Beginner’s Guides – The Needlework Books that Keep on Giving

Are you a budding embroidery artist who has recently discovered that you like this whole Embroidery Thing, but you don’t know exactly what’s out there to help you learn?

Are you an intermediate embroiderer who yearns to branch out into new techniques?

Are you a seasoned embroiderer looking for new inspiration, ideas, and approaches to bring to your masterpieces?

No matter where you are in your embroidery journey, eventually you will face the need – or entertain the desire – to purchase a needlework book.

There are three collections of needlework books out there that are excellent additions to the well-rounded needlework library and that will help you in your embroidery pursuits, no matter what your skill level.

Today, I want to talk about one of those series, called Beginner’s Guides, and three reasons I think you need them on your bookshelf.

I bet you have a favorite needlework book or two on your bookshelf, right?

My favorite needlework books are the books I turn to over and over again for instruction, for inspiration, or just for the sheer pleasure of flipping through the book.

Have you ever thought about the books you have in your needlework library and why you have them? In my recent workroom organizational frenzy, I’ve been thinking a lot about the why when it comes to books.

I’ve narrowed down the three reasons that justify the books in my needlework book collection:

1. Instructional Content

Some books we might have on our bookshelves solely for their instructional content.

While they might not provide all that much inspiration (they might not be great “lookers”), we know that, hidden in those well-worn pages, there are gems of wisdom and advice that have made us better stitches.

I have quite a few late 19th century / early 20th century books like this. They’re not a lot to look at, they take a bit of digging through, but they’ve got some darned good instruction in them.

2. The Promise of Success

Then there are those books that have a special place on the shelf because they promise us something.

They make something that we think is complex look easy and attainable. And they promise us success.

These books speak to us, saying, “You can do this. I will show you how.”

3. Inspiration

And then there are those books that we indulge in because there’s something about them visually that stimulates us.

They give us the pleasure and the wonder that come from looking at beautiful things.

These books inspire us to try great things. They push us higher in our pursuit of creating.

Where the Beginner’s Guides Fit In

The Beginner’s Guides series fit into all three of the categories above.

They are instructional. They promise success. And they inspire. And those are three good reasons to have them on your bookshelf!

If you want to read about some of the Beginner’s Guides in depth, here’s a list of four that I’ve reviewed here on Needle ‘n Thread:

1. Beginner’s Guide to Goldwork by Ruth Chamberline will be released in its newest edition very shortly. I love this book! And I’m so glad there’s a new addition coming out!

(Ok, a little shameless shilling there. I was very happy to write the forward to the new edition!)

2. Beginner’s Guide to Silk Shading by Clare Hanham

4. Beginner’s Guide to Mountmellick Embroidery by Pat Trott

5. Beginner’s Guide to Crewel Embroidery by Jane Rainbow

You’ll also find Beginner’s Guide to Silk Ribbon Embroidery by Ann Cox currently available, though I haven’t reviewed it yet. I reviewed her A-Z of Silk Ribbon Flowers here, if you want to get an idea of what her gorgeous books are like!

My Beginner’s Guide List

Not all of the Beginner’s Guides are strictly needlework books, but the ones I like still fit in with the textile enthusiast’s interests.

This is a list of Beginner’s Guides that I own and like.

• Beginner’s Guide to Goldwork by Ruth Chamberlin available for pre-order through Amazon in the US and through Book Depository with world-wide free shipping.
• Beginner’s Guide to Crewel Embroidery by Jane Rainbow available through Amazon in the US and through Book Depository (with free world-wide shipping)
• Beginner’s Guide to Silk Shading by Clare Hanham available through Amazon in the US and Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping).
• Beginner’s Guide to Mountmellick Embroidery by Pat Trott available through Amazon in the US and Book Depository (free worldwide shipping).
• Beginner’s Guide to Silk Ribbon Embroidery by Ann Cox available through Amazon in the US and Book Depository (free worldwide shipping).
• Beginner’s Guide to Blackwork by Leslie Wilkins available used through Amazon in the US.
• Beginner’s Guide to Bobbin Lace by Gillian Dye & Adrienne Thunder available through Amazon in the US and through Book Depository (free worldwide shipping).
• Beginner’s Guide to Silk Painting by Mandy Southan available through Amazon in the US and through Book Depository (free worldwide shipping).
• Beginner’s Guide to Needlefelting by Susanna Wallis available through Amazon in the US and through Book Depository (free worldwide shipping).
• Beginner’s Guide to Braiding: The Craft of Kumihimo by Jacqui Carey available used through Amazon in the US.

I admit candidly that my bookshelves are heavily laden. And while I have lots of needlework books in all kinds of categories, I turn to these Beginner’s Guides frequently. And every time I do, I make new discoveries and learn new things.

I love ’em!

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