Friday, February 12, 2010

Folk Embroidery, Needlelace, and Good Reading
The folk embroidery of various countries fascinates me, so I was happy to see a recent post on The Textile Blog about Hungarian Flower Embroidery. The folk embroidery of Hungary is quite colorful, and, in its simplicity, I find it very appealing. After perusing the article on The Textile Blog, I found myself meandering about online, ending up at one of my favorite resources for online books.

Have you ever visited the On-Line Digital Archive of Documents on Weaving and Related Topics? It's a hefty title for a website. I just call it the Digital Archives. There, you will find some terrific books on all kinds of textile-related subjects. I found a couple books on folk art in particular, and both books feature some beautiful folk embroidery, needlelace, and related textile goods.

Folk Embroidery and Needlelace from Peasant Art of Austria and Hungary by Charles Holme


Both of the books I found myself browsing through are by author Charles Holme. The first is Peasant Art of Austria and Hungary, and though it covers more than just textiles, much of the content is dedicated to peasant costumes, embroidery, and needlelace.

Folk Embroidery and Needlelace from Peasant Art of Austria and Hungary by Charles Holme


Various items of the peasant costumes from Austria and Hungary are featured throughout the book, like this head-shawl, adorned with beautiful eyelets, cutwork, and textured embroidery.

Folk Embroidery and Needlelace from Peasant Art of Austria and Hungary by Charles Holme


The hand-made laces - like these two laces embroidered on net ground - are a terrific source of inspiration for surface embroidery patterns of a folky nature. I love those birds!

Folk Embroidery and Needlelace from Peasant Art of Austria and Hungary by Charles Holme


This bridal veil is exquisite. The design, embroidered on net and very light and delicate, would take on a completely different look if stitched in traditional Hungarian surface work, which is generally super colorful and somewhat heavy, as this photo from The Textile Blog demonstrates:

Folk Embroidery and Needlelace from Peasant Art of Austria and Hungary by Charles Holme


Though the types of needlework make both pieces look completely dissimilar, note that there are some elements in the flower designs that are look somewhat similar. I like both of these designs - the veil is certainly more elaborate and "formal," while the surface embroidery is simpler and somewhat "casual," but they're both beautiful in their own right.

Folk Embroidery and Needlelace from Peasant Art of Austria and Hungary by Charles Holme


The other book by the same author is called Peasant Art in Italy. Can't you just imagine this nice piece of crisp linen embroidered in bold blues or reds and adorning a tea table?

But what is that description under the photo? An embroidered bullock cover? Are they kidding? What do they mean - I mean, really... what DO they mean? Surely, they wouldn't really cover a bull with that.

"What a beautiful tea cloth!"

"Thanks, but it's not a tea cloth."

"Oh, what is it?"

"It's a bull cover, of course."

I thought there was some discrepancy between the description of the cloth and my understanding of the description. Towards the end of the book, in the section on painted carts, I arrived at this picture:

Folk Embroidery and Needlelace from Peasant Art of Austria and Hungary by Charles Holme


And so you see that a visit to the Digital Archives is always a learning experience!

I'm glad I don't have cattle. I might be tempted....

This weekend, if you're looking for a source of inspiration, some good reading on textile-related subjects, or just in the mood to browse good books, visit the Digital Archives. You can find these two books under the "H" section, by the author's last name.

Have a swell weekend!

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Posted By: Mary Corbet on Friday, February 12, 2010
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Friday, January 22, 2010

Chats on Old Lace and Needlework
Chats on Old Lace and Needlework by Emily Leigh Lowes was first published in 1908. The book is just as its title describes - chats on old lace and needlework. It is a book arranged in chapters, discussing various types of lace and needlework.

Because the book is old, it's not filled with gorgeous colored photos of museum pieces. Still, its value is in the written content and even - yes - the black and white photos.

Chats on Old Lace and Needlework


I tend to get used to colored photos, and find myself often passing completely on exploring a book when the photos are black and white. I have to remind myself that, like black and white movies, black and white photos can be just as artistic and just as well done as colored photos. They can tell a story, too, after all. I suppose this isn't always the case with the black and white photos in old books (because some can be rather poor quality!), but I think it's silly to disregard a book simply because the photos aren't in color.

(At the same time, admittedly, I prefer colored photos, especially of needlework!)

Chats on Old Lace and Needlework


I like this Jacobean piece featured in the book. When you start looking at it closely, you start to notice things - like the squiggly lines on the left, about a third of the way up behind some of the leaves and flowers there. They aren't anywhere else. Or the pot of flowers in the lower right hand corner, resting on one of the hills - a somewhat strange place to rest a pot of flowers.

The book addresses the history of lace (mostly in England, or having to do with England somehow) and the history of English embroidery in small, manageable chunks of texts (hence, the "Chats" part of the title). It's interesting to read, but not long enough to be a dry historical discourse.

If you'd like to take a look at the book, you'll find Chats on Old Lace and Needlework on Project Gutenberg.

Enjoy!

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Posted By: Mary Corbet on Friday, January 22, 2010
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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

And the Moral of the Story is... Embroidered in Cutwork
Thematic designs in embroidery are really no new thing, right? You've got Day-of-the-Week towels, Nursery Rhyme quilt blocks, State Birds, State Flowers, and so on and so forth - all developed into embroidery designs over the years.

But I want to tell you a story about another thematic line of embroidery, available online, and for free!

Once upon a time, a little girl sat on the stool outside her cottage, bent over her handwork. Along a came a fox (yes, that's the bad guy - for some reason, the fox is always the bad guy!) who tempted her away from her work, telling her about the grapes he couldn't reach over in the vineyard, and that he insisted were sour anyway.

As the little girl walked toward the vineyard, a mouse skittered by her feet, holding a spinter between its tiny mouse teeth! "Yikes! A mouse!" cried the little girl.

But the mouse was nothing compared to the lion that was lumbering away in the other direction, limping slightly from some sligh foot infection undoubtedly caused by the splinter that just skittered by. The light girl was mighty glad the lion didn't see her.

She continued toward the vineyard, neglecting her embroidery left on the stoop outside the cottage door. Naughty girl!

Arriving at the vineyard with the beguiling fox beside her, the little girl reached up for a bunch of grapes. The cunning fox licked his lips, knowing that finally, those grapes would be within his reach! Yum! Grapes! The girl plucked one from the bunch, popped it in her mouth, simultaneously holding out some for the fox, who gobbled a few in a gulp. And simultaneously, they both started sputtering.

"Unbelievable!" cried the fox, perturbed. "They really ARE sour!"

With her worst sour face, the dismayed little girl returned to her stoop in front of the cottage door, with every intention of picking up her handwork and plying her needle diligently.

At that moment, though, the rooster (there's always a rooster!) perched himself on the edge of the thatched cottage roof, right above the stoop upon which rested the little girl's beautiful handwork. With all his rooster might, the bird began to crow. As the little girl approached the stoop, the rooster stopped his infernal crowing, paused, and then did what roosters and chickens so readily do at any given opportunity. Splat! Right on the embroidery. He then strutted away.

The moral of the story is... Well, there are numerous morals, some of which I'm sure are too deep to attempt drawing out here!

Fables are brief stories involving the personification of animals and ending with a clear moral. Aesop's fables are the most famous fables in Western literary tradition, and they've been re-told and re-written and illustrated in numerous books down the centuries.

Now, how does this all tie in with needlework? Well, how about embroidered fables, in cutwork? Sure enough, at Antique Pattern Library, there's a terrific illustrated book of fables, and the illustrations are ---- wait for it! ---- cutwork patterns! Really and truly!

Embroidery Patterns for Fables


Above, for example, is the design for the The Rooster (told you so!), the Cat, and the Young Mouse, which ends with the terse moral, "Remember while you live, It is by looks that men deceive."

In its 73-page PDF, the book, an edition of Broderies & Ouvrages de Dames titled "Les Fables de La Fontaine," includes the illustration of the fable by way of an embroidery pattern, followed by a translation in English of the fable illustrated. It's entertaining to read and the pictures are perfect for illustrative embroidery. Don't think they're limited to cutwork, either! You can easily turn the designs into regular surface embroidery projects!

So stop by Antique Pattern Library and brush up on your fables while perusing the patterns presented in this fun little book!

And if the books sparks any creative ideas, drop back by and let the rest of us know!

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Posted By: Mary Corbet on Tuesday, June 23, 2009
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Friday, June 19, 2009

Great Needlework Pattern Source!
 
One of my favorite resources for embroidery patterns and inspiration is Antique Pattern Library. There, you'll find such an extensive list of books in the Library that it's impossible to get through them all! But there are some real gems in there (like the one mentioned below), so it's definitely worth exploring...

This particular publication is called La Brodeuse, a periodical published in France in the early 1900's, featuring plenty of embroidery patterns. Somewhere, I have at least one original La Brodeuse pamphlet, sent to me by an antique-crazy fiend... I mean friend... who lives just outside Paris. (Thanks, Suzette!) I don't know if it's the same one, but one of these days, I suppose I'll go bookshelf-diving to find out.

These publications are very similar to La Broderie Blanche, which is the publication from which the first monogram alphabet posted here on Needle 'n Thread came.

In the meantime, though, it's there in electronic form on Antique Pattern Library for all to enjoy!

La Brodeuse at Antique Pattern Library


You can download the PDF copy of La Brodeuse and save it to your computer for a ready resource. It isn't too long (only six pages), so printing it out is an easy proposition, too. To enlarge the designs, a photocopier comes in handy.

For tips and tricks on transferring designs, please visit my Tips and Tricks for Hand Embroidery list, where you'll find a section on transferring patterns.

Enjoy!

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Posted By: Mary Corbet on Friday, June 19, 2009
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Monday, February 16, 2009

Excellent Drawn Thread Embroidery Book - Free Online
 
Since I've been playing around with drawn thread embroidery on my whitework technique sampler, I thought it worthwhile to look around online for some good resources for technique and design ideas. As usual, one of my first stops when looking for needlework instructional books online is Antique Pattern Library. I love this website! And I could spend many long, lingering hours there!

I was happy to find Therese Dillmont's Drawn Thread Work (DMC Library). Typipcal of these Therese Dillmont books (there's a whole list of them on Antique Pattern Library), there's heaps of information, diagrams, and so forth in the book.

While many of the Dillmont books listed on the APL index are in French, the drawn thread book is in English. No matter what language you speak, though, the diagrams are clear enough to follow, if you have at least a little understanding of drawn thread embroidery.

Therese Dillmont's Drawn Thread Work available on Antique Pattern Library


I like the choice of colors in the project on the front cover!

Therese Dillmont's Drawn Thread Work available on Antique Pattern Library


The book is in PDF format, in two parts. The first part addresses mostly the different types of drawn thread work, with pictures of how to work out different bunching techniques, as well as decorative corners, needle lace accents, and so forth.

Therese Dillmont's Drawn Thread Work available on Antique Pattern Library


The second part features some really beautiful ideas for drawn thread projects.

If you're looking for some inspiration for your own drawn thread embroidery, do check out Therese Dillmont's book:

Part I - Drawn Thread Embroidery by Therese Dillmont (PDF)

Part II - Drawn Thread Embroidery by Therese Dillmont

And if you're just longing to spend some time browsing some old needlework books, pop in at the Antique Pattern Library and enjoy lingering for hours over some of the wonderful books available there!

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Posted By: Mary Corbet on Monday, February 16, 2009
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Saturday, January 10, 2009

Free Needlework Book Online: Church Embroidery, Ancient and Modern
 
This week, I came across a little old gem of a church embroidery book online. When I came upon it as a free PDF, I was delighted, so I thought I'd share it with those of you interested in church embroidery.

The name of the book is Church Embroidery, Ancient and Modern, by Anastasia Marice Dolby. Typical of older church embroidery books, while there are some black and white drawings - and some little patterns that can be elaborated upon or adapted - the book is mostly text.

In it, you'll find instruction on older forms of church embroidery, so if you've ever looked at old church vestments and vesture and wondered "how they did that," this might be a book that answers those questions.

There are also plenty of tips in the book on goldwork, embroidery on linen, applique techniques, and so forth. Of course, since the book was written quite a while ago (1867), some of the instructions are a bit dated. For example, Mrs. Dobly's instructions on making a paste made me chuckle:
To make a needlework paste. - Paste which is sure to bind, and will never come through on the surface of the material, is shoemaker's paste; two pennyworth of which may be had from any adjacent shoemaker.

But supposing a shoemaker be not always adjacent, we give our receipt for an excellent paste, which may be made at home.

Take 3 table-spoonfuls of flour, and as much powdered resin as will lie on a shilling; mix them smoothly with half a pint of water, pour into an iron saucepan, and stir till it boils. Let it boil 5 minutes; then turn it into a basin, and when quite cold, it is fit for use.

Since I don't have an adjacent shoemaker, I suppose I would have to go for the home-made recipe!

Church Embroidery, Ancient and Modern, by Anastasia Dolby


Some of the little patterns in the book are nice, and would adapt well to individual motifs for goldwork or silk shading, even for secular use. I may play around with some of them to see if I can work them into clean images to use as patterns. If I do, I'll certainly share them with you!

The book is available on Google Books: Church Embroidery, Ancient and Modern, by Anastasia Dolby.

I don't know about you, but I really love these nice old needlework books that are generously being made available by those who take the time to digitize them.

Feel free to check out my list of free online needlework books to see some similar books available online.

Enjoy your weekend!

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Posted By: Mary Corbet on Saturday, January 10, 2009
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Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Online Needlework Books with Really Pretty Pictures
 
The Antique Pattern Library is a real gem of a site when it comes to free online needlework books - it's an on-going effort of many to preserve old needlework books that are in the public domain. If you haven't visited the Antique Pattern Library lately, you might want to take a look at some of their new offerings, some of which I wanted to highlight here.

The books I'm looking at today are compiled by M. Heminway & Sons Silk Company. They're collections of needlework patterns and color plates. In the first book, A Treatise on Embroidery with Twenty Color Illustrations from Original Models. Art Needlework Series No. 8., published in 1910, you'll find in the first PDF a run-down on embroidery in general, with stitch instructions and so forth.

M. Heminway & Sons Silk Co, Treatise on Embroidery


As you move through the four PDF files that make up the whole book, you'll come across patterns for a variety of heirloom-type embroidery projects, as well as some gorgeous color plates of exquisite embroidery.

M. Heminway & Sons Silk Co, Treatise on Embroidery


I love, for example, this box of strawberries! Wow. You'll find instruction on working these projects, too, though the color instructions are directed towards Heminway silks, which can't be had today.

M. Heminway & Sons Silk Co, Treatise on Embroidery


As you continue to browse through this book in the different PDFs, you'll come across one beautiful piece of embroidery after another.

In the other book, Treatise on Embroidery, Knitting and Modern Lace Work, with color illustrations from original models. Art Needlework Series Number 6., you'll not only find some beautiful color plates, but you'll also find the patterns and color / stitch keys for the different pieces of embroidery featured in the book.

M. Heminway & Sons Silk Co, Treatise on Embroidery


So if you've got the time, check out these PDFs. You can download them straight to your computer if you like and browse them later!

A Treatise on Embroidery with Twenty Color Illustrations from Original Models. Art Needlework Series No. 8. by M. Heminway & Sons Silk Co., in four parts:
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV

Treatise on Embroidery, Knitting and Modern Lace Work, with color illustrations from original models. Art Needlework Series Number 6. by M. Heminway & Sons Silk Co., in five parts:
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V

You can also find them on the Catalog Listing on Antique Pattern Library (scroll down to the M's). While you're there, take time to browse all the other offerings - or at least bookmark the page so you can visit it frequently when you're in the mood for inspiration!

Thanks, Margaret, for the heads-up on these discoveries!

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Posted By: Mary Corbet on Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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Monday, September 01, 2008

Embroidery Book Online: Higgin's Handbook of Embroidery
 
Well, I'm sort of back - but not for anything lengthy! Thank you all for the very good wishes and encouragement. It was an "interesting" weekend, to say the least. Surgery is not perhaps the most advisable way to extend your summer vacation!

But, to move on to Much More Exciting Topics, let's get back to needlework! Here's a pretty nice little online book you might want to browse through, when you have time.

Project Gutenberg offers L. Higgin's Handbook of Embroidery for readers interested in needlearts. It's a relatively simple book that includes information on different embroidery techniques, stitch information (with simple diagrams), and tips on finishing and so forth.

L. Higgin's Handbook of Embroidery from Project Gutenberg


As you can see, the diagrams are relatively simple - but don't be deceived by them! The book contains really good information for beginners to advanced embroiderers.

So if you have time, do take a peek!

Tomorrow, if all goes better, I'll be showing you some photos of gold threads. Keep your fingers crossed!

Thank you again for your kind support and good wishes! See you tomorrow!

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Posted By: Mary Corbet on Monday, September 01, 2008
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Monday, June 30, 2008

English Embroidery - Online Book
 
If you like historical embroidery, you may find A. F. Kendrick's book, English Embroidery, interesting and informative. Keep in mind, though - it's not a how-to. I'll tell you a bit about it...

English Embroidery by A. F. Kendrick can be found online in PDF format through the American Libraries Internet Archive. The book is one of those photographed PDFs, so you really get the sense of its age!

You'll find in the book a sort-of history of English embroidery. What the author sets out to do is to describe the trends in embroidery over the ages that mark works of embroidery as "English embroidery."

Again, keep in mind it's not a how-to book. You won't find information on stitching or assembly or anything like that - nothing about how to go about doing the types of embroidery discussed! Instead, Kendrick's intention is to define a type of embroidery ("English embroidery") by showing the reader, with pictures and descriptions, what exemplifies this type of embroidery.

The book spans the early Middle Ages through the 18th century, and treats each era in a brief way, slotting typical existing pieces into the era in which they belong. He describes some pieces in fairly good detail. The first half of the book is dedicated primarily to ecclesiastical embroidery. You'll be able to see photos of different pieces, mostly in black and white - although there are several color plates throughout the book.

From English Embroidery by A. F. Kendrick


About half way through the 125-page book, you'll arrive at secular embroidery of the 16th and 17th century. You'll find some plates displaying embroidered bags, as well as several plates on embroidered clothing. The book ends with the 18th century.

From English Embroidery by A. F. Kendrick


This plate, and the discussion of embroidered jackets, reminds me of the work going on at Plymoth Plantation on the 17th century embroidered jacket!

The book also has an extensive reference list and a good index.

Not long ago, I had the opportunity to explore A. G. Christie's book, English Medieval Embroidery, in the rare books section at a city library. Kendrick's book is a lot like it, but on a much (much!) smaller scale, covering a broader period of time. So if you've been interested to see what Christie's book is like, but haven't had the opportunity to visit a library to see it, you could take a look at this book to get a sense of it.

If you want to peruse the book at your leisure, download the PDF of English Embroidery by A. F. Kendrick, and enjoy!

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Posted By: Mary Corbet on Monday, June 30, 2008
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Friday, June 27, 2008

Great New Embroidery Resource - for Free!
 
If you're not familiar with Inspirations Magazine published by Country Bumpkin, you are missing one of the greatest needlework publications ever! I really LOVE their magazine! It is one of the few superfluous indulgences I allow myself. It is, admittedly, rather pricey, but each issue is really such a joy to read, browse through, and linger over. So I do subscribe to Inspirations. If you can't afford the subscribe to the magazine, though, they do have some nice little offerings on their website. Read on, and I'll tell you about them!

Before I venture too far in singing the glories of this Pinnacle of Embroidery Perfection that I tend to think Inspirations is, I should note (in case you're suspicious of my motives!) that I'm not at all affiliated with Country Bumpkin, except for being a loyal customer for many years! I get such pleasure out of the magazine, that I can't help telling other people about it...

Anyway, on with it...

Country Bumpkin is always trying to improve their website and build a really excellent resource for hand embroiderers and smockers. Working towards this goal, they've recently added some free "e-books" to their website.

E-books are electronic books that you download in PDF format. Country Bumpkin is presently offering two free e-books: one on Bullion Roses and one on Picture Smocking for Beginners. The hitch is, you have to become a member - but membership is free. And as a member, you can participate in their forum, where you can find inspiration and advice from other stitchers, and you can receive notification of sales and events. You can also go to their My Designs page and download several free embroidery designs created by expert needlework designers. So all in all, it's a really good deal!!

If you're passionate about embroidery, I think you'll find at least a few things on the Country Bumpkin website that please you. And if you'd like a taste of Country Bumpkin quality, but are hesitant to swallow the price tag of their publications, do at least take advantage of their free offerings. As their site expands and they continue in their endeavors to create and maintain this wonderful online resource, I bet they'll probably be offering more good stuff!

Enjoy!

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Posted By: Mary Corbet on Friday, June 27, 2008
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Friday, May 30, 2008

Needlework Books - Bestsellers
 
I've always been a bookworm, and as an embroiderer, I admit I'm an embroidery bookworm. I have a lot of books on needlework and embroidery. Some I love, and visit over and over. Some, I've found disappointing. The books I like best are the ones that have a good presentation of good information.

While I was shuffling through my needlework books this past weekend, I became curious about the books people buy. This, in turn, led me to checking my reports to see what the "top sellers" were from the bookstore here on Needle 'n Thread. I thought I'd share the results of my perusal with you!

According to my reports, here are the top eleven needlework books that people have bought through Needle 'n Thread in the last few months, arranged from least popular to most popular. I've linked them up to my reviews of the books listed.

10. Beginner's Guide to Crewel Embroidery - actually, many clicks and many copies ordered, but this one has been listed on the site for only a little while!

9. Whitework: Techniques and 188 Designs (Dover)

8. Painting with a Needle: Learning the Art of Silk Embroidery

7. Goldwork Embroidery: Designs and Projects

6. Compendium of Ancien Artistic Initials for Vintage Style Monograms

5. Beginner's Guide to Goldwork

4. The Embroidery Stitch Bible

3. 18th Century Embroidery Techniques

2. Beginner's Guide to Silk Shading

1. The Embroiderer's Handbook and Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches (tied for #1 spot)

I'd be curious to find out what peoople look for in a needlework book. I have my own criteria, which can be summarized, as I said above, with "a good presentation of good information." But that's rather general, isn't it? What do you consider necessary to make the book "good"?

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Posted By: Mary Corbet on Friday, May 30, 2008
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Monday, May 26, 2008

Crewel and Surface Embroidery Book Review
 
I'm so excited!! I received a copy of Trish Burr's new book, Crewel and Surface Embroidery: Inspirational Floral Designs, and I've had a chance to look it over carefully and absorb some good tips and insights about thread painting (long and short stitch) techniques. So here's my review of the book...

Crewel and Surface Embroidery by Trish Burr is one of three books she's written on the subject of long and short stitch techniques. This third book is exquisite in a number of ways: first, the presentation - it's a beautiful book, with clear photos and diagrams and a nice print layout.

Trish Burr: Crewel and Surface Embroidery: Inspirational Floral Designs


Second, the projects are exquisite: stunning flower arrangements in various color schemes that would suit any embroiderer's preferences for color.

Third, the detailed explanations and directions, as well as the tips and tricks before beginning and along the way, are perfect for any level of embroiderer. Even if you've never worked any long and short stitch techniques or done any soft shading, you will be able to with this book. If you've been intimidated by thread painting techniques, your trepidation will melt away if you read Trish's tips and follow her advice while working through the project.

Trish Burr: Crewel and Surface Embroidery: Inspirational Floral Designs


Fourth, whether you like floral designs or not (some embroiderers might not be "into" floral motifs), the information in this book will translate to any kind of thread painting project - whether figure embroidery (people and their clothes) or scenery, or even animals. Really, the book is about shading and how to add dramatic and subtle contrasts with different colors and shades in order to produce a realistic and appealing picture.

Some of the best points of the book:

1. The section on tips for working the designs. This comes at the beginning of the book, and is an itemized list of pointers for executing the designs. The points, however, apply to all kinds of needlework projects. You'll find advice about transfering your designs, the order of embroidery, thread choice, etc.

2. The section called techniques, where Trish covers everything from the grain of the fabric to completion of a project (that dreaded finish work!) - blocking, mounting, and so forth. Again, all this information is applicable to any embroidery project.

3. The section on practice motifs, step-by-step. This is a gem of a resource for anyone interested in thread painting. Trish takes the reader step-by-step through common motifs from the simple petal, to the petal with a turned edge, to the simple leaf, to the leaf with highlights. She gives details on working each motif, along with pictures showing the development of the motif.

4. The projects themselves: These are arranged from smaller and simpler to larger and more complex (beginner to advanced). Each project is accompanied by a thread key, a color photo of the completed project, an outline drawing (to use as your pattern), a line drawing with directional lines marked in (to use as a guide), and a watercolored sketch-up to help see clearly where the shades change. In the first several projects, very detailed instructions are given for every step of the way. Later in the book, the instructions are still detailed enough, but not as detailed. As you become more proficient with the basic techniques of shading and so forth, the minute details are not as necessary.

Trish Burr: Crewel and Surface Embroidery: Inspirational Floral Designs


Comparing this book to her other two on similar subjects (Long and Short Stitch Embroidery: A Collection of Flowers and Redoute's Finest Flowers in Embroidery), I like this one best as far as information goes. I think I prefer the style of flowers in Redoute and Long and Short Stitch (they are more "natural" in their presentation, rather than arranged in sprays) over the style of flowers in this book. Yet, despite that preference, this book the best of the three (in my opinion) as far as teaching the technique is concerned. Everyone's tastes differ, though - you may prefer these projects to those presented in the other books. Certainly, the projects in this book are more suitable for a "whole presentation" effect. They would look complete, for example, on a pillow cover or framed. The flowers in the two previous books are somewhat isolated.

If you want to see some of Trish's work - including projects in this book - check out Part I and Part II of my recent interview information from Trish.

So that's the book! You can pre-order it through Amazon, or, if you can't wait to get it, you can order it now through Sterling Publishers.




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Posted By: Mary Corbet on Monday, May 26, 2008
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Thursday, January 31, 2008

Great Online Embroidery Book!
 
A while ago, I started the hunt for A.G. Christie's book, English Medieval Embroidery. I haven't been able to lay my paws on it - but there are other good A. G. Christie embroidery books online. Here's a sample of one.

Embroidery and Tapestry Weaving by Mrs. Archibald Christie (also known as Grace Christie) is a nice information and design book for embroidery. It's got clear diagrams for stitches, and, better yet, it has great designs in it!

From Embroidery and Tapestry Weaving by A.G. Christie, on Project Gutenberg


You can find plenty of designs like the one above - designs for crewel work, blackwork, all kinds of surface embroidery (including historical and ecclesiastical work), and counted thread and canvas work. The book is packed with useful information!

Although I haven't tried my hand at "real" tapestry weaving, I think it's interesting to read through the information on weaving, too! Her style is really easy.

So, if you feel like browsing an online book and you're looking for inspiration do check out A. G. Christie's Embroidery and Tapestry Weaving on Project Gutenberg. I think you'll find it a great little gem for your library!

Feel free to check out my other reviews of free online embroidery books!

Thanks, Megan!

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Posted By: Mary Corbet on Thursday, January 31, 2008
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Thursday, December 27, 2007

Art Embroidery in Silk - A Lady's Book
 
A Lady's Book on Art Embroidery in Silk with Engraved Patterns was published by M. Heminway & Sons Silk Company some time last century or the century before! (How's that for accuracy?!) It's a neat little booklet with a lot of information in it.

First, as promised, it has some embroidery patterns in it. Second, it has some embroidery technique in it. And third, since it's published by a silk manufacturing company, it has a lot of nice information about silk in it.

If you haven't come across it on the Antique Pattern Library yet, do give A Lady's Book on Art Embroidery in Silk with Engraved Patterns a look. It's a PDF, and it was added to the library in November, 2007.



Also, if you haven't stopped by the Antique Pattern Library lately, you might want to take a look at it - there have been a few new additions, which you will find highlighted in red in the left-hand column. You may end up browsing a while! Enjoy!

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Posted By: Mary Corbet on Thursday, December 27, 2007
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Monday, December 17, 2007

Online Needle Lace Book with Lots of Patterns
 
The other day, I mentioned an interest in Italian cutwork, needle lace, and reticella, and thought that others interested in the same topic might like this book.

This particular needle lace book is hosted, in PDF format, by the Online Digital Archive of Weaving and Related Topics. The book is in Italian, but if you don't read Italian, it doesn't matter, because there's only a brief introduction and the rest of the book is made up of patterns:

Italian needle lace pattern


This is the thing, though - even if you aren't interested specifically in needle lace, the patterns are striking, and in looking at them, you might glean some inspiration for whatever type of embroidery or craft you do. I could see these patterns somehow adapted to other types of needlework: blackwork, couching designs, assisi embroidery, whitework even.

Italian needle lace pattern


When I start looking at patterns like this, I can't help thinking of "all the ways" the same pattern could be adapted to other things!

Italian needle lace pattern


Unfortunately, I share the common woe of many stitchers: so many ideas, so little time!

Italian needle lace pattern


And I'm not sure why calligraphy and illumination come to mind when I see this one, but... they do!

Anyway, if you want to browse through a neat book, you'll find Giardinetto novo di punti tagliati et gropposi per exercito e ornamento delle donne, by Matthio Pagano (1550) at University of Arizona's Digital Archives.

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Posted By: Mary Corbet on Monday, December 17, 2007
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Sunday, August 19, 2007

Church Embroidery Book Online
 
I'm a huge fan of historical needlework. One of my greatest interests is historical ecclesiastical or church embroidery, which is worked on vestments or vesture for the church. I'm always on the look-out for old books and any instructional materials, patterns, and whatnot for ecclesiastical embroidery.

What captivates me is the intricacy of the designs, the beautiful materials used, the symbolism, and the variety of techniques employed to create what are absolutely amazing works of art. Most textile museums of worth will feature ecclesiastical embroidery as a noteable - and even vital - part of the history of textiles.

Angel on a Miter, from Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Clyde, MO


The above is a photo I took of a gorgeous miter in the museum of the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Missouri. It was apparently made in the early 1950's, the last piece worked by hand by the nuns in Clyde.

New ecclesiastical embroidery like this is hard to find these days. Even books detailing techniques and patterns are hard to come by. I'm an avid collector of such books, and have many from the turn of last century (early 1900's) in my collection. They can be pricey - I paid arolund $100 for one book, which is in perfect condition except for the slight discoloration from age. I grimaced at the price, but it was a rare find, and I haven't seen it (in good shape) available for less since then. I have found photocopies of it, but a photocopy is never as good as the original, especially when it comes to detailed pictures. So I saw it as an investment, bit the bullet, and paid the price.

But guess what? It's now available online! This particular book is by Lucy Vaughn Hayden Mackrille, and it's called Church Embroidery and Church Vestments. It's available on the Digital Archives of Weaving and Related Topics, a project of the University of Arizona. It comes in five parts, in PDF. You can find them here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5.

I'm still glad I bought the book. I've poured over it for ideas and for inspiration many times. I've replicated some of her patterns, like the one I used for this embroidered pall, worked in white on linen - though in the book it was worked in color, red on white, and in satin stitch and stem stitch:

Hand Embroidered Pall design from Mackrille's Book


Lucy Mackrille also has an image of it worked in white on linen, though the stitches used are slightly different. But this is where I took the overall concept for the pall I made.

Hand Embroidered Pall design from Mackrille's Book


I was really happy to find the book online, in case others are interested in browsing through it! I'm going to add it to my list of Needlework Books Online - I think it's a gem of a book for people interested in historical textiles or church embroidery.

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Posted By: Mary Corbet on Sunday, August 19, 2007
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Friday, August 17, 2007

Library of Needlework Books Online
 
If you're like me, you like needlework books. I especially like older needlework books, many of which are out of print, but which are generously made available online by different people involved in different special online textile projects. But, if you're like me, you can't necessarily spend lots of time sifting through the books to see which ones you might be interested in.... or, like me, you might spend the time sifting, only to regret it when you have other things to do!

So the purpose of this post, which will be available in the left side bar under "Online Needlework Books" is to help reduce the hours of searching for specific books online. I'm just going to create a casual "catalog" of online books devoted solely to needlework of various types that may be of interest to the hand embroiderer. I'll include a short description, so that you can see if you'd be interested before you spend too much time browsing.

I'll update the list as I sort through my links. If you know of any online books that are favorites of yours, feel free to let me know so I can add it to the list!

  • The Encyclopedia of Needlework
    by Therese Dillmont
    Made available by Project Gutenberg
    Description: A comprehensive book on needlework, covering a whole range of techniques. You'll find photos of stitches and techniques, with text describing how they are worked. Some of the topics covered: surface embroidery of all types, crochet, knitting, lace-making, etc. If it's needlework, you're bound to find a reference for it in this book!


  • Jacobean Embroidery
    by Ada Wentworth Fitzwilliam and A.F. Morris Hands
    Made available by Project Gutenberg
    Description: This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in crewel work, needlepainting, or, of course, Jacobean embroidery. It includes a brief history, followed by plenty of information on techniques and a whole slew of designs that provide inspiration for the embroiderer.


  • Beeton's Book of Needlework
    by Isabella Beeton
    Made available by Project Gutenberg (HTML format) and Antique Pattern Library in PDF form (links below)
    Description: This is another comprehensive needlework book. It contains instructions and pictures of different techniques, as well as patterns and - the part I like best - some very nice monogram alphabets. The Antique Pattern Library supplies the book in PDF format (from Project Gutenberg), in three files: Part I, Part II, Part III. I like the 3rd file best, as it contains very nice coverage of needlelace techniques, including embroidered net (guipure), as well as the extensive index, which will help you find other stuff throughout the complete work. You'll find the section on monograms in the second file, starting on page 118 of the PDF.


  • Art in Needlework (PDF - 24MB)
    by Lewis F. Day
    Available on American Libraries Internet Archive
    Description: Another comprehensive resource, this one is made up of a good bit of text, but has some nice illustrations in it. There are some good descriptions of technique, but what I like about it is the dated commentary that runs through the book. "Linen is a worthy ground-stuff...Cotton is hardly worth embroidering." I like the section on "A Word to the Worker," starting on page 250 of the PDF. Much of what is said in this short chapter still holds true, and there are some very good tips for the embroiderer.


  • The Needles Excellency
    by John Taylor, published in 1631
    Made available by Godfrey's Bookshelf
    Description: The first part of the book is a long poem called "The Praise of the Needle," after which you'll find a bunch of samples of patterns that can be used for petit point, cross stitch, filet, etc., and then heaps of needle lace designs which are very nice and would be easy to use, as they would simply require enlarging or tracing. As a very old needlework book, it's fun to browse through.


  • The Art of Modern Lacemaking
    Published by Butterick in 1891
    Made available by Project Gutenberg
    Description: People who like to embroidery don't necessarily like the idea of making lace, admittedly - just because you like the one art doesn't mean you like the other! - but it's true that lace making and embroidery cross boundaries once in a while. Browsing through this book, you'll find some great patterns and some techniques that can be used in surface embroidery as well as lace making. Note the section on darning, for example. In the patterns, you'll find some really pretty inspirational pieces. The point lace butterfly pattern could be easily adapted to surface embroidery.


  • Assisi Embroidery
    by Therese Dillmont
    Made available by the On-Line Digital Archive of Documents on Weaving and Related Topics (hereafter, Digital Archive)
    Format: Two PDF Files: Part One & Part Two
    Description: Added at the beginning of August, 2007, this contribution to the digital archive will interest anyone who likes counted thread techniques and historical embroidery. The booklet has numerous magnificent examples, in color. The first part of the work is where you'll find the technique explained, and the second part is devoted primarily to color plates.


  • Church Embroidery and Church Vestments
    by Lucy Vaughn Hayden Mackrille
    Made available by Digital Archives
    Description: This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in ecclesiastical textiles - whether you're interested in making them yourself, or you just like historical needlework, etc. While some of the terminology and materials are a little outdated, the majority of the book is priceless when it comes to technique, design, etc. It's an enjoyable book just to flip through, to see some inspiring needlework. The separate links to the PDF files are listed in my brief blurb on the book.


  • Embroidery and Tapestry Weaving
    by Mrs. Archibald Christie
    Made available by Project Gutenberg
    This is a great book covering embroidery techniques, with plenty of pattern and design ideas. Fun to browse through!

I've still got a few more links to add, so check back for updates! And please don't hesitate to suggest additions!

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Posted By: Mary Corbet on Friday, August 17, 2007
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