Reviews (2)

30 charming samplers
Many of the samplers in this book are reproductions stitched on linen.Each has a brief history of who stitched it and when, a sharp color photo of the framed sampler (original or new), size, materials, directions,symbols and a black and white chart.The samplers feature assortedalphabets, verses and formal motifs.There is a page of locations of theoriginal samplers, with addresses and phone numbers to arrange visits. Each has a note of what collection it is in.Many of the samplers areperfect as beginning projects, and others require a higher level of skill. There are 2 pages of the variety of stitches used, including: cross,eyelet, rice, star, rococo, slant, buttonhole, chain and working with atambour hook.The motifs are quite inspirational to stitch from the chartsor create individual samplers from a combination of ideas.

A lovely gathering of history!
I bought "Historic Samplers" when it was first offered.So far, I have stitched three of the samplers.The photos are truly great, and the directions are clear enough for most beginning stitchers.Read more

Subjects:  1. 18th century    2. Art Needlework    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Cross-stitch    5. History    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework    8. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    9. Needlework - Embroidery    10. Patterns    11. Samplers    12. United States    13. Decorative arts & crafts    14. Tapestry-making    15. USA   

Reviews (1)

A must for embroidery enthusiasts
A delightful well illustrated work, the embroidery is superb and the inclusion of thoughts on English country life is well worth the purchase alone. I recomend this book to all embroidery enthusiasts and ex Brits too! ... Read more

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

Reviews (3)

Fantastic beginners book
This is definately a fantastic book for beginners looking at starting this craft. The book gives you a clear description of the tools you should look at obtaining, then with an embroidery hoop I completed my first piece in two evenings and it looks great! It doesn't have a lot of designs, but has all the basic stitches (step by step) and plenty of inspiration. One design is worked in three different colour combinations and stitch styles giving you all the background you need to start off with Crewel Embroidery.

Great BEGINNERS book
I really want to emphasise the title. Very basic but equally effective and the projects grow quickly. After you master these I would suggest the A-Z of Crewel Emroidery from Country Bumpkin - more projects and techniques but you'll have the basics already! Definitely worth the price of the book to get you started.

Could be much better
I bought this book to brush up on my crewel work.I found the pictures and explanations of the stitches quite poor. One stitch I have forgotten and cannot remember it by the lack of detail in the instructions.Also, many stitches are missing,a beginner should look for a better book. The pictures of completed works are very nice and once you learn the stitches should be easy for a beginner.This part is worth the price of the book. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

The delicate complexity of embroidered florals cascading down a lapel, over a pillow, or around a soft hat is here distilled into clear, easily understood steps. The book's foundation supplies, techniques, and a detailed step-by-step guide to about 20 stitches leads us smoothly through the preliminaries and on to 25 projects ranging from accessories to wearables to home decor to special occasions. Each project occupies at least a double-page spread and comes with a complete list of supplies and full instructions. The stitches themselves truly aren't very complicated, but the accumulation of individual elements as the embroidery progresses yields some very lovely results. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Embroidery    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Patterns    7. Silk ribbon embroidery    8. Technique   

Reviews (6)

You won't go wrong with this book!
This is a marvelous book.It covers everything you have ever wanted to know about dragonflies.There are loads of patterns for several different projects and the instructions for each are wonderful - very complete and detailed.
Oh!How wonderful!
This book is lovely and inspiring.Though i am a biologist and not a great needleworker, I just had to have this book.I immediately tried one and have GREAT respect for the author and those who can do a good job of this.It took me two full days to do a variable damselfly with detached wings but it was fun and so worth it.Lovely, lovely!Can't wait to do more.

Mostworthly
I brought this book for the pure interested in dragonflies. Notfully understanding that it was an book about embroidey. However this book , is not only very beautiful , but iswell writtern as well.It'sworth every penny !If you never embroidey and love dragonflies,this book is a perfect start.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dragonflies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Stump work    7. COMPUTERS - WEB DESIGN TRD PB    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Embroidery    9. Embroidery   

Subjects:  1. Clothing and dress measurement    2. Clothing and dress measurements    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Dressmaking    6. Fashion    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Patterns    9. Sewing    10. Tailoring    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Sewing    12. Embroidery    13. Handicrafts   

Reviews (2)

The Magic of Free-Machine Embroidery
Good read.I enjoyed the techniques, the color, and lots of pictures.Very good for anyone wanting to get into this sewing technique.It makes you want to pull out the machine and get started. Would recommend.

Beautiful Book for Looking or Learning
As I've stated in other reviews, I've been doing freehand machine embroidery for 20 years, back when books on the subject were basically nonexistent.My background has been more heavily in applique and thread painting.Read more

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

Reviews (1)

My favourite Mountmellick book
This book has some of the best stitch diagrams and instructions that I have ever seen! It has instructions for knitting the fringe, and 15 gorgeous projects. I don't know which one to do first! The projects presented are in historically accurate traditional style - which is important!
Read more

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

Reviews (8)

A beautiful book
I enjoy this book and similiar ones that are based on a Waldorf-education approach to crafting. The projects are well-explained and useful as well as beautiful. "Kids Embroidery" is a down-to-earth book of crafting with easy to follow directions.

Excellent Embroidery Book
I recently purchased the how-to-book of Kids Embroidery, by Kristin Nicholas. It's terrific.The book is descriptive with step by step lessons on how to make an embroidery project.I have 3 girls, elementary school age that can follow the directions in the book.It's exciting to see the vivid photos of multi-cultural children in the book, as well as the illustrations of how-to's.I would recommend this embroidery book for anyone who'd like to give a gift to a child or adult, buy for themselves, or donate to a teacher's classroom for projects during school.This book will keep the kids busy for hours, and in the end, they'll have crafted a beautiful project as a gift or for themselves.

Fun Fun Fun!And not just for kids...
I've been a fan of Kristen's work for years.Her knitting patterns are fun and beautiful, so imagine my delight when I stumbled upon this book!This easy-to-follow book offers instructions on all of the different stitches that can be used to make all of the different colorful, creative, and innovative patterns she has designed.I'm 35 and I'm set to try my hand at this cool craft! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts & Hobbies - General    4. Crafts for Children    5. Embroidery    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Juvenile literature    8. Needlework - Embroidery    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Crafts for Children    10. Needlework & stitchcraft   

Reviews (2)

Not what I expected
Michler provides in her book exactly what the title announces so I shouldn't have expected more. There are many transfer patterns with the basic instructions. I was hoping for some suggestions for projects. If you are looking for lots of designs to transfer this is a good value for the money.

A real gem for all needleworkers ...even the novices!
Having purchased and used J. Marsha Michler's "Ribbon Embroidery" book, I was thrilled to find " Shadow Work Embroidery : With 108 Iron-On Transfer Patterns"Read more

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

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

Reviews (2)

Great Designs
I bought this because Lesley's book "Beginner's Guide to Blackwork" was so wonderful.And this book did not disappoint, either--more great designs, and a wonderful resource for anyone interested in blackwork, or Holbein, or antique needlework techniques in general.

An excellent resource
I started doing blackwork because of this author's previous blackwork book. That one left me wanting more, and I'm glad Lesley obliged! Excellent photos of completed work face a crisp grid with the pattern on it. I especially like how she discussed how to get ideas to create your own patterns (e.g., she explains how she got some ideas from the layout of formal English gardens!). I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

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

Reviews (5)

Great Book
I really love this book!It has a bunch of fun fresh designs for more novice embrioders.I first rented this from the Library and I loved it so much that I bought it!I highly suggest this book!

Excellent resource
The projects in this book are simple, but elegant.Just a little bit of work adds a personal touch to anything in the home.Also wonderful ideas for gifts.

Beautiful Dreaming!
This is a wonderful book for beginners, or those like myself whose skills from childhood are extremely rusty. The projects are beautifully photographed and encourage you to dream of the beauty you can create with very simple stitches artfully done! This would make a great gift. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decorating    5. Embroidery    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. House furnishings    8. Interior design    9. Needlework - Embroidery    10. Patterns    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Decorating    12. Home furnishing & decoration    13. Needlework & fabric crafts    14. Textile arts   

Reviews (2)

Very useful book for any embroiderer
The title of this book is rather deceptive in that you certainly don't need to be adventurous or daring to find this book helpful.I do sedate landscapes and found his book an excellent guide.Basically, if you do the least bit of original design in your work - altering an element or two, changing colors around - or if you do whole original works (but haven't actually gone to art school) this book is extremely useful.It covers the basics of design and color with a focus on the embroiderer or fiber artist.You can do all the suggested activities in the book in order as a complete design course, or pick and choose sections as needed.If you wonder why some of your works look great and others look, well, not as great, this book is for you.

Open your embroidery to new dimensions
I have been lucky enough to get a copy of this book to review for BellOnline Embroidery site.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Embroidery    5. Embroidery    6. Handicrafts    7. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games   

Reviews (1)

For embroidery practitioners in search of inspiration
Helen M. Stevens' World Of Embroidery is the fifth collection of famed needlecrafter Helen M. Stevens' masterful and enchanting works of embroidery. Gorgeous, full-color photographs showcase her superb stitching craft, along with detailed descriptions of the natural flora and fauna that inspire her works. Helen M. Stevens' World Of Embroidery is a joy to page through, and especially recommended reading for embroidery practitioners in search of inspiration for their own needlecrafting efforts. ... Read more

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

Reviews (1)

Swedish Weaving
I have been looking for patterns for Swedish Weaving on Monk's cloth.This book features beautiful patterns with detailed instructions on how to weave their patterns.It starts with beginners patterns and ends withadvanced patterns.My 12 year old daughter has never tried this before andwas able to follow the pattern instructions given and enjoys this now.Read more

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

Reviews (1)

DecoSerging - Decorative Serging Techniques
I have read several books on serging, and I rank this in the top.Notonly does it give techniques, but it explains the various parts of theserger and what they do and how they can be used to vary your results. Tension on the serger has always been a problem for me.In her book, Aprilexplains not what the tension should be, but shows clear pictures on howthe results should look, since it differs according to fabric being used. After explaining the serger, she goes over different threads, and whycertain ones are better for using in different parts of the serger thanothers, and which needles to use with them.Then, she goes over severaltechniques of decorative stitches.Step-by-step directions are given alongwith clear pictures.I would recommend "Deco Serging" for anyoneowning a serger that, like I was at first, may be afraid of the machine, orsomeone that may want to do more with theirs than they realized it woulddo. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Serging    6. Sewing    7. Embroidery   

Reviews (8)

A treasure;many hours of enjoyment
Somehow the authors of this book have managed to provide inspiration and valuable information to beginners as well as experts in needlecraft.The authors display examples of the very best of the art of embroidery.It is wonderful to see what can be done in this gentle craft, and they are also provide a beginner's example of the essential technique.The visuals in the book are lovely and the instructions are clear and helpful. If you buy just one book on embroidery, I think this has to be your choice.Many hours of enjoyment in just one book.

Wonderful Things!
This is a wonderful book. I can't believe how much technique they packed into so few pages. This is not a '70's artsycrafty "You Too Can Do This Useless Little Project" book. This shows how the various techniques are done and shows one particular design done in all the different ways. You really get an idea of the contrast of the different effects. Then the creative part is up to you. You find a design you like or design something of your very own and then pick the technique you want to use to show it off to best advantage. Creative beginners can use this book. There are no yarn pictures of Sun Bonnet Sue in this book, it is beautiful embroidery and how to do it, then it let's you be creative!!!

Minority Dissenter
I got this book used for well under the retail price. Now I feel guilty after reading all those glowing reviews. I don't deserve this book! What can I say? I don't like it. Mainly it's that I don't find the projects very inspiring. My use of embroidery tends toward embellishing clothing and linens. This book is for someone who wants to paint a picture with embroidery, or do a whole pillow or footstool. There's nothing wrong with that, it's just not what I had in mind. I like a book more like Mary Thomas's, where you get inspired to use the designs for your own purposes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Embroidery    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. BG-TRANSPORTATION - BG-AUTO    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Embroidery   

Subjects:  1. Alphabets    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Embroidery    4. Monograms    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Needlework - General    7. Patterns    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    9. History of art & design styles: c 1800 to c 1900    10. Needlecraft art (eg lace, quilts, etc as art objects)   

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