The Art of Annemieke Mein: Wildlife Artist in Textiles is a book devoted to the wonderful creatures of Dutch-born Australian Annemieke Mein. She works in a variety of media (paint on fabric, machine embroidery, hand embroidery, fabric sculpture, beading, etc.) to create large scale and very realistic designs of the flora and fauna of Australia. This is not a project book but an inspiration book. Ms. Mein's work is exhibited and collected as fine art, and deservedly so. I have so many favorites from this book, but her frogs and birds are particularly well executed. Please note that we now have this book in a new softcover edition.
The Art of Annemieke Mein (first published 1992, 2001 edition, 159 pages, softcover) $30.00
The Embroiderer's Garden by Thomasina Beck is a wonderfully inspirational book. The author depicts both historical and modern embroidery inspired by gardens. Embroidery done in a wide variety of techniques is shown, together with source materials that may be used to inspire one's own creation (this is a design idea book, not a stitching technique book). Chapters include "Knots and Knot Gardens", "Topiary", "Using the Herbals", "Flowers and Foliage", "Water Gardens", etc. So much of the embroidery I see being done today is either a stultifying replica of antique needlework or extremely avant-garde with low standards of workmanship, but this book has many examples of needlework that are not only modern and innovative but also beautifully designed and stitched.
The Embroiderer's Garden (1988, 191 pages, soft cover) $19.95
Gardening with Silk and Gold by Thomasina Beck is a revised edition of her very first book which was published originally in 1979 titled Embroidered Gardens (it is confusing with all these books with similar titles!). New illustrations were added for this edition, including some color pictures which replace black and white pictures in the first edition. Don't be misled by the title, this book is
not specifically about embroidery with silk and metal threads. It is about a variety of
embroidery techniques which have been used over the centuries to depict gardens. This book
is organized according to historical periods in Great Britain (Elizabethan, Stewart,
Georgian, Victorian, etc.) and is beautifully illustrated.
Gardening with Silk and Gold (1997, 160 pages, hardcover) $29.95
Embroideries from an English Garden by Carol Andrews is yet another book from England on realistic floral embroidery. Unlike the books by Thomasina Beck, this is a project book, with design outlines and explicit embroidery instructions to embroider the projects. Most designs are done with DMC cotton floss; a few have accents in other types of thread. Some of the design elements are padded giving the embroidery a raised appearance somewhat akin to stumpwork. This edition is the 2005 softcover reprint of the original 1997 hardcover edition, which is now out of print.
Embroideries from an English Garden (2006, 112 pages, softcover) $36.00
Embroidered Knot Gardens by Owen Davies is a fascinating book on how to create your own three-dimensional embroidered garden (the subtitle of this book is "using three-dimensional stumpwork, canvas work & ribbonwork"). Projects in this book are created on needlepoint canvas, using a variety of materials and techniques, not all of which are traditional needlepoint techniques. It is intended that the users of this book will create their own garden design, although it is profusely illustrated with samples that can be used for inspiration. Suggestions are made for ways to stitch typical garden elements such as paths, flower beds, water features such as fountains and ponds, hedges, trees and garden walls.
Embroidered Knot Gardens (2006, 128 pages, hardcover) $24.95
Helen M. Stevens' World of Embroidery is a beautiful book from this woman who truly deserves the name Needle Artist. Chapters in this book are "Sea Fever" (designs related to water, including underwater scenes, plants and animals associated with the sea, ships, etc.); "Europa" (typically European landscapes, plants and animals); "Sands of Time" (designs of exotic locations, flora and fauna); "New Worlds" (plants and animals native to the Americas); "City Lights" (cityscapes, architecture, a 1920's sophisticated woman; "High Country" (designs from faraway, inaccessible landscapes; and "Xanadu" (includes an incredibly modern design of the earth as viewed by an astronaut on the moon, as well as mythical and magical designs of fairies, fantasy creatures, even Santa Claus!).
My favorites are still her exquisitely rendered plants and animals, but there is something in this book for all those who appreciate or want to execute representational (rather than abstract) embroidery designs. As with most of her other books (except her Master Class series), this is not a book with specific projects and directions, but rather a book to inspire those who wish to create original embroidery designs.
Helen M. Stevens' World of Embroidery (2002, 143 pages, hardcover) $29.99
Helen M. Stevens' Embroiderer's Year by Helen M. Stevens is subtitled Exquisite embroideries celebrating the ever-changing seasons. It contains one chapter for each month; each of which shows designs of appropriate flora and fauna. Like most of Ms. Stevens' books (with the exception of her Masterclass books) this book does not contain actual designs for you to stitch. Rather, it shows pictures she herself has made, with explanations of her approach when she creates her designs.
Helen M. Stevens' Embroiderer's Year (2004, 137 pages, hardcover) $29.00
The Myth and Magic of Embroidery by Helen Stevens is the fourth book by this author (the previous titles are The Embroiderer's Countryside, the Embroiderer's Country Album, and the Timeless Art of Embroidery; the first two of these are now out of print). The title of this new book indicates a theme of mythology tied in with embroidery; however, many of the designs shown in this book stand alone as realistic nature scenes without necessarily having any obvious mythological tie-ins. Her embroidery, as always, is exquisite. I particularly like her aquatic designs that portray plant and animal life both above and in the water. As with her other books this is not a "project" book but an inspiration book.
The Myth and Magic of Embroidery (1999, 144 pages, hardcover) $29.95
The Timeless Art of Embroidery by Helen Stevens shows how she creates extremely realistic pictures of plants and animals by using relatively simple stitches (mostly straight stitches and "long-and-short" stitch). The book is profusely illustrated with photos of her work as well as line drawings of some of the design elements she stitches; however, it is not a book filled with projects for you to slavishly
duplicate, but rather an inspirational book to help you create your own works of art.
The Timeless Art of Embroidery (1997, 144 pages, hardcover) $29.95
Helen M. Stevens' Embroidered Flowers by (who else?) Helen Stevens is listed as the first in a "masterclass embroidery series." Those of you who have admired the previous books by this author but been frustrated because they do not contain specific projects that you can duplicate will be pleased to know that this series is designed to explain in more detail how she plans and executes a project, from inspiration to detailed study to the actual stitching. The book contains five specific projects, with a design outline and step-by-step instructions to stitch these five projects.
Helen M. Stevens' Embroidered Flowers (originally published in hardcover in 2000, this version from 2004, 96 pages, softcover) $19.99
Helen M. Stevens' Embroidered Butterflies by Helen Stevens is the second in a "masterclass embroidery series." Similar in format to her "Embroidered Flowers" book, this book contains designs featuring butterflies with flowers. The book contains five specific projects, with a design outline and step-by-step instructions to stitch these five projects.
Helen M. Stevens' Embroidered Butterflies (2004 edition, 96 pages, softcover) $19.99
Helen Stevens' Embroidered Birds is the third in the "Masterclass" series by this renowned embroiderer. It follows a format similar to her previous two books in the series (Embroidered Flowers, now out of print, and Embroidered Butterflies, still available). It gives step by step directions to make exquisitely realistic embroidered designs featuring birds (she does not, however, specify exact threads to use but rather discusses threads in general and suggests colors by the name of the color only).
Helen M. Steven's Embroidered Birds (2003, 96 pages, hardcover) $24.99
Helen M. Stevens' Embroidered Animals is the fourth in her Masterclass series. It follows the same format as the previous three books. Animal designs in this book include wild animals and birds (squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, mice, otters and domestic animals (cats, dogs, cow) and exotic (platypus, bat and koala).
Helen M. Stevens' Embroidered Animals (2005, 96 pages, hardcover) $24.99
Stumpwork Embroidery: A Collection of Fruits, Flowers and Insects for Contemporary Raised Embroidery by Jane Nicholas is an absolutely exquisite book by a noted Australian designer and teacher. Mrs. Nicholas creates incredibly intricate raised embroideries, much of it extremely realistic, on a very small scale. The book gives very detailed instructions (including recommended materials) on how to embroider individual elements, but also includes several complete projects which it would be possible to reproduce in their entirety by following the directions. This book is not to be missed.
Stumpwork Embroidery (1995, 189 pages, hardcover) $34.95
Stumpwork Embroidery: Designs and Projects by Jane Nicholas is the second book by this author. Please note that the author states "It is assumed the the embroiderer has access to the first book...for information on all the materials and equipment used in stumpwork, and for detailed instructions on all the basic stumpwork techniques." This second book contains new projects and new design elements. Included among the new projects are several needlework accessories and gifts. There is an entire chapter devoted to different colored pansies. As with Jane's first book, Stumpwork Embroidery: A Collection of Fruits, Flowers and Insects for Contemporary Raised Embroidery, this title contains very explicit directions to embroider the designs within.
Stumpwork Embroidery: Designs and Projects (1998, 192 pages, hardcover) $24.95
The Complete Book of Stumpwork Embroideryby Jane Nicholas is a "new" book that does not contain new material. Rather, it is a combination of her two books reviewed above (Stumpwork Embroidery: A Collection of Fruits, Flowers and Insects for Contemporary Raised Embroidery and Stumpwork Embroidery: Designs and Projects). Thus those who already own those two books will most likely not have a use for the combined volume, but for those who don't, they will get all the material from both books at a reduced price.
The Complete Book of Stumpwork (2005, 399 pages, hardcover) $39.95
Stumpwork Dragonflies by Jane Nicholas is another beautifully written and illustrated book by this well-known Australian stumpwork designer and teacher. Her style of raised embroidery is extremely realistic, and in order to achieve that realism, she really studies the objects she protrays in needlework. In this book she goes into a great bit of detail about the anatomy of real dragonflies, dragonflies as they have been portrayed in needlework (primarily English) in the past, and then she gives extremely detailed instructions on how to construct a number of different real dragonfly and damselfly species. There is absolutely nothing left out in her book that you would need to know to duplicate her exquisite work.
Stumpwork Dragonflies (2000, 95 pages, hardcover) $24.95
The Stumpwork, Goldwork and Surface Embroidery Beetle Collection by Jane Nicholas is a true tour de force.
Weighing in at a massive 424 pages, all of the designs in this book are based on beetles, and (in many cases) reproduce the actual beetle as closely as possible in embroidery. As the title would suggest, three different embroidery techniques are used, Stumpwork, Goldwork or Metal Thread Embroidery, and Surface Stitchery.
After some introductory chapters containing information about real beetles, beetles as depicted in embroidery and other forms of art, and historical embroidery that incorporated actual beetle parts, Ms. Nicholas proceeds to three chapters of designs, with each chapter being an interpretation of beetles in the three techniques: stumpwork, goldwork and surface embroidery. In the stumpwork chapter, Jane has created her version of a beetle specimen box (as illustrated on the front cover) and proceeds to show how to make a total of 21 different stumpwork beetles, EACH ONE using different techniques and materials. This chapter also contains designs that all incorporate a beetle in the design, but give you an opportunity to make a complete picture including plants, berries, a peacock, etc.
The next chapter, on Goldwork beetles, contains examples that I would say are arguably the most beautiful. Next is a chapter on surface embroidery followed by chapters on appliqued beetles and beetle "bags" (purses). The book concludes with a section on materials and techniques, and includes a welcome dictionary that gives equivalent terms for some of the products she refers to, as these may be known by different names in different countries.
Techniques used in this book can certainly be applied to stitching other design motifs besides beetles. And if you didn't know what an "elytra" is before reading this book, you certainly will afterward (hint: it refers to part of a beetle). Jane Nicholas is a meticulate craftsperson and the execution of her designs is always exquisite. Some of her pieces are indistinguishable from fine jewelry. This book is well worth its truly nominal price.
The Stumpwork, Goldwork and Surface Embroidery Beetle Collection (2004, 424 pages, hardcover) $34.95
The Techniques of Japanese Embroidery by Shuji Tamura is a very informative book on Japanese silk and metal thread embroidery.
Included in this book is a history of Japanese embroidery, a discussion of traditional
motifs used, technical information on equipment and methods, as well as very comprehensive
stitch directions.
The Techniques of Japanese Embroidery(1998, 128 pages, soft cover) $23.95
Embroidery for all Seasons by Diana Lampe with Jane Fisk is a "new" book that actually is a reprint of two books that are now out of print, Embroidered Garden Flowers and More Embroidered Garden Flowers (there is one new project in this book that has not been previously published). The portion of this book reprinted from Embroidered Garden Flowers consists of a melange of spring floral designs using a variety of embroidery stitches. The material in this book originally published in More Embroidered Garden Flowers adds designs for summer, autumn and winter gardens. In addition to detailed stitch instructions, there is an explanation of which stitches to use and suggested colors to recreate specific flowers. All flowers and plants in this book are all created on rather a small scale (if you wanted to create, for example, a 2" wide violet, you could not follow these techniques).
In addition to stitch instructions and instructions to make specific flowers and other related garden elements, this book consists of projects (pictures) made of the different flowers and design elements.
Embroidery for all Seasons (2006, 193 pages, hardcover) $25.00
Monograms: the art of embroidered letters by Susan O'Connor is a very comprehensive guide to traditional monogramming. The majority of this book is related to non-counted monograms, although a couple of small projects are done in counted cross stitch (charts for these are included). General monogramming techniques (marking, outlining, padding and stitching techniques) are clearly explained. A few projects that incorporate monograms are included in this book. American stitchers should be aware that some of the recommended materials, particularly threads, are not readily available in the US, but certainly suitable substitutes are available. For additional monogram designs, see our French monogram books listed below.
Monograms: the art of embroidered letters (2007, 135 pages, softcover) $32.95
Alphabets by Éditions l'Inédite consists of a variety of lovely old-fashioned alphabets and monograms to embroider on fine fabric (designs are not counted). This small book, which is a reprint of a very old, undated French book, contains only designs, no instructions on how to stitch them, so it is best used by experienced embroiderers, or in conjunction with other books that contain directions on stitches. Designs do not iron on so you will have to transfer the designs using other methods.
Alphabets (2004, 32 pages, softcover) $13.00
Lettres Brodées by Éditions l'Inédite in French means "embroidered letters." Lettres Brodées is similar to Alphabets, and like it contains decorative old-fashioned initials to embroider on fine fabric. It is so hard to find beautifully drawn and ornamental alphabets, and these two books contain so much material they are well worth the money.
Lettres Brodées (2004, 24 pages, softcover) $12.00
Needlelace: Designs and Techniques Classic and Contemporary by Catherine Barley is a reprint in softcover of the hardcover which was originally published in 1993. This is an excellent book which explains various needlelace techniques including Gros Point de Venise, Hollie Point, Point de Gaze and more. Needle lace is not a very forgiving technique and needs to be flawlessly executed in my opinion in order for it to be truly beautiful; all the examples in this book are flawlessly executed. The book includes several projects and design motifs. Useful for those interested in pure needle lace, as well as for those wishing to incorporate needle lace techniques in their stumpwork embroidery, this book is highly recommended.
Needlelace: Designs and Techniques Classic and Contemporary (2001, 76 pages, softcover) $22.95
Starting Needlepoint Lace: a Course for Beginners by Valerie Grimwood is a reprint of her 1989 book. For those Americans who think the term "needlepoint" refers to canvas embroidery with wool, hand-made lace that is created with needle and thread is referred to in Europe as needlepoint lace, while what we in the US call needlepoint in Europe is called canvas embroidery or sometimes (less accurately) tapestry (true tapestry is a form of weaving). Needle lace or needlepoint lace is my very favorite form of lace. To quote from the book cover "This is a tried and tested book for all lacemakers and embroiderers taking up needlepoint lace for the first time, and for those who would like to put their grasp of basics on to a sound footing. It has the great virtue of taking nothing for granted." It is almost entirely a technique book, with a limited amount of information on designing needlepoint lace. Illustrations are very clear.
Starting Needlepoint Lace (2000 reprint of 1989 text, 128 pages, softcover) $19.95