Constance Howard is an old-school great English embroiderer...but you need color to teach design
936131
I own about 800 needlework book and am especially fond of Batsford as a publisher and Constance Howard as an author.  And I'm very careful in my reviews to be as supportive as I can of doing and reading about good embroidery.  However, while I don't disagree with the other reviewer's praise of this book, I put much more emphasis on the practicalities involved: you just can't teach design without the use of color photos to back up what you're explaining.  I recently reviewed this author's book,&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Embroidery-and-colour/dp/0442235569/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Embroidery and colour</a>, and it was even more tenuous in its efficacy: you can't even see the cover of the book on the product page let alone the images I uploaded from inside the book!  This smallish book of 240 page has hundreds of photos but they are all in b&w.  Even the chapter "Texture, Colour, Tone" has no color.  Well...the only exceptions are a grand total of TWO pages with a color photo on both sides.  One photo is the larger embroidery of which the cover of this book is a part.  A second is the cover picture of this other book by Constance Howard:
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Inspiration-for-Embroidery-Batsford-Embroidery-Paperback/dp/0713447680/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Inspiration for Embroidery (Batsford Embroidery Paperback)</a>
It's pretty but you can't even make out the stitches.  The other two embroideries are pretty but, of course, token color photos don't quite cut it.

I try to be fair and take into account that this book was first published in 1966 and this is the first paperback version dated 1985.  But this is where I can take issue with the publisher.  Many, many embroidery books were starting to include color illustrations even in the 1970's.  A book of the caliber whose very purpose can only be served by color illustration has no business being published in b&w.

As you can see, it's difficult for me to even get to the substance of the book: the Inspiration of the title is all about being inspired to design your own embroidery.  I will say that because of Constance Howard's expertise and great authorship, I will force myself to read this book because I do want to design.  Maybe the discipline of reading dry text and seeing barren pictures will fuel my creative capacities to go hog wild with different colors?  At least I have other alternatives, a recent excellent example is this which DOES have a lot of color photography:
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Embroidery-Studio-The-Ultimate-Workshop-Design-Technique-and-Inspiration/dp/0715399055/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Embroidery Studio: The Ultimate Workshop : Design, Technique, and Inspiration</a>
1526371
This book is a great combination of modern and classic embroidery motifs organized by the alphabet. There is an uppercase and lowercase letter along with 3 images for each. A great example of this the letter "J" it includes a jelly fish which is quite a modern motif along with a classic image of a plane and one that I would call in the middle - a jelly jar and toast with jam on it. It covers a bunch of stitches and techniques so you are good to go with all the info you need to make pretty and fun stitched items.
3114832
There are 9 quilt patterns and 6 pillow coverings in Jen Kingwell's Quilt Lovely.  They are not ALL strictly applique, so don't let that put you off if that's not your thing. But they ARE all vivid, carefree, invigorating, uncommon, and retro-ish.  The look is really new even though there's a bit of tradition embedded within some very zesty fabric prints and colors.  You will become fearless with those "screamin' uglies" - the troublesome, wacky, and loud fabrics relegated to a bin under the guest bed.  In fact Quilt Lovely will have you deliberately searching for and collecting them.

The instructions, though, are a bit daunting.  This may be due to the prolific use of templates and partial seams throughout the book.  The templates often need to be reversed and piecers will need a huge amount of stick-to-it-iveness for several quilts. Take, for example, "Daisy Do', which is the quilt featured on the cover.  It is 62"x68", uses 9 different templates, and requires cutting over 1,000 pieces.

"Glitter" is a striking and resplendent quilt that is scrappy to the nth degree.  At 66.5"x73", it has hundreds of different fabrics.  It is based on the simple 9-patch block, but Kingwell makes it trickier by adding 4 partial seams to each of the 152 blocks.  Fortunately, the projects can be downsized easily to adapt to shorter attention spans.  Plus, the pillow projects provide ample opportunity to test drive the extraordinary techniques and effects here.

The photographs are gorgeous, but the matte paper does no favors for the projects.  It's a testament to their inherent radiance that the quilts still practically sing and levitate from each page.  Even the decidedly subdued pillow "Home Run" does this, despite Kingwell's uncharacteristic use of serene  taupes and quiet creams.  Gloss makes everything better - don't publishers and printers know this yet about us quilters??

Of this fabric craft, Jen Kingwell says "My soul is fed."

To that I say, and quote: "I'll have what she's having."
128711
Maggie Roschyk's book Artistic Seed Bead Jewelry: Ideas and Techniques for Original Designs is a collection of seed bead woven jewelry that uses standard techniques and stitches to create wearable contemporary art jewelry.

The first 24 pages are an introduction to tools and supplies which you expect, but along with that is a lot of information on working out color palettes, designing jewelry and where to find inspiration. It's well written and full of valuable tips for both the supplies and finding ideas. If you've ever found yourself in a color or design rut, you may find these tips helpful. I certainly did.

The projects are written with the assumption you know the basic stitches, but if you don't know them, or need a refresher, there is a techniques section in the back of the book. A lot of the projects in this book are great for the beginner who wants to be challenged, and are very nice for the intermediate beaders who want to explore new uses for favorite stitches and get some practice with stitches they use less often.

The first project, the Herculean Bracelet is a simple knot translated into a bracelet. In fact, I tried something similar once, my version didn't turn nearly as elegant as the herringbone variation the author used. One of the things you notice is that the inspiration is mentioned, then she goes into some detail about how that design came about so you can see the creative design process at work. She also shows a photo on the sidebar of the fabric that inspired the bracelet. Each project also lists the stitches used in it, in this case, herringbone, even count flat peyote, tubular peyote and ladders.

The projects are richly inspired and a lot of them use combinations of stitches. The colors take their cues from the inspiring material and work well together and most of the supplies are very easy to find. Those that might be harder like the glass art disks used in the Uroku Pendant Necklace can either be found online or possibly commissioned from local artists or you can use something else in the project. I think vintage buttons would make a wonderful variation on that project.

Some of the shapes of the finished pieces are reminiscent of classic jewelry styles and can be classics you will wear for years, they are also still very contemporary and wearable day and night.

There is a lot of texture to the pieces, they want to be touched and appreciated, the colors chosen are dynamic, not flat.

Recommended for advanced beginner seed bead weavers-intermediate seed bead weavers.

[I received a complimentary copy of the book to review on my bead site- BellaOnline Beadwork. My reviews are always my honest opinion]
1514213
The late, great Erica Wilson (she died in December 2011) will be sorely missed in the needlework world.  She was a prolific author and such an expert in so many techniques that she had her own embroidery show on PBS, a rare feat.  This book seems a bit dated for our tastes now but it is excellently written and illustrated, if only in b&w.  You can't go wrong if you get this book.  Try it...maybe you'll find a new technique for stitching.
3237155
It's very difficult for me to post an unbiased review of Allie's new Crazy Quilting book.  I've known Allison Aller online for many years now and have always been in awe of her CQ work.  Allison has this fearless use of color which has always intrigued me.  That fearless use of color is the basis for her beautiful and unique Crazy Quilt compositions.

Crazy Quilting by Allie Aller is a modern twist on the Victorian art of Crazy Quilt embroidery.  Yes, you can see the usual abstract crazy quilt piecing beneath the contemporary techniques and embellishments.  However, Allie's unmistakable style shines through like a breath of fresh air!  Her skills in sane quilting have given her the gift of color and composition.  Her love of flowers and nature inspire embellishment techniques never seen before and her finishing is absolutely exquisite!

Covering every aspect of the crazy quilt process, you'll find sources for crazy quilt supplies, including inexpensive ways of stash building, several techniques for piecing crazy quilt blocks, embroidery stitches and unique embellishments, as well as projects with clear, step by step directions and so much eye candy you won't be able to put this book down and get any of your own crazy quilt projects under way!  Allie also includes the directions for her famous "false back" finishing.

One of the most beautiful books on crazy quilting in my collection and sure to be a treasure your crazy quilt library as well!  If you love the beautiful art of crazy quilting, if you're looking for the most up to date, modern techniques or if you're just into gorgeous embroidery or textile art, I highly recommend this lovely book by my dear friend, Allison Aller.
3113070
What a gorgeous book Verna has put together. And while the style is vintage, the projects she presents are right on trend, like the Artist's Journal, the Apron, the Garden Tote and Memory Board. She has thoughtfully assembled step-by-step instructions, cutting guides and diagrams that takes so much of the guesswork out of re-creating her stunning pieces (I can never understand why other crafting books make it so difficult). I am not expert seamstress by any means, but I am excited to get to work on the Laundry Bag. Super cute AND functional.
If you are looking for a book full of project ideas, A Sewn Vintage Lifestyle is a perfect choice. I would also suggest tucking away a second copy to give the crafter in your life - pair it with some coordinated fat quarters and a fresh pair of fabric scissors and you've got the PERFECT gift!
Can't wait for her next book!
4820221
Another beautiful colouring book by Jade Summer! I love her books because the artwork is stunning! I love the close-up pictures of the ladies in their hats.  The costumes are not overly intricate to colour and lots of variety to choose from.  I highly recommend this book for the colouring/victorian/history enthusiast :)
2295783
Marvelous.

Twenty-two colourful projects -- each one inspired by an actual sampler made in England, America, Holland or Germany between 1500 -1900. Many full-page color illustrations.

The instructions are detailed and printed with great clarity. A big plus.

Traditional subjects are used: Alphabets, Adam and Eve, American Fort and Animals, Gift Sampler, Noah's Ark, Quaker Seminary, Lamb of God...

Stitches, threads and fabrics are varied to suit all tastes and abilities. with plenty of scope for the experienced needlworker to develop their own ideas.

There is also a brief history of the art and skills of sample making with photographs of collected pieces. With appendices, and index, and a bibliography.
4094817
I have two copies of this book, as I was afraid I wouldn't be able to find it again. I had a hard enough time finding it in the first place. I saw a copy a friend had - this was in the 1990's - and wanted my own. Before the internet, locating a special book was no easy trick! Luckily I was in Seattle, so one appeared in a large used book store. This is a book that shows the wearable art work of Maria Da Conceicaio and it's enchanting. I still think the most innovative and delightful wearable art clothing was being made in the 70s and early 80s, and this book backs me up in that opinion. Although some of it is dated,  I think many of her original designs stand up to the test of time. For that matter, the styles are coming back around as vintage clothing anyway. Although this is not the standard, ready to wear that you might find as 1970s vintage.  She does a lot with painstaking hand work - not my thing, as I'm a sewing machine user myself, but I can appreciate the work and it's really the designs that are what make the book what it is. I can't say enough good about it.
4888458
N. E.'s designs are lovely and sophisticated.  You can always count on learning new techniques but instructions are clear.  Have already knitted 2 projects.
1124913
If you're enthusiastic about the use of color in patchwork, than this is the book for you.  There are over 25 different patchwork designs that are pictured and displayed in gorgeous settings.  There are no shortage of color photographs and most of the designs are pictured close up and then pictured again being used in the home decor.
Kaffe Fassett puts a new spin on some of the traditional quilt patterns and his creations are fresh and original.  Rich velvets and brocades are turned into 4-patch curtains which are suprisingly elegant.  These same materials are used to make a luxurious throw that looks fit for a king.  His "Red Diamonds Quilt" is vibrant with patches of sunflowers, grapes and a multitude of floral designs.  Of course, the directions and suggestions are given for all of the projects in the book.  He even gives ideas on how the pictured designs might look in other color schemes.
I'm almost finished making my version of his "Frothy Table Cover" which is made of cotton in a combination of floral pastels cut into triangles.  This particular design is photographed in a garden with the table set with china filled with fruit, flowers and confections. A feast for the eyes!
The patterns in this book are really another dimension in creating patchwork possibilities. This is a beautiful book!
2279323
This is a fabulous companion to Stamp in Color, another great technique book by the same author that is about 10 years old. Card Designs showcases cards that are relatively simple compared to cards displayed in papercrafting magazines, but the point is to show you exactly how the stamped image is colored. There is a technique to coloring well with pencils and certainly with watercolors (he shows you how to use watercoloring pencils, markers, inks and paints). With a little practice and Dave's instruction, you'll feel really proud of your projects and progress quickly.

The specific instructions for each card are grouped together in the back, leaving the front free to display the cards more as works of art. Though there are a lot of specific details on each card, there is not as much coverage of basic stamping topics as there was in Stamp in Color (ie. instead of explaining heat embossing at the front of the book, it assumes prior knowledge,) so if you're a total beginner in rubber stamping, I'd definitely recommend buying&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Stamp-in-Color-Techniques-for-Enhancing-Your-Artwork-Pastimes/dp/1564773299/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Stamp in Color: Techniques for Enhancing Your Artwork (Pastimes)</a>&nbsp;or another stamping primer first.&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Simply-Cards/dp/1581806744/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Simply Cards</a>&nbsp;by Sally Traidman is a great place to start and covers some of the basics beautifully but is not (and wasn't meant to be) an encyclopedia of stamping techniques. Grace Taormina's book offers very thorough coverage of almost all stamping techniques, but the look of the projects and stamps featured is very dated because the book is probably a decade old.

The book features stamps from Rubber Moon and Savvy stamps and cards/papers from Memory Box--product lines you will want to know about if you are someone who likes to replicate a project exactly, which you can here with very professional-looking results. Have fun!
2472745
This is my least favorite of the spate of  design books honoring the centennial of Morris' death in 1896. I found most of the designs using pale, pastel or heavily toned--the hue or color  mixed with a lot of grey--rather than the clear, natural, and more saturated colors that Morris  favored. Ms. Hammett's designs usually wander very far from the  original--often only one motif is  used out of a large project.  This gives  the designs a 1920's Art Deco feel,  far from the rich Medievalism so  lovingly expressed in Morris' tapestries, cloth, and wallpapers. Anyone  wanting a more faithful Morris look should  look to Beth Russell's work,  especially "Victorian  Needlepoint." On the plus side, Hammett  offers an extraordinary variety of finishing techniques. I'll probably use  them for other designs...
4783275
For all design professionals, modernism addicts, and even the layperson.  The book is filled with wonderful images culled from a lifetime of decorating.  Dorothy Draper's style was always fancyful, playful and above all else comfortable~she was not a devotee of the Eames pared down sterile and functional school of design.  If you are done with Danish, numb over Knoll, and way past Panton~~~check out "In the Pink:  Dorothy Draper:  America's Most Fabulous Decorator"  she will have you going for Baroque!
2034973
For beaders and jewelry makers, this book is very timely given how popular steampunk is becoming. Gorgeously printed in full color throughout, Jean Campbell who is very well known in the beadwork community provides projects and information about steampunk. Some of the history and a lot of wonderful examples of steampunk art. I loved the fact it's not all projects and has so much information about the lifestyle and fashion.
For a lot of jewelry artists, some of the parts will seem like they are hard to find. Part of the style is gears and clockworks. Having a goodly supply of broken watches is a big part of being able to make really good steamy jewelry. Check thrift stores, garage sales, online auctions and ask friends. You'll be astounded how many people keep watches that don't work planning on maybe fixing them someday who are happy to give them to you.
Not all the projects call for difficult to find items, and the book is worth having for the ideas and the information. Brass and copper are used extensively in this style jewelry which makes it fairly inexpensive to make.
The author explains the techniques and skills you'll need, as well giving tips that are just great. For instance she suggests heating brass components to darken them. I tried it on some brass buttons for another project and it worked very well.
Favorite projects include Dirigible Aviatrix Necklace which showcases a lovely image with washers, bolts and brass beads. It's a little complicated to make, but you'll learn lots of great skills making it and it's gorgeous.
The simpler Tick Tock Drop Earrings feature clock hands which you can buy many places and brass beads and jump rings.
The Time Travelers Necklace is an assemblage piece that reminds me of my mother's jewelry and I will use it as inspiration for a piece made from some of my mother's old costume jewelry.
You don't need to follow her examples exactly to get a lot out of this book. It's full of great ideas to inspire you to try your own steampunk pieces.
3438800
It's unfortunate that this book is out of print. Find one if you can, because the patterns are wonderful and range from small projects such tams, to marvelous vests, children's' and adults'  sweaters. However, even if the patterns weren't as wonderful as they are, the instruction is probably the best on EZ's percentage system, gauging accurately, start to finishing in multiple ways and, of course, stranded color work. All techniques  are thoroughly covered with ample pictures or graphics. This book is at home with Alice Starmore's and it's easier to use. The other books I'd recommend is&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Knitting-with-Two-Colors/dp/0942018346/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Knitting with Two Colors</a>,<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Alice-Starmore-s-Book-of-Fair-Isle-Knitting-Dover-Knitting-Crochet-Tatting-Lace/dp/0486472183/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace)</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Art-of-Fair-Isle-Knitting-History-Technique-Color-Patterns/dp/1596681381/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Art of Fair Isle Knitting: History, Technique, Color & Patterns</a>&nbsp;if you are interested in learning more about the how-to of stranded color work and the history of this beautiful knitted fabric.