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Mary Corbet

writer and founder

 

I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the '80s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on...read more

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Sixth Day of Christmas: Embroiderer’s Companion Stitch Dictionary!

 

Amazon Books

A stitch dictionary is a Must on every embroiderer’s bookshelf – whether you’re a beginner or an experienced embroiderer. And Yvette Stanton’s stitch dictionaries – The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion and The Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion – are excellent choices when it comes to selecting a comprehensive, instructive stitch dictionary.

Today’s give-away is one of these books – the winner’s choice, actually – courtesy of Yvette Stanton of Vetty Creations.

Right Handed Embroiderer's Companion

I’ve reviewed both books thoroughly here on Needle ‘n Thread – you’re welcome to visit the links below to my book reviews, but remember to leave your comment for the give-away on today’s post, not on the book review posts! Here are the links to the reviews, where you can see what the insides of the books are like and read a bit about them:

The Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion Book Review
The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion Book Review

Yvette Stanton writes beautiful and thoroughly instructive books, and you will find her stitch dictionary a perfect companion (just the title says) for your embroidery endeavors. She covers over 170 stitches and variations in each book, with directions written specifically for either left or right-handed embroiderers.

Besides her stitch dictionaries, Yvette has some other gorgeous books in various whitework techniques on the market. In fact, her business Vetty Creations is primarily targeted at whitework. There, you’ll find supplies for techniques like Mountmellick whitework embroidery, which calls for a specific fabric (cotton satin) and a specific thread (matte cotton threads, not mercerized). You’ll also find her other whitework books available there. She has written excellent books for instruction in Hardanger embroidery, Mountmellick embroidery, and Ukranian drawn thread embroidery.

But… Yvette’s not finished writing books! Oh, no! Captivated by a Portuguese style of embroidery involving drawn thread and incredible bullion knot motifs, Yvette has ventured into her latest book, Portuguese Whitework: Bullion Embroidery from Guimarães, which has not been published yet, but promises to be an absolute stunner.

Portuguese Whitework Embroidery

If you can judge a book by its cover – and in this case, trust me, you can – you’ll be looking forward to this book as much as I am. Between you and me, I’ve already had a little sneak peek at the insides, and it is everything – and more – that the beauty of the cover promises!

Give-Away Instructions

Today’s sixth day of Christmas give-away is the winner’s choice of either The Left-Handed or The Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion. If you’ve already got the books on your shelf and you win the give-away, you can always gift one to a stitching friend, or even to a local library, so don’t be shy about signing up! Please follow these (simple) instructions:

1. Leave a comment at the end of today’s article. If you click on that link, it will take you directly to the comment area, so that there are no mishaps! Comments delivered via e-mail or on other articles will not be included in the give-away.

2. In your comment, answer the following question:

Lefty? Or Righty? And has it made a difference to you in learning embroidery?

3. Make sure you leave a recognizable name either in the body of your comment, or on the “name” line above the comment box. For example, if your name happens to be Lefty, you might include a last initial or a location to differentiate yourself from any other Lefty that might join in.

4. Leave your comment before January 9th, 2012, at 5:00 am Central Standard Time (Kansas, USA!). All winners for this series will be selected on January 9th, and announced that day here on Needle ‘n Thread. You’ll have to check back on January 9th to see if you’ve won, because the winners will need to contact me within 3 days to claim their prizes. The Give-Away is Now Closed. Thanks for your interest!

Merry Sixth Day of Christmas!

Please do not panic if your comment does not show up immediately. All comments are moderated in the order in which they come in, and they will eventually be posted. If you are looking for your comment, please use the “older comments” and “newer comments” links at the top of the comments section. These will take you through all the comments pages, from newest to oldest.

 
 

(974) Comments

  1. Hi, I’m right handed. I’ve found a real passion for embroidery, but quite limited in the stitches I know and are comfortable with. Would love a reference to expand my skills. What a great giveaway.

    1
  2. I’m a righty and feel lucky this has never been an issue in learning embroidery stitches. As a former librarian and a someone learning to embroider, new books are always welcome!

    2
  3. G’day Mary,
    Well, I’m on the common side of the question, a righty. It’s only in recent years with promotions such as Yvettes Left Handers book that I’ve given it much thought, either for leftys or my own right-handedness. I realize now the advantage us rightys have, to be able to just join in without the distraction of ‘working backwards’ when following a tutor or referring to books.
    “I dips me lid” and raise my right hand in a gesture of salute to those leftys out there who are doing magnificently or soon will be, which is all of them!
    Cheers, and heartfelt thanks, Mary and Yvette for this special giveaway.
    I promised myself I’d be asleep before next year so will have to scuttle, it’s 11.30 pm. Have a lovely last day of the year.
    Kath from Oz.

    3
  4. I’m right-handed, so it has been easy for me learning embroidery. My mother (my first teacher) was right-handed too.
    But I’m a teacher, and I have some left-handed women that are not able to learn by standing in front of me, they need to see the stitch done as a left-handed person would do. So I have to show them how to do the stitch in the left-handed way, with my right hand… not easy, but I somehow manage to do it.
    A left-handed stitch dictionary would be a great addiction to my library 🙂
    Best wishes of a wonderful new year to you!

    4
  5. Lefty! And I always feel like I’m doing it wrong which makes it confusing for a beginner who is already confused! Ha ha! Love all your helps and projects… some day I will tackle something a lot more difficult!

    6
  6. Oh I have wanted this book ever since you have reviewed it! Again, what a wonderful give-away. I’m right-handed, and I guess I’m one of the lucky ones, since most teachers are right handed, therefore when I take classes it is easy for me to follow the teacher. Thanks for the chance to win this book.

    7
  7. I’m a righty. I don’t think it has mattered to me, but when I was young anyone who was left-handed would have had problems, as teachers thought lefties were doing it all wrong. My view is that they need to sit facing their teacher so they get the mirror image, rather than beside them.

    9
  8. Happy Sixth Day of Christmas, Mary.

    Alrighty, now! The only things I can do with my left hand is tie my shoe, scratch my right elbow, and type. So, Lefty? Or Righty? … Definitely Righty!! I’ve never had a problem learning stitches because most teachers, as well as most books, are geared toward right-handed execution. I would love to ad this book to my stitching library.

    I hope you have a safe and happy new year, Mary. Nuovo anno felice! Nouvelle année heureuse! ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

    I can’t wait to see what tomorrow’s offering will be.

    11
  9. Righty for sure because as much as I try, I cannot do anything stitching related with my left hand – I have taught a few things to a left handed friend but it taxes my brain!!!!!

    12
  10. Definately a righty, grin! I truely can’t say if I have ever had a problem since most patterns are written for a righty, but then I have been embroidering for about 57 years now and have done most types of embroidery, love this book, been thinking about getting it for myself ever since you wrote about it. Still have a small booklet of stitches I purchased back when I was first learning, so will love this one by Yvette! Barb

    13
  11. Hi Mary,
    I am right handed and would LOVE such a great book showing me the correct way to stitch. I am self taught and would certainly profit from having such a book on my bookshelf. Oh to do things as they should be done!! MANY thanks for this great opportunity!
    Peg

    14
  12. I am a righty and it has never been a problem in embroidery until I was trying to teach my left handed niece to stitch. This would be a perfect birthday gift for her. Thanks for all you do. Happy New Year!!

    15
  13. Hello mary,
    I am a righty but it is good to know techniques form for my left hand that I can use in some embroidery stitches.

    Françoise Y. Beauchamp
    Mafyb Créations Textiles
    Bois-des-Filion, Québec, Canada

    16
  14. I am predominantly right handed but when it comes to stitching I use both hands for most of my work. It would be good to see how the stitches “change” in both books.

    17
  15. When teaching needlework and embroidery many years ago, I always found it hard to help the lefthanders. The only way I found was to have them standing in front of me. What a boon it would be to have had a left handers book with clear diagrams etc.
    I am sure I would even find hints for myself in the tight handers book.

    19
  16. I’m a right-handed embroiderer.But sometimes I’ve to teach kids who are lefty.The kids are beginners
    and by teaching them I’ve learnt so much like now
    I can work many stitches like a lefty :).This book is in my wishlist.Thank you Mary.
    Anita-MM

    20
  17. Mary,

    Your newsletter is fabulous and your give-aways are so generous. Thank you so much for all you do.

    I am right-handed predominately although, as I age, I work on learning stitches with my left hand. I don’t think my ‘handedness’ has made a difference in my stitching as most all instructions are written for left-handers.

    I have had these books on my wish-list since reading about them in your newsletter some time ago. (pick me pick me pick me!!!)

    21
  18. The Right Handed Embroiderers Companion would be a dream come true. Thank you for this awesome opportunity.

    22
  19. I am right handed. Taught sewing many years to middle school students. Interesting working with them, as each brain works differently. Putting a needle and thread in their hands was a wonder. Each developed their own style. I questions if there is such a thing as true right or left. I tend to want to do some things left handed as an automatic response…

    23
  20. They look amazing books, I’d love to have a chance to win one; I’m a right-handed stitcher.
    Sue T
    in France

    24
  21. I am right handed. So far most instruction I have read seems to be designed for right handers so it has not made a difference to my learning experience. I have noticed on your instruction pages Mary that you do include left handed instruction.

    25
  22. Righty. It has made learning stitches so much easier because the majority of instructions (web-based, book-based, or personal) are for right-handed folk.

    26
  23. It hasn’t made a difference in learning embroidery for me as much as it has in teaching embroidery. I often teach young adults basic embroidery stitches and have had to come up with techniques that work for both right and left handed learners. I love passing this art on to young women. I’m “old school” and try at every opportunity to instill a love for hand worked items that can become a family treasure as time passes.

    27
  24. I’m a lefty and like having illustrations tailored to my stitching direction. Starting a line of stitching correctly really does make a difference.

    28
  25. I’m a “righty” self taught hence the need to really sit down and practice, practice and practice some more now that the holidays are over. As for learning, being a righty hasn’t made much difference other than practicing.

    29
  26. I’m a right handed Embroiderer. I get frustrated at not being able to understand all the steps in a reference guide for stitching, especially the complicated ones. I even try to compile my own stitch guide from different places to see which one makes sense to me. This book sounds wonderful as it could be one ‘go to’ spot for a complete understanding of every stitch. Thanks, Sherry F.

    30
  27. i’m a right-handed embroiderer; never really thought about having any difficulties.
    my older sister is left-handed and i know she had some problems as a child with handwriting so i imagine she would have had some issues learning embroidery (if she was interested but she is so NOT a crafts-person). most books did seem to focus on right handers, way back when.
    the portuguese whitework book looks very interesting – gorgeous cover!
    thanks for all these giveaways

    31
  28. I am a righty, I think it has made it easier because so many resources are geared towards right-handed folks.

    Happy New Year!

    32
  29. The LEFTY book would be great for my sister! I am a righty and struggle to teach her stitches. She would absolutely LOVE this book! Thank you for the offer!

    33
  30. Definitely a “rightie” when it comes to needle and thread! I am trying to learn more embroidery stitches and am grateful for you stitch videos! I want to know more and look forward to the opportunity to do so.
    Sandy

    34
  31. I’m a right handed Embroiderer. I get frustrated at not being able to understand all the steps in a reference guide for stitching, especially the complicated ones. I even try to compile my own stitch guide from different places to see which one makes sense to me. This book sounds wonderful as it could be one ‘go to’ spot for a complete understanding of every stitch. Thanks, Sherry F.

    35
  32. I’m a righty and since I don’t think I’ve ever seen any instructions specific to leftys I haven’t had any trouble learning stitches.

    37
  33. Lefty – Righty… Very hard for me to function on the left side. Many years ago, I broke my right arm in the wrist area. I honestly felt insane for six weeks… well, not the entire six weeks. I soon learned to use my left arm and my mouth to create… Ha, not a pretty sight!

    JupZi in Morton, IL

    38
  34. I’m right handed. I haven’t found it difficult to learn embroidery, but sometimes think I need more help with hand positioning. (what should the left hand be doing? Is the right hand over or under? Etc) I tend to do whatever comes naturally or comfortably — even if it’s not the proper way. I’ll learn more eventually. 🙂

    39
  35. I am a righty which made learning embroidery easier since I am in the majority. It seems most instructions are written for righties, lefties have to turn everything upside down.

    40
  36. What a great book! I gave my stitch book to a young girl just beginning in embroidery and the one I use is old – black and white diagrams and not very instructive really. Would love to receive the right-handed guide to add to my bookcase. Well, maybe not to add to my bookcase but keep with my sewing box where it would be on hand at a moment’s notice.

    41
  37. Righty. once I got into a book on croched that started out lefty instructions, it boggled my mind, had difficulty reversing the hands and what to do. Then found the righty section and that was indeed easier for me to follow.

    42
  38. I’m a righty, so not an issue for me. Now, if I could only be ambidexterious, that would be handy!

    44
  39. Mary,

    I’m right-handed, so have had no problems with most directions and stitch diagrams. We do have a “lefty” in one of my stitch groups. I’d pick the Left-handed guide, to learn what she is struggling with, and be able to help her more.

    Thanks again for a thoughtful choice. Will also look at the Yvette’s other books.

    45
  40. I’m a righty, which has probably made it easier for me to learn embroidery. I never realized that until a left-handed friend discussed some challenges for her that I hadn’t even considered. Thank you for the giveaway and Happy New Year!

    Theresa/OctoberLace

    46
  41. I am a lefty but learned right handed as that is what my mom and great grandmother did. I can do it both ways – which is nice – does give a different twist to the work depending on what I am doing. thanks!

    47
  42. I’m a righty – I did not have difficulty picking up embroidery – I started very young and it came very natural to me. I think it is in my French/Belgian DNA – but I sew and do upholstery work for a living. I also teach hand embroidery workshops once or twice a year at various historical sites/museums and libraries so the book would be a wonderful addition to my library and would be a big help in allowing me to teach effectively.
    Mary Ann
    Beacon NY

    48
  43. Embroidery is the best thing that accompanied me since I was a little girl. Long ago I realized that when I struggle to learn a new technique or even a new stitch I forget about my aches and pains and time passes very quickly. To be able to show my friends “how to” is very gratifying and your newsletter is a great help. I am right-handed. Thanks again.

    49
  44. I’m right handed. I have a left-handed granddaughter and know that for her it is a challenge when her grandmothers tries to teach her a craft skill. Ah well. Books like this make those things so much easier. Love this idea of 12 days of Christmas gifts.

    50
  45. I am a righty. It has made a big difference in learning needlework because my mother was a lefty. She found it very difficult to pass her skills onto my sister and I. As a result I learned almost all of my skills from books.
    Winnifred, Braeside, Ontario

    51
  46. Good Morning! I’m a righty and my teacher was a righty. However, it helps to be able to use both the right and left … I’ve done a few stitches that work better using my left hand. Thank you.

    52
  47. I’m a lefty and go out of my mind trying to translate right handed embroidery instructions! The only thing that has ever worked for me, is watching your excellent video tutorials. Owning a left-handed embroidery book would be plain awesome!

    53
  48. I am a righty and it has made a difference, I gues, in that most instructions are for right handed people so they are more readily available!

    54
  49. righty, i have never tried with left hand. i be nice to see how beautiful pictures are in person.

    Joanie M of W TN

    55
  50. I am a righty but with age and stiff fingers I have done stitching even with the left hand. I have two stitching dictionaries but seem I am always looking for better instruction. I would love The Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion and as you mentioned, it would be great to donate. Should I win, I am thinking I would donate the books currently in my library and keep the righty.

    56
  51. I’m a righty, and I want to try every stitch I see. I’ve never had to stop and translate the diagram from right to left. Kudos to the leftys who are willing and able to do so.

    Doreen

    57
  52. Happy new years eve, Mary! I am a righty. I am married to a lefty and although he doesn’t stitch, my eyes have been opened to what a right-centric world we live in. We have a youth Stitchers group and one little gir is left handed and Yvette’s book has been a great help.

    58
  53. When I was young I used both hands and no one was sure what I was going to be a lefty or righty! Even though I did end up writing with my right hand I have found I use both hands exceedingly well in needlework.It has surprised me because of some of the intricacies of embroidery. I have always loved the challenge of creativity in hand made items so both hands get a dose!
    Avis in VA

    59
  54. Righty- and no it has not made a difference in learning to embroider. Thank you again, Mary. The Right Handed Embroiderer’s Companion would be a really nice addition to anyone’s stitch reference library.
    Jean B.

    61
  55. Righty!
    I was born lefthanded, but I had to learn everything righthanded at school. Now I can use both.
    Bye, Winnie

    62
  56. I would love to win the “The Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion”. I am a “righty”.
    I love cross stitching and have just gotten into embrodery. I took a class in crazy quilting and am trying to use some of the stitches for that and I have a wonderful redwork design I am just itching to start. I am sure I would use this lovely book a lot.
    Thank you for a chance to win it.
    Judy Starkey

    64
  57. I’m right handed, so have the advantage of most instructions being printed for me. Mary, your prizes just keep getting better and better. You have worked hard to get these donations…and win or lose…thanks for the effort!
    Kathy

    66
  58. Lefty! Since I’m a pure lefty, it makes things a tad more difficult for me to overcome challenges in the crafty/sewing world.

    Interesting fact: My folks are both lefties. They have four children, three of which are lefties.

    Thank you for a chance to win!

    67
  59. Hi i am a righty. i learnt my stitches from design books -those Ondori books. i dont have any stitch dictionary. now i learn more about the stitches from Mary’s stitch dictionary and you tube. it would be great ,if i wonthe book. thank you ansu chennai

    68
  60. I am left handed, but I stitch with my right hand. I am not sure how I am able to do that since it is the only thing that I do right handed. In learning to embroider I don’t think that it made any difference. I taught myself to embroider starting when I was 13 years old. I learned from the instructions that came in the kits that I bought, Dimensions, Sunset, Paragon, etc. I eventually found a book called, “The Stitches of Creative Embroidery”, by Jacqueline Enthoven. This has been my stitch bible ever since. I would love to win this book. Thank you for giving away all these gifts.
    Sharon K.

    69
  61. That’s a very interesting question. I never really thought much about the fact that I was right handed. But on the other side of that coin, I can only imagine
    the frustration of someone who is left handed. So, when I read your article about
    the left or right handed embroidery books, I actually smiled. That’s terrific!

    70
  62. Good morning, lovely to read your post again this morning…the stitch dictionary is invaluable, thanks again for the opportunity to win…Dianne from Brockville Ont

    71
  63. I am a righty and it really does not seem to make a difference on my embroidery that I can tell. But then again most everthing is written for a righty rather than a lefty.

    72
  64. I am a right-handed embroiderer and I could sure use Yvette Stanton’s book right now since I am stuck on a simple stitch that I’m sure I will eventually figure out. It must be so much easier learning embroidery right-handed since so much is written for the right-handed.

    73
  65. I would love to own this dictionary. It appears very comprehensive & would be very useful in teaching grands to sew. BTW, all are right-handed, lol.

    Becky in upstate SC

    74
  66. I am a lefty, and while it has not affected my embroidery that much, it does mean that my embroidery tends to get a teeny bit abraded since I usually start at the upper left corner and work my way to the right and down, that means that my hand can come into contact with the embroidery as I take a stitch. I really ought to start at the upper right corner and work my way downward to the left.
    Tania

    75
  67. I am a righty but have a daughter that is a lefty. I would love to have either book. I have been stitching since I was about 7 as I would sit and stitch with my beloved grandmother. It seems I have always know how to stitch. However, I am always learning new stitches. Hope I win one or the other.

    76
  68. Mary,

    I would be thrilled to win the stitch book for righties.

    Thank you for all you do for the needlework community. Your work is so beautiful and inspiring!

    78
  69. Righty or Lefty – I don’t know how to answer that question. I am a lefty when I write, and do many chores. However, I am a righty when I stitch. . . Mostly because I could never figure out how to do the stitches with my left hand. It was just easier to make the non-dominant hand the dominant hand for stitching.

    Luckily that came easily … when I was in elementary school, a teacher made me settle down and write with just one hand … I apparently annoyed her with my switching the pencil from left to right hand.

    Joan

    79
  70. Since you recommended this book so highly a while ago I’ve been wishing I could own a copy. I would love this!

    80
  71. Hi,

    I am right handed person. Hence I prefer The Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion in case if I get lucky in this give away.

    I dont think lefty or righty would make a difference in learning hand embroidery. Though not sure.

    81
  72. I’m a right-handed embroiderer that has found it helpful that instructions are written for right-handers.

    82
  73. I am left-handed. It didn’t made difference, because I am self-taught cross stitcher. When learning the traditional Hungarian embroidery, I mimicked my mother, who is left-handed, too.
    I would like to learn tatting, knitting and crotcheting, but there will be some orientation problems…

    83
  74. I’m a righty who learned from a lefty! I was 8 years old and a very patient friend of my familiy spent hours teaching me the basic stitches so I could embroider pillowcases like she did. She was always working on a set of prestamped pillowcases with vivid foral designs and I was fascinated with them.

    84
  75. I am a righty. I could really use this book because I am going to be teaching cross stitch in my LNS. Thank you so much for this 12 Days of Christmas.

    85
  76. Since all the kits and projects I did when I was first learning to stitch were given for right handed stitchers, that’s how I learned. Since I am right handed it posed no problems. I would, therefore, get much more out of the right handed stitch guide. Thanks for all you share with us.

    87
  77. Happy New Year Mary! I would like to be the recipient of today’s give away- specifically the version for left handers. As a right handed teacher of needlework I am always challenged by left hand students to give them clear instruction…not always as simple as the mirror image technique. Having read your review of this book, I think it might be invaluable in helping me be a better teacher. On that note let me add that I have learned so much from you, including info on books like this. Thank you! Laurie in CT

    88
  78. I learned to embroider from my Mother, we are both rightys so I had no trouble.
    My cousin is a lefty and she learned by sitting in front of Mom and,she learned just fine. I love to embroider and would love to win this book, it looks wondergul!
    Soon I will be teaching my grandaughter who is coming to visit me this summer. I would love to teach her from this book, and also learn from this book!!!
    Thank you for considering my entry!
    nora jg

    89
  79. Righty. The only embroidery class I have ever taken is Brazilian Embroidery and my teacher was a righty which made it easy to learn.

    91
  80. It is so much easier to plan a piece when you have a stitch reference! I’m definetly right handed, but i know how much my mother in law would have appreciated a book for lefties :-). The bullion work is lovely, reminds me of my grandmother’s linen in France 🙂

    92
  81. I’ve always been right handed and would be at a loss if I had to switch! Learning to stitch with my left would be a very challenging task, so i’m glad I don’t have any reason to learn the left-handed way.

    94
  82. I am a righty. I would LOVE to win this book. I smock mostly, but want to expand my handwork. I don’t know that being right-handed has affected my handwork, but I do know that I would never be able to do it left-handed!!

    95
  83. I’m a “lefty” and have found that over the years I’m able to learn from right handed instruction. I supplement with a small instruction book of stitches by Coats and Clark as a reference. All in all I have a strong drive to learn the stitches “my way” and enjoy stitching. Linda 49M

    96
  84. I am righthanded but would love to have the book for Left handed people. I have several neices and a granddaughter who are left handed and would love to teach them to stitch…this book would give me great insights it is on my to-get list.
    I have always heard that if you are left handed and sit facing the teacher, you will pick up the stitch or method eaisier…don’t know if this is true or not…some lefties I know do stitches the same way I do.
    Thanks for another lovely gift! happy New year.

    97
  85. I’m right handed but because I teach embroidery and have a daughter that’s a “lefty”, I’ve learned to stitch both ways. My daughter is grown now and lives 1500 miles away but I actually sent her a copy of The Left-Hand Guide when you reviewed it and she was tickled pink. Maybe I can win the Right-handed to match hers:)
    Blessings to you,
    Vickie in Va

    98
  86. Yvette is an excellent writer of books. They are all ‘user friendly’. I am right handed and would love this book. I have all of Yvette’s other books and this would be a fantastic addition to my library. All of her books have helped me with my embroidery. Her embroidery is also exquisite.

    99
  87. would love to win this book to learn more hand embroidery stitches …. :)so I can venture more in to this wonderful realm 🙂 love mouse xxxx

    100
  88. The companion would be a great book to have! It would be wonderful having one that would be the greatest addition to my library! I am a leftu it is so difficult to follow right handed instructions and would be wonderful to be able to use a book that actually makes it easier for me a left handed person to use!! It is such a great ideaAb I love the confidence it would give me to rally understand the stitch without trying to picture it left handed from a right handed instruction! What a great idea!

    101
  89. I’m a right hander and a person who learns easiest from written instructions. I know I’ve learned most of my stitches from books. Can’t say what it’s like for left-handers when most of the instructions are for righties.

    102
  90. Hello,

    I am right handed and not sure it’s made a difference in my stitching. I have taught left handed children stitching which I have done by sitting across from them, which seemed effective. I’ve tried teaching a left hander to crochet but was not successful , but then I wasn’t very successful teaching right handers crochet either!

    I read the descriptions of these books on you’re web site and they look very interesting. I will be looking at her website when I finish this as I enjoy whitework.

    Violet A in NH

    103
  91. Hi Mary!
    This book is a dream come true. How I would love to have all that color and information at my fingertips. This is one of the best I’ve seen and passed over because of price.
    I am a right-handed worker – thank goodness.
    It seems most directions favor this orientation.
    This is the prize of all prizes for me!!

    Blessings – Jane

    104
  92. I am a converted lefty. I was one of those kids, back in the dark ages, who sat with their left hand behind their back when learning to write. Fortunately, that doesn’t happen to children anymore. I know of one other person who had this happen to him. He wound up being ambidextrous. I wound up with poor spatial relationships and poor fine motor skills in both hands. You would think after all of these years I would be fully adapted and not have any problems, but I’ve never quite worked it all out.

    105
  93. I’m a righty – and have wondered if the lefties aren’t just a bit more creative?? I would be a proud owner of the Right-Handed companion, but you are correct, the new book looks delicious!

    106
  94. These are wonderful books. I would like the Right Hand book as I’m right hadnded. But, I have begun teaching embroidery so if I won the left had book that would come in handy too! It’s hard for me to think “reverse that”.

    Thanks again for these giveaways
    Judy

    108
  95. Righty! I can only imagine the difficulty of learning all the needlework techniques from a right-handed perspective, if you are left handed.
    Looking forward to adding this book to my library!!

    110
  96. I’m a righty, but am teaching the craft to a lefty. We’ve even resorted to having me work in front of a mirror so that she can see what various stitches look like going the other way…

    I’m delighting in your 12 Days project, as it’s exposing me to all different kinds of books and blogs. (I looked up Ms. Stanton’s, and actually signed up to receive it!) Thank you for all of this.

    111
  97. I’m a righty, but have a lefty niece and lefty friends so I have experienced the challenges of a righty teaching a lefty how to do needlework. I take photos of what I do, then use Photoshop to flip the images 180-degrees to illustrate my instructions. Janet.

    112
  98. I’m always looking for the right book to take with me for stitches etc. I’ve forgotten more than I remember these days. And it sounds like this is the perfect book!

    113
  99. I’m a righty and I’m sure that has made it easier for me and I don’t even realize. Everything seems geared toward righties. Happy New Year!

    114
  100. I am a righty! I believe I have had an easier time learning new stitches, as alot of people are right handed and most stitches are laid out with diagrams geared towards righty’s. Although a few stitches have driven me crazy enought to think they were geared for lefty’s! lol! Thanks again for this wonderful 12 Days of Christmas giveaway! Happy New Year to you and yours!

    115
  101. Good morning Mary, I love books and that is how I learn as I rarely have the opportunity to attend a class, so yes books make the difference for me. If I win I would need the right handed, only do things with my right so that would make a difference too

    116
  102. Right handed and all those teaching me are lefties. Could do with some help! Thank you for the exciting start to the year. Sandra

    117
  103. Righty here. Most directions are written for us so no problem. I always feel bad for the leftys in a class when teacher asks if there are any and if not are visibly happy to not have to deal with that.

    Hugs

    FredaB

    118
  104. I recently received my order of The Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion and really love it. If I do win I will certainly give it to one of the group of avid stitchers in our Dayton EGA here in Ohio.
    Thanks so much – you’re a jewel!!

    119
  105. When Mary recommended the Left Handed Embroiderer’s Companion I went and bought it. For years I was frustrated trying to learn how to embroider in a right handed world when I was left handed. It made all the difference in the world. Now I truly enjoy my left handed book (as I call it). I feel comfortable and not so confused as to which direction to sew.
    I enjoy Mary’s site so much. If I win I would do as she suggested and gift it to someone who is left handed and as confused as I was.

    120
  106. Hi Mary, I’m a lefty, and the only difference I think it’s really made to learning embroidery, which I started at a pretty young age, was in using scissors. I have a terrible time with ‘normal’ right-handed scissors, but oddly enough they are what I use most of the time. I’ve developed a very odd way of cutting with them (or so I’m told ever time I attend a workshop!) but it works for me.

    As to stitching, I seem to have had Mary Thomas’ stitch dictionary for ever and never really given a thought to handedness when I use it (which is often!) However, if I were lucky enough to win this give-away, I’d be fascinated to find out how much easier it makes it to have lefty instructions!

    121
  107. As a lefthander most of the needlecrafts that I learned are self taught. That was a long time ago and the instructions were all for right handers. As for embroidery, I learned from books and turned the book pictures upside down to accomplish the same thing. Some books devote a few pages to left handers but I would love to have the instrutions for left handers all in one place. This book sounds like just the right fit.
    When I was determing to make a crochet dress for my new little girl, I bought a 10 cent book and taught myself. Imagine my dismay when I realized that if I was working on “left front” for example; when I finished it was the “right front”!!
    Thank you Mary; for all that you do for the stitching world..

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  108. Righty! Which makes life easy for me…but when I teach smocking to lefties, I really have to think it through. It ends up being a blessing for me because I have to have a perfect understanding of it in order to teach the stitch to a leftie. Whenever I want to know how to do something better, I teach it to someone else and I always learn more than I teach!

    123
  109. I am a righty. I find that the biggest difference in learning a stitch is often the quality of the instructions. Some books are better than others; this stitch dictionary is great. I received one for Christmas. Mary, your videos are wonderful. Thanks again,

    Shelia in Oklahoma

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  110. Hi Mary,

    I’m a righty. So most of the embroidery resources out there have catered to me. Even so, I’ve been lusting after this book since I first read your review. It’s beautiful!

    I don’t think my handedness has helped or hindered my learning embroidery. What **has** improved my technique is this website because you can focus in on details and subtleties more closely than most books.

    125
  111. I am a lefty, but have learned from righties! I think my technique may be suspect because I adapt what I am taught to make it easier to work. This book would help me to improve in that area. THanks for the blog. Each day is most interesting!

    126
  112. I’m a righty. I don’t think it has made a difference to me. I’m a self-taught embroiderer.

    127
  113. Righty, Love books that instruct in a clear simple way. Would love this one. Happy New Year!

    128
  114. The Lefty Book would help me teach second grade Lefty twin girls Redwork. I believe it would make a difference to the girls because they could look at the pictures. I sit opposite from them at the moment working right handed and it helps a little.

    129
  115. I’m right-handed. As I’m a self-taught embroiderer, it didn’t make any difference. But maybe most books are written for right-handed people…

    130
  116. I’m a righty, but my mother is a lefty and she has always had trouble with embroidery instruction. I initially learned from my aunt, but mostly from books, so I guess being a righty has been a helpful thing!
    MzMary

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  117. I’m a righty. I learned to embroider when I was 9 so I can’t say that it’s made a difference to how I learned. The schools here used to teach Needlework at primary (grade school?) level, especially Afrikaans schools.

    133
  118. I am right handed and work embroidery with the right hand which most people do. I know embroidery can also be done with the left for those who are left-handed. One has to get used to the techniques involved. I am comfortable doing it with the right hand.
    Thanks
    Dorothy

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  119. I am a right-handed embroiderer. I have only been actively learning embroidery for the past six months, although I have been an appliquer and sewer for many years. I love the beauty of embroidery and love hand work. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win these great resources!!

    Jenny P. from Kansas City

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  120. I am right-handed and I also think that as most books have diagrams and instructions for righty people, it was easy to learn, but it does feel strange to watch my lefty friends doing the same stitch.

    137
  121. I’m right-handed. Since most instructional guides seem to be geared to righties, I guess it’s an advantage being right-handed. But if you are having trouble learning a stitch — whether one is right or left-handed — some kind of instructional guide is a must. Would love to add this to my needlework library of books

    138
  122. I am right handed and have never ventured to attempt the left hand embroidery technique. I have felt frustration for left handers as in the past there has not been acknowledgement of their needs. How nice to see a complete book devoted to the left hand embroiderer! I have put the new book on my wish list.

    140
  123. I’m right handed but have taught a couple of people to crochet left handed. It’s great that someone has written a book on stitching for lefties! Have a great last day of 2011!!

    141
  124. I gave my daughter the left handed version for Christmas. It is a beautiful book. I am right handed and this book would be a wonderful addition to expand my stitching library.

    Pam C KS

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  125. I’m right handed. Yvette Tanton’s book looks like it would be a good one to include in my embroidery library.

    Thanks so much.

    Louise

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  126. This just keeps getting better every day.

    I’m a righty and The Right-Handed Embroiderer’s companion would be the perfect match for the crazy quilt kit that I got for Christmas.

    Ann from Whitefish Bay, WI

    144
  127. Happy Sixth Day of Christmas Mary,
    I am a right handed sticher, but my left hand helps out!!!
    🙂
    However, i think it is a great idea to teach from both sides
    because it is a slightly different approach. Thanks for the
    fun!
    Chris

    145
  128. Je suis droitière et ce livre de points pour droitière est un must je plein les gaucher ce ne dois pas être facile pour eux

    146
  129. i’m a righty, can’t imagine learning embroidery as a lefty…I think it would be mighty difficult!

    147
  130. I am right handed and always felt bad that there were less resources for those that were left handed. Glad that is changing. Being right handed made it easier to teach myself to stitch.

    148
  131. I’m a righty and can’t imagine having to do all things as a lefty, but I’m trying to work both hands — just as an exercise (it seems of futility!).

    149
  132. I’m a righty, and all my teachers have been right-handed too, so I haven’t had any problem. However, my Mom started a crocheted afghan for me which was incomplete when she died. Her left-handed sister finished it for me and it is noticeable. I think it makes my gift more special.

    150
  133. Hi Mary,
    I am a self taught right handed embroiderer. I love embroidery books. I just recently got Trish Burr’s beginners book on needle painting and a copy of Erica Wilson’s embroidery book. I would love to have a copy of the two books you are offering in you wonderful give away. They would be lovingly added to my collection.
    Vicki

    151
  134. My sister was just asking me to recommend a good embroidery stitch book! I am right handed and I guess I never thought too much of that fact, however I did do a hand quilted quilt at Christmas and was surprised that I quite often had to sew a spot left handed. It wasn’t very easy at first. Thanks for another great giveaway.

    152
  135. I teach embroidery and it definitely makes a difference. I am lucky enough to be fairly ambidextrous when I stitch, but I have reaslised that sometimes I just use my left hand, not actually stitch left-handed, so a decent left-handed book would be marvellous. Yvette’s book is high on my list of must-haves for 2012. This would be a wonderful addition to my library

    153
  136. I’m right handed, and I’ve tried to learn knitting from my left handed mother in law, which is extremely difficult. I can’t imagine trying to learn the beautiful intricate embroidery stitches from a left handed person. It’s nice to know someone took the the time to do a book for each.

    I’ve been wanting to learn to embroider as my grandmother and great-grandmothers all did beautiful embroidery, but I never learned how, only how to cross stitch. While I love to cross stitch, I think embroidery is so much more versatile as you can do many more things with it.

    155
  137. Thank you Ruth for this opportunity to learn more about embroidery. I am right handes and can do a simple stitch but nothing impressive. I would like to learn more about this craft so I can start on next years Christmas presents. I think a nice tablecloth would be very nice to recieve. I wish you and yours a HAPPY and BLESSED NEW YEAR.

    156
  138. Righty. I can’t imagine trying to learn a stitch with instructions for my opposite hand, even though Yvette’s instructions look so very clear. I would love to have instructions for some of the more unusual stitches that are in the book.

    157
  139. I am ashamed to say that I don’t own an embroidery dictionary…and my work show it…boring, boring, boring. This book could change my life!

    158
  140. Mary, I am a Right handed stitcher of many years..since childhood. I have a good friend who is LEFTy and I would so dearly pass this forward as we struggle together to get her stitching with a feeling of ‘expertise’. Both of us over the hill by a number of years, and yet we do manage to learn new tricks as we go. I just love your newsletter and tidbits…if only time would slow down to do it all! Merry Christmas to you and a very Happy, Healthy, STITCHINGLY great New Year. Karin

    159
  141. Lefty here!!

    Mom taught me basic embroidery when I was 5. I haven’t really found that it has hindered me in learning more stitches. I don’t feel that my knowledge is anywhere near complete & this directory would be wonderful to have!!!

    160
  142. I am right-handed which has made learning from most books much simpler. However, I have had problems when teaching left-handers, trying to understand the ‘mirror-image’ flow of movement that is necessary to make a stitch. I think I succeeded, at least they went away with stitched items!

    161
  143. Righty all the way. Can’t say it has made a difference as have been around only right handed stitchers! Thanks for the 12 day give away!

    162
  144. Thank you for another terrific giveaway, Mary!
    Righty here – and it’s never made a difference, since most instructors & instructions have the same handed-ness.
    Katherine

    164
  145. OH this would help me master other techniques! What a wonderful addition to anyone’s reference library! Thank you for the opportunity!

    165
  146. Good morning,
    I am a righty, so I have had the advantage of learning from other right-handed stitchers and authors. My sister, who was left-handed, had to either reverse all directions or learn to embroider like a right-handed stitcher.

    166
  147. I am right handed and always have learned things from that perspective. The book would be an excellent resource for anyone who loves hand embroidery. I much prefer doing all my projects by hand and not machine. I think it makes me feel more creative.

    Thank you for yet another great give-a-way!!

    167
  148. Converted lefty, I guess, though I never really had a problem with it. Everything I got formally taught, I do with my right hand, everything else (throwing balls, drawing etc.) with the left. I guess I’m a bit ambidextrous as a result, which can be good for some needlework stuff as well, since I just use the hand that’s more comfortable for the task at hand.

    168
  149. I’d love to learn from these books.
    I was born right handed … but with stitching I have discovered that I can go faster if I also use the left hand. The book will really help to improve my skills.
    Pick me !

    169
  150. I’m a righty…but I have a nephew who is a lefty. He has always admired my handwork and has asked me to teach him. So what could be more perfect than to be able to show him this fabulous book?! Count me in!

    I LOVE your give-aways!

    170
  151. I stitch with my right hand, but I thread my needles with my left hand. I think there is a lefty buried in my DNA! I am so glad that there is an embroidery stitch book for lefties! Carolyn from Budapest

    171
  152. I am a “lefty” in writing etc, but living in a “righty” world I have learned how to embroider, knit, crochet etc the “righty” way (no intention of relearning it). Things sometimes “collide” and turn out different in the making when my two sides meet. The end result is usually the same.

    172
  153. I’m a righty, so I suppose the world organizes itself around people like me. I have noticed no particular effects, therefore. However, as I learn to embroider two handed, which I have only just started to do, I have noticed that my left hand is actually better for some things than my right, and am using it more and more. I tend to use my right hand underneath, and my left on top of the work, but sometimes I find myself unintentionally swapping to get into and awkward corner!

    173
  154. I’m right handed but not strongly. I can and have embroidered with both hands, and taught both right and left handed people stitches.

    I would want the book for right handed people, but awesome work to write one for each.

    174
  155. I’m left handed but I feel like it didn’t make a difference until today. Since I’m pretty much untalented when it comes to knitting with “normal” instructions, I never had any problems with embroidery books.

    Still I would like to know if instructions for left handed stitchers may cause an aha-experience. 😉

    175
  156. Ohhh! the lefty book please! I am so tired of looking at instructions and translating them backwards although it’s good for my brain. I have the book on my list of 2012 purchase indulgences. Thanks for the possibility Mary. Sue

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  157. HI Mary!
    You continue to amaze me with the high quality give-aways, and after Christmas! What a concept!
    I am a “righty” but I am also an instructor. This has made me have to learn both ways in order to teach everyone well.
    I look forward to seeing this book as I think it will take my embroidery to the next level. Lovely!
    Thank you! From a Righty Embroider.

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  158. I am a “rightie” but I teach Brazilian embroidery and often have a “lefty” in my class. When preparing for a class, I try to pay attention to how a left-hand stitcher will need to work and having the stitch dictionary for left-hand would make that less of a challenge.

    178
  159. This looks to be a wonderful book. I will be venturing into doing small designs in 2012 to support our EGA Chapter’s Stitch of the Month. This would be a great guide to use. While most instructions are written for right handed people and I am right handed they are not always clear. These are very well done.
    Syvia

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  160. I stitch left-handed. I write right-handed. Some things, like tennis and baseball and ironing I can do about as well on either hand.

    Usually when I explain that to anyone they ask if maybe I started off life as a lefty and got forced into rightyness. I didn’t. I’m just a little ambi-handed.

    I don’t remember having any trouble learning stitches because of the leftishness. Knitting was another thing entirely. I tried several times to learn to knit and just could not get it until a neighbor showed me the continental style knitting which made sense right away.

    Your give-aways are getting better and better.

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  161. I’m a righty. I have been embroidering ever since I was a child. Learning how has provided me with connections to my past and hours of quite pleasure. Probably around 8 or 9 years old. I grew up with the philosophy “idle hands are the devil’s workshop” so I was never allowed to be idle. My mom was a great crewel embroidery so I learned what I know from her. She also taught me to sew. Between her and my grandmother (who sewed and quilted) I was always learning something from hand sewing a dolls quilt to embroidering a pink mouse. I later move into cross stitching and now I’m back to embroidering and quilting.

    I believe in today’s modern age of technology we are so seldom still and quiet that we forget the pleasure of being alone with our thoughts. I think this is one of the joys of hand work and one of the precious skills my granny and mom were trying to teach me as a child.

    Since I stopped needlework for a while my library is a bit outdated, so this book would be a wonderful addition.

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  162. I am more or less right-handed. My problem is dyslexia – more or less depending on how tired I am. I have both of these books and cannot say enough to praise them both. I sometimes teach and need the Left-handed one for the “odd” student.

    182
  163. I’m a righty. When my hand gets too tired from stitching, I have tried it left-handed which is an amusing fail.

    Both of her books look amazing. It really inspires me to experiment with more stitching stuff in the new year.

    183
  164. I am one of those “confused” embroiderers…I am primarily left-handed (eating, writing) but most other “learned” things were taught by my righty mother/father…I am also a book-learner, so anything new I want to learn are from visual sources (books, magazines, etc) I am also one who says that one can never have too many stitching references! I don`t have this one…would love either version!

    184
  165. I’m right-handed for most things, but use my left for various things, such as putting (in golf). I’m just learning to embroider, so it hasn’t made any difference, yet.

    186
  166. I’m right handed and it’s sad to say, but most books are written for us “righty’s” – I’m sure it’s much more difficult for the left handed set to get good illustrations.

    188
  167. HI there!
    I am a lefty and have always been taught or learned from righties……this would be cool and probably very helpful. Learning how to knit was tough from a rightie so I’m thinking that there may be a certain level of “frustration” that could be removed using an embroidery book specifically for me! THANKS
    Lynn

    189
  168. Hi, merry 6th day of christmas. I’m mary varma from india. The answer to your question is Right and since i’m right-handed i’m comfortable with it. Today’s giveaway is wonderful, i’ve learnt a lot regarding embroidery from books, so i would definitly love to win this giveaway.

    190
  169. In the “real” world I’m ambidextrous, which is incredibly handy! I can split my tasks, and use either hand. In sewing, I’m mostly right-handed, partly because it is hard enough to master each stitch with one hand, let alone learn both ways. But with many stitches I can swap “dominant” hands. So I would add the “right-handed” instruction book to my library.

    BUT … the whitework book is BEAUTIFUL! I love white on white work, and this book is definitely going on my wish list. Many thanks to Yvette for her generous contributions to this festive give-away! and to Mary for always pointing out interesting books and supplies and techniques.

    Happy New Year’s Eve everyone. And happy stitching in 2012.

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  170. I am definitely right handed.
    I now own (thanks to you Mary) 2 good books
    on stitches and I follow your tutorials all
    the time, what a help it is. I am a book
    junkie therefore another dictionary would not
    hurt.
    Thank You
    France from Canada

    192
  171. Hi Mary,
    I am right handed and a visual person. I learn best by seeing stitches been done or by following a good diagram, which Yvette is very good at.
    Thanks for the opportunity to win this book.
    Esther B

    193
  172. I have friends who are left handed and find it difficult to learn new stitches. I have Yvettes Mountmellick book and would love the Right Handed Embroidery book.

    194
  173. The Yvette Stanton book was part of my Christmas gift to myself this year. It’s residing on my bedside table right now. I would like to win one for my best friend, who is a “righty” like myself. It was my best friend who told me about the Mary Corbet website and newsletter, so I owe her! I have never experienced any problem, because I think the “default setting” for illustrations is for right handers. I pity the poor lefties, and I think that Yvette has done a good thing by providing them with their own book.

    195
  174. Left handed or right handed? I’m a left-hander however I was taught to knit and crochet from a right hander family member. It’s just plain easier to have instructions written for whichever hand you are comfortable working with so if I am lucky enough to win I’d choose the left-hander’s guide.

    196
  175. Born left-handed into a right-handed family, I’ve always had to figure out how to get things done. This book would be fabulous for helping me becme more effective in my stitching. Thanks for organizing all these give-aways! Such a treat.

    197
  176. Being a Lefty, I have tended to shy away from instructional
    stitch books and try things on my own. Having this book in my library would probably add a whole new level to my
    work.

    198
  177. I am a righty. I learned the basic embroidery stitches as a child from my mother, who was also a right so it has never been an issue. I do think that stitching helps the non-dominant hand perform.

    199
  178. I’m a righty, but even still I know I’d benefit from Yvette’s careful dissection of each stitch. I have her book on Hardanger and it’s fantastic!

    200
  179. Im a Righty. I don’t have either of the books and until this year, I have only done machine embroidery. I’m doing a couple handwork challenges this year to learn handwork. It is so gorgeous.

    201
  180. What a wonderful book! As a leftie I have spent so much time turning books upside down and figuring out how to adapt stitches. This would be so wonderful! I have appreciated your instructions showing the differences in how one holds the threads and direction of stitching as to the end result, but a whole book of lefty stitches! How marvelous!

    202
  181. I am predominantly right-handed but have trouble with right and left – left is left but right is sometimes left.

    It makes a difference in that I find that I work some stitches in the opposite direction to the right-handed way. Working right to left often seems more natural. In learning embroidery it is sometimes easier for me to work “upside down”.

    I found your comments on stem and outline stitch for left-handers helpful and realised that the left-handed approach might work well for me.

    203
  182. I’m a righty so there hasn’t been a problem for me to learn embroidery from a book. I’m new to your blog and am enjoying it very much.

    204
  183. I am a righty, but I have learned to do many stitches left-handed in order to teach them to students who are left-handed. I also teach applique and do that left or right handed! I would love the right-handed book!

    206
  184. I’m a righty! I think being right handed affects my satin stitch and stem stitch, especially if I start thinking too hard about with of them! Does that make sense? It’s like I get all cross-eyed!

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  185. I’m not a lefty, but am a sucker for needlework books, so please enter me in your drawing! Ellen in VA

    208
  186. I have wanted this book for quite some time. I love embroidery books and have lots. I have a friend who swears by this book! What a wonderful gift this would be.

    209
  187. I’m a righty when it comes to stitching, and also was taught the basics by Mom. I don’t recall having too much trouble with those, but sometimes the more complicated stitches require relearning.

    Since I already have both of these wonderful books, should I win, this one would go to the local library, which has exactly zero needlework books.

    210
  188. I was born left handed and have been left handed ever since. (LOL) My mother was right handed but attempted to teach me to crochet, knit, tatt, etc. I did take 4-H for quite a long time and sewed most of my clothes and picked up on a few different needlework arts just by reading a book and then because everything was BACKWARDS

    211
  189. I’m a righty … I don’t have either of these books, but have purchased Mountmellick Whitework, which I love. I’m excited to see Yvette has yet another WONDERFUL resource coming out soon, Portuguese Whitework. I look forward to your review.

    212
  190. I am a righty,so of course it’s been easy for me. However, I have taught leftys with much success and even taught leftys to crochet!

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  191. Mary,
    How fortunate you are doing this giveaway! I have a friend who is left handed & wants to learn embroidery. I would love to win this one to give to her. My friends & I are all right handed & it has been very difficult trying to teach her. I think that since most books are geared to righties, it has made my learning extremely easy (I am self-taught through books & websites like yours). Thanks Mary.
    Sheila K in CA

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  192. I’m a righty!! I can see how it would be hard for a left handed person to learn the stitches. It is wonderful that someone has written a book just for lefties!
    I am a fairly new stitcher and this book would be just perfect to help me learn! Will keep my fingers crossed!

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  193. I’m a lefty and yes, for me it is sometimes troublesome to learn or perfect stitches. Many times I do them top to bottom or turn the whole thing up side down. You learn to adapt but this book sure would be helpful!!

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  194. I’m a righty! It hasn’t seemed to make a difference to me too much, although I have occasionally started at the wrong end of a seam and needed to pull it out and start at the other end. I would love to win Yvette’s book as I’d like to start working with some more advanced seam treatments. So far, I’ve stuck pretty much with the basics. Thanks for the wonderful giveaways!

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  195. im a lefty, but i can also switch to either hand for most things. i only know 4 stitches so far so im not sure if being lefthanded has affected my embroidery or not 😀

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  196. I’m a righty, and I’ve learned everything thus far from books, videos, and your Web site. The Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion looks so helpful; I’d love to have it.

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  197. I am right-handed so I guess the “for righties” book is the better one for me. It’s good to know about the one for left-handers, though, as I have with some frustration (on both sides) tried to help left-handers learn to knit and stitch. This does look like an excellent source for learning and teaching.

    Marilyn P. in Las Cruces, New Mexico

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  198. I am a lefty! Yes, it has affected how I learn stitches. I always have to rethink each stroke of the needle. When the intructions are showing right to left I am rethinking left to right. Most of time it is not that big of a deal but when it is a complicated stitch with needle wraps or multiple cross overs the whole thing is too much. Sometimes it is easier just to find an alternate stitch that is less complicated. The Whitework book looks amazing. I will watching for it’s release. I purchased the book “The Open Canvas” yesterday and there are several techniques in it worked with white thread on white canvas. Hopefully I won’t have to rethink too many complicated stitches in it!
    Deb

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  199. I’m a righty, as well as a newbie, so this book would be a fantastic help to me as a beginner. If I’m qualified to enter the give-away (I live in Ireland), please do enter my name into the competition. – June in Ireland

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  200. What a stunning embroiderer she is! I think I’m going to NEED the Portuguese whitework book. But the Embroidery stitch book is important too, so if I win please send the right-handed book.

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  201. Sorry, this is the first time I’ve left a comment; thought I could write a book. LOL. Please put my name in the drawing. I’d be forever grateful to have this book. Janis K.

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  202. I’m a righty and self taught. This book is exactly what I’ve been looking for! This would be very helpful in expanding my embroidery horizons.

    Thanks again for another great give away!

    Natasha of CT

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  203. I’m right handed. I don’t think it has made much of a difference in my progress as an embroiderer or a knitter because I am self-taught for the most part and almost all books are geared to right handed people. I do miss having someone to teach me things because I sometimes come-up with ways of doing things that, though I get the results I want, are less than simple.

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  204. Righty, so I haven’t had much trouble learning stitches, except when the instructions are poor. I always love getting stitch books for variations and new stitches. BTW, the new book loooks wonderful! Thanks!

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  205. I am a righty. I have tought myself with the help of your video’s so thank you for that!!! I have wanted this book since the day you did the review on it. Thanks for these 10 days of give aways.

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  206. Picking up stitchery again, after retirement, means I’ve forgotten more than I remember.
    This book would be an excellent re-training manual.
    Thanks,
    Lee F.

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  207. I am a righty! I got into hand embroidery because it calms my mind after a stressful day. Also, I like to see how the embroidery art is becoming something beautiful with each stitch.

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  208. I’m a righty and feel lucky to be so as I’ve seen lefty’s stuggle in classes and with books. I’m so glad someone has written something just for lefty’s and also that many teachers are learning both so they can help all of us, righty or lefty.

    Alice in Las Cruces

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  209. I am a rightie, but my 14 year old daughter is a leftie. I find that she does sometimes have difficulty executing what I show her. It helps to have her sit directly across from me. I am coming to embroidery much more seriously as I get older. I would love to have either book as a reference as I have been primarily self-taught and only really know a few of the basic stitches. I would love to expand my repetoire.

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  210. I am a righty. I would love to have this book, it’s one that I don’t have yet. Embroidering has made a differance in my life. I love to make beautiful things and I really enjoy hand work. For many years I have been making quilts but it has become more physically draining to me. This past year I have tried several smaller embroidery projects that I really enjoyed. I love needleworks of all types.

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  211. I am a lefty, however, there are many things that I do right-handed. Stitching is not one of them, however, and what an awesome opportunity to read and learn from something written with the Left-Handed Stitcher in mind! I never give a lot of thought to being left-handed, until I try to do something right handed and it just doesn’t feel comfortable. I would really love the chance to add this one to my library!
    Diana B. in La.

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  212. I’m a righty, but trying to learn with both hands. you never know when something may go haywire.

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  213. I’ve just begin to learn embroidery and being left handed, I often find it difficult to do things and orientate fabrics the opposite way as most instructions indicate. It has been fun learning everything so far though!

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  214. I’m a righty and have had this book on my “need to get someday” list for quite some time (probably right after seeing reviews on your website!).

    Thanks so much for your give-aways days! It makes me smile each morning!
    arlene c in NJ

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  215. I am most definitely a right handed stitcher. Usually works ok for me. Sometimes I must turn a piece while working on it. So I am very careful with stitch direction.

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  216. Surely all the rightys (like me) had an easier road to learning since most books and teachers are right handed.

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  217. I am right handed. One of my daughter’s is left handed as are several of my stitching friends. I can’t see that it has made much difference in any of their lives. Back in the “old days” there used to be a big fuss about using the “correct” hand.

    Elaine in New Mexico

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  218. I’m definitely a righty, but have taught my left hand to work under my embroidery piece. It still feels a bit awkward, but the more I do it, the more comfortable I get. Of course, this is only when I have my work completely stable in a hoop.

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  219. I’m a lefty, and am used to reversing the how to images in my head, if I don’t think about it too hard. But some of the more complicated stitches take several tries before I can make them out. I would love a left-handed book!

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  220. I’ve always been right handed my left hand just does not work for me in anything I do…The book will still be great to learn stitches which I still do not know how to do and I’m always looking up in how to do books..Thanks for the opportunity to add to my library

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  221. I am a righty when it comes to embroidery. I am self taught so it has probably made it easier. This was on my Christmas wish list and Santa did not deliver so perhaps elves Mary and Yvette will come through 🙂

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  222. Well, I’m right handed, but I do a lot with my left hand (I even shoot archery left handed), partly because I’m left eye dominant. When I stitch at a floor frame, I work with both hands equally, switching which is on top and which under the work based on where on the piece I’m working at the time.

    Now, if I won this choice, I might actaully pick the Left handed one to have on hand for assistance when teaching, I often have trouble helping lefties when teaching.

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  223. I’m a righty. And here’s a bit of right-handed humor for y’all:

    When you write copy you have the right to copyright the copy you write, if the copy is right. If however, your copy falls over, you must right your copy. If you write religious services you write rite, and have the right to copyright the rite you write. Conservative people write right copy, and have the right to copyright the right copy they write. A right-wing cleric would write right rite, and has the right to copyright the right rite he has the right to write. His editor has the job of making the right rite copy right before the copyright can be right. Should Jim Wright decide to write right rite, then Wright would write right rite, which Wright has the right to copyright. Duplicating that rite would copy Wright right rite, and violate copyright, which Wright would have the right to right. Right?

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  224. Righty. Embroidery is a technique that can be used in any handmade craft. When the work is done, embrodery is my favorite craft to fill my hours. Thanks for an opportunity to win the embroidery dictionary.

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  225. I’m right handed, which I think has benefited me in learning embroidery, as most instructions assume that the stitcher is right handed. Jane

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  226. Righty….no difference in learning embroidery.
    Adding much needed embroidering books to my library would be fantastic. I have very few and I need all the help I can muster.
    The Portuguese Whitework book is also a book I would like to add to my library. If the book is as wonderful as you say it is then by all means I would love to have it when it is published.

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  227. Iam right handed. The right handed book can give me some
    pointers maybe my hand would not be as tired.
    Mary M California

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  228. Great looking books! I am a righty and I have loved all manner of needlecraft since I was very young. I think it has helped me through lots of rough times by taking my mind off of my troubles, and it is a lot cheaper than therapy!

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  229. I’m a Righty And no it has not made a difference to me in learning embroidery.
    But it is nice to see this book with directions written specifically for either left or right-handed embroiderers.
    Thanks! Mary and Yvette

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  230. My daughter is left handed and I thought she might enjoy the book. The reviews make them very
    attractive. Thank you.

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  231. I am a righty! I think it is easier, as most instructions are written from a right handed perspective!
    Kathy from McKinney

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  232. I am a righty. I have been looking at this book to broaden my horizons (I currently only cross stitch, but know some rudimentary stitches thanks to my grandmother), so I honestly don’t know if it will affect my stitching or not! 🙂

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  233. Righty! I love doing all types of needlework and learning new things. Please enter me in your drawing! Desiree in Oregon!

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  234. I am a righty. New to needlework and still feeling a bit awkward with my hand positions but trying to find a rhythm to working with a frame. I was reading the review of this book and would love a chance to win – thank you!

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  235. Dear Mary,
    I am a righty! And like Ellen above, I adore needlework books. I would love a chance to win this great resource from Yvette Stanton. Thanks again for these awesome 12 days. Happy New Year.
    Tania in Brooklyn, NY

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  236. Hi Mary – Another wonderful gift – I am right handed but I can well apprecaite how left handed people would appreciate having a book that showed them the ‘right’ way round for them! Thats sounds a bit wrong but I am sure you will understand. I checked this one out when you did your article on it and thought it would be a great addition to any embroidery library.
    Many thanks and a happy new year to you as it will be 2012 by the time I receive your next mail. Thanks so much for everything you chat about in your emails – I await it every day and so enjoy it.
    All the best
    Eleanor – Isle of Man

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  237. Hi Mary and thanks for another chance to win!

    I am a “righty” and have never found it to be an issue in stitching. When stitching on a frame, I use my left hand to hold my laying tool.

    Jan B. in Florida

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  238. Good Morning Mary,

    I am a righty and have not yet started with Embroidery. This book would be of great help to me. Thank you for the chance to enter in the give-away.

    PBWY,
    Jennifer G.

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  239. Wow! I’d love to have this book, just for the cover, if nothing else.

    I’m a left-eyed righty. That means that I write, embroider, crochet, etc. right-handed, but throw darts left-handed.

    Somehow it’s not confusing to me. Also, it doesn’t seem to make a difference to my work as I just use whichever hand (handedness) that works for the particular technique. Since most books are written for righties, I use that hand. The difference for me is when I want to write instructions for a project for my EGA group: I try to offer specific left-handed instructions where needed.

    Thanks,
    Cathie B

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  240. Lefty. It can be very confusing. Sometimes it is easy to just go in the other direction but sometimes the instructions must be completely reversed. One solution is to photocopy illustrations and flip the images before printing. If that is not possible I sometimes make a copy and hold it up backwards to a strong light, but then the print is all reversed. Left-handed instructions make everything simpler and I am so grateful that Ms. Stanton realizes that.

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  241. I am a righty, and it hasn’t really made a difference to me, since I’m somewhat ambidextrous, and if I couldn’t do it with my right hand I could always give it a go with my left until I figure things out!

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  242. Right handed and thank heavens since I’m almost entirely self taught from books. I can’t imagine the headaches left handed stitchers have to endure (at least before Y.S’s left handed guide). I love stitch guides and this one would look so lovely on my shelf 🙂

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  243. Good morning Mary!

    I am a righty as well but do not have a stitch dictionary and would love to have a good reference book.
    Thank you Mary and Yvette,
    Maria VF

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  244. The world of Stitchery is so much bigger than I thought possible. I am new to everything but the basic stitches. I have done plain cross stitch and plain basketweave stitches but am just learning there is so much more out there.
    I am a right handed stitcher and would love to have a book that will teach and explain these awesome stitches I see others using.

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  245. I’ve recently been inspired to return to hand embroidery and this book would be perfect for experimentation. I love trying new stitches and thinking of ways to use them.

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  246. I saw Yvette embroidering the tablecloth that is on the front cover of her new book. I was awestruck then and am doubly so now. How exciting it would be to own another of her books! Yvette is in a class of her own!
    Renee
    Sydney Australia

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  247. I’m a righty with directional challenges; I have to think about which side is which every time, which is kind of embarrassing. It’s never been too much of a problem with embroidery, though. I would have a very hard time choosing which version–I want one for myself and one for my left-handed sister!

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  248. I purchased the left hand book for my daughter who is a lefty (I’m a righty) some time ago. Now I would like to have the other for myself. Having 2 left handed children has made me very aware of the differences in handness and the chanlenges they sometime face.

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  249. I forgot to mention that Im right handed and manage fine. But, strangely I do all handsewing when dressmaking left handed!

    Renee Glass
    Sydney Australia

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  250. I’m a righty–though I can’t claim that as the reason I’ve struggled with some embroidery techniques.

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  251. I am a Lefty, and being left handed HAS made a difference on how to make some stitches. It can be difficult for me to keep my thread untangled when using the blanket stitch and stem stitch.

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  252. Righty.
    I absolutely love the swirl of color on the cover of this book. I’ve found that more and more I’m attracted to color presentation like that.

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  253. By the grace of God I’m a righty. And how I would love this book, but even more intriguing is her new book coming out!

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  254. Hi Mary- Righty I am. There are a few stitches I’ve come across that seem awkward to execute but never attributed that to being a lefty stitch.

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  255. I am right handed but apparently I do some of my embroidery as a leftie – when using a frame I put my left had underneath and my right hand on top. I don’t think you can have too many stitch books to inspire and teach you new stitches.

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  256. I am a lefty who loves to do embroidery and other needlecraft. Yes, following instructions can be confusing. It can take more time to get the stitch to look right. I’ve even tried switching hands hands to work it out. Unfortunately I’m not that ambidextrous! Thank you and Happy New Year!

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  257. Once I sat down with a friend to show her how to do some simple embroidery stitches and I was amazed at how difficult it was to show her what I do and have her duplicate it due to the fact that I was right-handed and she was left-handed! The world certainly favors right handers, so it’s wonderful that a book has been written for left-handed embroidery!

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  258. I would welcome the addition
    of this book into my stitching
    library and would consider
    myself blessed to win. I have
    seen very good reviews on this
    book, and just know there would
    be something new to learn in there

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  259. I’m a righty, and I don’t think it has made learning stitches harder. 😉 My dad is a lefty, and he taught me to use tools and do handy things, so sometimes I find myself doing some things right-handed, but in a left-handed sort of a way. If that makes any sense. (Oddly, I married a left-handed man too, but he is fairly ambidextrous.)

    When I was very little, I used to think girls were right-handed and boys were left-handed.

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  260. Hi Mary,
    You are so right in saying everyone needs one of these books. I am a right hand stitcher and find it awkward if the instructions are not clearly written for the right handed stitcher. I hope I win this one as I do not have a copy to reference yet. Thank You and Happy New Year to All!
    Mary Ann H.

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  261. It is so kind of you to host these lovely giveaways. I am a “righty” and find I am spoiled as the directions are usually geared for people like me.

    The books sound like valuable resources and the white work is stunning.
    Thank you again so much!

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  262. This looks like the most wonderful hand embroidery book. I am right handed. This would be a beautiful help in crazy quilt stitching.

    Thanks for being so up to date on new helpful stitcher items.

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  263. I am so excited about the upcoming book! Lucky you getting a head start. Not lucky actually – perhaps a perk for all the hard work you do? I’m a righty and I’ve never given a thought as to how the lefties out there have had to cope with backward books. The excitement is building. I’m more excited about the 9th than I was about Christmas.

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  264. I am a righty! I wish I could use my left hand as well as my right. Thanks for the giveaways. It is fun to enter.

    Cheryl in San Diego

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  265. I’m a “bothie” as I use both hands for many things. For stitching I tend to favor the right hand, but I try out each stitch with both to see what feels better.

    291
  266. I am a definite ‘righty’ with poor left handed control at best. This has most definitely had a negative impact on my ability to do two handed embroidery (i.e. one hand above, the other below the frame.) It is painfully slow work. But we do to the best of our abilities, right?

    This book (for righties) is on my ‘bucket list’ of books to acquire and I was planning on ordering it this spring. I have two stitch dictionaries but your review has led me to believe that THIS is the one to own.

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  267. I am a lefty and it amazes me how the right handed people can’t believe we can possibly do anything. I always get comments on my hand writing on how beautiful it is but they always tag on, for a lefty. Now is seems there are as many right handed people as there are left. I have learned to adapt to any situation so being a lefty is no problem. I would love to have a great resource on embroidery on hand.

    Suzanne from The Woodlands

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  268. I am a righty. I am sure that has made learning to embroider much easier. The range of stitches in this book makes it something I really would love to have. Thank you for all you do for us stitchers. I am so happy to be receiving your daily blogs.

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  269. Hi Mary,
    Great books! I am a right handed stitcher, self taught, or rather, self teaching with a lot of your help! Being right handed has the advantage that there are many more resources than for left handed stitchers. It would be cool to be able to stitch with either hand and would be interesting to see the difference in a stitch done right handed and left handed by the same stitcher.
    Again, a great opportunity! Thanks!

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  270. I’m a righty…My mother taught me the basics when I was just a little girl. She was a righty so we worked well together. I have a small booklet of embroidery stitches which I use for reference, but what a lovely book in todays giveaway! Thank you, Mary, for everything you do!

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  271. I am a righty – and it has not made a difference in learning embroidery. I love to try new things, so this book would be a great inspiration. Thanks for the opportunity to win these great items!

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  272. Once again, thank you for all these wonderful giveaways. And thanks to Yvette Stanton for her terrific stitch dictionaries.

    I was taught by my grandmother using a handheld hoop, and since we were both right-handed we always held the hoop with the left hand and stitched with the right. Today I’m still decidedly right-handed when working with only one hand.

    For stab stitches on the scroll frame, however, I use both hands: the left hand on top where I can see what I’m doing; and the right underneath where I need its dexterity to “catch” the needle, turn it, and “feel” where the point is going when I send it back up. It’s just something I’ve gravitated toward doing. Even if I start out one-handed, before long the other hand has got into the act.

    Phyllis

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  273. I am a righty; and I reviewed Ms. Stanton’s right-handed book from the link. Just beautiful, and well-conceived to be useful. I also have a good silk shading book by Clare Hanham, a goldwork book by Ruth Chamberlin, and two wonderful books by Trish Burr – all good examples of the beautiful and useful. I would love to own a copy.

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  274. I’m a righty too. I’ve been glad that I am as I think it has mede embroidery easier for me – instructions and pictures – even videos – are almost always for the righty. My granddaughter is a lefty and it is sometimes hard to teach her – I’m very awkward with the left hand.

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  275. I’m a righty. I don’t think it made a difference in me learning embroidery since most instructions are written for right handed people.

    303
  276. Hello Mary,
    I am a righty. I have recently rekindled my love of needlework and would enjoy learning so much more. I checked out Yvette Stanton’s book when you reviewed it recently and asked Santa to leave it under my tree. Sadly,my Santa is in the desert with Uncle Sam this year…but the book would be a delight. Thanks for the 12 days, but thank you even more for being the one to remind me how fun needlework is! Happy New Year! E.G.Moffitt Youngstown,OH

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  277. Merry Christmas Mary!

    Oh, what a lovely book and a GREAT question. For me, the answer is BOTH: I so some things in life right handed, and some left handed! I drive, steer, left handed. I write right handed. But whenever I tried to teach my sister and mother how to do a craft such as a new crochet pattern or making ribbon roses, they couldn’t do it my way … until one day they said I do it all left handed … ? I still hold an embroidery needle in my right hand, so all in all I’d chose the Right Handed Embroidery book LOL. And, OH THAT White Embroidery Book!!!

    Thanks again for your generosity,

    Cathy in PA

    305
  278. Hi Marymentor:
    I’m right handed and this would be so very very helpful to me. I always gravitate toward the “idiot’s delight” instructions, i.e. pictures, pictures, pictures, which aren’t always available with a piece I want to tackle. Thanks for doing this 12 days. Happy New Year. Judy in Pittsburgh.

    307
  279. I am a right-handed embroiderer and am mostly self-taught, but I think righties have it easier than lefties.

    308
  280. What a lovely give away. I have started a memory quilt for my daughter’s children and would like to embellish the blocks with embrodery. She was very young when we lost her a couple of years ago which has inspired me to make the memory quilts for her children. I’m a lefty and have had to self teach myself most crafts. I’d love to have the left hander’s directory. Thank you for your consideration.

    309
  281. A step by step dictionary of stitches would be so awesome to have right beside me while stitching. I usually go to you tube for videos or look up stitches on the web. But that’s not so convenient when traveling and there is no Internet connection. I’m right handed so I haven’t had trouble following the stitching directions

    310
  282. I’m right handed and since I am I’m sure it was a lot easier to learn embroidery or any needlework technique since most instructors are right handed and written material is assumed that the reader is right handed. In the mean time I would love to win a great resource book.

    311
  283. Mary – I’m a righty – and would love to win this book to add to my collection! Thank you for the opportunity!

    Tomi Jane

    312
  284. I’m a righty who often does things back-to-front but not quite lefty. Mum gave up trying to teach me to knit (60 yars ago) because I wanted to do it with my left hand. I often have to consult a diagram to know where to start and which way to go, if I don’t remind my self, I go the wrong way. I can see the righty book would be just wonderful.

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  285. Every day a new surprise! This books is in my wich list for some time. I am right handed. thanks for a chanse! Happy new Year!

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  286. Not to be LEFT out–the left-handed version of 170 stitches/variations sounds like a treat, although I would say, for some stitches, there is more than one “left handed” version! I’ve been relying on the A to Z & Therese de Dillmont books among others. Compensation has quite a different meaning to a left-handed stitcher! Virtually all class materials are written for righties so any difficulties that pop up when learning a new technique can multiply. For an Elizabethan class, I ran the instructor’s book thru Adobe to make mirror images of all the stitch drawings. She didn’t seem happy, but with 6 lefties among 21 students, perhaps it was a wake up call to be more proactive with left-handed instructions. At least there was some sweet revenge at RSN where I learned to work on a slate frame. Right hand above & left hand below turned out to be in my favor because I could make a precise stitch from below with my dominant hand. It’s the only time I’ve ever heard the right handers whine!

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  287. Mary,
    My right-handedness has not caused me any problems learning to stitch. I do have a problem when trying to teach a left-handed person to stitch. Thank you for this opportunity to win this great reference book.

    316
  288. Each day I promise myself that I won’t be greedy and enter a comment. But how can I pass up the glorious items you offer? Would I welcome another book on needlework – absolutely and no question about it. I am a rightie so I never experienced the frustration that lefties have and sail relatively easily through the learning and practicing stages of needlecraft. However, as a teacher I’ve seen the plight of lefties, and I’m so glad there is a book out there now for them! Noel in the Capital District of New York

    318
  289. right handed. These books look so interesting. Any stitcher would enjoy these resources! Would add so much texture and dimension to our needlework.

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  290. Hi Mary and Happy New Year’s Eve!
    Thanks for all your wonderful education and Thanks for this wonderful and awesome 12 Days of Christmas giveaway!
    I’m a righty and this great informative teaching book would be so nice to have right by my side as I stitch away.This book is tops thus far. Good luck to everyone entering!

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  291. All righty: that’s me, though I had a left-handed grandmother (who because of the times was “retrained”) as well as a left-handed niece. I know I have been blessed by easy to find tools. The other impact is where I sit to stitch: so there is a table and bright lamp to my right. I could also place a stitch dictionary there. 🙂

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  292. What a nice prize this is.

    Being a right handed person, I definitely am a “righty”.

    It would be great to have different stitche available at my fingertips, so I don’t have to go looking for them all over the internet.

    Thank you for such great things.

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  293. I am a righty. Would love to win this book to read about all the stitches that I haven’t done and how to do them. Learning something new is a challenge to me. Thank you so much.

    323
  294. I am a righty. It hasn’t made any difference in my sitching. But I am trying to get my lazy left hand to be more involved in my stitching. And it really does take an effort, but my aching right hand could sure use the help. Thanks again for the chance to win such a great addition to my library.

    324
  295. Yes I’m right handed which I suppose has the advantage that most books are written for right handers. I love learning new stitches, the more unusual the better!
    Liz in North Yorkshire UK

    325
  296. I’m a righty. It’s probably made it easier to find instruction on the internet. This book looks beautiful!

    Thanks for all you do, Mary. Happy new year!

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  297. I am a righty, and I am a self taught embroiderer. I never had any trouble, but I know my husband, a lefty has trouble with basic stitches. Once in a while he decides to stitch something, he is very good. 🙂

    327
  298. I’m a righty. I’ve been embroidering since I was a young child, maybe 7 or 8. My Mom taught me simple running stitches and chains to keep me busy on long summer days–probably kept me out of her hair! I think learning to stitch as a lefty would make a huge difference in learning embroidery as there aren’t many books available until now to learn. I’d say that a majority of embroiders are righties, making it difficult for a left to learn.

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  299. Right handed stitcher. No it has not hindered my learning of stitches. I would love to win this book. It looks really good. I went to her website and now what all of her books!!!

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  300. Iam a righty, but my daughter is a lefty. it is hard for me to try to teach her, this would be a great resource. thank you all. hope your new year is all you hope for.

    330
  301. I’m right-handed, so I don’t think I have had as many challenges learning embroidery as a lefty would have. There are times that I have thought a lefty would have challenges learning a particular stitch or technique. But I have heard very good things about this book and I do have two of her other books. I agree that theya re very well-written. I do have a tip for lefties that may help with some charts. I tried this when I was making stockings for all my family and wanted them all to face the same way; some patterns faced differently. Scan it to a jpg, then use your photo program to flip it. This won’t work for the directions of course, but for charts and diagrams it may help.

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  302. Hi Mary
    I am a righty and so far if I need help there always seems to be another righty around to lend a hand. I too love books and would love to have another one to add to my collection.
    Thanks for the lovely give away.
    Joan Turrell from Canada

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  303. I’m right-handed. I’m sure it’s made everything easier for me! I absolutely love whitework, and will be keeping an eye out for that book…!

    Happy New Year, Mary!

    333
  304. I am lucky to be a right hander. I say that only because it is usually easier for me to learn crafts because most if it is geared towards right handed persons. I have heard many left handers talking about the difficulty in either learning or teaching crafts.

    334
  305. I’m right-handed. I was one of those children of the 50’s who was not allowed to be left handed. I would have liked to have been left-handed. I still do some things left-handed, as did my father.
    I find it easier to stitch with my dominate (right) hand underneath and my non-dominate (left) hand on top. Because, I’ve never developed the feel for stitching as a lefty, I have to keep an eye on what that hand is doing.
    After this many years, I’ll stick with doing things right-handed.

    335
  306. Righty. So far I haven’t tried left handed, but I have a feeling I wouldn’t be very good at it. I would love to win this book, I think it would be a great aid. Plus winning one would be good on my wallet and save me money for textbooks for my college classes.

    336
  307. I am a right-hander, but there are certainly times when I wish I could use both!! I have a few of Yvette’s other books and they are quite good, so I would love to have this one on the shelves, too. AND I am waiting with anticipation for the Portuguese Whitework! cool! (Happy New Year’s Eve!)

    337
  308. I am a righty, but also do use my lefty to help the other. Guess you could say I am a “bothy”. I have been embroidering off and on for ages, and this book would be a wonderful, useful tool for me! I would love an instructional reference book for sure!! Righty!

    338
  309. I am definitely a righty.

    This is the best 12 days of Christmas I’ve ever seen. Thanks so much, Mary.

    339
  310. I am right handed. As far as embroidery work, whether you are left handed or right handed you need good instructions on how to make a stitch and time to practice. The better the instructions and the more I practice the easier it gets.

    340
  311. Definitely RIGHTY! I am glad I am right handed, as it was very easy for me to learn to embroider. Though I am new to embroidery, I LOVE it, and have learned solely through online resources and books! I dont even know anyone else who embroiders. I discovered crabapple hill quilt patterns, and fell in love with the hand embroidered look in quilts, and everything else! I would LOVE this book, and the whitework one looks awesome too!

    341
  312. I’m a righty! I would love this book- I enjoy selecting stitches for my projects and along with everyone else, I would love to have this book as a resource. Thanks Mary- You are great!
    Sharon from Bethel CT

    342
  313. I’m a Righty! I teach embroidery and also lead two groups of stitchers, one weekly and one monthly. I need to go check out the “right” book you mentioned….hmmm…or perhaps I should look at the Left book. It’s always a challenge teaching a left-handed student!

    343
  314. Happy New Year Mary!

    I am right-handed BUT…two of my grand-daughters are left-handed. I would love the opportunity to be a more ‘informed’ teacher. Owning either of these instructional books would be great!

    Honey in Philly

    344
  315. I am lefty. I used to scan the stitch and I reverse it with Photoshop on my computer. It is a big job. Now, I have the book:The left handed embroiderer’s companion. Thank you Mrs Stanton!
    My daughter in law and my grand son are Portuguese. I have visited Portugal many times and I saw beautiful embroideries, Madère island is a paradise. I saw a lot of women stiching in the street. Lovely. Sorry for my English, I am French from Québec, Canada. Happy new year. Bonne et heureuse année!

    345
  316. Lefty here! I don’t think I’ve had any trouble with embroidery due to being left-handed. As a lefty, I’m pretty used to turning things around. Also, your videos have great tips for lefties when needed!

    346
  317. I’m left handed, so definitely the Left Companion. However, I have found that being a lefty means I’ve had to adapt in a right-handed world, so I think I do some things in-between with embroidery.

    347
  318. I love reading your reviews about books. Thank you for that service. I’m a righty and no I don’t think it has affected my stitching at all. I don’t really know any other way.
    I was just looking into purchasing with Nordic Needle but they’re out. The Portuguese Whitework book looks wonderful. My husband is Portuguese so I’ll have to try this technique.

    348
  319. I am a righty, as most commenters seem to be, so directions are not usually a problem. A stitch book would be a great addition to my needlework supplies. Thanks for this opportunity to own one!

    349
  320. Thanks again Mary! Although I am right handed, I tend to turn the work every which way in order to get to it and probably end up going ‘backwards’ at times. No doubt due to my status as beginner. But I need to learn right hand stitching, yes, and I do think it makes a difference- consistency.

    350
  321. Hi,
    I am very left handed, could sometimes use TWO left hands! Anyway, I was taught to knit in 4-H the right handed way, but I crochet and cross stitch and do most everything else with my left. I noticed that when I used a friends floss one time (she is a righty) she wound it on the floss holder the opposite way that I do. Felt backwards each time I needed to take some off! When I try to learn a new stitch I just study it for a bit, reverse things and give it a try. Most lefties have had to deal with this kind of thing all our lives! I would love to have Yvettes Lefty book tho, for some of the more complicated stitches and to see if I can do things better. thanks!
    Jan from Michigan

    352
  322. I’m a righty— my mom however, was a lefty and it was incredibly hard for her to teach my sister and I how to embroider, knit etc….. Everything always seemed upside down—- but we made it…. And both love to sew….Thankyou mom, for not giving up!!!!

    353
  323. I’m a righty! Even though I love embroidery I need lots of help in learning new stitches. These books look great. Thanks again for the great give aways! Happy 2012 – Yikes!

    Toni in Lakeview OR

    354
  324. Every stitcher needs a dictionary of stitches to reference. I use them often when crazy quilting. Thank you for the chance to win another wonderful book.

    355
  325. I am right-handed & learning techniques has never been a right-handed issue – maybe easier than my left-handed relatives? The Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion Book sounds wonderful! I am also enthralled by the “Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature” and will be watching for it’s publication. I love the web sources you are sharing in your 12 days of Christmas & am bookmarking all of them!

    356
  326. Mary just what is on the cover is enough to want this book. I would love to have Yvette Stanton’s book.

    357
  327. As a left handed,completely self taught embroiderer, I have had to use right handed manuals since I was around 5 to teach myself the different embroidery stitches. I would love to have this book so I could just open it and voila, directions I can follow step by step without having to prop the book in front of a mirror to mimic left hands-so much easier.

    358
  328. I am a righty. I am in the process of gathering materials for crazy quilt, and what a help this book would be. I ove the cover of the new book. White work items are so elegant .
    Love all the information that you impart to us every day.
    Thanks sooooo much.
    Sharon C

    359
  329. I’m a righty. I’m sure it has been easier for me to learn embroidery than the lefty’s.

    Dawn C.
    Southcoast, MA

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  330. I’m a Righty but I could learn from either a lefty or righty point of view. Both my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law are lefties. Funny…I counted 9 out of approximately 60 responses so far that are lefties.

    361
  331. Hey I’m a righty! I do think it is a right handed person’s world. Nearly everything is created or written for right handed people. Interestingly, I was suppose to be a lefty–(heaven forbid)so my mom forced the spoon into my right hand. I guess it all worked out except I really am not that good with phrases like…”go to your left….or….it’s on your right” Regardless, it is a lovely book. I adore the “crazy quilt” feeling on the cover. It is so inspiring.

    362
  332. I am a righty – and I guess I’ve never thought about how it affects my stitching, I just always use my dominant hand and I’ve never tried to stitch as a lefty 🙂

    I am just a beginner and this book would be an invaluable resource for me to learn all the wonderful stitches out there!!

    363
  333. I love all types of hand work but have not tried embroidery. I would like to. This “dictionary” should be enough for me to learn. I would like to add embroidery to quilts, clothing and quilted clothing.
    I am right handed and have not had any problems so far. I can’t knit but that is not a handedness issue – it’s a tension issue!

    364
  334. Day number 6!! … half way!!
    I am a lefty person … but when I learn embroider and stuff … we didn´t have anything for lefty person … so I learn with righty person (my mom), I sit in front of her to learn and this was easy to figure out in my mind and turn for my side … at first was not easy… but I was a little girl … and kids can do anything!! .. now is all so automatic for me!!
    The book of portuguese whitework is fantastic ..
    Thank you!!
    Walfrida

    365
  335. I am a righty. I don’t think it has affected my stitching all that much. Of course it is a lot easier to find resources for rightys than leftys :). This looks like a fabulous book that would be such a great resource to have. Thank you for all your hard work on the website and for the giveaways!
    -Heather in Chicago

    366
  336. The Right-Handed book looks so great. I’m a self-taught from way back if you don’t count the instruction I got from my mother earning a sewing badge in Pioneer Girls in the 50’s. Embroidered through the 60’s and 70’s when jeans and jackets and work shirts were the acceptable pallette. Hung up my hoops for jobs and kids and picked it up again a few years agp to make hope chest-type items for my daughters. Found my patience was so much better so I started “making up” stitches for my little drawings. Love finding stitches that I had named something else like “little snakes” or “bury the tail up top.” Long story short, I hope to add this book to my very dated shelf of stitching dictionaries, one way or another.

    367
  337. I’m a righty, and I’m thankful for that. I would have had an incredibly hard time learning to embroider if I were left-handed as I am spatially challenged. I would have found it nigh impossible to mentally reverse instructions and directions.

    368
  338. I am a righty and I don’t know that it made a difference. I never tried anything with my left hand. I think that I learned embroidery from my mother or grandmother. At least the basics then i expanded on my own.

    369
  339. I am a “righty”. Learned years ago to embroidery & my passion has been renewed for it. It is wonderful therapy for me and I want to expand my horizons with different stitches and fabric.

    Sandy from Arkansas

    370
  340. I am a right handed stitcher I would love this book not only can you learn great new stitches it’s just lovely to look at I love to pull out these books and just read them from cover to cover when i snuggle in bed at night

    Bernadette Garcia Albuquerque New Mexico

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  341. I’m a righty for whom it is a challenge to even try to conceive of the difficulties lying in wait for the lefty embroiderer. But I do enjoy stitch dictionaries. I suspect the Right-handed Companion will land in my library sooner or later–but I am hoping for sooner through this random opportunity. Thank you for all the wonderful chances you are giving through these drawings.

    372
  342. I am left handed with my cross-stitching and embroidery, but learned to crochet and knit right-handed 🙂 I would love to enter for the left handed book and learn some new stitches, Thank you!

    374
  343. I am a right-handed embroiderer who has collected lots and lots of stitching guides. It seems you can always learn something new from each one. I don’t have this one though and would love to win it. The cover really attracts me. Thanks for giving me the opportunity. Kendra H.

    375
  344. Happy New Year’s Eve!
    I am a righty. But when I broke my right arm, I did stitching (and everything else) with my left hand. Stitching left handed was much easier than writing, etc! I tend to often use both hands when going back to front on a large piece or when my arthritis kicks in. But overall, still a righty!

    376
  345. i would want the right-handed book. being right
    handed makes it pretty easy i think. that’s why yvettes left-handed book made such news in the needlecraft world. when she came out with the right-handed edition i knew i wanted it. so far we have been unable to buy it for me. thank you for the chance to add this great book to my library.

    377
  346. Righty all the way… I learned to stitch so long ago I don’t remember whether it affected me or not. I think I taught myself so just followed the directions! I think when you are doing what comes natural you don’t think about any other way to do it.

    378
  347. I thought I had all the stitch books I needed, but this one sounds like a winner. Maybe I’ll be a winner, too.

    379
  348. I am a lefty. Sometimes I slow down instructors who have never before encountered a lefty in class. I am grateful to teachers like Yvette Stanton!

    380
  349. I am a righty…tried to do a lefty when my hand hurts…no go I get all mixed up….really would love those books . tried to find the right handed one and the price was to much….maybe if I could win it????????

    381
  350. Wow a whole book of stitches dedicated to left handed stitching instead of a few token.
    I am happy to add my name to the list and I am pleased to see you continue to entice us. I wish you a happy new year. Maureen

    382
  351. For embroidery I’m right handed, but with the use of my frame stand when I do cross stitching I’m actually ambidextrous.

    383
  352. I’m a right-handed embroiderer – and nearly everything else! Being a flutist and pianist gives me dexterity and control of both hands, but fine movements like complex stitches usually default to the right. Different projects over the years have stretched my stitch repertoire, and I know I would value Ms. Stanton’s compendium both as instruction and as my annotated log for collecting cohesive notes and keeping a record of stitches used in work past.

    Marianne C in Toronto

    384
  353. I am a righty that eats and does a lot of things with her left hand. 😀

    Probably because I play the piano and stuff and I knit and crochet in addition to embroidery.

    I have tried to stitch with my left, but the stitches come out very loose and uneven. 🙁

    Have a very happy new year, Mary.

    Thanks for all your efforts.

    385
  354. I am right-handed, so that has not posed a problem for me, and would absolutely love to have this book! After a long absence from embroidery, I am just getting back into it and have found that I don’t always remember how to do a certain stitch. This book would be the perfect resource!

    386
  355. Happy 6th Day of Christmas – isn’t this fun!!! I am a ‘righty’ and need all the guidance I can get for all types of embroidery. Want to try Mountmellick Whitework. It is so stunning!!!

    Missy Palmer, Grand Junction, CO

    387
  356. I am right-handed, and I don’t think it has had much of an issue in learning embroidery, since most things are geared toward right-handed people.

    388
  357. I am mostly a righty, but can switch hit (I blame it on 10 years of classical piano). The only stitch dictionary I have at the moment is not very useful.

    389
  358. I’m a righty. It never really made a difference to me while learning but I guess that’s because those teaching me were also righties.

    390
  359. Hi Mary, this is Lisette Root from Oregon State, wishing you a very Happy New Year! Well, this is another great prize you have posted! I am a right hand embroiderer, so that is what I would chose if I won this prize. I have a lovely library, and I am always trying to learn new techniques from different artists, so I would definately appreciate this book, and I bet everyone else would too! This has been so much fun!!!Thanks again and to all my fellow stitchers Happy Happy New Year!

    391
  360. I am a righty and feel it makes no difference in my stitching. With the exception that my bedside lamp is also on my right and ought to be on my left so I am not shadowing my work!
    ~Valerie in CA

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  361. I’ve always been a righty and it’s never really affected my stitching one way or the other. I suspect our lefty friends are the ones who really have to adapt. I’m still a little new at embroidery and think this book would be an incredible help to getting better.

    394
  362. Righty! When I learned to stitch in my teens it never even occured to me that the directions might be different for lefty’s. I still have this small stitch booklet somewhere with basic stitches, probably by Coats and Clark since that was the floss that was carried at the nearby JC Penney store fabric section. Justine

    395
  363. Hi! I would love this book as one of my goals in 2012 is to actually do — not just admire — some Crazy Quilting. I am a righty, and I KNOW that being a righty helped me love embroidery; I taught myself from stitch kit instructions when I was 11-14 yrs old and we know those are always written for righties! I probably would have given up in despair if I had not been right-handed. Fun giveaway! Thanks!

    396
  364. I am a “righty” but the question posed reminded me of the way I learned to do the “quilter’s knot.” My sister, who is a “lefty” taught me the quilter’s knot and I was unaware that I was doing it the lefty way until a friend watched me and pointed it out. For me, at least, it’s not whether I’m doing something the lefty or righty way but the patience of the teacher who is teaching me that’s important. My sister is very patient!

    397
  365. Dear Mary,

    I am a left-handed needleworker who has never had an adequate instruction book for leftys.
    I sometimes really struggle with reversing the instructions to obtain a lovely looking stitch.

    Thanks for all you do in the needlework field for all stitchers everywhere and for organizig this wonderful way to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas.

    399
  366. I am a righty and a cross stitcher. One of my New Years promises is to learn embroidery. I’m hoping some of my XS skills will be helpful. This book is at the top of my list for learning this new craft. So well reviewed!! Thanks for the wonderful opporunity.
    HNY
    Barb aka omashee

    400
  367. We all need a little help from our friends. My friend is an embroidery dictionary. This enables me to be sure I’m doing stitches correctly. Nice idea giveaway.

    Miss Lorraine

    401
  368. Hello and Happy (almost) New Year! I embroider with my right hand although I found out several years ago after an accident that I am actually a natural lefty — my mother believed that left-handers should be forced into being right-handers so I had a very dyslexic childhood (learning to write was especially traumatic — my parents just said I was a clutz — but I had no trouble with playing piano or accordion — my left hand worked just fine there!). In an odd way, it was a good thing since i didn’t suffer the backwards instructions that most leftys had to cope with although I wonder if I might have been more artistic if allowed to be a lefty. Thanks again for these marvelous contests!

    402
  369. What unbelievable gifts !how very exciting to be able to join in the draw.
    I am right handed and cannot imagine how lefty’s must struggle doing a stitch “the other way round” I am sure there are many lefty’s out there who are ever so grateful to Yvette for writing this book.

    403
  370. I am a righty. I grew up in a household of lefties. Both my parents and my sister were left handed. One of the best presants I EVER received was my first pair of RIGHT-handed scissors. My Mom helped me along with embroidery in the beginning, but I am mostly self taught, so being the only righty wasn’t a problem, but getting the right scissors was a real blessing!

    404
  371. I’m a rightie – and since most books are geared for right handed people, it’s been easier to learn most of the stitches I’ve learned. I can’t even imagine how hard it must be for a leftie to learn from the books I did. And these are beautiful books! thank you for offering them – Karen Gass

    405
  372. Right handed..and man, either way, I NEED A STITCH DICTIONARY! 🙂 My stitches all too often look like what they are — “I saw it, I know it can be done, but I don’t know how to do it, so HERE!” stitches!

    So no, it hasn’t specifically affected my stitch learning, but lack of info sure does. 🙂 Whether I win this one or not, this book WILL be in my library this year. 🙂

    406
  373. Hi Mary,
    I am right-handed, which was very beneficial since my Mother and Grandmother, who taught me to embroider and sew, were also both rightys.

    I have taught a few leftys to stitch, and while the leftys are always using their brain to get along in a right-handed world, it was a good workout for my brain to see and do things their way. Thanks so much for your generosity and contributions this past year.

    408
  374. I am a righty. When I broke a right thumb I tried mightily to learn left. All I could ever manage was a running stitch. This looks like an amazing book-just what someone at my skill level (fairly basic) needs to progress to the next. Thanks for having this fun contest. I am learning about all sorts of new (to me) products1

    409
  375. i’m right handed so it hasn’t had any impact on my stitching “career”.

    i would adore the right handed dictionary. i’ve been drooling over this since you first showed it.

    donna altieri

    410
  376. I’m LH, and yes, it makes a big difference. I have to ‘translate’ all the stitches. With complex stitches, that’s just not funny. I’m proud to be one of ‘the few’ but jeez, it’s a nuisance when it comes to embroidering!

    411
  377. Rightie! I’m a righty definately. But my older brother was a lefty and always sat at my right at the dinner table. Consequently I learned how to use my left hand in order to eat with the rest of the family; and other survival techniques as well. With three brothers and no sisters, I think I did well.

    412
  378. This would be an excellent reference book to give to my friend who teaches a needle arts class at a local university (after I read it, of course!)

    413
  379. oops. Forgot to mention that I’m a righty, but as a teacher have found it sometimes difficult to teach the lefties. Mirror imaging helps – with the student facing the teacher.

    415
  380. Righty! Since most of the world is geared to us left-brainers, learning any kind of technique has not been a challenge. Since my mother is left-handed, however, I am keenly aware of the lack of good instruction books for those in their right-mind. When teaching an embroidery class, I always try to identify the left-handers and, if any, their special instruction needs. Fortunately, most of the time, they’ve learned how to adapt and they are almost always quite cheerful about it! Any good instruction book is worth it’s weight in gold! I purchased Yvette’s book for my mom last year for Christmas! She loves it!!

    416
  381. I am a righty. I haven’t had any problems with being right-handed. Sometimes being right handed is not the problem:) I practice and practice a new stitch and this book looks wonderful!!!! and a must have.

    419
  382. Happy New Year Mary! I’m a righty and was taught how to embroider by another righty (my mom), so, no, have never had any problems. Years ago, I was teaching a left-handed Brownie Scout in my troop how to do latch hooking. Needless to say it was a challenge for both of us. All of the girls entered their latch hook pillows at the county fair that year and guess who won a blue ribbon?…my little lefty! She was so proud!
    Sandy

    420
  383. I am right-handed but my daughter is a lefty so that complicates stitching together. That’s where wonderful tools like Yvette Stanton’s books are so helpful. Thanks for introducing such invaluable information to your readers, Mary, and for the fun Twelve Days of Christmas surprises!

    421
  384. I am a righty. I some time use both hands my right on top and left underneath. I have never really payed too much attention as to if it makes a difference.

    Thank you!
    Camille VF

    422
  385. I’m a lefty, and both chain stitch and stem stitch plagued me for a long time because I could never get the tension right. Now I have my ways of doing them, but they are still not my favorite stitches.

    423
  386. I’m a righty. For me that hasn’t made a difference in learning any stitches whether it be embroidery, knitting, crocheting, or tatting. That’s probably because everyone I learned from is a righty too. I really don’t know if I would have had difficulty in learning from a lefty! I like to think I’d be able to do it all either-handed but maybe I’m just flattering my own intelligence. 😉

    424
  387. I am a righty and I have no problem with learning how to stitch, since most instructions are done by a right-handed person. But I can imagine it could be difficult for a left-handed person to convert a right-handed instruction. I think it’s really wonderful and clever that Yvette has made a book (two books) for both.

    425
  388. What a great book, I only know how to use so few stitches, I do try to copy from pictures of other Embroideries but they don’t always finish of right so it would be great to win this prize. Thankyou and Happy New Year

    426
  389. Dear Mary
    Happy New Year
    I am a righty and had to learn needlework from books as my mother was a lefty and had trouble trying to master more complicated stitches herself as there were no ‘lefty stitching books’ 40-50years ago.Yikes. I sure could do with updating my own books. The photography and illustrations are so clear now.
    Robyn K
    New Zealand

    427
  390. Hi There & Happy New Years! I’m a righty, but I’m not sure if it’s ever made a difference, or at least not that I can tell since I’ve always stitched the same way. I’m excited about your giveaway, what a great book! Cheers!

    429
  391. I am right handed and it seems the majority of instructions are written for right-handed folk. So, I’ve never had any problem learning new stitches or skills. I do know that those who are left-handed just had to “get used to” doing things in a “right-handed” world.

    430
  392. I would love to have this book (I’m a righty, but sometimes I need three hands). I just earned my Master’s degree, and now that I have time to stitch, it’s been all embroidery all the time. In fact, I wrote part of my thesis on embroidery and goldwork in eighteenth-century French fashion. I would love to add this book to my collection!

    431
  393. I’m a righty but have a lot is sympathy for a lefty. My daughter is one and has a hard time with stitching.
    Ren. Mondragon Taos New Mexico

    432
  394. I’m a righty and no problems learning needlework. In fact, the more complicated the stitch the happier I am.

    Thanks Mary and Yvette!

    433
  395. Hi Mary
    Being a right handed person, there had not even occurred to me until recently that there would be a problem with handedness in embroidery (obviously I have never tried to teach embroidery). It brings to mind the questions and discrimination relating to not being a member of the dominant culture – and the mindfulness we all need to have. Happy New Year!
    Jenny

    434
  396. I am ambidextrous so left or right works for me. I am lucky that my brain will mentally flip the instructions. This book was on my Christmas Wish List but Santa wasn’t quite smart enough to even figure out where to purchase this book. I would LOVE to win it.
    Heather from Surrey, British Columbia

    435
  397. I’m a “righty” and, being so, have never had any difficulties learning. It must be difficult at times to be a lefty. I recall my Mother once talking about teaching a lefty to knit – the person in question really wanted to learn but had never found anyone who could teach her. My Mother used a mirror to great success.

    436
  398. I am a right handed stitcher and have never had any issues learning a new technique as instructions are usually written for right handers. However, when I learned to tat I could only manage it if I used the left handed technique.

    437
  399. Hi Mary, I’m a righty, with no learning hang-ups other than that which I put on myself in remembering different stitches 🙂

    438
  400. Oh, when I first saw these books on your sire I was so excited!! A left handed guide! No more studying to figure out a stitch! How I would love this book and treasure is as one of my “BIBLES” per say.

    439
  401. I am right handed but I broke my shoulder last year and have had to learn to use my left hand for many things. I do a lot of stitching and seeing how things are done left handed is a must at times. I am also a teacher and need to know how to do things both ways. I have had to place a left handed person in front of me so they see the stitching correctly for them. The books are great! Finding left handed books of instruction are not easy.
    Debra Puma

    440
  402. I am a righty which has made learning new embroidery stitches relatively simple. I have friends who are lefties though and learning some techniques is very challenging for them… especially when it comes to following some patterns.

    441
  403. I’m a righty – still sometimes struggle with stitches and directions! And Andra, my library has a book called “Left Handed Embroidery” – maybe yours does too?

    442
  404. I’m a lefty. I didn’t have much trouble learning basic stitches by reversing the instructions in my head, or, in some cases, making a photocopy of diagrams and hanging them wrong-side-out on a window, but now that I’m doing more complicated stitches I find that it’s helpful to have good left-handed instructions. Palestrina stitch was a recent stumper of a stitch, and for some reason zigzag featherstitching eludes me.

    443
  405. Happy New Year! This is a wonderful book to offer to us, whether right or left handed. I agree that this is a great book as I have seen a friend’s copy. Would love to have a copy of my own.

    444
  406. I started to embroider in my teens and gave away my first effort, a pair of pillowcases, as a gift. The interest has never waned, but there are always new techniques and ideas. The right-handed book looks like the only one I would ever need for new stitches and instructions on how to use them. The idea of felt looks fascinating-never having used it. I have not been satisfied with how to begin and end the stitching on any needlework piece and would like to do it well. My next project will be a small piece using the crazy quilting idea, so this book would be especially useful.
    I am a righty and have never had a problem in stitching.

    445
  407. I read your newsletter first thing every morning. I am a righty, but find teaching lefties with a mirror or have them sit in front of me helps makes it easier for the student. Thank you for the FINE videos you have published. A picture is worth a thousand words. We use them often in connection with our classes in our EGA chapter. Happy New Year and keep the newsletters coming.

    446
  408. Righty, and I think it has helped because there are so many more instructions written that way

    447
  409. Hi Mary,

    I am a lefty and am just learning how to embroider. I have had a very difficult and frustrating time trying to learn the various stitches, as I do not have any books specifically for left-handers. I have one book that is for right-handers with only about 6 stitches shown for left-handers. I also do not know anyone in my area that can teach me. I try to look at the book upside down but I still get confused. I am a very visual person.

    I just love your website and it is a wealth of information. Thank you for giving of your knowledge so freely.

    449
  410. I’m a righty. I know that I have done some stitches in reverse not realizing that it was the left-handed direction!

    450
  411. I’m a righty, so I suppose that I’ve had it better than anyone who is a lefty. The world is so right-handed that I’m pleased to see that someone has put out a book to help the lefty with her embroidery.

    451
  412. Wow! Yvette’s latest endeavor looks fabuluous. I am a righty and no problems with hand dominance in learning new things. However, I have found that the same stitch has several names. So, if at first you think you don’t know a stitch, find a good stitch guide and voila you might know it under a different name. Guides are also a must have for the more creative of us, there are a plethera of possible stitches to make your projects unique.

    452
  413. I’m a righty, Mary. I’ve never read an embroidery book with lefty instructions. I guess it helps that most instructions are for rightys.

    453
  414. I`am a righty. As I`ve never tried to learn as a lefty, I`ve not noticed a differance.. But I have a 9 year old grandson who is a lefty and I have know idea how to teach left handed.(once in awhile he sees me doing crochet and wants Nana to teach him, not a pretty sight.lol Thanks

    454
  415. I am a right handed stitcher, who was taught by a lefty. My Aunt Lucille has always done beautiful needlework, and is a left hander.

    Funny story. One of my nieces is left handed, and I called Aunt Lucille and asked if she wanted to teach Amanda how to embroider. She said “of course” and came over. She had a very hard time teaching another left hander how to stitch 🙂 even though she had been teaching all of us for years. Amanda finally got it right though, and has been added to the ranks of embroidery artists.

    455
  416. I’m a righty. I think it does make a difference in the dominance of your hand. The more dominate one will have better control and will have more regular stitching. But, I’m a visual learner, so learning stitches by reading or telling doesn’t do much for me! That’s why I LOVE the videos. I need to see it to do it!!! 🙂

    456
  417. I’m a righty. However, I’m trying to teach my lefty to help me more! Love instructions books. I need all the help I can get.
    Happy New Year!!

    457
  418. I’m a righty and so far as I know, it hasn’t made things any harder. I have had a teacher for hardanger who is a lefty, but she has been very good at still instructing for righties.

    I would love to have this book in my library. I’m quite the book lover/collecter, and really like to have materials available to check out the more unknown stitches (at least unknown to me!).

    Thank you! 🙂

    458
  419. Hi Mary, I love your book reviews. I recently alerted a library friend to take a look at your site. I am hoping they will improve their selection of needlework books. Thank you. Linda

    459
  420. I am a righty. It did cause me trouble in learning to do any needlearts when I was younger. The person who tried to teach me needlework was left handed. I finally gave up as a child and now am trying to learn it as a aging adult. Better late, than never.

    Mary in Oregon

    460
  421. I’m right handed and until your review of the book earlier, I hadn’t even thought of the difficulties left handed folks might have in learning to stitch.

    Thanks for offering this book as a giveaway.

    461
  422. A righty – never impacted my learning, but always made me aware that really good teachers could teach stitches left or right with no problem. Then, I had a left-handed child and I wished I had paid more attention!!

    462
  423. I have purchased several books this past year, hoping for an encyclopedic stitch how-to source, but so far I’ve not found the “right” one for me. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to get organized in my areas of interest regarding creative endeavors (if my husband were reading this comment, he’d say, “What area AREN’T you interested in??” Point taken; I have to confess some greed in the area of creativity!). I have a notebook, I’ve printed out your class pages to begin a stitch dictionary, but just can’t seem to prod myself into starting. Yvette’s book would be a wonderful companion with which to begin 2012. Thanks for the opportunity, Mary, and best regards for the New Year!

    463
  424. Aloha,
    I am a righty but use my left when possible just to see if I can train it (not easy). I have taught lefty’s and notice that my mind and eyes switch to a different track, so to speak, when explaining to them. I have numerous stitch books but it never fails to amaze me that I can always learn at least one thing from each book. Yvette’s books are great.
    Jacquelin Ihsan

    464
  425. Although I am a right handed stitcher I have been taught some techniques by a left handed embroiderer. I stood behind her with a mirror in front and watched through the mirror! It worked, but a book would be so much better because instructors are never there when you need them! I’ve only been sttiching for 2 years and there is so much to learn!

    465
  426. I am righty and not good at all with the left hand.
    I have tried before to teach crochet to a little girl that was lefty and did not succed at all. May be with a book it would be easier.

    Thanks,

    Ginette of Mexico

    466
  427. I’m a righty and the only time I’ve had difficulty learning a stitch was back when I was young, when my Mom, who’s a lefty, was trying to teach me the basics. Otherwise, I’m self-taught. I find that some stitches are quite challenging, but that’s where a good stitch reference book really helps.

    467
  428. I don’t think my being right-handed affected my learning to stitch, I picked it up quite easily and have enjoyed every bit of my stitching. I would enjoy that book on whitework, it looks like it could hold a challenge or two. Regards Mandy

    468
  429. I am a righty. As a beginner, it would be easier for me to learn from a right-handed. Thanks and Happy New Year to you, Mary. 🙂

    471
  430. I am a “righty” but my sister is a “lefty” so it would be hard to choose a book. Her birthday is in a few months, wouldn’t this be a great gift?

    472
  431. Dear Mary,
    first of all, happy New Year!
    I am right-handed and had no problem with learning to stitch. And I do not know anyone, who would stitch lefty. But I have few friend, who are left-handed, but they stitch with their right. Maybe they were teached doing so at school.
    Agne (Lithuania)

    474
  432. I am a righty and usually don’t have problems because of my handedness. Usually it is more of an eye hand coordination thing. I truly love books that have detailed pictures. Thanks.
    Carolw, Windsor, CA

    475
  433. I am right-handed. My sister is left-handed. It has always been that much easier for me to learn how to stitch than it has been for her. I have seen her struggle to master quite a few things in her life and she needs that much more determination to succeed. I do think it has been somewhat easier for me just because I am right-handed.

    477
  434. I am a lefty, but never had a “lefty” embroidery book before. I just worked with the other ones. It will be interesting to see (if I win that is) how differently stitches work up. I crochet right handed and had to teach a lefty a few year ago–it was hard to do it “backwards.” Thank you for the opportunity to win this book.

    479
  435. Dear Mary,

    I am a righty and was taught by a lefty. My instructor was gifted with patience that is for sure, bless her.

    Thank you so much for sharing with us the instruction videos, tips and techniques and pictures. I love your site and read it daily. So much EYE CANDY! Glad it isn’t fattening. 😀

    480
  436. Hi Mary I’m a lefty! The books are beautiful! It would be great to have a book that would actually show stitches for a lefty! I have tried many ways to overcome learning to do stitches as a lefty with books & classes that are all taught for right handed people!!! The book would really help in learning this beautiful art in a way that I can understand…what a wonderful way to start the New Year! Thanks so much for the chance to win such a wonderful gift of learning!! May all of you have a Happy New Year!

    481
  437. I have spent hours on your blog videos learning new stitches and gaining knowledge. It would be wonderful to have a ‘dictionary’ type book next to my embroidery area to refer to. I’m a righty.

    482
  438. Hi,

    I am left handed but did not know there was a difference in how each stitch can be done. I have tried to rectify this and get confused in the oposite direction. But, I have a very old stitch dictionay from Readers Digest and I would love to have a stitch dictionary that has better pictures and more stitches to attempt. Again thank you for such a fun contest.

    Melissa Bird

    483
  439. What a wonderful treat for a novice stitcher, althought your site have been a wonderful resource for helping expand my horizons. Thanks lala

    484
  440. I am a right handed stitcher and, luckily, have never had an issue in learning any embroidery techniques because of it.

    Thanks so much for doing this giveaway. I would be thrilled to win one of these books.

    Karen H. (klmvangard)

    485
  441. When you blogged about this book before I was intrigued enough to order it but it was out of stock so I do have an order in for one. I am a righty and from what you have shown of the contents of the book to me it is a must have. If I win this one, when the one I have on order comes in, I have a friend that would just love to have one also, and i will give her one of them. You are having such a wonderful 12 Days of Christmas, just reading about them is a present in itself. Thank you for giving everyone such a great view of the possible methods of embroidery. Really enjoyable.

    486
  442. I’d love to own this reference.
    I’m a rightly so have not struggled with lefties issues. I have been able to figure out most stitches for right hand stitching.

    487
  443. Hello: I could never stitch with my left hand, I am very righted-handed, although you may think I do embroider with my left hand the way some of my projects turn out. Paula.

    488
  444. Righty, my problem is patience. Step by step instructions have always improved my learning new stitches.

    489
  445. you know, i don’t ever remember the issue of being right or left handed coming up! My grandma taught me and she was right handed as am I. One of those things we all take for granted, isn’t it!!!

    490
  446. Lefty! And yes, it made a huge difference as I was growing up! I was always made to feel like the “odd man out,” and the “oh, no, you’re left handed?!?!!!” As a result, I never learned to knit, crochet, swing a bat, golf club, etc.
    I’ve got the Lefty book already, but would love to give my right-handed niece the mirror image book!
    Happy holidays!

    491
  447. Righty…but sometimes I feel like a lefty anyway when I stitch. I took a few classes with the Royal School of Needlework and have been trying use both hands when stitching. The right to put the stitch in the fabric and the left to pull through on the back.

    492
  448. I am a righty and I was taught by a righty.

    I glad to find that Yvette is a good source for white embroidery because I love it. Can wait to take a look at her new book.

    493
  449. I am a righty & think that it makes a difference only because a majority of people are right handed. I am a great believer in taking classes to learn because I am a very visual person. I have to see some stitches done before I get it. I think it would be very difficult if I were left handed and had to reinterpret how to make a stitch from observing a right handed teacher.

    495
  450. Sou canhota, não sinto diferença em fazer qualquer bordado.Obrigado pelo brinde. Feliz Ano Novo. Abraços

    496
  451. My mother has done Hardanger with Yevette’s book as a reference for years. What a great resource! I never thought about embroidery from the left hand standpoint until I remembered that as a girl I taught myself to knit and found myself struggling with a stitch detail. My mother observed what I was doing and kindly told me I had taught myself “backwards”. She told me to put it down and to come back to it after a few weeks – she would teach me the right way. Unfortunately, I never have! I would love my ambidextrous daughter to have the ability to use her preferred left hand as she learns stitchery. If it is as good as the other books and your review – it will be perfect for my daughter.
    Thanks for the tips and tricks and help you give us daily!
    Diane

    497
  452. I always find myself looking through reference books to refresh how to do a stitch I haven’t done in awhile. Can never have too many reference books.

    498
  453. Dear Mary –
    I continue to be very grateful for any opportunity to add to my understanding of embroidery techniques. The Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion is beautiful on the outside. Several of the instruction/dictionary type books that I use offer strong points for one or more stitches, however, normally I go to several and practice the different approaches and teaching methods. Sometimes I do not get the full understanding until after several practice attempts and find it takes several aspects of the same stitch to get the full description; then, the stitch makes sense…sometimes it is just the tiniest skewing of a persepctive…

    I would love a copy of this book, mostly because some of the more challenging stitches require multiple descriptions and practice sessions – before I understand. Thank you again, Charlotte

    499
  454. I am a righty and I love your book reviews. After your review of this embroiderer’s companion, I added it to my wish list. Your blog has such great information.

    501
  455. Lefty? Or Righty? And has it made a difference to you in learning embroidery?

    Gulp – there’s a difference? 🙂 I’m not that developed in my skills to differentiate a left handed or right handed style – having said all this, I am right handed so I suppose most books are designed to accomodate ME. xxoo for the opportunity to WIN some of these nice products.

    502
  456. What a boon to have for us “lefties”. A stitch guide for left-handers would be great! So much easier to follow stitch diagrams without having to reverse them in our brains…

    503
  457. I’m basically right handed (that would be the book I’d want) but I do have left handed tendencies and frequently use both hands in embroidery and cross-stitch. Thank you for the chance to win this book! I was drooling over them when you reviewed them.
    Christy or ChrisTea
    botm2@yahoo.com

    504
  458. Righty.
    I don’t think it has made much difference, but then I am learning the way that most of the books are written. I have given the left-handed book to several friends who rave about it.
    The new book looks great…I will definitely put that on my wishlist.
    Happy New Year!

    505
  459. I’m a righty. I am always looking for new ways to learn things. Thanks for have a great giveaway.

    506
  460. This would be great for me to teach my left-handed daughter. There are four embroiderers in my house and she’s the only lefty. This would help a lot.

    507
  461. I have looked at this book before and would like to have a copy. Her Portuguese Whitework book looks interesting also.

    508
  462. I am left handed, but was forced to use my right hand most of my childhood. I can do many things with either hand. I find I can use either right or left handed instructions most of the time. I am able to easily teach a true lefty.

    509
  463. I’m a righty and have found looking at stitch photos really make a difference. I would love a copy of this book!

    510
  464. I am a right hander … at “everything” and always mirror any demonstration of stitching or sewing or sketching to my husband and one daughter and son who are lefties – would be very nice to have teaching tools!! to help me. Thanks for the review of the yet to be published book – beautiful cover.

    511
  465. I’m a “righty.” It has made a big difference in stitching because most books are written for right-handed people. It’s good that someone so qualified has written a book for left-handed people. They should not be left out of doing all the wonderful needlework right-handed people can do.

    512
  466. Since I am a definite righty, it makes a comment about a lefty truly impossible. However, for the past year I have suffered with a torn rotator cuff in my right shoulder that has forced me to be a lefty in many areas, not in eating (I couldn’t find my mouth) nor embroidery, but other areas. I would love to receive the book for right handed embroiderers. Mary, thank you once again for a great gift.

    Jane
    Georgia Gal

    513
  467. How many times have I gone to the internet to find out just what the definition of a term is or exactly how to accomplish a stitch. I enjoy teaching myself from books and to have a handy reference would be so luxurious! Sue from WY

    515
  468. I am a “Righty”. I have learned techniques from both left and right handed people. I also taught knitting to a left handed lady successfully. Some stitchery uses both hands so much that it should not deter anyone from learning either way.

    BTW, the whitework reminded me of some heirloom pieces I have that my Grandmother made in the late 1800’s for her hope chest.
    Beautiful!

    516
  469. Im a right handed embroiderer I think it is hard to learn if you are a lefty. I once taught a lefty to play pool. I could think through how to hold everything and show her. I have also taught her to crochet It worked okay. it helped to sit across from one another and mirror one another.

    517
  470. I really never have had a book such as this to guide me through the steps. Would love to have.
    Thanks

    Marie

    518
  471. Right-handed so no problem with instructions that plague left handed people. I first purchased the Embroidery Stitch Bible by Betty Barnden, then found the Country Bumpkin Library of publications that covered many styles of stitchery. Yvette’s Embroidery Companion will prove to be a another resource to be kept on hand.

    Thank you for another wonderful give away.

    520
  472. My friend is lefthanded and I gave her this book for christmas. Loved the book.
    Rosemary V. Australia

    521
  473. I am a lefty and had to adapt my stitching when I started – now I rarely think about it. I have Yvette’s book for lefties and it is wonderful, I wanted to chime in and let everyone know how helpful it is. I look forward to her newest book!

    522
  474. I’m ambidextrous. I stitch with the right… I get tired, I stitch with the left for a while or I start with the left. Some stitches are more comfortable for one hand over the other. My favorite is to really have hands free hoop and do what feels comfortable.

    523
  475. I am a right handed embroiderer. As I have learnt embroidery from books and magazines which all show right handed stitch diagrams I think it must be easier for us righties.

    524
  476. I am right handed and it has not made a difference. This book would be great. Thanks for the chance to win.

    525
  477. I’m a righty–and I learned how to embroider from my grandmother who taught me everything backwards! She was a righty, but she probably should have been a lefty. Thanks for the lovely giveaways during the 12 Days of Christmas!

    526
  478. Be still my heart! lol Now, here’s a resource a beginner can use – one that won’t sit on a shelf. vbg
    I’m a righty, and I’ve never been hampered by being a right handed stitcher.I have to agree with Linda a patient teacher is the one of the best gifts a stitcher can have.
    Thank you for the opportunity to win this book! I think this might be another patient teacher. :))

    527
  479. Hi Mary,
    Tough my mother (whose name was also Mary!) attempted many times when i was a child and teenager to teach me how to embroider and knit, I just didn’t have the patience to learn. so though every summer holiday i would start a new project, I never completed them! And strangely after my daughter was born I was consumed with the desire to learn everything about embroidery! Thats when i discovered your blog and was very thrilled. And I dream of doing all the fancy work i see online. So I have been teaching myself via your instructional videos but would love to have a book by my side too.
    I am right handed.
    Rose Mary

    528
  480. I’m a righty and entirely self taught. I have always used books to learn new stitches and never considered that if I was a lefty things would be much more difficult.

    I have a friend who does some simple stitches and would love to learn more. I am reasonably ambidextrous and have shown her a few things. I would love to give her a present of the Left handed embroiderers companion.

    529
  481. Happy New Year to you, Mary

    I am a right handed needle worker and yes, I’m sure that it is much easier to be right handed. It seems that most instructions are written for right handed folks.

    Thanks,

    Fran Johnson
    Red Oak, TX

    530
  482. Righty here. I’m ambidextrous so there are some things I learned to do lefty first, as most of the ladies at my embroiderer’s guild are left-handed and do the teaching.

    Most of the time I’ve learned from books with right-handed instructions though, so it hasn’t made a difference. I’ll use either method or both.

    Actually, I’m guilty of switching to left-handed stitching when my right hand is tired and sore, to prevent RSI.

    532
  483. I’m a righty. I don’t know if it has affected my learning experience. I tend to be a look-at-the picture-and-figure-it-out learner and go back to the text only if I can’t figure it out, or if I need/want to finesse it. I assume most books are for rightys since this method seems to work for me. But I also have started to realize that I do some things backwards, anyway. While I certainly wouldn’t mind having another stitch book, I imagine a Lefty could use it more since relatively few books are for them. (Does that put their learning to stitch akin to Ginger Rogers’ dancing? — backwards and in high heels?)

    533
  484. Right now I have no embroidery reference books and must run to the computer every time I want to try some thing new!

    534
  485. I am right handed. When I learned to crochet it was hard to be right handed as my teacher was a lefty. In the end, I taught myself from photographed instructions, like most things I’ve learned to do.

    535
  486. Definitely a really strong righty and I think it has made it easier to learn most things, including embroidery. I have taught embroidery to several leftys and managed to do it successfully but the world is really directed towards us rightys.

    536
  487. I am left-handed and already have Yvonne’s book for lefties but I would love to have a right-handed version as a gift!
    Sandy O. in WA state, USA

    537
  488. I am a righty. My mother was a lefty. This explains my ” issues” with many embroidery stitches and my complete inability to insert a zipper! I need all the help I can get – thanks!
    Joan from Gloucester

    538
  489. I’m a righty! Nope don’t think it has made any difference, since I don’t think I’ve ever seen any lefty pics in books…

    539
  490. I embroider right-handed, but do many activities with my left hand and sometimes stitch left-handed just to increase that ability. I have embroidery instructions scattered among several books so it would be great to have really clear instructions all in a single book.

    540
  491. Would love to win this book! One of my Christmas vacation projects is to learn how to hand embroider. Your online tutorials are very, very helpful. This book would be the ideal complement to the videos. Thank you for the opportunity to enter the drawing. : )

    541
  492. I’m right-handed; always took it for granted. No problems. It looks like a wonderfully useful book, well thought out. And that Portuguese Whitework is gorgeous!

    542
  493. Right handed and all my teachers have been right handed too so no difficulties for me. The hard part has been teaching my cousin who is left handed- she bought the left handed version of this book and it was really helpful.

    543
  494. Oh boy this giveaway series just keeps getting better and better! After reading your recent review, I was planning to buy the Left version of this for my sister for her birthday, and the Right for myself when I can. I think possibly being right handed has made it easier for me to follow stitching instructions??

    If I win I will choose the Left version 🙂

    Happy New Year, Mary and THANK YOU!!

    544
  495. This book has been on my wish list for a while now. I have learned so much from your wonderful blog. Thank you for reinspiring my love of embroidery. Hand stitching has made 2011 a lovely year. I am a right handed stitcher and I have not found too many hinderences to the learning process. I just need to remember to practice, practice, practice.

    546
  496. Well, I’m a righty who learned sewing, crochet, embroidery and ceramics from a mother and sister who are both LEFTIES! ARGHHHHH, yes I was the oddball righty in the family. So, I would love a book devoted to a righty. In all seriousness though, I am so blessed to have such a talented mom and sister who took the time to try to teach me these valuable crafts. Now, I have a daughter in-law who is a lefty so maybe I would get the lefty book for her!

    547
  497. Hi Mary,
    I am a ‘righty’ through and through. And I firmly believe one can never have too many embroidery books so Yvette’s will still very nicely with my every growing library.

    Thanks for the opportunity
    Chris from Australia

    548
  498. I’m right-handed, so I think I tend to use my right hand more when stitching. I’m just expanding into embroidery from counted cross-stitch, so this reference would be tremendously helpful. Thanks for the opportunity.

    551
  499. I’m a south-paw, and I don’t have any printed stitch books as I’ve been wary of how “handed” they might be. I seem to have muddled along fine so far, I mainly work without hoop or frame, and I use scissors right-handed. But I’d love some better instruction!

    552
  500. I am a righty which has made it a little easier to learn different stitches. Of course if I could keep my right and left straight in my mind it would make learning stitches a lot easier. I am very excited about this book as I am always trying to improve my stitching. Thank for having this drawing and all the others.

    554
  501. I am a lefty and frequently people comment on how awkward I look when I am stitching! I usually have to see someone do the stitch to then figure our how I have to do it – often standing in front rather than behind the teacher helps So far the only thing I have not figured out is tatting. I would love the Left Handed book to make life easier!

    555
  502. Righty – I only know a few embroidery stitches (newbie, here), so this would be a fabulous gift to win. Thanks for the chance!

    556
  503. Ohhhhhhh, the Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion has been on my wishlist since you reviewed it!

    I’m a righty, which worked to my benefit when learning embroidery since most instructions are for right-handed folks.

    557
  504. I already have Yvette Stanton’s book on Ukranian embroidery and it is lovely. I don’t think you can ever have too many reference books in your library. It would be wonderful to win the Right-handed guide. Thanks, Mary.

    Jana

    558
  505. I’m a righty and I don’t think it’s affected my learning of stitches. This is such an amazing giveaway. I’d definitely give this to my sister (also a righty)–she’s just learning and would love a great stitch reference to refer to.

    559
  506. Right-handed, thank goodness. I am directionally challenged and had trouble reading stitching directions and learning needlework at first. Had I been left-handed I might have just given up. I have been coveting The Right-Handed Embroiderer for awhile but the price has been the deterrent. I almost always buy books used on ebay or amazon.com to save money, but this one seems like it will only appreciate in price.

    560
  507. I’m a righty, and since most instructions have been written for right-handed people, I haven’t had issues stitching.

    561
  508. I am definitely a righty since I have never tried anything with my left hand except for picking up heavy bags. This stitchers’s companion will be such a fantastic addition to my library and my 2012 resolution of stitching up with embroidery and tatting combined.

    562
  509. I love the information you provide. A good stitch book is a treasure outstanding to anyone who loves handwork, be it regular embroider, Crewel, Brazilian or counted thread.

    563
  510. I’m definitely a rightie. The one time I tried to learn something from a left-focused set of instructions, I managed, but it was frustrating.

    564
  511. Righty – is there another option? I cannot do anything left handed and am very jealous of people who can do things with their non-preferred hand.

    565
  512. I am right handed so I would love to add this book for right handers to my stitchery reference library. With 170 or more stitches it has got to give one more than ample stitches to use in one’s embroidery.

    566
  513. Wow, Yvonne Stanton is a fabulous author and teacher I have her “Mountmellick” book in my library and the way it was written was soo easy to follow, I would love the “Right Handed” book to add to my library.

    Cheers Flora

    567
  514. I am left handed. I am self taught in embroidery because no one wanted to teach me when I was a kid. My mother thought that I could not learn as much as I could if I was a righty. Today I teach embroidery to rightys and leftys and I easily follow instructions for both right or left handed.
    Happy new year Mary 🙂

    568
  515. Dear Mary – A righty here, but I raised a righty kid and a lefty kid who are each very proficient adults with needles. Naturally I spent a lot of time working out how to demonstrate things left-handed. I think it did help my own needlework – teaching me to study all the angles! Cheers, Shirley

    570
  516. I’m a leftie stitcher. I stitch with my left hand but I probably use technique for righties since I use the internet for learning. I learned how to cross stitch around 9 or 10 years old from a DNC pattern my dad got me for christmas.

    572
  517. LEFTY. I was able to teach myself to embroider left-handed. When I was growing up there were no left-handed things like scissors etc. so I had to learn to do a lot of things right handed but needlework is not one of them. I would love to have a left handed embroidery book. Have never seen one. I enjoy your newsletters very much. Happy New Year!
    Hugs, Cindy

    573
  518. I’m a righty and so theoretically had no problem learning to embroider – LOL! It took me a few years to become what I consider to be adequate. But I love it and can’t imagine not stitching at least a few stitches every day.

    574
  519. I’m right handed and I’m pretty sure that it makes it easier to learn embroidery. My mother is left handed and had trouble learning to knit.

    575
  520. Righty. Since most instructions are for right handers, i guess it’s a plus. I LOVE white work or any embroidery that emphasizes texture. i have a hardanger project in my queue at the moment that also uses a lot of white work. Happy New Year and thanks for the great site.

    Kelley P

    577
  521. I’m a righty, and as most books are for right handed embroiderer’s I’ve had no disadvantage in learning. I’ve often thought of strengthening my left arm and hand (they seem so weak when I do have to use them!)

    The Portugese whitework book looks really stunning.
    Happy New Year

    578
  522. I’m a righty. I’ve lkearned that when doing embroidery, I need a light on my left, so that my hand isn’t creating shadows where I want to work. I’d love to win this book for right-handers. Thank you for the opportunity.

    579
  523. As a “righty” I struggled to pass on my stitching passion to my teenage daughter who is a “lefty”…and bought Yvonne’s book for her, which she loves and has put to good use. I would love to add the Right-handed book to my collection so we can continue to share our love for the art of the needle. Happy New Year from Australia!

    580
  524. I’m a righty – and I guess it has been easier to learn, as most instructions are written for rightys – but I had not thought about it before! we have both in my family, including an ambidextrous grandfather…

    581
  525. Although I am right-handed I am beginning to feel the need to start learning to use my left hand as the disease that is affecting my right arm is increasing in severity. I don’t really want to buy the ‘left’ book as it will be seen as giving in to the dreaded disease, but if it were to be a gift – well one never looks a gift horse in the mouth (in case he bites).

    582
  526. Oh my, does that look like a great book!

    I am fortunate enough to be abl to stitch with either hand, depending on the circumstances. I would probably elect to have the book for right-handed stitchers as I do most activities with my right hand even though I eat and write with my left (I was one of those kids of the 50’s who didn’t have accomodations for the lefties, so I had to learn to do some things right handed!).

    583
  527. I have been working on some wool pieces and trying to decide on how to stitch them, I really could use a good book to learn how to do decorative stitches and embellishments, would love a chance to win.

    Debbie

    585
  528. Hello Mary,
    I am right handed, thank you.
    I would be very happy to own the right handed book, however, I would be just as happy with the left handed version. As I understand, both versions have the same information other than the right/left handed tutorials.
    I found my passion with crazy quilting and seam embroidery rather late in my life, end of 2006 and I’m 60 this new year!… I have much to learn. Many of my stitching friends tell me my stitching is better than average for being a newbie and I wish to take this opportunity to thanks you, Ms. Mary. I thank you… because.. much of what I’ve learned about stitching in the past 5-6 years has come from you and your very informative stitch tutorial videos. To be able to see the stitches worked right up in front of me is what has helps me know exactly how and where to place the Needle’nThread. Thank you, thank you!! Thanks also for all the needlework knowledge that you have and then pass it on to all of us and thanks for your kind generousity of your give-aways! As far as I’m conserned, you are a Treasure in the NeedleArts world. I hope you have the Happiest New Year in 2012, may you have lots of fine stitching to come. Grateful Hugs!

    586
  529. I’m a righty. It led to me being self taught in a lot of things when I was younger because my mom was a lefty and could’t teach me things like stitching and knitting.

    587
  530. Definitely…a right-handed stitcher for embroidering. I don’t think that I would be able to stitch lefty. I will have to experiment and give it a try!

    588
  531. I love that they show the stitches for both left and right handlers . Great for teaching others.

    589
  532. Hi Mary,

    I am a lefty who has learned to stitch righty. I have been known to stitch many things backwards, but one thing I must always be careful of is to finish the same way I started to keep the stitching smooth. Sometimes my work looks a little bit dyslexic and I can tell that stitching looks much more elegant when all the stitches lay the same direction.

    590
  533. I am a right handed embroiderer and am self-taught, so I can`t see that it made any difference at all, except for being able to use the right handed books to learn stitches…

    Happy New Year Mary!

    592
  534. I’m right handed and I probably would not give it a second thought if I hadn’t had a left-handed friend many years ago. We were Girl Scouts and working on the needlework badge together. As a lefty, she struggled mightily to learn embroidery, crochet, knitting, etc. I was sooooo glad I’m a righty!

    593
  535. Bought Yvette’s leftie book for my sister and was so impressed my other sister and I got the rightie book. Her directions are so clear and understandable that the book would be a help for anyone. I am anxiously awaiting the Portuguese Whitework book. If I won the book, I would donate it to our EGA chapter library which already contains her Mountmellick book. Yvette is great!

    594
  536. I’m a righty. Whenever I need to learn a new stitch, or to have a refresher on something I should know, I love to consult as many options as possible – on-line tutorials, stitch guides old and new. I’ve love a copy of this book to add to my knowledge base.

    596
  537. I am a righty – have heard how good this book is but haven’t actually seen one as yet. What a great book to have amongst my library to refer to when I am not sure about a stitch. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

    598
  538. I am a right-handed stitcher. I really like the way the instructions are presented and the diagrams seem easy to follow. This book would be a very important addition to my needlework reference library.

    599
  539. Righty! And I am assuming it has made a difference because everything is written for a righty….my family has a few lefties and I think that intructions and books for them would have been helpful….so I appreciate the opportunity for a leftie to have a book just for them! I would love to see comprehensive stich guide…some books are a bit vague on the stich.

    602
  540. Righty…who always envied the lefties when I was a kid. I tried to teach myself to write left handed but couldn’t do it. I’m sure being a righty makes embroidery easier since most instructions are written for rightys.

    604
  541. Mary,
    Righty here…Hit those books and what a great way to learn some new stitchs. What a great gift for a beginner ar one that has been sewing for years. Thank you for these 12 days of Christmas and a Happy New Year to All.

    605
  542. I’m a righty. But I wish I could be both. I used to…long story. Figure it can’t hurt to be both right? Thanks for the chance to maybe win something.

    607
  543. I am a right handed seamstress. I teach sewing, smocking, embroidery, and heirloom sewing to everyone – left or right handed. This book would really come it handy – for whatever hand you choose to use!

    608
  544. I am a left-handed stitcher and I know all the problems we left-handed stitchers can have. You are right Yvette Stanton’s books are great.
    I have her Left-handed Embroider’s Companion and it is fantastic. If there is a stitch I have not used for a long time I can go and look it up and there it is plain as day to see how you do it. I recently gave a copy of the Right-handed Embroider’s Companion to my eldest daughter and she is very happy with it also. I can honestly say that these books are well worth purchasing if you do not win one in this competition.

    612
  545. I’m right handed – which has meant that I can usually follow most of the instructions I have read!!! Thanks for the opportunity to win such a comprehensive book of stitches.

    Catherine

    613
  546. This is one of the most comprehensiVe right handed bookeS I have ever seen for right hand stitcherS like myself. As soon as the stores open in Tuesday, I am going to buy Yvette’s book on Mount Mellick Whitework. It looks so beautiful.

    When I lived in the UK, visited Ayr, Wales and learned about the Whitework women did in 1800 and early 1900’s. What an education!!!!

    Happy New Year to all.!

    RIGHTIE – HJE

    HELEN
    DENVER

    614
  547. I’m a Lefty stuck translating in a right handed world. The left handed instructions will be heaven sent, if I’m lucky enough to win today’s contest. Thank you for offering up these wonderful prizes for your devoted followers.

    615
  548. I am a righty.I am sure it has made a difference because most instructions are written for right-handed people. These book look very helpful for a beginner like me!Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!

    616
  549. I’m a mighty righty! So said because world wide there is 1 lefty for every 9 rightys. Leftys are in a very small minority. Isn’t it fab that Yvette took the time to create a book which facilitates skill development despite handedness. I’d love to add this to my small,but growing collection of reference texts. Helen, Botswana

    617
  550. Lefty or Righty? Actually both! I can do most things with either hand but I choose to the vast majority of things with my right hand. I always blamed the fact that I had a left handed father and a right handed mother but I don’t think it’s that simple. For instance when my left handed boy was learning to tie shoe laces I would tie them left handed and do my right handed boy’s laces right handed. It was only when my DH was doing them both right handed and confessed that he wouldn’t know where to start doing it left handed that I realised I may be slightly unusual. I can also read upside down and read mirror writing! (And yes I know the teacher in you Mary will be saying dyslexia – quite probably and discalculia too.) Anyway I would choose the right handed book as I do embroider right handedly.

    618
  551. Just realised I didn’t say if it had made a difference to how I learned embroider. No, I guess not because even if I had a left handed teacher I could still translate to right handed.

    619
  552. Well, I’m a righty and I can’t say if it’s made a difference to me learning as I don’t know any different! Having said that, last winter, we had a long spell of frozen and snowy weather and all the water pipes froze up on our farm. I was having to carry buckets of water from the only tap that worked to the cows that were in the barn with newborn calves and that was about 20 buckets, twice a day. I eventually ended up with damage to the ligaments in my right wrist and then made it worse by doing a marathon cross stitch session the evening after.I should have stopepd when it started to REALLY hurt and cramp up but I wanted to finish it as a present. A year on, I still have some problems with it and I am seriously considering trying to stitch with my left hand. As I’m only a beginner, my efforts probably won’t look any worse than some of my attempts to sew right handed LOL.

    620
  553. Hi, I am a ‘righty’ embroiderer. I think it is probably easier being a ‘righty’ than a ‘lefty embroiderer or so I have been told by my ‘lefty’ friends. I love Yvette Stanton’s books. Gay B, South Africa

    621
  554. Hi Mary,
    another great competition. I am a “righty” with “lefty” tendencies. When I was at school my domestic science teacher would often tell me I was stitching back to front or going the wrong way, from right to left or visa versa. It didn’t dampen my enthusiasm for embroidery and these days just do it how it’s most comfortable and the way the stitching looks best. I would like the left handed book to teach my very left handed granddaughter how to stitch She is only 4 but already knows how to thread a needle and do a few basic stitches.

    623
  555. I’m a righty. I always have embroidery books checked out from the library but this one looks fantastic. I would be thrilled to win a copy!

    624
  556. Happy New Year Mary to you and your family,
    I missed posting yesterday so I doing so now. I am right handed and I feel awful to think about it now but I never considered before how lucky RH stitchers have been in receiving instructions, so it is awesome that someone has considered this and written a left handed book also! I checked the links and this book (the right handed one) does sound like something I would use absolutely. As I get older I realize that even though I may have known how to “do” a certain stitch once upon a time, it definately saves whatever brain cells I have left to just go to a reference book and learn all over again! Thank you as ever.
    Dottie J.

    625
  557. I’m a righty
    This would make a great addition to my books on stitching. My daughters quite often ask to see examples of certain stitches.

    626
  558. Happy 6th day of christmas, it being New Years Eve here in Western Australia.
    My grandmother was responsible for teaching me to knit, crochet and embroider. Just simple stuff for a right handed teacher and a right handed student, but my cousin was (is) left handed and Gran could not teach her anything to do with this skill, which on reflection I can now understand why Gran was a bit frustrated and my cousin really angry with me for knowing how to do something that she couldn’t.
    I just never thought about how hard it was until I tried to teach a left hander, now I am glad there are books for lefties. Happy new year everyone and especially to you Mary and your family.

    627
  559. Hi Mary
    Righty – and it never affected my learning experience even if I have to turn the page upside-down!
    Good news about Yvette´s new book on Guimaraes embroidery – will definitely acquire it!

    628
  560. I’m strongly right handed. Since I am almost entirely self-taught, the fact that most instruction books are written for right handed people is a distinct plus.

    Thanks for the opportunity to win one of these books.

    Kathy Pennington
    Diggins, MO

    629
  561. I am right handed. I know this makes a difference if you happen to learn from someone is left handed. A mirror works good for the learner!

    630
  562. I’m a righty. I have taught a lefty embroidery, and had no problems with that. But, it was a real headache when I tried to teach the same lefty to crochet.

    631
  563. I am a righty. The only difference this has every made in my stitching is when I’m trying to teach someone that is a lefty. I have found that sitting directly facing the lefty can help with the instruction.

    632
  564. I am left-handed and began stitching with my (right-handed) grandmother at age five (we still have the sampler: “Make new friends, keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold”). I have never had a left-handed teacher, but have taken lots of embroidery instruction over the years. I mirror-image the learning — whatever the teacher is doing, I mirror it. I consider the ability a real gift! Sometimes teachers have asked me what they can do to help me, but they truly don’t need to do anything but let me watch them, usually while I am facing them. I keep learning!

    633
  565. Righty. I learned from my right-handed mother when I was seven. They were simple stitches, stem and lazy daisy which grew to a larger collection as I found diagrams of more complicated stitches. A good reference book of stitches would widen my repertoire greatly.
    Thanks for the give away.

    634
  566. I’m a righty but my daughter is turning into a lefty (much to her dad’s chagrin). When I show her things, I generally mirror them for her and that works out just fine. Sometimes I would like to be able to stitch both ways so that I could orient stitches depending on the project rather than doing them a set way.

    635
  567. I’m right handed, but I sympathize with left-handers because I learned to stitch from my grandmother, a natural leftie, who was retrained in school to do everything (except stitching) right handed.

    She was an avid embroider, although she never ventured beyond pre-stamped linen. I still have a few of her tablecloths, and the stamped cross stitch doily I did with her when I was four. The wobbly-X flowers on it were mine. The neat feather-stitched detail around the hem was hers.

    636
  568. I’m a lefty, however I’ve been told I stitch like a righty. I do everything right handed except cutting anything with scissors including hair!!!! As a child my parents bought me left handed scissors but I could never use them, go figure! Happy New Year

    Susan

    637
  569. I am definitely right handed and have never actually thought about the fact that lefties might have difficulties at learning certain techniques. I taught myself do embroidery and I suppose that it might have been a bit more awkward if I were left handed. For lefties it is probably very useful to be able to look up stitches in a book designed especially for them…
    I am especially looking forward to the book about portuguese embroidery, it looks stunning!

    638
  570. Righty but grew up with a family of lefties and married a leftie so I know the frustration of lefties living in a righty world.

    639
  571. Happy Sixth Day of Christmas!

    Being a lefty – It’s not been very difficult learning embroidery. But the Stitch Companion would certainly be helpful.

    640
  572. What a wonderful way this would be to start the New Year! Fingers crossed, fingers crossed….

    642
  573. Mary,
    I’d love to have either book. Both are right up my alley. I’ve only commented and put my name in on things I’ll actually use!! Pick me!
    Gail Romines

    643
  574. Hi Mary!
    I am a lefty and it is difficult to learn some stitches from a righty. 🙂 This would be a wonderful resource for us lefties! :)Thank you!
    Blessings,
    Jen in Oregon

    644
  575. I’m a righty, and was originally taught to embroider by a righty, my Granny. However, I have learned more advanced techniques from lefties, and have been able to do embroidery with both hands when needs arise!

    645
  576. I’m right handed, I can usually follow most of the instructions. Happy New Year to you and all your blogreaders.

    646
  577. Well, I am right handed so I would be most interested in the book for right handed embroiderers. I have to admit though, that I have taught basic embroidery to lefties and it was very difficult to find information for them. I’m glad to see that there is a book I can refer my student to for further instruction.

    648
  578. I’m a “righty”. Just seemed to be the natural way to learn to me. Looks like a great resource to me.

    649
  579. Hi Mary, thank for another great give away prize. I am a lefty,but not on table for meals. Was force using my right hand for handling knife/spoon when I was little. For me it does made a different in embroideries. It takes awhile to understand some of the stithes, I turn around my embroideries work, sometimes upside down..:)
    To win the Embroiderer’s Stitch dictionary for left handed, will be splendid, awesome,woopeee..

    650
  580. I am a lefty and I have definitely found learning new stitches a bit challenging. I would totally treasure this book!

    652
  581. Being right handed seems universal in the instruction section of learning a new stitch, in the pictures it alwalys shows the instructions with a dominany right hand so i have had no problem with trying to switch hands and all that.

    Lily

    654
  582. Happy New Year, Mary. I’m a righty with one righty daughter and two leftie daughters. I would love to add this book to my library. I’m always looking for special stitches and want to learn to do them the right way.

    655
  583. I am a righty, but do many things left handed. When I pick up thread, yarn, needle, etc., I never naturally pick up the things the way teachers, or diagrams, expect me too. Eventually I figure out how to accomplish what I want.

    656
  584. Hi Mary,
    Thank you for offering these books. A valuable resource for any stitcher.
    Bonnie B N.B. Canada

    657
  585. Mary I am a righty! After watching my sister work through diagrams as a lefty, I am thankful for being a righty!
    Yvette has done a service for those lefties.
    Susie Jarosz in Omaha

    658
  586. Righty. I never thought it could be so different. We’re always learning.
    I must buy the book about white portuguese embroidery. I’m portuguese and here we have a lot of difficulties to have books even if it is quite simple to have magazines of portuguese embroidery. I’m curious about a foreign writing about us.

    659
  587. Right handed myself, but I know the problems of left-handed people with some crafts books. By the way, it is a good idea to learn knitting from right to left and the other way. It saves sometimes a lot of time when you do not have to turn your work.

    660
  588. I’m a lefty but I honestly didn’t know there was a difference when it came to stitching. Maybe I stitch right handed??? 🙂

    661
  589. What an inviting book! I just took a class in InDesign and learned how to format a book and it makes me appreciate what she’s done with her content even more. It looks beautiful and so helpful.

    I’d LOVE to win this book, it would be so relaxing to start a sampler and stitch in a nice comfy overstuffed chair with my new stitching light in peace.

    I almost forgot your question, I’m a righty and feel lucky since most embroidery directions are found that way, so there’s no hesitation to try any stitches.

    662
  590. I’m right handed, so have never really had a problem. My niece is left handed and really struggled learning to knit – I did teach myself to do the basics left-handed just to get her going, though I’ve forgotten it now.

    663
  591. HELP! I’m a lefty and I’m alone! I taught my self to cross stitch several years ago and “wing it” most of the time. I’d love to see what I am supposed to be doing, and in doing so, do it better! THANKS and a WONDEROUS NEW YEAR TO YOU!

    664
  592. OH MY GOODNESS!!! I looked for this book when you reviewed it and I would so love it! I’m a righty. Never really thought about whether it made it easier/harder to learn to do anything. Maybe because most things are geared to right handed. I have a lefty daughter and it has taught me ‘think outside my hand’ when I’m teaching her some things. I hope I can continue to do that, she’s only 10 and I have so many more things I want to teach her!

    665
  593. I’m right-handed, and from what I hear from lefties, it’s made learning a lot easier. I do have neat little story — I saw a post on a needlework forum from a lefty who was trying to learn something from a right-handed video and just couldn’t conquer it. I suggested she watch the video in a mirror, and apparently it helped a lot!

    And I would *love* a copy of Yvette’s book — it sounds awesome.

    667
  594. I am right handed and feel lucky to be as I think it is harder for left handers to learn some types of embroidery. When I was in a Brazillian embroidery class there were 2 left handers in the class. I thought it was harder for them to learn than me. My dad is left handed and when I was little my folks thought I was going to be also but it didn’t turn out that way. Thank you Mary for all you do and the Christmas give aways.

    Robin Marks

    668
  595. Mary , I am a right handed stitcher& would love to have Yvettes book on stitching I have several of her books & am a big fan on her way of explaining the technique of the stich’s.Am also looking forward to her new book . Thanks for a great giveaway . Doreen c

    669
  596. Lefty – I am left handed and have never found it difficult to copy what a right handed person is trying to show me. But I have had right handed teachers in a real panic when they know they have a lefty in their class, I have been told I should have been shot (Jokingly) I should have been converted when a child (not that easy). Now I rarely tell a teacher and just let them figure it out.

    670
  597. I am right handed, it has never been an issue for me to learn. The embroidery shop I frequent has both left and right handed people who are able to demonstrate in either fashion. Sue, New Zealand.

    672
  598. Im a righty but either would be a great gift. My sister is a lefty and this would be a wonderful gift for her, since she does very little embroidery, cause of her left handed. wow, still a great gift for who ever should win thanks so much.

    673
  599. I would love to win one of these books! I am left handed. I have had 2 strokes in the past, and after the first one, I was paralyzed
    on the left. I had to relearn how to write, grip things. My left side is still weak. My embroidery has really helped with my fine motor skills. I didn’t think I could hold a needle, but I can! It is great physical therapy!

    674
  600. Hi Mary, lovely books in today’s giveaway. I shall be looking out for the Portuguese Whitework book, it looks fantastic.

    Lefty or righty?? Well, I am right-handed and so most of my embroidery is done left to right including cross stitch. I am always being ‘told off’ because cross stitch is ‘supposed’ to be worked right to left, but I can’t seem to do it that way.

    Marian (NZ)

    675
  601. Hi Mary,

    I’m a righty but there are somethings I do left handed. I do stitch right handed and would love one of these reference books.

    676
  602. Righty –

    I am definatly a righty in everything. At times I have tried to use my left hand to do a stich when it was in a difficult possition for my riGHT hand…but to no avail. I wound up removing the stich and turning the fabric so I could get to it with my right hand.Now I have given up trying to “save time” by using my left hand and just do it the “RIGHT” way!

    677
  603. I am a righty, and it has caused more problems for me in teaching than in learning. I taught a group of girls to crochet, and they all got it except for the one who was left-handed. I felt so bad!
    Jane

    678
  604. I am a ‘righty’, and don’t think it has made much difference to my learning – I do most of it from books, but sometimes seeing the ‘lefty’ instructions has clarified things for me.
    Thank you for this awesome chance to win.
    Blessings
    Maxine

    679
  605. I am a righty, but have caught myself doing a lot with the left.
    Still R handed writer though, My dad was a Lefty. Love all stitching books.
    Pam in Alabama

    680
  606. Dear Mary, I loe Yvette Stanton’s books. I am thinking I have a Hardanger book written by her. I am a right-handed stitcher and would love to have her Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion which I think would really help with some stitches that I have problems with. Thanks as always for this opportunity and for your inspiration to us stitchers.
    Brenda

    681
  607. Mary,
    I am a righty and I don’t own a stichery guide. I have gotten a couple out of the library, but would love to have one of my own. I love looking at the stitches and how they are done. Thanks so much for the opportunity.
    Sheila from Havertown

    682
  608. I have always used my right hand which is OK as now I can’t use my left hand much due to arthritis. Would love to stitch my way through this book, making a sample of all the stitches. What a great way to learn.

    683
  609. Righty. Has not made a difference to me since the majority of stitchers that I know are righty. Friends who are lefty have made me more sensitive to their difficulties with stitch books.

    684
  610. I am right handed and I think that makes it easier to learn embroidery since most embroidery instructions are written for right handed stitchers.

    685
  611. I am right-handed and find it difficult to use my left hand for any task. Therefore I would love to win the ‘right handed ‘ embroider’s companion book.

    686
  612. I am a righty. I think that has made it easier for me to learn. I have been told in some embroidery classes I have taken that I “travel” in the wrong direction when I stitch. I looked at the book when you reviewed it recently and really liked the idea of the fingers showing how to hold the thread or wrap the thread etc. I think the instructions are very helpful. I will add this book to my bookshelf!

    688
  613. I am right handed and can’t say it’s made a difference in my learning. I learn by imagining myself making the stitch to look like the completed one. I am not a big reader of instructions. That’s why I like your videos, Mary. Still, I don’t think my “handedness” is or has been an issue.

    By the way, this is the best giveaway ever. Thanks for the chance to win these lovely things.

    689
  614. I would love to have the right handed Embroider’s companion. It would be so helpful as a guide for stitches. Would keep it with the work I am presently working on

    690
  615. These look like wonderful books! I thought I had most of the embroidery books out there, but these are new to me.

    I’m a righty. I hadn’t realized until recently…when I started teaching, how difficult it can be for left-handed people to grasp things taught “right-handed”. It’s made me rethink my directions and demos to try to accommodate the differences.

    691
  616. Hi Mary, I’m definitely a ‘righty’, but if you stitch on a frame with both hands it really doesn’t make any difference. I’ve taught a lot of lefties with seemingly no problem. For 2 handed stitching just remember to put your STRONG hand under the frame – it has a better guidance system built in! Love the books, anyway.
    Victoria, Vancouver BC

    692
  617. I’m a lefty, but I’ve never had any trouble learning embroidery. I look at the pictures in the book and try to do what the illustrations show. If it doesn’t work out at first I try holding the needle and thread until it looks the same as in the book. I would love a left-handed stitch guide. My husband, however says that I should stick to right-handed guides. He wants me to teach him and our children how to embroider and they are all righties. I would love to win either of these wonderful books. Mary, your book reviews have caused the expansion of my embroidery book collection several times!

    693
  618. I’m a righty and mostly self taught from books except for the x, straight and lazy daisy stitches my grandma, a righty, taught me.

    The books usually don’t show hands so I guess I don’t think it would make a difference if I was a righty or lefty.

    694
  619. When I was little my grandmother attempted to teach me to embroider to no avail. In recent years, I am 73 and have started to embroder in recent years. Unfortunately my fingers are a bit stiff. I don’t have the book if it would help I would be very thankful. Judy

    695
  620. While I do most stitching right-handed, I am actually ambidextrous so that I can stitch left-handed also. This is indeed handy! However sometimes the gift comes with an awkwardness of being able to interpret from one side to the other.

    696
  621. I am a righty and I know that leftys usually have a disadvantage when it comes to all types of needlework instruction. It’s great this book comes in a lefty version!

    697
  622. Oh,I would love to own this. I am trying to learn new techniques.. and it would be especially useful to learn the translation of all the stitches I learned in Dutch.

    699
  623. I’m a righty. And since most books are geared towards a right hand perspective, it has probably been easier for me to learn how to embroider.

    700
  624. ((added to my previous answer, because I clicked submit too soon:

    Oh,I would love to own this. I am trying to learn new techniques.. and it would be especially useful to learn the translation of all the stitches I learned in Dutch.

    I am a righty!

    701
  625. happy new year. i am a righty, but i am surrounded by lefties. the righty book would be helpful for my son who uses both hands. the book looks beautiful. who couldn’t use another needlework book? thank you for the opportunity.

    702
  626. I am right-handed. Since the first book I read assumed that the stitcher is right-handed, I did not have any problem learning the stitches. I know left handers would have a tough time following those.

    Resmi from India

    703
  627. Hello,
    I am right handed.The righty stiches is more easy for me. but it it is tough to lefty embroidery.
    Sarah from India

    704
  628. Fortunately I’m a righty, so I haven’t had any trouble with most instructions–but I know southpaws often do. Lucky me!

    705
  629. Righty and slightly ambidextrous. My younger daughter is a lefty and I was able to teach her counted cross stitch! Boy, was that ever a mind bender! Whether you are a righty or a lefty Yvette’s books are certainly a must have. I was able to view her book at a needlework book sale but when I returned to make my purchase, there were no more left. I would love to win a copy here!

    Darlene Gorczyca
    Lake Stevens, WA

    706
  630. I’m a righty & consider myself at beginner level. I do not have an embroiderer’s resource book & am beginning to understand that there are SO MANY different techniques!!!

    707
  631. I’m a righty, and I think that it would make a difference in how I learn. I’ve stumbled upon some diagrams for stitches that were designed for lefties, and find them very difficult to understand and replicate! I think it’s great she’s got a book to help both righties and lefties.

    708
  632. I recall reading about how Charles Chaplin gave up playing the violin professionally because his left hand kept causing his accompanists much discomfort. Perhaps if there were more considerate instructors like Yvette Stanton, other left handed artists might have pursued their first loves. I must admit that being right handed, I’ve hardly acknowledged how much left handers have to adjust, only to keep up with the right handed world. Scissors, knives and even guns for left handers is but a beginning.

    Learning embroidery was never a worry since most instructions ‘assume’ you are right handed. It was the NnT stem stitch instruction for lefthanders that made me acknowledge the differentness of people.

    Kudos to Ms. Stanton for going that extra, less travelled mile.

    709
  633. Hi Mary,

    I am right handed and I learned embroidery in my school days from a teacher who was a righty. So no issues. But my daughter is a leftie and when I teach her even simple stitches, I can see the issues she face to follow my instructions.

    Regards,
    -Viji.

    710
  634. I am totally Righty!
    I’ve learnt to embroider the basic stitches from a teacher while in school, the rest from books and diagrams. I don’t own a stitch dictionary, keep referring to your site when I get stuck!

    711
  635. I prefer the Right-Handed Embroiderer’s maybe because I am a right hand person , Ilove the book since it contain alot of new stitches that I love to learn , the cover of Portuguese Whitework looks amazing , I hope one day I can do such work .
    God Bless you dear
    BR/Nermin Botros – Egypt

    712
  636. Right handed here. Would love to know some tricks regarding seeing the stamped patterns or evenweave fabric “grain”. I can think of lots of questions that a book like this could teach me. Am such a beginner.

    713
  637. I am a dominant righty, but in an effort to fight off dementia, I try at times to reverse the way I do things in everyday life, including doing stitching with my left hand, definitely not as neat as my right though. Would love to win a book with 170 different stitches in it!

    714
  638. I am Right handed and manage well but I have a friend who is left handed and she always says that she can,t sew or embroider because ,at school they always wanted her to use her right hand.
    If the left handed book comes my way I will give it to her and see how she gets on.

    Gillian

    715
  639. I’m a righty and I would love to add this book to my library. In some needlework techniques I use both hands, but I only use my right hand for embroidery.

    716
  640. Your comments about the Right-Handed Embroiderers’ Companion have made this a book I have to own! I have added it to my birthday wish list – top priority. I am right handed but many of my relatives are left handed, so I have learned to follow directions for either hand.

    717
  641. i am a righty.. i first learned how to embroider under my grandmother.. who was a righty too.. and i am trying to pick new ones now on internet.. some show hands position and some dont.. but i have been able to manage.. so i am not sure how much difference it makes.. the only advantage for me would be i ll have all the stitches in place to explain to me.. instead of me surfing through internet and consulting like 2-5 websites to know the different kinds i could choose from and the directions to stitch!!

    718
  642. Hi Mary!! I am right-handed, so I never had any problems with books or articles. Thank you so much for these giveaways!! Happy New Year!!
    Libertad from Argentina

    719
  643. I am a lefty. I attempted to register for this prize earlier but never saw it posted. Don’t want to miss out on this one. I desperately need the left handed instruction. Thanks for your generosity.

    720
  644. Good morning Mary,
    I am right-handed so I can use any books for stitch instruction. We have Yvette’s book for left-handed ladies in our guild library ( I suggested it to our guild librarian after reading your review!) and it is most popular with the ladies who are left-handed. As one of them said- “finally a stitch dictionary for me!”
    from,Ruth Ann in London, Ontario

    721
  645. Morning Mary, I’m trying to catch up!
    I’m a right-handed stitcher, mostly. I’m pretty much self taught. No one in my family does any kind of needlework other than myself. If it can’t be done on a machine, they don’t want to do it. I don’t think it has really made a difference in the way I stitch. When I’m using a hoop, I use my right hand. If I’m working from scroll rods and a floor stand then I usually use both, one on top and one underneath. I’m always looking on the internet for instruction on various stitches and would love to have a book like this so I can spend more time stitching and not surfing. 🙂

    722
  646. Righty. When I watch leftys trying to learn new things from a right handed teacher (whether it be crochet, embroidery, or even bowling) I’m always amazed by their determination. If I had to constantly struggle along in a left-handed world, I would probably never learn anything new.

    723
  647. I’m mostly a righty, although I use my left hand a lot and some things I can only do left handed. Strange but true, I can not deal cards right handed! When I stitch in hand I’m always right handed, but when using a frame and stand I will switch off which hand is under or over.
    I think that since I stitch mostly right handed it has been easier to learn embroidery from the books I have. All of the ‘how to’ references in my library are for right handed people whether it be for stitching, crochet, or knitting.

    724
  648. Hi Mary! I’m a righty, so I haven’t had much diffictulty in learning the stitches!

    Traci in OK

    725
  649. Good Morning Mary,
    I am a “righty” for sure. Your review of this certainly sounds like a must have book. One always can use another idea/or way of making a stitch. Sometimes an explaination leaves you a little foggy and another one you say “Oh, that’s how it goes”. Bingo – you are off to complete your work.

    727
  650. Hello Mary,
    Happy New year to you, your family and to everyone who visits your website. I am right handed, but as a child I learned some stitches like stem, chain and satin stitch from my mother who was left handed and I didn’t have a problem. But, I couldn’t learn crochet from her, I learned it on my own from books when I came to the USA to go to school. I don’t have a good stitch reference book; Yvettes book would be an excellent one.
    Thanks,
    Haifa from Houston

    728
  651. Righty. Although I do use both hands with a frame stand for some work. I did have to learn left handed needle tatting, so I could show a friend how to do it. Took some practice and I never would work that way myself, but it was fine for demo’ing.

    729
  652. I would love that right handed book. I actually have been drooling over it for some time now. And while it’s not up for grabs, I have already begun to drool over that whitework book….oooohhh…..Brenda Day, Wilmington, Ohio

    731
  653. I’m left handed so the book for lefties would be wonderful. I have always had trouble with some stitches because most everything is written or diagrammed for right-handers.

    732
  654. I learned how to embroider and needlepoint from my grandmother way too many years ago to count. Although I’m a right-hander, my grandmother taught me the techniques for left-handers. Why? I have no clue since she was right-handed too. I don’t ever remember asked her where she learned, but my guess is her mother might have been left-handed. Anyway, it wasn’t until I was well into my 40’s that I picked up embroidery work again and discovered to my horror that the techniques were virtually worthless to me since they seemed all backward. Finally, a friend graced me with a copy of the stitch manual for left-handers and a light shown down from above! I like your idea of gifting a copy of the text to my local library (although my copy is so dilapidated now that I might just keep the new book for myself) since we have such an active stitching community where I live. Think it’s such a great resource.

    Sue U

    733
  655. Righty, Must admit I have not thought of how lefties embroider. I did learn how to knit from a lady who was left handed. And I can knit either way.

    734
  656. Righty, although tatting and crochet I’m a lefty. I’ve been wanting this book for a while, so hopefully I’ll get lucky!

    735
  657. I’m primarily a righty, but pretty ambidex for many things. When I work with kids, I find that it’s pretty easy to slip into lefty mode to help the lefty kids. The thing we find most at issue seems to be larger threads and working with the twist, so working a few samples helps out. The Left-Handed Embroiderers’ Companion looks like a great one to add to my library. It will be fun to see other options for some of the more complicated stitches.

    736
  658. I am a right hander . I am new at embroidery and being able to embroidery right handed has made more media avaliable to me in learning.

    737
  659. I am pretty embarassed to confess that until recently I never knew that you stitch right if you are a righty and left if you’re a lefty…I just kind of went with whatever felt comfortable 😉 Once I corrected that it felt pretty funny but it sure did make a difference!

    P.S. I’m a righty 🙂

    738
  660. I’m a dominant southpaw (lefty), and it would be WONDERFUL to have an instruction book written just for me! It’s always a challenge to have to read the righty instructions and then translate them backwards to work for me. After a lifetime of doing it, I don’t really think about it too much except when I’m learning something new. I usually learn things right handed first, then make the switch. It’s slow, but effective.

    739
  661. I am a lefty and have the lefty book. I really like it and have found it very helpful. Even making stitches left handed, they sometimes come out different from ones made right handed.

    740
  662. Righty since most of my students are right-handed. The few left-handed students I’ve had have been easy to teach since you can either “flip” the stitch, approach it from a slightly different angle, or it doesn’t matter. This isn’t always the case but those situations are rare.

    741
  663. Because I am a righty, and most instructions are geared towards the right-handed stitcher, I haven’t encountered any difficulties.
    Watching my left-handed brother try to learn guitar showed me how difficult things can be for a lefty though!

    743
  664. I am a righty. To be honest, I don’t think my being a righty has been a factor when it comes to my embroidery. Of course, I have never given it any thought until now.

    744
  665. I’m a righty! My mom was also right handed, so since she’s the one who taught me to embroider, it worked out well. My grandma was a lefty and was the most amazing crafter in so many mediums, but she was hesitant to try to teach me anything (she’d taught my mother but was scared to try to teach me). With all the left/right handed guides out no for so many crafts, we could have done so much together!

    745
  666. I’m right handed an learned from a right handed person. It was difficult teaching a left handed person but it worked out well as she sat facing me (mirror image).
    Thanks for all the giveaways. I hope I win something.

    747
  667. How did I miss this give away!
    I’m a leftie who used right handed books to learn. (I was the only leftie in my family growing up and I didn’t realize for years that you could actually turn the ironing board around to make it easier for myself. My iron cord is always twisted…)
    In embroidery, you have to rehearse a right handed stitch in your mind, then flip it over (long before computers) in your mind, and then try to work it from the left. When your thread doesn’t stay smooth, you are doing something wrong and have to re-assess. Sometimes it’s something as easy as keeping the thread at the top (or the bottom) to keep everything smooth.
    I would love to add this book to my little collection and would promise to will the book to another leftie when I have to give up embroidery. Please consider me!
    Thank you for the opportunity to enter.
    Best regards,

    748
  668. Righty – sure it’s made a difference, most of the material written is with the righty in mind. For that I feel very fortunate, but I’m so glad someone has written a book for lefties. My granddaughter is showing signs that she will be a lefty, and that was one of my first thoughts – how will I teach her? Now I know there will be help when she is ready to learn.

    749
  669. I am definitely a right-handed stitcher but I can see the advantage of using both hands — alas I am not able. The book would be just the thing to learn more about embroidery techniques I need to use.

    750
  670. When I teach, it is deferent to teach to lefty or righty. Most of the time I stitch righty but I could stitch both. When I teach to lefty I have to practice the day before,

    Thank you,

    Nicole Gelinas, Laval, Quebec

    751
  671. Right-handed. But since I am a craft teacher, I know it can be problem for left-handed people. Mirrors can be soooo useful…

    752
  672. Righty! But I wish sometimes I could use both, for those times when my fingers get sore!

    753
  673. I am a righty, who happens to do some of her stitches like a lefty! This is a recent discovery. Is it any wonder some of my work just was soooo difficult and did not come out looking quite right? Now I must pay close attention. LOL. Chris Beresford from cold, cold Michigan

    754
  674. The one thing that may take me away from stitching, is the opportunity to read about needlework! It doesn’t matter if it’s designs, history, or directions – I’ll take a gander. Although my collection pales in comparison to yours, this would be a great addition. Mary, I’ve taken your recommendation on other books, and have not regretted it. I look forward to the chance to get this one.

    755
  675. Ambidexterous, and would certainly make use of a stitch dictionary. Portuguese whitework looks like a publication to look forward to acquiring.

    756
  676. ohhhhhhhhhh I am so much a righty…if I ever lose function here I will not be happy! I cannot do anything with the other side..nadda! it is awful to be this right-handed, but…im sorta too old to do much about it..ty for a chance

    757
  677. primary right handed… but I can also work left-handed if I have to – therefore I can’t imagine that it really matters if you are right or left handed to learn embroidery…
    (I think it’s hard to learn calligraphy if you are left-handed)

    758
  678. SOY DIESTRA,pero me gustaria tener este libro aca no lo venden,gracias y FELIZ AÑO.

    759
  679. I’m righthanded, but I have tried to “play” a little lefthanded because I have a friend who is a lefty. We try to help each other learn certain techniques in embroidery. Even though I am righthanded, I would want the lefthanded book, just so I can understand my friend’s difficulties with my teaching efforts.

    760
  680. Well, I am a righty, and I imagine if I tried with my left hand, progress would be mighty slow.

    Thank you!

    761
  681. I am a righty, and I suppose it made learning to stitch easier. I have some left-handed friends who have had difficulty learning from right-handed teachers, and I suppose most books tend to be geared towards righties.

    762
  682. I’m right-handed, although I do admittedly work some embroidery stitches backwards sometimes, as I’m still learning, LOL! To that end, I’ve been looking for a good stitch guide, and have been interested in “The Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion” since your review, so I’d love to win 😉 Thanks for the generous giveaway!

    763
  683. That looks like such a beautiful book!

    I’m right-handed so most instructions are already geared to me and I’ve definitely never had an issue learning anything new because of it.

    764
  684. Hi Mary,
    I am a righty and I can’t think of a way that it has effected my stitching yet. I hope it never does since I am VERY right handed.
    Thanx,
    JJ

    765
  685. I am a righty. I can’t do anything with my left. It would be real hard for me to learn to do it left handed.

    766
  686. I’m a righty, but I teach embroidery to righties and lefties. Before scanning, I would photocopy stich diagrams onto overhead transparencies and them flip them to show my lefty students how to do a stitch.

    Thanks!

    767
  687. I’m a righty, something I’m glad of when I think how hard it would be to learn embroidery if I were not. I could never embroidery with my left hand, and “translating” everything into left-handed moves would drive me nuts!
    It’s great Yvette Stanton wrote a book just for left-handers!

    768
  688. I am right handed. I just started doing hand embroidery so I don’t really know if it has made a difference. I would love to win the book so I could learn more stitches!

    769
  689. I am a righty…..but to learn new stitches would be amazing…looks like a beautiful book….thanks for the opportunity to own one…..Grace from Minnesota

    770
  690. Righty by my grandmother’s choice. I favored the left as a small child and my maternal grandmother decreed that I must only use my right hand. Since we lived right next door, I was reminded to use my right hand for most tasks until it became a habit. As a result, I usually get confused with embroidery instructions since I am “confused” about handed-ness. I need to see the stitches sequenced in a diagram, so I can figure out how to do them my way–which according to people who watch me stitch, is generally not the way it’s done. Sometimes I “invent” new stitches because of it. I figure as long as it looks right, it must be okay? I would love to have this book, as I saw it in a booth and wanted it.

    772
  691. I am a righty who is getting back into embroidery after decades of (gasp – dare I say it) – straying into other crafts. I need HELP!! I really need to have this book so that I can do something other than a stem stitch!! I’m going to work my way right through it !

    773
  692. Righty here. Not really made a difference to me. All I need extra is a bucketload of patience – hahaha.

    Thanks for an awesome giveaway series 🙂

    Regards
    Marilize

    774
  693. I am right handed. For last two years I also teach richelieu embroidery, here in Slovenia and sometimes I have to show how to stich for left handed.

    best regards
    Mojca

    775
  694. Righty. I have an old Stitch Treasury that my mother gave me, but I love this book and it’s on my list of things to get someday.

    776
  695. Interesting… I am a righty who learned from a lefty!! My mom taught me to knit and crochet, I couldn’t tell you if my ‘style’ is a little unorthdox but it all works for me!! Thanks for the chance – the book looks fantastic!

    777
  696. I am a righty, although I have been known to try things with my left hand, I love to stitch and would love to have this wonderful book in my collection – if I don’t win, where can I order if from?? happy stitching to all in 2012!!

    778
  697. Hi,
    I am a righty and have had no problems stitching. I would love this book and I would probably use it with the give away fabric that you are giving today (Jan 3) or maybe not. I have seen this book and will get one day.

    780
  698. I am a right-handed stitcher who learned to stitch from my grandmother.What interests me about Yvette’s book is that the cover colors and stitches would be enticing to my granddaughters, 8-year-old twins, that I would love to teach. There’s also a 3-year-old younger sister, who I hope will also want to learn, and pass on this wonderful craft.

    781
  699. Righty, thank goodness. I can’t imagine trying to learn needlwork left-handed. Would love to have this wonderful reference. Thanks so much!

    782
  700. Right-handed; I am lucky since most books are written for those who are right-handed.

    783
  701. Righty. My mother is a lefty and she’s always saying how she’d love to learn how to do crafty things like her mom did, but left handed instructions aren’t the norm. She said she’s glad I am learning though. I have one stitch guide, the reader’s digest one, but I’m not sure if it has all the stitches this book has in it. So another reference would be wonderful.

    785
  702. Definitely Right-handed. Not sure about the mind, though… I haven’t enough time or experience to figure out if handedness made a difference, although the book might point out some things. Some stitches, like chain, I prefer to do towards me rather than ‘across’, if that made sense. But I never thought about it before. Maybe if I were a Southpaw I’d notice it more.

    786
  703. Lefty! My whole family is left handed. Often when I stop to think about it, it does seem I should have more trouble with things … like crochet. I for sure crochet backwards but I guess I have always done simple enough tasks that I never noticed a problem. The same with embroidery … but I am sure this book would help to set me firmly on the correct path!

    788
  704. I’m coming to embroidery late in life, I’m 68, but being a lefty learning everything is just a tad more problematic, shall we say. This book has been on my “lusting after” wish list for some time, so I would dearly love to have it.

    Win or lose, thanks for both the opportunity and for your wonderful website.

    Kathy D.

    789
  705. I’m Lefty and I have found difficulties learning new stitches. Sometimes the explanations found in embroidery books are not easy when You are not right hand.I would like to have a left handed embroidery book that I can understand more easily all the techniques for a real good needlework.I really enjoy the art of embroidery.

    790
  706. I am right handed and so far have not had trouble with getting the hang of new stitches, although, I have changed the direction of the needle to suit me. This book is great, but I’m really intrigued by the book on Portugese bullion embroidery.

    791
  707. I am right handed but would choose the left handed book, grin. I teach needlework locally and often have a left handed person in class. I would like to have a better understanding of what they encounter as they struggle to get some of the stitches done and to be able to help them learn stitches that would increase their desire to continue stitching.

    792
  708. I’m a righty. I’ve never thought of the challenges a lefty would have to deal with?! I have to say I’m glad to be a righty!

    Thanks for the opportunity!

    793
  709. I’m a righty, and I think it’s made learning embroidery easier since most instructions on the Internet (my main teacher) are geared for righties.
    An actual physical resource would make life so much easier.

    794
  710. Je suis droitière. J’aimerais bien posséder un de ces livres dans ma bibliothèque. J’ai un très grand intérêt pour les beaux livres de broderie.

    795
  711. I am right handed and learned from my mother years ago. Did kits back then when I was learning the craft but now I do mostly my own designs. A reference book would be so helpful since I find myself drifting back to the same stitches again and again. The instructions in this book look easy to follow.

    797
  712. I am a righty who started learning that way, so I’m not sure that it would make a difference in how I learned. I just learned the way I learned. Most instructions are for right handed people anyway so I am fortunate. (sorry lefty’s)Anyway I would LOVE this book….pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!

    798
  713. I’m a righty, but have had my share of frustration in trying to translate stitching to teach a lefty! Every stitch seems so easy to me, until I try to make the flip to show my friend how to do it… and then we’re both confused. 🙂 If I were to win I think I’d choose Lefty and give it to my best friend – That would make it so much easier for us to spend time together stitching!
    Meagan

    800
  714. I am right handed but am having to learn how to do it left handed as my youngest daughter is left handed!! Definitely a challenge for my brain!

    801
  715. I’m a righty and boy, does that make it tricky when I have students who are lefties! How have you dealt with that in the classes you teach?
    Nancy in Newport

    802
  716. I’m right handed and grateful that I have so many options. But I do understand the challenges that a lot of lefties face when trying to learn new skills. I have used the ‘mirror’ technique when showing kids how to crochet and knit, but teaching handwriting to a left handed child remains a major challenge – each one is different and ‘one size’ does not fit all. This book would be a great resource – thank you for reminding me to put it on my Amazon ‘wish list’ if I don’t win it.

    803
  717. I’m a righty and have difficulty using my left hand although I’ve found in the past that I don’t always do the stitches in the “preferred” manner for right-handers. A hazard of self-teaching, I guess. This book is on my wish list and it would be great to have a copy. Tina from Melbourne.

    804
  718. I am a “righty” that is I use my right hand to push the needle to do the embroidery work. I have never had a book to go by but having a reference book would be very helpful and I am sure to learn new stitch techniques. Right now I am doing some pretty boring straight stitches.

    805
  719. I am a righty. It never ocurred to me there would be a challenge for a lefty. I learn something new everytime I come to your wonderful website. Thank you.

    806
  720. I am a righty, but it is interesting. I’ve been trying to show my friend how to embroider but she’s a lefty and it confuses her when I show her. It seems that it is almost totally different, even to how the embroidery hoop is help. As a result I have a new found respect for those who are lefties because it requires a constant conversion into a language/way they can understand.

    807
  721. I’m lucky to be a righty, so I don’t have to try to reverse all the stitch instructions.

    808
  722. I’m a righty, and I definitely think its made things easier. My aunt is left handed, and I know it was hard for her to follow any instructions in needlework.

    810
  723. I am right handed and my dd is mostly leftie and wow I have no idea how she does it,I used to be a leftie when I was younger and hoping DD will outgrow it like I did(dont know if it makes a difference to me)Would love to own this as my dd and I are very visual learners,so this book will be put to good use!Thank you for doing this!

    811
  724. I am Right Handed although my sister is Left Handed and I have seen how she has worked out how to follow right handed instructions for so many things – she is not an embroiderer though. However as a rather new beginner embroiderer I would love to have clear instructions to new stitches. The book and your reviews of them have definitely put them on my wish list. Thank you.

    812
  725. Righty. Though it would probanly be better to be the other. I’ve looked at Yvettes’ books and ummed & aaahed then after reading your review it went on the list again because as you say Yvette is excellent in her detailed instructions.
    Isn’t it great that such a needleworker is taking on some of these little known stitches – shining a light so we won’t forget our history.

    813
  726. I’m a righty. I’ve never actually thought of the problems a right-handed or left-handed person could have in embroidering!

    814
  727. I am a righty thanks to a teacher in school switching my pencil to my right hand all of the time. Sports I do left handed. Kind of odd, but I have never tried stitching left handed. If this book is even a fraction as helpful as your videos, I would love to have it. Thanks

    816
  728. Good Morning Mary – definitely a Righty, and as I am just now learning surface embroidery with the help of your website, I don’t know enough about the effects of being a righty except to say that your videos very graciously say “if you are right handed you will want to…l” so I am guessing yes (smiles). And if use this reference book being as wonderful at stitching as you are, clearly I will want to be adding it to my library. IF I win this one, more the better. Thanks for this wonderful drawing.

    817
  729. I am a righty and have not notice a difference in my stitching. I feel for left handers who have difficulty with all the right handed instructions.

    818
  730. Righty; I even have a hard time trying to use my left hand in two handed stitching. This book must be a great boon to lefties, to not struggle with translating the instructions for their use.

    819
  731. I am a righty, and I think this has made learning embroidery easier, since most things are geared to my habits.

    820
  732. I’m another righty and I think it has been easier since so many instructions are right-handed stitching based. I definitely have this book on my wish list so I hope I’m the lucky winner! Thanks.

    821
  733. Lefty, here. It’s made a great difference for me. Viewing the diagram upside down doesn’t always work and I seem to “untwist” threads more readily than righties.

    822
  734. I am a righty and it has certainly helped as my main source of learning has been books (and obviously in the last number of years the Internet) and these tend to favour rightys.

    Thankfully, lefties aren’t as left out [sorry for the pun!] as they used to be but I think I would have given up long ago had I been a lefty!

    823
  735. Righty all the way. I don’t know where my two left-handed sons came from, but they have shown me how difficult it is to teach a lefty. Having a stitch guide specifically geared for lefties is a really good idea. For me, however, it would be a righty.

    824
  736. Hi Mary,

    Being a boring right handed embroiderer has posed no challenges for me but after having a stroke that affected my left hand, I’ve had a chance to find out just how much that “other” hand does for me! It’s been very difficult not having two hands for the many things I didn’t realize I needed both for, like needlework. I love Yvette’s books and since I don’t have a stitch dictionary, it would be most welcome. I’d love to have her Mountmellick book as well someday.

    Susie H.

    825
  737. I´m a lefty and sometimes I can´t figure out how to make some basic embroidery stitches like stem stitch! I always have to think as a mirroR….

    Hugs,
    Laurita

    826
  738. Myself I’m a right handed. I started to teach my son who was a left handed and found left handed work in a entirely different manner. Needless to say my teaching him didn’t go far. He just watches me working on my projects now.

    827
  739. As a lefty, I had the most wonderful sewing teacher in Gr.6 – all the way back then – she taught me to sew and embroider with my left hand. It did make a difference in the ease of stitching with the most skilled hand.
    Last year, I discovered this book and it has become my go-to book. Otherwise, it was always figuring out an alternate angle to proceed.
    I would love to receive either book to bring to a youth group we are setting up with Ottawa Valley Guild of Stitching.

    828
  740. Definitely a righty and very glad as it has probably made learning to sew and stitch much easier.

    829
  741. Righty, but I don’t think it has affected my stitching one way or the other. I like to try embroidery with my left hand, with a double-needle, or whatever strange thing, just to shake things up sometimes. =)

    830
  742. I am a righty. I am very lucky because when I started doing embroidery work there were no lefty books.

    831
  743. I’m right handed so that’s the way I started, I never would have thought to learn embroidery left handed, my left hand skills are terrible! I’ve been wanting a stiching dictionary, so thank you for doing this!

    832
  744. I am righty. When I started stitching using frames on a stand, I learned to use both hands in cross stitch – one over and other under the work- which was tricky for me initially but significantly increased my stitching speed. However, I enjoy the process in silk and ribbon projects more if I only use my right hand. That way I am not distracted and just follow my inspiration.

    834
  745. I am a ” righty” and feel fortunate not to have had to go through the challenge of learning techniques as a lefty as some things are hard enough as they are.

    835
  746. I’m a “righty” and I think it does make a difference. I have a friend who is a “lefty” and it was much harder to teach her to crochet because everything was done the opposite way. It’s nice that there is a book for both.

    836
  747. I am right handed and never had any problem learning any type embroider stitch. I would love to win the book though.

    838
  748. A righty but I wished I was handier with my left hand so that I could do 2-handed stitching (over and under fabric).

    839
  749. I am right handed and yes I think it makes a difference in the ease that you write, sew and knit,etc. I believe that you can’t have enough books to teach you about a hobby that you love.

    840
  750. Hi Mary,
    I would love to own Yvette’s Right handed Embroiderer’s companion. I’m a righty and believe that you can never have too many ‘how to’ stitch books.

    Penny JB

    841
  751. A righty – and would not know any other way! You are very kind to offer all of these treats!

    842
  752. Lefty here, and it makes a difference but it just takes a little study first to adjust it in my mind.

    843
  753. I’m a righty and never found learning a skill to be a problem. I have taught various needlework skills to left handed people by simply sitting directly in front of them to demonstrate. They then make whatever accommodations necessary to duplicate the movements.

    844
  754. Hi Mary,
    I would love to add the stitch directory to my library. I have started carrying a stitch directory in my sewing bag so that I can have a list of choices of stiches when creating projects. Sometimes I don’t need the instructions but rather the reminder that that stitch is available.

    I am a “righty” so I have not had to be challenged with learning a stitch and converting it to my left hand.

    Sincerely,
    Debbie Brian

    846
  755. I’m a righty and since most books and instructions are for right handed stitchers, it’s definitely easier to stitch right handed. Yvette has done a wonderful service for lefties by writing her book for left handers! I own her hardanger book and her Ukranian Drawn Thread books and they’re wonderful. This one is on my to buy list!

    847
  756. Mary,
    I am left handed. Yes learning to do different stitches has been difficult at times in the past. I remember reading the reviews of these books on your site. I would love to have a copy so maybe I can learn to do things without having to turn the directions or my working piece upside down and all around.
    Pat M. Upstate NY

    848
  757. Righty! From my lefty brother’s experiences with scissors etc I’d definitely say it’s made it easier!

    849
  758. righty. I’ve taught myself to embrioder out of books since I was a child. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE books that emphasise all of the wonderful stitches out there. One can never have too many books :0D

    850
  759. Thanks Yvonne for putting together such a great book that assists with so many forms of needlework – just great for a righty like me who likes to dabble in many types of needlework.

    851
  760. While I am a righty I do have empathy for those who have to follow right hand directions while being left handed.

    852
  761. I’m a righty. I taught myself to embroider after I was grown, (at first I felt my right hand was all thumbs!) and I realize what a help a good instruction book can be. This book looks wonderful with such detailed instructions. I can imagine it in my library now. Thanks for a great opportunity!
    Vivian M.

    853
  762. Dear Mary,
    I am a righty. I have always been strongly right-handed. I don’t think this has been an issue in learning embroidery because I think most writing on the subject as well as instructions are written from a right-handed standard. Very wrong and unfair for the lefties I know but it hasn’t hampered me. I now have of joint deformity in my hands and fingers but much more so on the left and this has made a difference in any stitching which requires control and dexterity from the left hand.

    Barbara B Ellettsville IN

    854
  763. I’m a righty, and while I’m still definitely a beginner, I have to imagine that as someone who generally benefits from being a righty in a righty-dominated world, I’m benefiting in learning embroidery as well. That being said, good lord, some of the trickier stitches are definitely tricky, and I really rely on stitch books and online stitch guides.

    855
  764. Love Yvette’s Mountmellick book and I’m sure I would treasure this stitch dictionary. Her directions are so well done. I’m right handed and have a daughter that I teach embroidery to. For some stitches she will use either hand.

    856
  765. Oh my goodness. When you first introduced this book I was so excited. What a great reference. I want it. I need it. I love it. Good luck to the winner. Thank you. PS Pick me pick me 🙂

    857
  766. righty
    Left handed Dental Hygienists are encouraged to use their right hand for the first year in school. I think they have an advantage. Especially in case of injury. I can see myself attempting left handed stitching if my right hand became disabled….. and it makes me laugh!

    859
  767. I primarily use my right hand. Most of the instructions I’ve seen are easier to follow that way!

    860
  768. I’m a right handed stitcher so the Right Handed Stitcher’s companion would be a great win. Thank you.

    861
  769. I am a righty. I don’t think it has made any difference in my learning embroidery. My Mom taught me for the most part, and she is a righty, too.

    Thank you,
    Betsy Pratt
    Knittingbetsy (at) comcast (dot) net

    862
  770. Lefty or righty?
    Well, I live in Blighty,
    So righty I am
    In the home of ‘spam’!
    Although I’m a righty and I live in Blighty
    I envy those stitchers who can have it both ways
    If I was ambidextrous I could get into those nooks,
    Or I could be lucky and win both books!!!!

    863
  771. Mary, before I had shoulder surgery and now a total shoulder I was a righty all the way. However because of my surgery I have had to compensate and use my left hand for most things. I feel that I am still a righty but may use the lefty in unusual circumstance on a project.

    864
  772. I am a righty and it makes learning easier since most instructions are for right handed people.
    I can use my left hand quite well so sometimes I do things with two hands.

    865
  773. I am a righty and have embroidered for years, but just now opening my eyes and learning some of these wonderful stitches! What a treasure this book would be to have it at my fingertips. I find if I am not constantly searching out new stitches, I tend to revert back to the same stitches over and over which leaves a blah project with no excitement or diminution.

    866
  774. I’m a righty in doing embroidery…i consider myself as righty for all hard skills and lefty for soft skills…i don’t know how it happened..even my mother wonders…her dad was a lefty… she believes i got some lefty skills from him…i use left hand to wash plates, insert pillow into pillow cover and some other house hold works… but i’m very much a righty for writing, embroidery…but my lefty gene comes up when i move my quilts under the sewing machine foot…does it sound weired…

    i would love to win a righty stitch directory…thank you mry for the oppurtunity

    867
  775. I am a righty so I generally find directions easy to follow. Because I am not as skilled as others in surface embroidery, I find some of those stitch directions harder to follow. I like step by step directions. I emphatize with my left handed friends and think about using mirrors to teach them.

    I would love to win the righty stitch directory. Thanks.

    868
  776. Lefty? Or Righty? And has it made a difference to you in learning embroidery?

    Righty, mostly. I have some lefty friends teach me some new stitches. I usually find myself doing those new stitches ‘lety style’, sine that’s how I first learned it.

    869
  777. Righty! I think the majority of the books I’ve used to learn have been for right-handed embroidery.

    870
  778. I am right handed in all my hand crafts.
    However, oddly enough, my Mama and I realized one day while folding laundry together, that I mirror the way she folds things, so essentially I do that left handed! Same with tying my shoes. But that’s just the way I learned and I continue to do it that way!

    I would love to win this Right Handed Guide as most of the time I have to resort to a library book or your online resource for finding stitches. It would be great to keep one at my fingertips!

    871
  779. I am a righty, and I’m not sure it has made any difference. I would have to know how I would have reacted to being a lefty in a righty world, to know if I would be less likely to enjoy sewing, knitting, crochet, and embroidery. As it is, I think I am fairly dextrous (which in itself implies right-handedness!), and love to try new crafty techniques — maybe Scherenschnitte next!

    873
  780. I am a righty, so I find it easy to learn stitches from most books. My husband is a lefty, though, so I know how difficult it can be when directions are given only for us righties! Because of this, he has actually learned to be somewhat ambidextrous. I can certainly empathize with lefties.

    874
  781. Have always been a righty, but two of my granddaughters are lefties and one of them has shown an interest in learning. Would be a great teaching guide in the future. Thanks.

    876
  782. I am a righty. It seems like the majority of instructions are for right-handed with the exceptions for lefties. I think that makes it easier for us righties.

    877
  783. I’m a righty and it probably makes things easier as most everything is greared to righties. That said, I would love to own this book as books are right up there with stitching!

    878
  784. I’m a righty originally taught by a righty, my mother. The stitches I learned from her were basic so when I wanted to increase my knowlege I turned to books. I think having good reference books have helped expand my embroidery skills.

    880
  785. I’m a rightie and feel very lucky that most books and illustrations are for righties. I have experienced difficulties when trying to teach a new stitch to a leftie…. These look like wonderful books….

    881
  786. This would be a treasure for me, a righty, to be able to teach my lefty daughter. It is a challenge when teaching someone who is opposite you juxtiposition.

    882
  787. I’m right-handed. It hasn’t really made a difference. I’m still a beginner and trying to learn as many stitches proficiently as I can as well as better technique. Sometimes it is challenging, but I really enjoy it!!!! 🙂

    884
  788. I am a righty, but as a beginner I am still learning the many ways of embroidery. So to have a right-handed Embroiderer’s Companion as this, would really make me a happy little stitcher.

    885
  789. What a beautiful book and one I would love to have. As a beginner, I can use all the help I can get! I am a righty and I only have one book so far. It seems like most of the directions I have seen are for right handed people though.

    886
  790. A righty and I crave this book. I am beginning to get quite a collection of textile books and do like stitch dictionaries.

    888
  791. I’m a “Righty” but I’ve taught “Lefties”. There certainly is a difference. I usually use the “Face me” method but a book certainly would be useful.

    891
  792. I am a righty. Never did try left. I am sure the folks who are ambidextrous got alot going for them! Was hoping to get this book for Xmass but didn’t so here is my second try.

    893
  793. I’m right handed. It is always great to have directions written for specific hand use. It does make a difference trying to teach some one left handed or right handed.

    Violet in Nh

    894
  794. I am a righty but a very good friend of mine is a lefty and we often get together to stitch and try to learn new techniques. This book would be sooo helpful to us to share and learn how to do stitches without having to figure out how to explain it to each other when one “gets it” and the other doesn’t. Thanks for the chance to win, love your site-I refer to it often when I need help and just to drool over your creations.

    896
  795. right hand, mainly.
    it’s kind of funny because I prefer different sides for different tasks: drawing – right, coloring – left, cutting precise – right… I can write with both hands too… sometimes I do use my left hand for stitching to have an easier flow… like in some curves.

    897
  796. I am a Righty but when stitching in a frame, both hands are definitely involved. I love to learn new stitches. I always look at stitching books for stitches I don’t know or a variation of a stitch I do know. My library has books on counted thread, crazy quilt, needlepoint, crewel, whitework, pulled work, and any other type of needlwork you can think of. Even though I do mostly counted thread, I often use stitches that are not commonly used in counted thread in my designs.

    898
  797. I’m right-handed, which I find to be just fine for needle working, since most instructions seem pretty righty-centric. However, the Eagle Scout who taught me to tie knots is left handed… So I tie many knots backward 🙂

    899
  798. I am a right handed stitcher and my left hand is there only as support. I would love to have a reference to making new stitches.

    900
  799. I’m a righty, but occasionally I use my left hand (slightly dyslexic can lead to slightly ambidextrous) for some stitches in tight corners. I personally believe that one can never have too many books of any kind.

    901
  800. I am right-handed. I’ve never had difficulty learning stitches right-handed, but teaching them is something else.

    902
  801. Righty. I don’t feel it has made a difference in my embroidery. My sister was a lefty and we loved learning new techniques from each other. She passed away from breast cancer in 2006 and I miss her guidance! The new book would be very helpful!!

    903
  802. Hi Mary,
    I am a righty and I think that has made it easier to learn embroidery. So good that there is now a stitch guide for the lefties.
    As always thank you for considering me and thank you for all the work you have done on your blog. I have learnt so much from you even though I live on the other side of the world. Any plans to come to Australia in the near future?
    sincerely
    Carolyn

    905
  803. I am a righty and have been eying this book for some time. Would love to win it just to drool over the photos.
    Heather from the Cold North

    906
  804. Righty! I’m fortunate that directions are easy to understand when you’re right-handed.

    907
  805. Righty! Do use both hands on occasion though. Can’t have too many stitch dictionaries as I am always wanting to learn new stitches.

    908
  806. I am a lefty, and while I don’t think it holds me back in any way, it does make learning stitches more challenging, as my hands don’t match diagrams. Often I end up practicing new stitches upside-down at first! I’d love a book especially for me!

    910
  807. Righty! I think that’s made it easier for me to learn embroidery since most book are written for right-handed people.

    911
  808. I’m a righty…at least for stitching. I’m kind of new to embroidery, and super eager to learn new stitches (almost all are jeje). 🙂

    912
  809. I am a righty and do not feel it makes a difference. But it would probably help if my bedside lamp was on my left instead of my right!
    Valerie in CA

    913
  810. One of my new year’s resolutions is to concentrate on learning more embroidery stitches. I like to embellish my projects and this book would be a wonderful learning aide.

    914
  811. I already have both of these books! I am a righty and my daughter is a lefty! It has been a tremendous resource. If I would win this drawing, I want to give this to my niece. She has joined my EGA chapter and is a joy to be with. I know she would thoroughly enjoy this book. She is a righty!

    916
  812. I am a righty. Both of my kids are lefty, and it’s been a challenge to learn how to teach them how to do things! It turned out to be a lesson for all of us. 🙂 I’m not sure which book would be more helpful to me…the one that would teach ME more, or the one that would help me teach my (grown) daughter, if she ever wanted to learn.

    917
  813. Having been a left-handed person all my life, it’s been an interesting challenge to deal with right-handed tools, musical instruments, and craft instruction books. It would be so much more relaxing to follow a left-handed instruction book while developing creative skills. This left-handed version of the Embroiderer’s Companion will definitely help me in this endeavour. Thank you.

    918
  814. I am a righty and have not run into difficulties learning or being taught. I can see where it would be difficult as a lefty. I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks again.

    919
  815. Oh, I’m a Righty, all right! I never thought about how being left-handed might alter learning to embroidery. Although I have done simple surface embroidery since I was a girl, many years ago, I have not ventured very far into all the possible stitches and their variations. I have mostly worked from kits, and now after reading your blogs for a couple of years, I want to try to be more creative while taking advantage of the calming effect of embroidry and all hand needle work. This book would be a wonderful resource for me, as I venture into more adventurois needling.
    Thank you,
    JoyAnna

    920
  816. I have been praying for a left handers guide. I have combed through used books to find something. Yes, I did purchase 3 books but they don’t have the good stitches in them , like the Rhodes stitch. Yvette thank you for writing the first book that I can use and not have to turn upside down and change left to right and top to bottom. I would love to have one of your left handers guide in every project bag I am using. I always work on 3 projects, one for the car and Dr. waiting rooms, one that is mindless for when I am tired and watching TV and needlepointing. Remember stitching while watching TV is a great wway to stop the munchies and lastly for the project that needs all my attention. Thank you Yvette and more importatly THANK YOU MARY.

    921
  817. I’m a righty. I think since most of the world is right handed I have not had the challenge of trying to convert directions and diagrams. I have had the challenge of trying to teach a left handed person to stitch. Thank heaven she was more adept at understanding than I was in explaining.

    922
  818. Lefty. It definitely made a difference learning how to stitch from my right handed grandmother. There were some stitches I couldn’t get the hang of until I could work them from a different direction. It also made a difference learning the difference between outline stitch and stem stitch and stitching from right to left, rather than from left to right.

    924
  819. hello…I’ve never thought about that…Intuitively, I’d have to say that as a righty, I think it’s gone more easily than it would have for a lefty. KateI

    926
  820. I am right-handed, and so far anyone who has shown me how to do something has been right-handed, too. Surely that has eased my learning. Your review of Yvette Stanton’s The Left-handed Embroiderer’s Companion a while back really made me stop and think. What a wonderful resource her book is for left-handed stitchers and their teachers! Thank you for a chance to win one of these books – perfect for when my good friend Mary Corbet can’t be with me via the internet.

    928
  821. I’m a righty which made learning new stitches easy however I really have to concentrate when teaching leftys. I’ve done several courses with Yvette and she is a great teacher. I also have a copy of her Right Handed stitches which as you have said in an earlier newsletter is a beautiful, comprehensive and easy to follow book

    929
  822. I’m right handeded, sometimes it does work out better to be able to stitch as a left hander. Directions on how to make some of the harder stitches would be nice to have

    930
  823. Oh, how I covet the left-handed version! I wish something like that had been available when I was first learning to embroider as a child. My embroidery bible at the time was “JP Coats & Clark 100 Embroidery Stitches”–turned upside down!

    And the new Portugese embroidery book looks divine–what a gorgeously tantalizing cover!–Cassie in SE KS

    931
  824. I am right handed with embroidery but left handed in other activities. I think these books are great as they cover both left and right handed embroiderers. Thank you for thinking of all of us.

    932
  825. I am right handed. I think it is easier to learn a most of the books I have are written for right handed people. However, there are some stitches that seem to work better if I work then from left to right while others seem more natural from right to left – I am not sure why but I think it has more to do with how I think about it than the actual hand actio.

    933
  826. I am right handed. The book looks beautiful. I wonder if I recently met her a a quilt show and she was telling me how to do bullion embroidery? Hum?

    Thanks for the gifts.

    Connie

    934
  827. Righty – I don’t think it makes a difference in my learning, but there are certainly more resources for the right handed stitcher. I gave the left version to a stitching friend and she loved it! So can’t wait to have one of my own. Thanks!

    935
  828. Hi Mary
    I feel so greedy jumping in for another chance to win one of the treasures you organised, but here goes. I would love to have a copy of the Right Handed Embroiderers Companion. I am very much a right hander, can’t do very much at all with my left, apart from holding my hoop while I embroider. My dear Mum taught me to do grub roses when I was pregnant with my 1st daughter, who is now 40 years old. I used that stitch to and a few others on her little nighties, pillow cases etc. I am so grateful for those early lessons, as embroidery gives me such joy now.
    Thanks again for all you do.
    Sandra – Robertson NSW Australia

    936
  829. I’m right handed. The only left handed people I can think of right now are men!!=)

    I rather doubt my being right handed has made any difference to my stitching. I never really thought about it and doubt I would have done to any serious degree unless I was finding stitch instructions hard to follow.

    937
  830. I am right handed, and a great fan or Yvette’s (specially as she is an Aussie!!). Such brilliant instructions in her books. I am stitching a number of her Hardanger patterns at the moment, they are really clever designs.

    As I still dont have a stitching book it would be great to have a hardcover book and not have to google when I start a new type of stitch!!

    Julie

    938
  831. hi. i am a lefty for stitching and some other works,esp heavy works, but use right to write and others… well its queer how my hands work,mom is always exasperated, and i find it amusing..but so far my stitching isnt affected as i figure out ways to manage the stitches…

    939
  832. Righty! I guess that makes it easier since the standard instructions are aimed at us.

    (I am so glad I caught up on embroidery blogs today! I thought I’d missed out on the chance to enter these giveaways and was delighted to see I’d snuck in by a hair. thanks for leaving them open so long!)

    940
  833. I am a Righty. Being new to hand stitching I can only go by how it affects me in applique. My left hand supports, turns, and keeps the underfabrics out of the way.

    941
  834. I’m right handed. I don’t know if it made a difference for learning embroidery – I’m very good with diagrams so I might have figured it out regardless. There’s no way of testing that hypothesis though.

    942
  835. I’m a lefty but fortunately, I have no trouble learning to do things with my right hand. It is hard for right handed people to teach left handed people but I can do whatever I see being done with the same hand as the “doer”. Through the years, all of my teachers have been right handed so to simplify things, I just did it with my right hand. I suppose I could even write with my right hand if necessary.

    943
  836. I am a righty. I have seen the lefty version of this book, so I know the version for right-handers would be a welcome addition for my collection.
    Portuguse Whitework looks interesting, too.

    944
  837. I am right handed and it has not really made a difference to my learning embroidery as instructions in most books would be easy for a right handed person to follow. Thanks for the giveaway.
    Karen Rosario

    945
  838. Righty, and I haven’t really noticed that it’s made a difference. I learned at the earliest from my Mother, though, who was a lefty–so I may have adapted early to the thread-path-is-important, hand position is what you use to get it there logic.

    946
  839. As a beginner in embroidery, I would love to have this valuable tool! My goal is to embroider something special for every special lady in my life. 🙂

    947
  840. Right-handed, no difference. I own a pair of scissors for both right-handed and left-handed. They are very good.

    948
  841. I would dearly love to have such a fabulous reference book. I just love to do handwork.

    949
  842. Both, really. While I tend to use my right hand, both hands are equally as important. My left holds my patterns when needed, secures the thread in certain stitches…

    Goodness me, Yvette is such a talented embroiderer. Whoever wins this book is a lucky cookie, indeed!

    950
  843. Righty. I am sure that that made it easier for me to learn from watching others and from books – both of which are most often geared toward the right-handed stitcher. It is great that there is now a book which will make it easier for left-handed people to learn embroidery.

    951
  844. I’m a righty. This has never been a problem for me as everyone I’ve worked with while growing up were also righties!

    952
  845. Righty. It helped me learn embroidery from my grandmother, who was also right handed. My cousin, a lefty, had a terrible time–she and Grandma could never get their stitching coordinated.

    953
  846. I`m a righty that learned from my mom who was a lefty. Embroidery was the only right hand work she did.
    Karole King

    955
  847. As a right-handed stitcher, I would say I’m in the majority and that has helped me with learning to embroider. The women who have taught me have been right-handed, also, so I haven’t had any problems. Stitchers tend to be persistent and I think a dedicated teacher could overcome any obstacle!

    956
  848. Righty, and becuase everything is righty, I don’t know that it made a difference. But glad to hear that authors think of the lefties!

    958
  849. Hi Mary,

    I’m a righty. I’m sure it must have been easier for me to learn all types of needlework considering most of the books and tutorials I’ve seen are done from a right handed perspective. My husband, a lefty, insists all things are harder for the lefty since the whole world is geared toward the right handed.

    960
  850. Righty, and I’m sure it’s easier to learn that way. I have just seen these books in real life, and I heard she wrote the Left handed one first, and then wrote the Righty due to popular demand. It’s a wonderful book, and in my Amazon cart as we speak. 😉

    961
  851. I started out a lefty at a time when parents and teachers thought that being a lefty was bad, so was forced to learn to use my right hand. Lots of things were much easier to do as a righty, except that my handwriting is completely illegible! This is a great book!

    962
  852. My friend is a lefty and I am a righty and at our CWA craft sessions it is always a bit tricky for the lefties to pick up the stitches, so the lefties teach the lefties and the righties of course are always right. So I would be happy to win either to help identify the different stitches to complete different projects.

    963
  853. I am a righty, but sometimes I am a “wrongy” and have to look up stitches and carefully follow the directions.
    Louise Brown

    964
  854. Good books are priceless. Reference books are indispensable. My embroidery books are friends that I can pick up and learn from again and again. These books would become lifetime buddies.

    966
  855. I need this book for my Library!! I have been collecting needlework books for years and look for worthwhile additions to my library. I regularly look at the books for inspiration or reference them for techniques.

    967
  856. Righty. Since I am entirely taught by watching your videos, Mary, I have no idea if it has made a difference or not…I’m just copying your hands on the screen until I get the concept straight in my head…

    968
  857. I am a righty, which I think has made it easier to teach myself about embroidery because most instruction is geared for those of us in the right hand group. I think it is great that Yvette Stanton has taken that into account and written specifically for both groups.

    969
  858. I am left-handed. I would love to have an instruction book for left handed stitchers. There are some stitches that I have to do right-handed as I have not figured out how to do them left-handed.

    972
  859. I would love to win a copy of the left handed Embroiderer’s Companion as I have two granddaughters who are both left handed and I believe that this book would be invaluable to me, and to them, in assisting them in their learning of the many embroidery stitches.

    Sue S from Cape Town, South Africa

    973
  860. Rigty!
    I am portuguese and I was pleased to see this book be recognized. I do not have, nor knew. I think my comment will not in time to give away, but I will try to buy the book. Take this opportunity to ask if you know the portuguese traditional embrodery Bordado de Castelo Branco? May be abble to send some magazines, if you interested.
    Have a nice day!
    Teresa Carvalho

    974

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