Reviews (5)

I loved every page
This book is a wonderful guide for the beginner such as myself to ribbon embroidery and stumpwork. Along with lovely ideas for ribbon embroidery, it taught me the stumpwork basics such as making wired stems, that are raised and attached to the design, and it shows how to make stumpwork leaves and petals, such as Fuchsia leaves and the Pansy petals.Little insect wings like the butterfly and dragonfly have detached wired wings that are made separately and then stitched to the design. Other stumpwork techniques are shown, such as how to work over beads, and how to make padded shapes (the little basket for the orange tree for instance). The stumpwork slips for the hydrangeas are super for forming round, raised flowers. This book teaches one how to combine easy stumpwork techniques with beautiful ribbon embroidered flowers and I recommend it for the beginner to both ribbon embroidery and stumpwork.
For the beginner
This is a good resource for the beginner in silk ribbon embroidery. There is not much of value for the experienced stitcher. And there is very little stumpwork. I think it is misleading to give stumpwork equal weight in the title.

Great projects
This book was "hot" on the silk ribbon embroidery list I subscribe to. Individual directions, with explicit color pictures, give instructions for each design. These designs can be used exactly as the author has pictured them or for more experienced stitchers, incorporated into one's own design. Beautiful book for beginner or experienced ribbon embroiderer. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Frequently, the appeal of a particular sewing project is greatly influenced by the fabric itself, and the appeal of the fabric is often linked to its visual and physical texture. Read more

Reviews (3)

On the Surface - OK
I found this book rather 1-dimensional and not particularly inspiring. There is only 1 basic technique covered in this book, and the examples are all of the "cute, folksy, boxy" variety, for the most part worked in cotton. Examples include cute, folksy, boxy women's clothing; cute, folksy, boxy home-dec items; cute, folksy, boxy girl's clothing...I was hoping to find some more elegant examples, some different techniques, some different textures, some different fabrics used. A Wonderfully Creative Approach to Quilting and Sewing
Loved it!This book takes quilting to a higher level, and yet the technique of thread embellishment is quite uncomplicated.I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in a unique approach to quilting or addingan extra dimension to their sewing - a very special book!

Wonderful technique for creating new textures
This fun book - thanks to Wendy's terrific sense of humor - shows how to create interesting fabric creations from what you have. Enables you to totally change a fabric into something else. Great ideas for using all theexciting threads available now.Only thing lacking is more projects.Hopethere's a sequel. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Design - Textile & Costume    4. Fancy work    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Machine sewing    7. Needlework - General    8. Sewing    9. Textile Arts - General    10. Textile Fabrics    11. Textile design    12. Texture (Art)    13. Decorative arts & crafts    14. Embroidery   

Reviews (5)

Ditto
I agree with all the glowing comments of previous reviewers. This is my new favorite book; this is the first review I've ever written, so you know I feel strongly about this! Favorite features: straightforward presentation of info, extremely clear pictures. I'm off to buy her other book ("Traditional Blackwork Samplers") right now.

The best book I own
I have not let go of this book since I purchased it one week ago. Lesley Wilkins makes learning blackwork simple and addictive!
A Great Introductory Book to Blackwork!
I've just started doing a blackwork project, because I found a free chart on the Classic Stitches (based in Scotland) website, and now I'm hooked.The author did a very good job on presenting different fill-in stitches, borders, and motifs.I did not like the finished pieces he used as examples as well as finished pieces that I've seen in other books, but there are so many motifs to choose from that you could easily create your own samplers.The examples he used of finished pieces are so clear, that you can see the little blocks in the material.You could work right off from the example without even needing a corresponding chart to go with it. It is an excellent introductory book, and I will use it for years to come. ... Read more

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

Reviews (3)

Exquisite and artistic bags
I agree with other reviewers that this shape of book is not the easiest to read, but I flattened my copy and put a weight on it to hold it open while working... no big deal.It's what's inside that counts!
great stuff, bad format
I have to first say that the photos and projects in this book, as well as the others in the Beadwork series, are gorgeous.They are not your typical jewelry items:they show unique colors and mixtures and ideas.Love that part.What I hate about the book is the format...it is long and skinny with a tough spine.In other words, extremely difficult to hold, much less do a project from.It's so narrow that the inside page closest to the spine often cuts off certain words.I tried going to office max to have one drilled to be loose leaf, with the spine cut off, but it still makes for awkward work. Why they couldn't make this a full size book with a lay flat spine is beyond me.

Designed to appeal to all levels of beadworkers
Jean Campbell edits Beaded Bags, a survey of 30 bag projects designed to appeal to all levels of beadworkers. These aren't just the usual rectangular bags; they are especially notable projects in presenting a diversity of bag styles and designs, from clutches and drawstring purses to wrist bags and market bags. Techniques range from embroidery and loom weaving to bead crochet, with plenty of colorful photos and step-by-step clear instructons. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Fashion    6. Handbags    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Needlework - Crocheting    9. Needlework - Embroidery    10. Textile Arts - General    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Embroidery    12. Handicrafts   

Reviews (1)

I enjoyed every word I wrote in this book.
As the author,I have struggled for years to sew left-handed with right-handed products.I'm very sincere in helping others sew,especially those who are left-handed.This is a great book to give to someone who issewing for the first time or has sewn all his/her life.On my PBS TV show, The New Keeping You In Stitches,my students and I often mentionleft-handed vs. right-handed.I hope you enjoy this book written out oflove. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Embroidery    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Left-handed techniques    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Sewing   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Techniques - Painting    4. Art / Painting    5. Embroidery    6. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes    7. Textile arts   

Editorial Review

The ancient Japanese art of Read more

Reviews (4)

beautiful Instructions
This book is wonderful. It provides full instructions for making temari with photo illustration. This book is excellent for beginners that have never tried doing temari. Everything is written in an easy and understandable format. Even my 15 year old girl could make one all by herself

best diagrams
nearly twenty years ago, i bought a temari ball in little tokyo in los angeles.i was fascinated, but had no idea of how to learn.(not living in l.a., looking for instruction in little tokyo was a non-starter.)i was thrilled several years ago to find a temari instruction book. Clear Instructions
As a beginner to the craft of Temari I must say that I found this book to be very clear and concise with easy to follow instructions and some excellent hints to make the constructon of the basic mari very easy toattain.Also appreciated was the instructons on making tassels etc. to addthe finishing touches to the completed ball.All in all I would heartilyrecomend this book as an excellent beginners manual. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorative balls    4. Embroidery    5. Fancy work    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Japan    8. Needlework - Embroidery    9. Crafts & Hobbies / General    10. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB   

Reviews (2)

Pretty but not enough
This book is pretty but not enough information or patterns for the medium to advance embroiderer.

Three Dimensional Embroidery Stitches
I found the book full of new stitches as well as adding color. Watercolor is amazing on fabric, with new watercolor crayons and just a light touch. The imformation on the needle stitching is wonderful and a new way of design.
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Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Embroidery   

Editorial Review

Fans of cross-stitch and of homemade Christmas decorations will be doubly thrilled with this pattern-packed volume. From angels to Santas, colorful wreaths to ice-skating penguins, you're bound to find something to your liking here. Each of the many designs is fully charted in color; many are also shown completed, made into lovely shadow boxes, sachets, pin cushions, trinket boxes, and framed pictures. There are also hundreds of stitchable quotations celebrating the joys of the season. Religious and secular imagery are both given their due: nativity scenes, crosses, carolers, snowmen, toys, ornaments, and, of course, the entire cast of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." Read more

Reviews (4)

Great "Quick and Easy" designs!
This book is full of wonderful designs that are a snap to work up.I used scraps of cross stitch fabric and left over floss to make small designs that I sewed into gift bags made from Christmas fabric.There are so many wonderful designs it is hard to pick out a favorite. They also make great package ties and the designs can be grouped on a larger piece of fabric to make a nice wall hanging.This book gets used every year and I still have many more I want to stitch.Sam Hawkins is a talented designer.

Great designs, but NO mention of measurements!!
This is a great book with beautiful designs and illustrations. One thing a cross-stitcher looks for (after) he/she looks at the pictures is what the measurements of the picture will be. No where in this book is there mentionof what size (in grid form) the design is or what size it would be finishedin various size material. Why is this?

A hit or miss book
Although some of the designs are lovely, on the whole they are nothing most people would want to spend time doing.On the other hand, the designs for the Twelve Days of Christmas are delightful as are the letters that youcan stitch. Some of the santas and other people are mis-shapened and lookodd, but others are very nice.It is very much a 50/50 hit or miss book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas decorations    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Cross-stitch    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    7. Patterns    8. Sewing    9. Christmas books    10. Embroidery   

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

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Appliquâe    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Patchwork    7. Patterns    8. Quilting    9. Quilts & Quilting    10. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY PRESCHOOL    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Quilts & Quilting    12. Embroidery    13. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (1)

Abeginners look at hardanger
This is my first book on hardanger after doing some basic stitches from a kit.I am excited by the many projects in this book because they are so different from the usual table runners, etc. that I've seen in other books.The pictures of the projects are great and there are clear pictures of the completed stitches in both the stitches section and projects section.However, there are some problems with the instructions on how to complete some of the stitches. I became very frustrated with one of them in the stitches section and even though there were better instructions in the project section, at least one stitch never was explained very well.I have not yet done any of the projects, but am truly looking forward to doing some of them.I am glad I purchased the book for the beautiful projects. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hardanger needlework    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Embroidery    7. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB   

Reviews (2)

Color on Color by Janet Haigh
From its striking cover, through to the stunning photography, and the colourful and informative step by step illustrations, this book is exciting and inspirational.The projects are contemporary and stylish but well explained and illustrated. The colours, as the title suggests, are bright and vibrant .The book is well laid out in easy to follow projects, with additional technical help in the form of line drawings at the end of each chapter.This is one of the mostexciting craft books I have come across for a long time.

I expect better from Interweave
Simple is definitely the word to describe this book. The photography is gorgeous and the pictures take up most of the space. The projects are contrived and poorly explained for beginners. A mix of retro hippie/today's young hip designs. There isn't one project that interests me nor is there any inspiration to be taken from these designs. I expect better books from Interweave Press. This one is a disappointment. ... Read more

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

Subjects:  1. Hobbies/Crafts    2. Embroidery   

Reviews (1)

My Favorite!
This is my favorite cross-stitch book. I have several, and this is the one I have done the most projects out of. Even though this is out of print, it is definitely worth it to have this book found for purchase. You will lovethis book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Cross-stitch    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    6. Patterns   

Reviews (1)

Raffaella Serena has out-done herself with this book!
This is a wonderful book!Like her other books, it is filled with page after page of colorful Berlin work charts, in differentRead more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Needlework - Embroidery    5. Textiles & Costume    6. Antiques & collectables: carpets, rugs & textiles    7. Austria    8. Embroidery    9. Exhibition catalogues and specific collections    10. Needlecraft art (eg lace, quilts, etc as art objects)    11. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (2)

Excellent
Wonderful sampler of samplers.Excellent photos, good writeups.

Samplers Through the Centuries
This book was produced to accompany the special exhibit of samplers at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts in the spring of 2000 and contains photographs of the samplers in the exhibition.Beginning with a brief history of samplers and with a sampler for every letter of the alphabet, it includes such treasures as a sampler fragment (1300) excavated in Egypt, a band sampler from Britain (mid 1600s), a Dutch darning sampler (1813), American pictorial samplers, exquisite Ayrshire work from Scotland and a splendid embroidered Mexican landscape sampler (see cover of book).For those who were unable to visit the exhibit, it is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a variety of samplers, from many countries, exquisitely stitched over a period of 500 years. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Design - Textile & Costume    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    6. Embroidery    7. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design   

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

Reviews (7)

Advanced embroidery
This book is for those that understand stitchery with ease. The designs are really good to use with anything, even making bookmarks. This book is for the advanced cross stitcher, or embroiderer.

Mixed Reviews
I like the designs, but the total black and white with tiny blocks makes the patterns hard to read. The designs are good, but lacking in color, so if you feel like playing around with them a bit, this is a great book - especially considering the price. Otherwise, I'd probably recommend staying away from it and going with a more expensive, though much more readable and more colorful alternative.

Great book; great price
WOW!For the price this book is absolutely wonderful.All the patterns are in black & white, but it's still just as useful as most of the $...-$... celtic cross-stitch books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals in art    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decoration and ornament, Celti    5. Decoration and ornament, Celtic    6. Europe - Ireland    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Needlework    9. Needlework - Cross-Stitch    10. Patterns    11. Stuffed Animals    12. Embroidery    13. History / Ireland    14. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Design - Textile & Costume    4. Embroidery    5. Greek islands    6. Textile arts