Colorful Stitchery: 65 Hot Embroidery Projects to Personalize Your Home (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: stem stitch, blanket stitch, chain stitch, French Knots, Cross Stitch, Feather Stitch (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"…innovative cross-stitching ideas and countless combinations of patterns, colors and textures." –Log Homes Design Ideas

"…it was as if I had been reunited with an old friend." –Orange County Register

"Sounds like all the inspiration most people would need." –Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"…really does make embroidery look chic." –Observer-Dispatch

"…plenty of insight and advice for dreaming up your own designs…" –Vogue Patterns

"Embroidery has never looked this good or been so colorful! …With inspiration and encouragement from Kristin Nicholas, would-be and experienced stitchers alike will find dozens of projects that add exuberance to every room in the house." -The Herald-Star, Steubenville, Ohio

 

Product Description

Embroidery has never looked this good or been so colorful! And it’s never been so much fun to do. With inspiration and encouragement from designer and colorist Kristin Nicholas, would-be and experienced stitchers alike will find dozens of projects that add exuberance to every room in the house.

Nicholas’s collection opens with pillow covers in dancing colors on unexpected patterns and fabrics, such as stripes and plaids, velvets and corduroys. For kitchens, she offers a joyfully polka-dotted tea cozy or jewel-bright, purchased napkins and tablecloth creatively stitched with floral motifs. Personalized wedding gifts include a luxurious, monogrammed cashmere throw and his-and-hers hot water bottle covers; or for the perfect baby gift, a cozy matching blanket and teddy bear set.

Many projects feature fabrics from flea markets and thrift shops, with complete how-to on hand-felting and hand-dyeing sweaters and blankets for the very softest, most colorful look. With her ribbon-stitched craft boxes (perfect for scrapbookers), embroidered stationery, and even a pair of espadrilles, the author explores an exciting world of embroidering on unexpected surfaces and materials.

Nicholas encourages readers to find inspiration in whatever pleases them—gardens, nature, ceramics, architecture, ethnic and vintage textiles, postcards and magazines—and to use that inspiration as the basis for this new spin on traditional stitchery. This is the craft book for every creative person who loves fibers and fabrics, and itches to counterbalance the teched-up part of their lives by using their hands for selfexpression and personal fulfillment.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (October 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580176119
• ISBN-13: 978-1580176118
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #457,996 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HIGHLY recommended, February 19, 2007

By	Sheiling - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

I must have 7 bookshelves of sewing/stitchery/needlework books and from among those this book rates an A+++. I *love* the "hand" of wool and she offers many ideas, photos, and clear, inspirational guidelines.

I stitch alone, I stitch in several styles, and I often stitch with a 13 year old granddaughter and we both found several ideas we plan to adapt and/or copy. By next Christmas we'll probably have created over 80% of our gifts, all from this book.

The author's writing is gracious and clear and leads me back to reading her words again and again. There's more to this than just "directions" but the directions are terrific as well.....even a 13 year old can attest to that.

HIGHLY recommended!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kristen's books just keep getting more fun!, October 31, 2005

By	brain - See all my reviews

I never thought that I was capable - let alone would enjoy - embroidery, but once again Kristen has lured me into the world of textile arts with fun, unique, interesting, and easy-to-follow projects that even a novice would be proud to call their own. Your friends and family will be impressed: Wouldn't a hand made teddy bear make a fabulous baby shower gift? What about a hand embroidered wedding blanket? Or you could make embroidered linens for Gramma, just like she did for you! You can do it all with Kristen's book no matter what your level of expertise. Really. I swear.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!!!, November 1, 2005

By	Becca "Be Happy: Knit!" (Western, MA USA) - See all my reviews

I just got COLORFUL STITCHERY in the mail, this past weekend, and started (and finished) my first project. The designs are so easy to follow. It took me no time at all to get in the groove. Hoorah for another awesome book by Kristin Nicholas!!!
I have to add a bit about the illustrations: I love 'em. I've loved them in KIDS KNITTING and in KIDS EMBROIDERY (both of which are also great books!!!).
I'm so psyched for this book. I can't wait until work ends and I can go home to start my next project!!!