Customer Reviews

Embroidery Companion: Classic Designs for Modern Living

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This is a book that will appeal to seasoned embroiderers and new ones alike, but I should state that my embroidery experience is limited to the counted cross-stitch I did twenty years ago as a teenager and some very minimal "needlepoint" as a child. So this is a review from an "advanced beginner." :) The book begins with an introduction to embroidery in general-- and then divides into three sections: Decorative Embroidery projects, Counted Cross Stitch projects, and Crewel projects. Each section contains information on the types of needles, tools and materials required, a history of the type of needlework, and, of course, about 10 inspired and delightful projects, for a total of 30. Each project has two ratings for ease, one for the embroidery itself, and one for the finishing (the sewing or other preparations needed to make the work complete). The finishing is also described and drawn in helpful detail and assumes only minimal sewing skills on the part of the reader. Quite a few of the projects do require a bit of sewing for completion, but for the most part, the sewing required is simple-- and of course, local embroidery shops can usually recommend someone to do the finishing for you if you can't sew. I should add that at the end, there is also a helpful list of resources in case you don't have a wonderful needlework shop nearby, and a well-written section on how to do the various stitches, which is crucial if you're fairly clueless like myself.

The projects range from the very simple to the very complex, but most are in the realm of "easy" to "medium"-- this would be an ideal book for a new embroiderer, but also an inspiring one for someone experienced in needlework, because the projects are amazing. I was relieved to find that she gives details like what size of needles she prefers, since I wouldn't know where to start. The projects are both modern and old-fashioned at the same time-- they look up-to-date, but they have a pretty, old-fashioned sensibility. And they're things that are actually useful and beautiful, not just a bunch of motifs that the embroiderer has to find a use for. There are, of course, cross-stitch samplers and decorative pillows, but you'll also find a tablecloth, a kerchief, hot-water-bottle holders, curtains, an apron, a tote bag, a photo-album cover, pillowcases-- you get the idea. These are things that can be used in everyday life. The photography is gorgeous, the tone is friendly, comforting, and easy to read, and (like her blog) very warm and personal-- you come away feeling like you wish you lived down the street from Alicia and glad that she's sharing her expertise and enthusiasm with you. :) Obviously I can't say enough nice things about this book-- anyone who reads "Posie Gets Cozy" or who enjoyed Stitched in Time, or who just wants some good embroidery projects to do, will love this one. It's pretty, practical, helpful, and inspiring.

Although embroidery books have started to pop up again in the past few years, there are still very few books out there with up-to-date patterns and projects for those who like needlework. Alicia Paulson's new book fills that need perfectly--it's one of the best I've seen. Her patterns are modern but with a vintage sensibility, and the projects that utilize each pattern are beautiful and practical: napkins, headbands, pillowcases, a tablecloth, an apron, curtains, a skirt, even a simple quilt. There are sections on embroidery, cross-stitch and crewel, so you can choose which style you prefer (or flirt with each and find out which you prefer, if you're a beginner.)

The patterns are also very versatile. A creative stitcher could use parts of a headband pattern to make a bookmark, for instance, or take a motif from a sampler and stitch it onto a shirt. The possibilities are nearly endless.

Best of all is Alicia's writing style, which is never cloying, but always warm, heartfelt, friendly and informative. Her love of sewing and creating comes through vividly. I read through the general directions carefully and I think they would be very helpful for a beginner. I'm an experienced needleworker, but I also found some ideas and tips that I hadn't thought of. There is also a source list in the back for supplies and patterns, if you live as I do in an area with no needlework stores.

I'm looking forward to tackling my first project from the book--the hard part will be deciding which one to do first!

Alicia Paulson has created a beautiful book. I have poured over each page amazed by her photography and her talent at design. Unlike some embroidery books I own Alicia provides you with goregeous projects to compliment and show off your handwork without distracting from it. A few of my favorites are the Days of the Week Dishtowels, Strawberry Tablecloth, Blossom Napkin, and Dahlia Field Pillow. Actually I could list every single one as a favorite! Alicia's writing is inviting and encouraging, like having a good friend to help you through the projects. This book is a must for any stitcher!

This book has been on my wishlist, and I'm so glad I finally got it! Nothing Alicia does disappoints, but this goes so far beyond what I even expected.

She provides detailed explanations for every project, but in such a way that feels like inspiration rather than recipe. For example, there is a baby-sized quilt with adorable farm animals. Although I don't personally have a need for a baby quilt gift at the moment (phooey! :) she wrote the instructions in such a way that I can use her idea for the snowman embroidery blanket I'm already making, and it would be easily modified into a pillow, which would be awesome, too.

The book is divided into three parts: Decorative Embroidery, Counted Cross Stitch, and Crewelwork. She goes over the types of threads and needles to use for each, but what I love about her books is that she takes it beyond "craft guide" when she flat out tells you things like, "I use a #5 crewel needle". It really makes you feel like you're learning from a very talented girlfriend, rather than simply reading a compendium of facts and information.

Every section contains projects for beginner to advanced, and her diagrams and detailed stitch directions are extremely helpful. I've been practicing the stitches in the appendix, as I'm fairly new to the medium, and there are plenty of stitches I'd never done before (including padded satin stitch, fly stitch, and woven circle stitch) and I was able to easily figure them out using only her written directions and diagrams. I do wish that her blanket stitch directions included how to start and end it (it can be so tricky sometimes!!) but that's information easily found online, so that's a pretty picky point.

Most importantly, the book is full of projects that Alicia brings her aesthetic to, which means that every single item is something I want to make! Many have a folk art inspiration, and some are worked onto gingham (with its natural grid) so even if you're nervous to transfer a pattern, there's plenty to get started with here.

I LOVE Alicia's work, let me say that first of all. Her blog is a must read for many reasons--beautiful photography, food, design, wit, writing and what great publicity for Oregon. In her second book she truly shines. It is obvious that needlework is her true love and what amazing work she shares in this book. The designs are fresh, modern and unique, well-described and do-able for everyone---even lazy crafters like me.
I've got shelves overflowing with craft books, but this is one I'll treasure on my bedside table and one I'd say is a keeper.

I love Alicia Paulson's work. This book, from the heartwarming dedication to the last project, is wonderful. I am excited and inspired to try almost every project _right now_. In the style of her previous book and her blog, Alicia Paulson has written a winner.

This book is another gem written by Alicia Paulson. There are lots of varied and lovely projects in the book. There are clear and easy to follow instructions. She even writes about what needles to use and what floss to select for each project. If you are new to any form of embroidery, from simple cross-stitch to intricate blackwork, Alicia has you covered. There is something for everyone. I especially love the elegant monogram done in beautiful spring colors and the sweet and simple cross stitch sampler done in a single color. I tend to stitch French monograms and other simple and elegant designs. So, finding these kinds of projects in the book made me happy. But, there are also other projects in the book that might appeal to lovers of more folksy-looking patterns. Perhaps the most appealing part of the book for me is the writing. As in her last book, Alicia's writing inspires me to pick up my needle and my floss and begin stitching. This book is a real treasure for me since I love to embroider. I think her inspiring writing is her biggest gift to me. She writes as if she were your best friend sharing her personal stories with you while teaching you how to embroider. Both of her books and also her blog are true gifts to me. I'm so grateful that I've discovered her magical little world. I'm SO hoping that there will be more embroidery books from Alicia Paulson's studio. I'd buy every one of them!

I love Alicia's blog, Posy Gets Cozy, which is how I learned of this book. It lives up to expectations - beautiful projects, photography that sets a mood and makes you want to be right there, and plenty of material to inspire. Definitely a great buy if you're interested in embroidery (or pretty things) at all!

This book is pretty designed, includes nice projects and good explanation. I found new information and new techniques here. Photos shine with atmosphere of peace and coziness. It is a great pleasure to look through the pages and read it. I'm doing this from time to time and find inspiration for my new projects.
Great and useful embroidery companion!

EMBROIDERY COMPANION: CLASSIC DESIGNS FOR MODERN LIVING provides a fine survey of some 30 of the author's own creations, designed for beginners and more advanced stitchers alike. Ideas from European, early American and other vintage embroidery motifs have been updated for modern sewers and features a variety of projects, from a mobile and quilt to an apple blossom kerchief. Needlework libraries will love this!