At the end of this past February, I reviewed Hazel Blomkamp’s new book, Crewel Twists. Hazel’s book is a technique and project book. She combines designs that you’d normally see worked in wool in crewel embroidery (many Jacobean in flavor) with various surface embroidery techniques, including embroidery with regular floss, bead embroidery and even goldwork. The projects in the book are wonderfully colorful and a heap of fun!
Well, today, I’m giving away a copy of Crewel Twists, courtesy of Hazel and even signed by her!
If you’ve already purchased the book, you can always enter for a chance to win the perfect gift for a stitching friend, right? And if the book is on your wish list, here’s your chance to see your wish fulfilled without working it into the budget!
If you’re not sure what the book is all about, do take a look at my in-depth review of Crewel Twists, replete with photos and a whole rundown on what’s in the book.
To join in on the give-away, please follow these simple instructions:
1. Leave a comment below (on this post, on the website – not via e-mail and not on any other post on the website). If you use this link, it will be easy to go directly to the comment form on the website.
2. In your comment, please answer the following question:
What appeals to you most about Crewel Twists? The designs, the color choices, the techniques – the beads, goldwork, etc? Or all of it together?
3. Please make sure you leave a recognizable name associated with your comment, either by signing your comment, or in the “name” line on the comment form.
4. Leave your comment before 5:00 am, Monday, April 16th. Check back on Monday to see if you’ve won, as the winner will need to contact me with a shipping address.
That’s it! Easy-peasy – and your name is in for a chance to win the book!
Today, I’ll be stitching like a mad woman on the Medallion project, until later this afternoon, when I have to hit the road for a quick trip to the city (that’s Kansas City – which, in my Limited Cornfield World, really is THE city – and it’s far enough away to feel like a major excursion!). So if your comment doesn’t show up right away, don’t worry! It will eventually! I moderate each comment individually before posting to the site, to guard against spam.
Tomorrow, I’m going to show you a storage solution for my threads, along with some threads situated in that storage solution. It’s a “long haul” solution. I figure if I’m going to be doing this needlework thing for a while (and I am!), I need my threads to be organized, accessible, and safe.
Best of luck on the give-away!! Now – go leave your comment!
See you tomorrow!
Good morning, Mary, and thanks to you and Hazel Blomkamp for this marvelous offer.
I’m glad you offered a choice of “all of the above” in your little quiz. The designs, color choices, techniques and materials all excite me. On top of the book’s contents it’s an autographed first edition, and that always gets my attention.
Phyllis
This books looks wonderful. It seems to cover the basics all the way to most advanced techniques. I did a crewel piece over 30 years ago…I would love to get back into it. I never even thought it would be done in white, with pearls, and gold…dah.. very exciting!
It’s hard to narrow down one favorite aspect of Crewel Twists–but if I’m forced to, then I would have to say the designs. They are inspirational!
pattern and techique is what in interest me .
I love it when you say easy peasy! And what I love about Crewel Twists is that it’s a technique
of “hodgie podgie”…in other words when you do the embroidery you’re adding alot of different things…stitches, embellishments, threads and yarns. I like to do more freehand embroidery and this book would be great for ideas.
thank you!
Thanks Mary for another great opportunity to get a great book. I would never know about all of the wonderful needle art books out there if I didn’t read your posts daily.
What excites me about Crewel Twists is the opportunity to expand my techniques in crewel embroidery with some great new ideas. I always can use inspiration to try new things and this book seems like it would provide plenty of inspiration. Thanks
Martha
Dear Mary,
Just as I get complacent in my humdrum world you bring out something I NEED!! As a crewel lover I can see that this is a book I would love to own. The color and the “fragileness” to her flowers is something I want to learn. I too use floss instead of wool in my projects (just can’t work with wool) and I love the color choices available in that medium. Thanks again for a chance to win.
Dottie J.
The combination of Jacobean designs with surface techniques and updated threads and beads! Fabulous! I love the old designs and love the new materials. This truly hits a fun (and practical) spot. Many thanks to Mary and Hazel for their generosity.
that I one technique have I have to tackle … these look like great project – love the white on blue!
holy smokes … I must have still been asleep when I typed that … it was supposed to say:
that is one technique that I have to tackle, yet … these look like great projects – love the white on blue
I really like the different textures and the rich look. I have not really tried crewel embroidery yet, but would love to do a project or two from that book.
Tania
I love Crewel Twists because it is worked in embroidery cottons rather than wool. Working with wools is too hard on my wrists but I can do my crazy quilting with cottons much more easily. And I love Jacobean designs too.
Hello Mary,
I am quite new to embroidery since I retired from work last year. As such I am very interested in investigating all sorts of different techniques. This books looks as if it would be a wonderful addition to extent my knowledge.
I love beadwork so that interested me in the book. I am an avid needlepointer but am starting to do more embroidery. Your daily message makes me want to do it even more. Having this book would be a great resource.
Can’t wait for you storage ideas for all of my threads. They are everywhere!
Thanks,
Jenny
Oh boy, this is purrfect!
The attention to detail..every little flourish, the bead at the end, the imaginative designs..a true work of art. Thanks, Hazel, for your generosity and Mary, for the opportunity to win this.
Its everything combined! The designs look so luxurios and elegant. Iwould be thrilled to learn from this book.
What’s not to like about the book. It has crewel, it has beads and it has goldwork! Put them all together and you get a spectacular result. I like the fact that you don’t get tired of doing a single technique, but can do a bit of everything all at the same time.
Hi Mary, you have answered the question for me – the designs, colour choices, techniques – all of it! What a wonderful book, and the chance to win a signed copy is even better. Thank you for the opportunity. Liane
I have loved Jacobean embroidery since I was very young. The colors and designs are gorgeous. Crewel work has always been my favorite needlework. Thanks for offering Crewel Twists. It’s so exciting!
I love this book! I saw your original review and thought it was lovely. i’ve only done one crewel work and I can’t wait to try more but I was waiting until I purchased some more reference material. This would do it!
Thanks,
Donna Altieri
This book looks like a comprehensive guide, I am particularly interested in learning as many new skills as possible to get the most from my embroidery journey. And with a new joint project for me & my husband with him building & me furnishing a dolls house for our soon to be grand baby any new techniques that can be used for furnishing will help us create a spectacular heirloom for the generations who follow us.
Wow, what a great book! The designs are elegant and really ‘speak to me’. The designs, color choices, techniques, beads, goldwork….yes. I love it all! Thanks for all your inspiration and have fun in KC!
I forgot to say which part of the book i like best. It’s hard to pick one – i think the designs would be my favorite.
Dear Mary,
I love the tonal pieces – the grey and the ecru ones. I love that it is traditional designs and I love the use of beading. What a wonderful way to make tradional crewel embroidery modern and elegant.
Ruth Ann in London, Ontario
I love the complexity of crewel embroidery designs. With so many different stitches available, one can layer texture on top of the pattern design and still have a cohesive whole. But unfortunately, I do not have a local source for crewel wools. So to have the designs scaled to use readily-available stranded cotton/floss is most appealing. The addition of beads adds a contemporary punch without detracting from the overall traditional feel of the designs. Gorgeous.
I love everything about the book. The designs are beautiful, and I would love to learn more about crewel.
I love the twist of unexpected threads and embellishments, like the beads. Wonderful. Mary, we all want to see the medallion every day!!
Hi Mary! Many thanks to you and Hazel for this amazing book give away. I have had this on my wish list since your review of it in February. What appeals to me most? The designs! I haven’t stitched crewel work much but love the way it looks. I am also drawn to the colors. All those jewel tones and gold. So, yes please, enter my name in the give away.
Enjoy your trip to the City!
Tania
Morning Mary!
This book sounds very interesting. Especially the beading part. I love using beads and from the pictures that you’ve shown us, she uses lots of beads.
Thanks for the opportunity and have a great day!
Hi Mary, thanks again for introducing another WONDERFUL book!! I am excited to see the twists she has done with an embroidery style that fascinates me, all of it looks so wonderful and I would LOVE to win the book and try some out!! thanks again Mary for the great offer and your wonderful daily newsletter…happy stitching everyone!!
I love all of the above. I have gotten into doing some beading in my crewel embroidery and really like it. Then an autographed copy of Hazel’s book, what a super giveaway!
Wow! Mary What a book. It looks so interesting. I have always been interested in crewel, but this puts a different spin on it. The technique is what interests me and also the fact that she uses embroidery thread. I love all different stitches inside the flower. I’m not much on words, but I would sure love this book. Thanks Mary
I already bought this book. It’s wonderful! I love how complex the designs are, and there’s so much variety! It’s difficult to find “good” surface embroidery books, especially compared to the glut of cross stitch stuff, and this one’s well worth buying.
Thanks Mary & Hazel for this opportunity.
The modern twist on old designs which bring them to life for this century and beyond. Not just copying but inventing colourways, movement, gold and bead bling bring to life the combination of stitches creating a new Elizabethan world.
I love all of it and wish to continue the crewel work just begun by Hazel.
LOL
Susan
I’d love to win this book because I’ve fallen in love with Jacobean embroidery, courtesy of you! Have been working on my first piece – which will be a bag – for the past few months now and am almost finished. Can’t wait to start a new project, and this book would be the perfect source!
Thanks so much for this opportunity.
I love the grey scale and adding beading that you’ve showed so that’s my “love at first site” for this book. Also, I am really looking forward to seeing your thread organization because I just started the stitchbow things, they are ever so much easier than the little cardboard spools – those kink up my thread so bad at the end I can’t stand it! All the best to whoever wins the book and thanks for passing it on, Mary!
Ooh, what a lovely book – thank you for the give away even if I don’t win!
What do I like best – well, kind of ‘all of the above’. What I really like though is that’s doing something different – putting a twist on it!
So the fact that she’s doing monochorme crewel, which I’ve not seen before, or incorporating slightly unusual materials, or making non-traditional patterns – anything that’s different to what you see in all the other books on crewel out there! I love crewel – I love the really traditional stuff, but it’s great to see someone going beyond that too.
Hello Mary,
I just love the idea of taking a traditional form of embroidery and adding a contemporary twist to it either in manipulating the design or introducing modern threads and notions.
The innovation of design in the book appeals to me. I think crewel work is so beautiful and love to see the wools being used in an original and unique way.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Dear Mary,
I looove your website.
Thanks again for another gift opportunity.
I felt in love with Crewel embroidery attending a class at the Royal school of Needlework.
Since then, I got hooked.
I am looking so forward to study this new book and all the new techniques.
Good morning,
it is really beautiful book, one of my friend have it, I look at it, an it is to died for. My answer is, all of them.
Thank you it is a really beautiful gift,
Nicole
What I love best is the black and white design. It’s so lovely and modern! I love Crewelwork stitches, but most patterns end up being so girly and traditional that I am to drawn to them as much. Although the pattern is traditional, the monochrome treatment is amazing!
I so love this book. I received it last Thursday, and in the evening started Midnight Medallion – an extract of the original pattern – using my own colour scheme (fawny browns) with chocolate coloured metallic thread and dark fawn beads and bugles. I was so pleased with the finished article when I finished it on Sunday (thankgoodness for the holiday weekend!). My fingers were like sieves afterwards but Hazel even has a solution for that – superglue! I have since ordered the beads and threads for the cream project and can’t wait for them to arrive! I am so pleased to have found a book that covers several techniques that you can use stranded cotton for and decorate as you please. Hazel, for me, you have acheived your mission . . . I am well and truly inspired. Thank you! – Take a look here . . .
Hi, Nina – the link you posted didn’t work (it was broken), so I edited it out. If you want to try again, you may!
Here is a link to my Midnight Medallion. Best wishes, Nina http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=10150949721312785&set=a.461866292784.226483.687017784&type=1&theater
Me again . . . I meant to say it was Midnight Meander . . . I adore your Medallion project too!
Good morning! Another wonderful giveaway.
I love the many varied techniques in this book. I’d love a chance to win this lovely book.
All of this beautiful book is appealing to me! Thanks for the opportunity!!
Thanks for another give-away, Mary. What appeals to me most about Crewel Twists is the way the variety of stitches, designs, threads and beads create pizazz!
The designs appeal to me the most. Yum.
I enjoyed your review of the New Crewel. I think I am interested in just about everything the book offers. I would feel like a winner if I won!!!
Thank you,
Mspat
I absolutely love the techniques! Since you reviewed this book I’ve been wanting to own a copy. The way the stitches and beads are combined are amazing and inspirational. It would be a treasure trove of ideas for crazy quilting. But in all honesty I have other reasons for needing this book. I’m pretty sure that if I owned this book, my wrinkles would be less visible to me and those extra pounds would matter less. I would have an excuse to buy more beads and more threads. Overall, life would just be that much better!
This is a wonderful book on crewel work. The Designs are really striking and that is want draws me in the most. I think I would learn a thing or two about more advanced techniques too.
Mary Ann
Hi Mary!
I would so love to win this book! I am addicted to embroidery and I am learning so much on your website! I just love the videos. They have helped me sew some beautiful things. Thank you for the website! Crossing my fingers that I win!
Sorry, I forgot to say what I liked most about the book…definitely the crewel twists!
I like everything about it. The colors, the stitches, and the fact that you can use beads too. I am into beading, so this is just one more way of me using up my stash of beads. I like the fact that this type of embroidery gives so much demension to my handiwork, like it almost comes to life.
This looks like a wonderful book! I’m attracted by “all of the above” as I’m concentrating on my hand stitching this year, and want to learn as much as I can about different techniques. The pictures look fabulous, and I love the colour Hazel has used. Thanks for this opportunity to win.
This looks interesting and would be great fun to try. I love how the combinations of various types of techniques and designs come together.
Beryl B
What’s not to love about crewel! This looks like a great book, and what a title. Perfect! I love the textures and the look of the designs. Would be a great book to have and use. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Dear Mary, This book is on my wishlist for sure, I just did not had the time to go and buy it yet. The whole concept of everything blended together is what appeals to me.Instead of having a book on every different subject, one has them all joined together in one neat publication!
Elza Bester Cape Town.
Hi Mary,
Book looks great. I like the idea of the beads and gold incorporated into the regular crewel. Also, I like to win prizes.
Chris
Hi Mary! This seems like such a neat book! I think what I love the most about it is the designs themselves and the use of all sorts of different techniques.
Really? You have to ask? OK – I think to be able to learn from such a beautiful book, and talented artist would be an honor and sooooo much fun. Every picture I look at is like watching fireworks – “Ooooooohhhhh, Ahhhhhh” and a whole lot of “I wanna make that, and that, and that”. Probably just like everyone – this book is catnip to an idle cat watching carefully!!! Thank you for yet another opportunity, you inspire me daily!
Hi Mary, and thank you for the give away offer.
I have done one little crewel flower, and feel like a beginner. I am a big fan of black and silver, and when I saw the book cover I was amazed at the gorgeous project on it, and I would absolutely love to win, so that I would have both the inspiration and the patterns and instructions. I guess the answer to your question is simply “all of it”…color choices, design and techniques.
Keep up your amazing work. I am grateful for your inspiring emails and images and book reviews.
Hugs, Ylva in Inverness, Scotland
I was just thinking about ordering this book from the book depository! I love her patterns, color choices and that she uses different types of threads. I once read in a book that you should only use wool for crewel work (which I don’t care too much for) but Hazel uses all types of thread and her work looks so beautiful!
Thank you for the give away!
Ren
Hi Mary! I’m so excited for this give-away. I fell in love of this book the very moment I saw it for the first time.
The thing that appeals me the most are the designs, really gorgeous pieces!!
Thank you for the opportunity, regards
Libertad
I am fascinated with the beautiful and graceful designs shown in this book and the lovely stitches. Makes me really anxious to try them out. Thank you for bringing this book to my attention.
Another temptation!
I’ve already embroidered with a similar tecnique (Bandera embroidery), used in our italian ’700 castles in a region called Piemonte. Motifs seems to be the same and also Bandera requires wool threads. But the effect is different, becouse of the pastel colors and the absense of gold or precious ornaments.
It would be intersting to deepen the differences!
So I race the game! Thank you,
Elisabetta
Thank you, Mary, for your enjoyable daily posts and excellent book reviews!
I love the designs of Jacobean embroidery. My grandmother did quite a lot of crewel embroidery in wool, creating pillows and framed pieces, and even going so far as to stitch the upholstery for two arm chairs! I have spent hours looking at those designs, and I have stitched a couple of pieces myself. What intrigues me about Hazel Blomkamp’s Crewel Twists is that she so graciously challenges the traditions of this style of embroidery by using new techniques, beads, and threads. Her book revitalizes old-fashioned embroidery designs in exciting new ways.
What I like best about the book, is the combining of techniques. I like that it isn’t just wool, but utilizes beads, goldwork, and other threads.
Thanks to Hazel for this generous offer, and to you for hosting the giveaway.
Mary,
I love the designs and colors in this book. They are gorgeous!!!!! Thank you.
Jean B.
I just love the way she combines so many different thread types with beads — eye candy!
While I like and appreciate crewel embroidery, I really love that she has updated the technique and brought it into the future. Love the colors, and the beads, and the gold, and on and on……
Oh Boy!! Another book I “must have”!! One thing I particularly like about this book is that it has a contemporary “twist” (no pun…..) on traditional stuff AND she has done it all while keeping the “scale” in tact — both with design and the variety of elements she incorporates. Good inspiration. Good use of materials. Good book! Fingers crossed…….
I have just started to learn embroidery, I am now 51 years old why did it take me so long. I am amazed at all the beauty.
Donna
Goodmorning!
Eye candy first thing in the morning, who can beat that?
I agree with the “all of the above” answer, the color and designs are lovely. I’d be thrilled to have this reference in my home.
Thanks for all you do,
Vickie
Mary,
I have had this books on my wish list ever since I read your review. I am fascinated by the mixture of techniques and the use of various embellishments. I am also excited to see how the different techniques are blended into the whole. The bling of beads, the gleam of gold and the warmth of wool, who couldn’t love that all on one piece? Hazel Blomkamp should be highly commended on putting together such a wonderful book.
I love the idea that she produces a tradition deign using non traditional threads. I have done crewel work, but I have a hard time finding wool thread. This book appears to be different than any other.
I really like the colors and the neat patterns in this book. You would not get bored with this book…
I’ve been really excited about this book ever since reading your review. I really like Jacbean styles and beading, so the combination of the two is really attractive to me.
The idea of using beads is most intriguing to me.
What a wonderful book. I love the way she uses regular embroidery threads along with beads and other embelishments. This is a book I would certainly love to own.
Thank you for the opportunity.
I love the designs and the techniques. Thy’re gorgeous. I wish I could win. Who knows?
Hi Mary, I am fascinated by the designs in this book and think it would be THE book to launch me into a crewel design project, which has been on my “to stitch list” for a long time. Thanks!
As the title suggests the book is full of fresh ideas for Jacobean embroidery. The designs are fresh, techniques extensive and the textural embellishments using floss and beads a delightful bonus.
I’m excited to see the combinations of techniques… I’ve never done crewel work with anything other than wool before!
-Bonnie D. in Virginia
Good morning, Mary, and thank you for another wonderful giveaway.
It’s hard to pick what’s most appealing about this book, but the color and the designs are both enormously attractive. The only crewel project I’ve done thus far was a pillow kit, and it was great fun to work. These designs are several levels up! Just beautiful.
What’s not to love about this book!!! Jacobean designs {my favorite}, the colors, and the use of threads other than wool (allergies) makes this the book of my dreams. It is currently at the top of my wish list. Winning this would mean more money for great fabric or threads.
Everything appeals to me but especially the colors and different shapes. You can take the designs apart and use them in so many other places. They are like little surprises tucked away.
I nees to break out if my counted comfy zone and try more surface stitches. This book is insperational for that, by being able to combine many techniques into a beautiful design.
I love to work in the garden and being a new embroiderer, I’m drawn to how beautiful the garden translates into the crewel and Jacobean designs. It’s exciting to learn new techniques and expand on ones just learned. It’s nice to have a resource for the different types of embroidery.
Thank you so much for your website and daily blogs. When I can’t figure a stitch out, your videos are my go-to; well done.
First,i hope you ‘ll understand what i write because i’m french! I really love Jacobean embroidery and i’m looking for a book which shows techniques,color harmonies….It seems that this book is the right’s one. For me all the aspects of crewel are important. Thank’s for your post
I would just love to have this book in my colection. I’m an embroidery apprentice and it looks fantastic. thanks to you and Hazel for giving us this oportunity.
Elsa
I like new techniques of older styles. Sometimes it is nice to have something to refer to to get the mental juices flowing. I
am a big fan of Jacobean design.
I haven’t embroidered in years, but I love to dream of wonderful projects! I’ve requested that our library buy this book, but they’re waiting until it’s published in the US, so if I win I’ll be donating it so all the stitchers in the community can benefit. After I finish drooling over it, of course!
This book has been on my wishlist since the very first time I saw it. I absolutely love combining traditional with different. It is so elegant. Crewel Twists combines some of my very favorite things such as beading and of course crewel embroidery. The patterned areas are wonderful, I would never have thought of them. Things like this start the mind going in a million different directions — such stimulation. It’s great. Thank you also for making available all of the art that i would not have been privy to had I not found your website.
What a wonderful piece of work! I like the combination of all the techniques. It is a real challenge.
Kind regards from Austria
Irmi
I admit my heart beat a little faster when I first saw this book. I love the fact that Hazel has played around with crewel work to give it a different and modern look. One of the reasons I love embroidery is the colourful nature of it, but for some reason I am very attracted to the black, white, grey and silver designs in this book.
Hi Mary,
This book is on my must have list, after reading your review. I think the first thing that jumped out at me was the unusual use of color – particularly the black and white on the gray ground. I always like to see traditional needlework done with a more updated approach. It gives me hope that the needlework field will continue to grow and flourish!
Janice
I would love to win this book. I’m so excited about all Jacobean embroidery so this would be a great addition to my growing collection of crewel books.
I’m especially attracted to the designs and the fact that they are worked in cotton floss.
Thank you for this opportunity to win a great book:-)
I think it’s the patterns and colors that caught my eye most. My first experience with crewel was in the 70′s, frogs and mushrooms were common design items then. Hazel’s patterns are so much more classy. I also love the added sparkle and texture of the beading in Hazel’s projects.
I guess the only thing I don’t like about the book is that I don’t have it already.
I’ve never heard of this book before. But the pictures you’ve shown are outstanding. I guess I could say all of it appeals to be, but to be a bit more specific…..I’m especailly drawn to the techniques, the combining of beads and such that gives it an extra special texture.
Thanks, Lori Shaw
What timing! Just yesterday, I commented on the post about Mac charting for the Ukranian egg designs, I mentioned starting to crewel again. Today you offers great book to help. I looked it up on Amazon. If I don’t win it, I will use the gift certificate I got this morning for my birthday to buy it.
Marny
The book “Crewel Twists” is certainly not like any crewel book I have ever seen. With the combination of beads and floss in the design a unique look is revealed in the stitching.
Since I love Jacobean embroidery using the combination of floss and beads only adds to the Jacobean design.
Karen
PS.
I envy your proximity to KC. If I were that close, I could visit Yarn Barn.
Marny
Oh boy!!! I have so wanted to get a hold of Hazels book!!! Not only is her work amazing but she herself is a work of art. Her work is what brought my attention to Jacobean work. I once commented on a picture of her’s and she responded herself to my many questions and comments. I was so shocked when she said that her work was done with embroidery floss and easily washable. But I should have known when its so elegant and colorful.
I really want to get into crewel a lot more, and love the look of all of the designs
I would LOVE to learn more about crewel work. I’ve never seen it with goldwork & beads which intrigues me…
I love that it shows off this lovely, lovely style of embroidery in a fresh new light – it makes it easy to imagine how these pieces would work in a modern home, while still being true to form!
Dear Mary,
I’ve loved crewel work ever since I was a little girl and my grandmother taught me….I must admit that I’m not great at it, but it is one of the great pleasures of mi life. I am searching for a new project as my sister is to undergo surgery and I will have lots of bedside sitting to do. The book looks so interesting!
Cordially yours,
Irene
Wow! A chance to win Crewel Twists. I read your first review of this book last February. I loved the colourful pictures, interesting project ideas and gorgeous designs. I’ve not done goldwork before, but have added beads to my needlework. This book makes me interested in upping my repertoire and learn some new techniques. Hope I win! What a lovely start to spring this would be!!!
The medallion project ia SUPERBE.
I would love to win this book. Ever since seeing your review, I have been thinking about it and looked up prices on-line. The only thing stopping me was that I have bought myself several stitching treats lately and I have a good crewel reference book. But the projects are so pretty and the beads are so sparkly and there are some lovely shiny threads, as well as nice forgiving wool, so I am sure I could love this book. It could inspire me to try new ways of combining stitches and threads. It would be wonderful to win a copy!
Hi Mary,
Just want to say I’m so glad I stumbled into your site! I did crewel many years ago, and regular embroidery, also. Have always loved it, and your site is so inspirational. This book of Hazel’s looks amazing and full of fresh ideas using color and beads, a glorious combination!I would be thrilled to win this book, and I thank you for the opportunity. Happy Stitching!
What appeals to me about this book? Everything! I love Jacobean designs, I love trying new techniques and multi media. To have all this in one book is such a treat. Thanks to you and Hazel Blomkamp for making this available.
Hello Mary,
I’m working on a wall quilt, and feel the need to use as many techniques as possible for realistic effect. So far,
I’ve taught myself felting, machine threadpainting, dollmaking, sculpture, fabric painting, embroidery and so on. I want to expand the embroidery part and am excited about the way Hazel uses her materials. I love loads of color, of course, but have hesitated always about the bead usage and think this book would help me get over that. The use of goldwork of course would also be fun, given that my main period of interest is the Renaissance.
I’m thinking I will use the techniques right away in creating realistic trees in the scene I’m working on for this quilt; it’s set in the fall, and there’s loads of leaves, rocks, trees and water that could use some subtle sparkle as in dew and a stream are shown.
Please enter me in the drawing? Thanks so much!
The book is beautiful! I especially love this type of embroidery. Love the patterns, texture and color. Thank you for the opportunity.
Loretta in Canada
What intrigues me most about Hazel’s new crewel book is the innovative use of stitches, colors, and the addition of decorative beads. She has taken a traditional needleart yechnique and interpreted it in a modern, interesting way.
LOVE this one. Jacobean crewel designs have always been my favorite, and those shapes will be included in the embroidery of my new crazy quilt I am making. I could get a lot of good out of this one!
I have always wanted to try crewel work but was intimidated by the wool! To see it combined with beads which I love is too tempting not to try. The designs are just great and her writing style has pushed me over the edge of my indecision! It makes crewel look a lot less intimidating. If I don’t win this book I will be buying it when it comes out in the States. Thank you for offering a copy as a give away.
Crewel is a technique that I have on my list to learn more about, so this book would be a wonderful addition to my library.
Plus, the though of beads on crewel just gets my blood tingling. As far as I’m concerned, if a project calls for 1 bead, I must put on 10 beads. Love beads!
Everything interests me. I love following your blog. I already know I have learned so much from you that if you reccommend this book, it has to be good. Would love to own it. Until I found the internet a couple years ago, I thought handwork was a thing of the past. So glad to have found you. Thanks for your posts.
I think those are the most beautiful designs and colors I have ever seen. I can’t imagine being able to recreate one of them, but I sure would like to try!
I like the way she combines techniques. I enjoy doing that so much and new ideas are always welcome.
Mostly “all of the above” but with technic being upper most of interest perhaps. I love the Jacobean look. Years ago when I was doing crewel work I even painted a piece of furniture with “Jacobean crewelwork” done in paint.
The minute I saw this I thought- oh, these flowers and design ideas would be beautiful in my eventual “fairy world” paintings/needlework combos. Crossing my fingers.
I love the way the designs are traditional with modern threads, beads and goldwork. It’s Jacobean in the 21st century. What a great idea!
I have found I love variety in creativity. But the thing that caught my attention right off the bat was the title!! A Crewel Twist, sounded like a Piers Anthony book! Great play on words, and made me think, just how many variations can there be! I can’t wait to see and try them! (I have one reference book for needlework, as I have been painting for a few years, but I can’t seem to put down my needlework!)
Mary,
Definitely all of the above!
The designs -I have always loved the style of Jacobean needlework taken from the old tree of life palimpores; the colours -so beautiful, and so clever with the monochrome ideas; the techniques, including the beading, etc -well, that just brings them right up to date. In all, a totally modern twist on a traditional theme.
Yes please, I would love a copy of this book.
I’ve just re-read your review of ‘Crewel Threads’ to remind myself of the book – wow! My tummy literally jumped in excitement seeing all the wonderful pictures of the projects. I’ve always loved Jacobean embroidery: I feel an affinity with it somehow, and, as someone whose had her eyes opened by your incredible website and emails the thing that appeals to me most about this book is the instructional aspect of it so it looks and feels as if I may be able to launch into trying my had at one of these sumptuous designs. I love it all! Thanks, Lucy Cooper UK
I loved this book when I saw your review. I love the colour choices she makes – especially the monochromatic ones. Please enter me. Thank you so much.
Heather M.
I love that book! It has beautiful projects, using not only the embroidery, but also beads.
I have the confidence now after the Nesting Place class to tackle another project on my own, want to take use a pattern from this book.
Did you see the patterns she has in the book – they are much more then the embroidery, encourage you to think further. That is what attracts me, the colors, the use of beads, the whole thing together.
Bye, Winnie
Good Morning, Mary!
What do I like about Crewel Twists …. oh, just about everything. There’s a real designer feel about the colors and texture mixes that’s just enchanting and lovely. What I like the very best though, is that the author dared to think “outside the box” in an inventive and creative way, with great success; there’s a great lesson in that for all of us!
Thank you, Cathy in PA
I’m crazy for crewel work, but I dont own one single book in regards to crewel. It’s the William Morris in me with the rich colors and flowing designs. Adding beading is intriguing. I’m actually thinking that the silver and black design shown would be stunning on a velvet jacket or cashmere sweater. A signed copy would be a treasure.
Thank you Hazel and Mary,
Wendi
First of all I love crewel and want to do more. This book touched my heart because my mother, who died just last November, used beads in some needlework she did when she was young. It made me think of the needlepoint of hers that now hangs on my daughter’s wall that has beads incorporated into it. I would love to try some crewel with beads.
I would love to win that book. I really like the look of crewel embroidery, but don’t particularly like working with wool. But to achieve that look with cotton or rayon or silk, or a combination of all three plus beads . . . that’s my idea of a dream project!!
Grovenore
The techniques, beads, etc. are truly beautiful. Would love to do this as a challenge and the designs are amazing.
Dear Mary,Ican’t believe it.I’ve been looking for an embroidery book with Jacobean style for months.This one has so many bonuses,needlelace,beadwork,tools,patterns,exquisite pictures,step by step instructions.What more can you ask for!Gotta get it.Thanks to you,I don’t know how long it would’ve taken for me to find one.I must thank you again for your wonderful newsletters & website Nancy
Hi, Mary -
Thanks to you and Hazel for this great opportunity! I am intrigued by Hazel’s modern take on a beautiful and tradition form of needlework. The book is definitely on my wish list so I’m hoping my wish will be fulfilled!
Thanks,
Karen
ohhhhhhhhhhh so pretty! that title makes me giggle…luv of crewel goes wayyyyyyyy back ( im old lol) but the color choices are so delicious I have to stare…I dont yet have a book like this so yes I would be interested. ty for any consideration. LUV your posts! and your work is amazing!
As always Mary another great offer. Praise be to Hazel Blomkamp for creating this wonderful book!! I love every single page of this book! Really want this book. Love the new and exciting twists to crewel, would absolutely love trying my hand at adding beading.
Thanks Mary for sharing.
What beautiful projects in this book. The combination of color and designs is very appealing.
You can never have too many needlework books. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
I discovered the book in à shop, last week but I didn’t buy it. There was some other book (the latest book of Trish Burr) that caught my attention and I bought it.
Now I’m delighted to see it on your website. Last year I attended à workshop on Crewel work. At first I didn’t like it to work with the woolen Threads but the results are very nice.
Concerning Crewelwork: I love the technique and the colours. But most of all I adore working with beads. Not only in Crewel work but I’m often using beads.
They give your work à gypsy look. At least: in my opinion.
Thank you for mentioning this book.
Everything about Crewel Twists intrigues me! I did Crewel work years ago. I put crewel work aside for some reason. Actually, all needlework was put aside. Children. Work. The usual. Now I’m retired and loving every minute of my needlework projects. Thanks.
Thanks so much to you, Mary, and to Hazel Blomkamp for the opportunity to own such a lovely autographed copy of Crewel Twists. It’s impossible for me to narrow down my favorite aspect of this book, as it all excites me….beginning with the front cover!
Beautiful book. I’m designing a leaf surface embroidery sampler and this book would really help with ideas and techniques and etc.
What appeals most about this book is its shere audacity. To take such a time-honoured technique and experiment with it in such a colourful and embellished way is just so intriguing and empowering. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this. Thank you for the opportunity Mary.
well I think I like all of it together because I need to learn !
thanks !
The idea of not using wool for crewel is very appealing. I have done crewel with wool and it was not that enjoyable.
The pattern is very modern Jacobean. Very nice indeed.
I didn’t know until I started receiving Mary Corbett’s newsletter’s what fabulous needlework is being done and this is such a wonderful example of that. The beauty of the work in this book is so wonderful that it puts me in awe of the expertise displayed. I would love to have it in my hands where I could just read and enjoy and learn to do more beautiful handwork. To be hand signed makes it even more special.
What I loved and love about embroidery is the use of colors and different stitches to create depth and movement in designs. I am currently a cross stitcher but started by doing embroidery. Cross stitch does not provide the medium to life projects from the fabric like embroidery does. I would love this book so that it would motivate me to get back into it.
I am interested in the book for the design ideas and techniques. I have been teaching a crewel class at a local women’s retreat. I love to find more information to make the class more enjoyable to the students and me.
Hello Mary, and thanks for this new give-away. It looks like a gorgeous book! What appeals to me the most you ask? I really couldn’t say, but I guess I would have to start with the aesthetics of jacobean embroidery, which I really love, although I haven’t had the chance yet to try my hand on it – so this book would be a perfect opportunity! And I would love to learn all the different techniques, working with different materials… So wouldn’t it be great, should I be the winner this time? I would be eternally grateful to you and to Hazel Blomkamp
Tina
I would be thrilled to have the book, as I have always loved the Crewel embroideries. It may just spur a renewal of colored work rather than the Whitework I have been doing for the past few years.Thank you,
Rena.
What appeals to me most about Crewel Twists is the detail of the designs, in that each motif is a small work of art in itself . The big design is a beautiful composition of all the small designs.
Hi Mary!
This book looks fantastic! I love the beads and fibers and the stitch diagrams make this book look very comprehensive.
I can never have enough technique books for crewel!
Jan B. in Florida
I love everything in this book! I like Jacobean embroidery and would love to own this book. She really does do imaginative creative twists to the embroidery. thank you Mary for offering it as a give-a-way!
In reading the review, I was most impressed by her thinking outside the box. Crewel embroidery hit a high point with Jacobean designs that in many ways has never been surpassed. I like the way the author uses some of the Jacobean designs with new materials and threads and maybe even different stitches. I especially liked the addition of metallics and beads. JA in Florida
Well I´d love to try and win this incredible book. The most appealing for me is the design and all the the wonderful materials combine that she use. It´s so unique!
thank you so much for this oportunity!
Beijinhos
I love the beadwork and the designs. I would love this book!
I have stitched crewel embroidery for many years – always loved Jacobean designs – now a new touch – I would love to see in detail this new creation – it is remarkable, I would love to have a go, and have been looking out to find this book since your review, I would be so happy to be the lucky one.
Peggy Kimble
I am new to embroidery, but I would love to start a collection of embroidery books (even if they are over my head right now). I have always liked the Jacobean designs. The Crewel Twist book looks fabulous!
Sue Z of Boise
I like everything about the book. I do beading along with embroidery so I especially like that part of it. There are not a whole lot of books out that they combine both to the extent that this book does.
This book looks to be filled with beautiful pieces. You must enjoy crewel work and I do. Finally realizing, that I can just finish small sections, and not working with one color yarn or thread at a time, allows me to feel that sense of accomplishment and not daunted by the “whole”. I don’t know if that explains how that has made embroidering more enjoyable for me and I actually think that I could finish one of these beautifully beaded projects. I do like working with beads too.
Love this book and if not won will be on my wish list. I love the diversity of stitches and the way she challenges us to take the stitch and let it do the design rather than just working in colour. I am fond of her pieces of ecru on white and her love of different ways of working and using available colourways.
Hi Mary –
I *love* the representative photos from your book giveaway. I love the use of color and alternative materials! But my reason for craving this particular book is much simpler.
I have never done crewelwork before. My needlework experience is limited to cross-stitch and Brazilian embroidery (how can one resist the colorful rayon threads??? I’m a little embarrassed to admit that they were the first embroidery threads I had ever seen besides DMC cotton floss. I’ve been doing Brazilian off and on for about 20 years now.).
I’ve had my first crewelwork project in mind for quite a while now–the pomegranate corners pattern you have, arranged to form a square pillowtop. Since I don’t have a stash of wool fibers, and I want to be sure I enjoy crewelwork before I start acquiring lots of colors, I’ve decided to go monochromatic, stitching the whole thing in a muted burnt orange on an ecru linen background.
The one book on crewelwork that I have is pretty basic, but I’d love to gain even more inspiration from this beautiful book you’re giving away!
That book looks amazing! I’d have to choose “all of the above”. I could learn a ton and the designs and color choices are beautiful.
Jen
This would be an awesome book for me. I think all of the contents would be wonderful tools/knowledge to create heirlooms for my granddaughter.
Dear Mary,
Hazel’s creations have pizzazz! My computer dictionary describes this as – an attractive and exciting vitality, especially when combined with style and glamour. When I first saw the images my eyes popped “WOW”.
Thanks for explaining that you moderate each comment individually before posting to this site. When I saw that my first ever blog comment was waiting for moderation, I was apprehensive and wondered if the content was unacceptable in some way, and needed toning down. I’m thrilled to find your site.
I can hardly wait for your next blog on storing threads. Mine are in the paper bags they came in and I live in fear of the moths and silverfish finding them, and mustiness, not to mention the system is not all that user friendly. I was planning to put them in acid free cardboard trays in boxes. I have a feeling that plastic is not good long term.
Thanks for your generosity in sharing and for the opportunity to go into the draw for Hazel Blomkamp’s beautiful book.
Safe trip to the city.
Louisa
Mrs. Corbet,
Your review of this Crewel Twists from Mrs. Blomkamps really do touch me. I am a beginner in this techinique and I really do appreciate all the points that you describe thoroughly.
This “fresh appoach” to the Jacobean style do caught my attention: I think that is what I do appreciate the most. I hope I will be the lucky recipient of that book give-away.
Meanwhile, I will continue to read your daily messages; I do learn a lot with you.Thanks so much.
Crewel Twists (love the title) – I am relatively new to the world of hand work and LOVE what I have seen, the possibilities amaze me. I am particularly interested in learning more about goldwork.
Thanks – Melanie
This is the book I have been looking for. Thr down-to-earth instructions look wonderful!
I’m enchanted by the combination of embroidery and beads! This book has opened a whole new world to me.
Thank you so much for reviewing it for us.
Sally S
I’m a newbie to your website and loving every minute of it. I have fond memories of doing crewel work when I made Birth announcements and Christmas stockings for my nieces and nephews. The projects in the book are just what I would love to do. The book looks like it will teach me well. I’m in awe looking at the pictures and can’t just pick one that I like most. Thank you Mary, for your lessons and inspiration and for the opportunity to try to win a wonderful book.
I absolutely love crewel work and in particular Jacobean designs. Through your website and a couple others I have begun looking into surface embellishing and this book would be perfect for me. I love your work and how you explain the stitches (stitch play). Thank you for the wonderful information and sharing your work.
Thank you, Mary and Hazel for this wonderful offer. I love Jacobean designs and in particular would love to learn needle lace stitches like in the ecru on white piece. Also the Bountiful season piece is beautiful. It would be great to win this book.
Thank you again.
I love the texture of crewel work. The book looks like it is full of inspiration. Thanks for the opportunity to see it and possibly win it!
Everything about this book appeals to me. I love the look of Crewel embroidery, but prefer using different fibers. I also love beads and especially enjoy combining different techniques and materials. After recently getting back to hand embroidery, I’m always on the look out for inspiration.
Mary – I am very excited to see this book of fresh crewel embroidery ideas! It looks to be a well-organized book with lots of new material for inspiration.
New tricks for “old” techniques, beads, goldwork – I love it all! Probably the best part in using familiar techniques in new ways. I love taking stitches used in other techniques and working them into a counted thread piece. Plus I love the name Crewel Twists – what fun!
Hi, Mary. This book is on my wish list, along with “Elizabethan Stitches”.This book interests me because of the way a traditional technique has been updated. I love seeing this art being moved forward as people try new things, or adapt older ones. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book!
Thanks for this opportunity. I love everything about crewel – my father made me a wonderful picture years ago and that inspired me to embroider. I have done quite a bit but want to learn more – your website is a big help and this book would be just what I need to progress.
It’s very difficult to narrow down one aspect.The designs are inspirational to me and I love the fusion of crewel embroidery and beads.I’ve started working more crewel projects now,so this book would be a great resource for me I think.Thanks for the opportunity to win this book Mary.
Anita-MM
The technique and designs are what interest me most. I have only done outline embroidery and would like to learn more of the crewel work.
Thanks for an opportunity.
Marion
What a beautiful book! I would love to see more of her designs as well as learning of her special tips.
I drool thinking about this book! Using color and a variety of textures to achieve a unified whole is what I love to do most of all. It doesn’t seem to matter what the medium — I end up on that page no matter what artistic endeavor I’m dreaming up/working on.
Marilyn P. in Las Cruces, NM USA
Mary,
This book fascinates me. I am the type that cannot leave anything alone. I have to add my own touches. This book would be wonderful to have for loads of inspiration. I can feel the creative juices flowing already.
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.
I do Jacobean applique and I love the patterns and the color. Doing Jacobean patterns in embroidery would be a challenge that I would love to try.
I have this book..It’s beautiful.
I did contact Hazel via her website as wasn’t sure the UK equivalent for ‘Hopsack’!
I had a WONDERFUL e-mail back.
We came to a conclusion of ‘Linen Union’.
Just need MORE time to sew!!
I would say the designs and the techniques. I love Jacobean works and the techniques in the photos look to be amazing. I like to create my own designs from pieces of other works and this book would be most helpful. Thank you,
Shelia in Oklahoma
Hello Mary!
Hope you had a wonderful Easter!!
Crewel embroidery has always been fascinating to me. I enjoy the choice of color combinations and the technique involved ..something that brings out the depth of the embroidery in a 3-D effect. Well the gold and beadwork just gives it a new dimension and enhances the beauty of crewel embroidery. I would love to go deep into this incredible art.
Thank you Mary and Hazel for this great opportunity!
Hi Mary! Thanks for the opportunity!
I love crewel work – it is my favorite thing to do, and anytime I can use it I do. So what appeals to me? Finding even more ways to use my favorite technique! I have used crewel on needle point patterns, combining it with needlepoint stitches to make interesting textures. (I am into textures!)
Happy Wednesday!
Hello Mary,
My embroidery journey began with crewel and after many years I still love it! What is most intriguing to me is the idea of combining crewel with goldwork. I would love to have a copy of the book to understand ways to do this, and a signed copy is so special.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Terry
PS Can’t wait for tomorrow’s post – I’m always looking for ways to store thread!
This book looks fascinating and I’m sure I’d try some of the projects.
I did a crewel class with Judy Jeroy and finished the piece (an owl). It was done in wool.
Also did the needlecase you recently ran. Hope I win!!
Hi Mary,
I love the colors, embellishments and outrageous flowers. You’re not old enough, but in the 60′s we had these purses with wooden handles and little buttons on the side and you could change out the covers. Mine turned up in a closet clean out and I was thinking of embroidering a cover for it. One of the designs in Hazel’s book would be PERFECT!
Dear Mary,
I like the crewel embroidery for all of it together in general but I absolutely love the designs!
Thanks!
Annie
The whole book excites me. I don’t think it’s a beginners’ book, but it does give inspirational goals. I would love to have it.
I love the idea of this book, remaking older embroidery styles and combining them with beads and other embroidery. It looks to be a fascinating read and i would love a copy maureen murray
What a wonderful gift! I am a great fan of Jacobean designs and I also love working crewel embroidery, expecially with the wool. Wool is such a pleasure to work with and being tactile, I love handling wool. I have not done beading with my embroidery and I’m interested in trying the technique. Thanks for the opportunity to win such a nice book.
I already bought this book, so I am just chiming in to say that it is really a wonderful book. The designs, colors, techniques and use of materials not usually associated with crewel make it a winner. It brings Jacobean designs into the 21st century without sacrificing the classic designs we all love. Truly a wonderful merger of the modern and the classic.
I love the designs and the original use of materials best. Anastasia
Oh, I would love this book to find new (and fun!) ways to do things with thread. Pick me!
I love the concept of this book. The idea of blending these several techniques and fibers into a single design sounds like the next project on my list! I can already imagine holding all those different fibers and getting to “play” with them. Thanks Mary and Hazel for the inspiration.
Wow, what a terrific looking/sounding book! I’ve not done crewel in years, but this sure makes me think of doing it again! The designs are very inspiring!!
Thank you so much for keeping all of these techniques alive for us
Hi Mary!
I just have an absolute fascination with crewel embroidery and to work with beads, gold etc in addition to just is over the top wonderful! Thanks
lcalypso (aka Lynn)
Thanks, Mary, for all you do for us. You have been an inspiration, no doubt about it. I’ve been subscribed to your list for a little while and have learned so many wonderful embroidery stitches. I use quite a lot of embroidery in my quilting and design; my special area is Sunbonnet Sue. Cheers, Kathie
I am actually a needlepointer who is always looking for new ideas. Crewel twists is loaded with ideas for canvas workers. I love the three dimensional quality that has been achieved through the use of beads and the variety of stitches. It is exciting when we stitchers can combine the best from a variety of stitching resources.