until she gets a DVD ready for sale.I just always wonder why, as personable, friendly, helpful, and knowledgable as she is, she stays with this terrible line of products (Euro-Pro) when she could easily speak for any of the top of the line machine companies. Just as good as I hoped for, but be advised - pretty basic stuff.As always, thanks Darlene, and keep those tips coming! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dress accessories    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Household linens    6. Sewing    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Embroidery    8. Needlecraft art (eg lace, quilts, etc as art objects)    9. Needlework & fabric crafts