introduction

David & Charles, 2005, reprinted 2010, ISBN 978-0715319291, $12

I just love Blackwork and so I was intrigued by this little book that’s part of Anchor’s embroidery series. It’s a nicely put together introduction to this lovely technique.

The book is project-based, so that the filling patterns (48 in all) are charted within the context of specific projects. Since each pattern is numbered it is also easy to find the for the two large projects (a chessboard & a bellpull) that use fillings from elsewhere in the book.

Each project has a page devoted to it, with a color chart and picture, some stitching instructions and information about the size.

The projects are all modern in style, as are the fills and don’t reflect the complexity of traditional blackwork. While this is excellent for beginners, you might find it less useful than other books if you are interested in historic aspects of this technique.

As is usual in embroidery books there is a short chapter of history and a longer chapter on materials and techniques — all good as an introduction.

But, all in all, I was disappointed by the book. There is plenty of information there and charming projects, but if you start at the beginning of the book, you might throw it down before you get to the projects.

The first two projects presented are the two large ones and you don’t get the feeling the instructions are complete. The materials and technique chapter shows several of the later projects being stitched in steps, but doesn’t tell you where to find the rest of the instructions. The reader is left to wonder if these projects are in the book or if someone she is supposed to infer how to stitch them from the pictures.

The following chapter of embroidery ideas has the same flaw. I”m 25 pages into the book before I see any charted blackwork filling and the first project is even further along.

This book has some delightful pieces in it and is a good introduction, but approach it with patience.

Continued here:
The New Anchor Book of Blackwork — Book Review

Here Be Drolleries – book review

by NutsAboutNeedlepoint

in Nuts About Needlepoint

Originally posted 2008-05-04 16:23:40. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

HERE BE DROLLERIES, NANCY SPIES, Arelate Studio, 2007.

A second volume of charted motifs and patterns from Medieval Sources, Here Be Drolleries is a great companion to Spies’ earlier book, Here Be Wyverns (link is to my review of this book).

You may wonder what a drollery is and the Introduction tells you that these a whimsical creatures often found in the margins of medieval manuscripts.

Following the introduction are the charts. The charts are divided into sections based on subject, including birds, drolleries, and odds & ends. There is an extensive section on borders.

One of my favorite aspects of Spies’ books are her commentaries on the charts. Ever chart has a note of its source and the pages are ornamented with relevant quotes from medieval documents.

The designs range from small to large and many can be adapted for other uses. I bought the book and the same day I found a chart to adapt for a background pattern.

There is a color section showing stitched examples. The charts a large and clear and the book is spiral bound to lay flat.

I hope there are more volumes coming.

More here:
Here Be Drolleries – book review

Cricut Projects – Light Bulb Ideas

in Scrapbooking

The cricut machine is a wonderful tool made by mankind. The world of scrapbooking has never been the same ever since the introduction of the cricut cutting machine. This tool has revolutionized the way we cut designs out of paper, vinyl and fabric.

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Cricut Projects – Light Bulb Ideas

Cheap Cricut Machines – New or Old?

in Craft Shopping

With the introduction of scrapbooking, the art of preserving memories has never been this easy. When you look back into the old days, all the tools that they had for preserving any special memory were diaries and journals. Back in the prehistoric days, things were even much worse as they had to draw on walls with caves to illustrate hunting sessions or anything culturally significant. Now, we have everything in place.

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Cheap Cricut Machines – New or Old?

Sandy’s Finishing Touches – Book Review

by NutsAboutNeedlepoint

in accessories,Nuts About Needlepoint

Sandy Higgins, self-published, ISBN 978-0-9663617-1-1, $25

I loved the earlier edition of this book and with the new, expanded, edition, there is even more to love.

Sandy is a great finisher and has often taught her techniques at national seminars. In this book she gives you step-by-step instructions for finishing pillows, ornaments, stockings, and lots of other commonly found pieces.

You won’t find explanations for really complex pieces, such as purses, but with this book, a sewing machine, some basic sewing knowledge, and some patience, you’ll be able to finish the vast majority of needlepoint you stitch.

In her introduction Sandy says “Good finishing starts before you begin your project. Careful pre-planning, a good set of instructions, a little practice, and a lot of patience will save you frustration and tears.” Sandy supplies the detailed and wonderful instructions, you supply the rest.

The foundation of finishing is properly blocked needlepoint and the entire first chapter is devoted to this. It begins with a question & answer section, covering many common subjects, such as colorfastness, cleaning, and stains. This is followed with a list of supplies and then step-by-step blocking instructions.

Then come step-by-step instructions for finishing the items, organized into three categories: pillows, Christmas items, and other items. The table of contents divides each chapter into section so you can go directly to the instructions for the item or technique you need.

In addition to the basic finishing instructions there are additional instructions on edge finishes (think ruffles or cording), inserting zippers into pillows, joining needlepoint pieces, and lots of other useful things to make your needlepoint work well.

I love the way Sandy uses simple, clear line drawings to illustrate the finishing process for each item. Today with so many instructions illustrated with photos, the clean abstraction of these little drawings is so helpful. I don’t fins myself distracted by the needlepoint or by not liking the fabric, or thinking the cording is too glitzy; I’m free to think about this finish in terms of my pieces waiting in boxes.

I love this book and it should be a part of any needlepointer’s library who wants to try finishing.

See the article here:
Sandy’s Finishing Touches – Book Review

Spellbinders Becomes Major Trend Setter in Scrapbooking Industry With Nestabilities

in Scrapbooking

Spellbinders Paper Arts entered the craft and hobby market in 2003 with the introduction of the Wizard Universal Craft Tool and a unique, patented collection of Nestabilities die-cuts unlike any introduced before – or since. They were a fairly new emerging company that caused much hype among scrapbookers worldwide and have continued to be a major trend setter in the scrapbooking industry.

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Spellbinders Becomes Major Trend Setter in Scrapbooking Industry With Nestabilities

introduction

The New Anchor Book of Blackwork — Book Review

Here Be Drolleries – book review

Cricut Projects – Light Bulb Ideas

Cheap Cricut Machines – New or Old?

Sandy’s Finishing Touches – Book Review

Spellbinders Becomes Major Trend Setter in Scrapbooking Industry With Nestabilities

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