Customer Reviews

Painting with a Needle: Learning the Art of Silk Embroidery with Young Yang Chung

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

excellent book. There are 16 stitches to learn and they are well ilistrated. Also with each stitch explainaton, there are photos of embroideries using the stitch. There are 19 projects with detailed directions. The most amazing feature is that the colours for the projects is keyed to the DMC floss colours.

I have the 1979 version of this book. This book inspired me to pick up a needle and for the last 25 years, strive to create my own needlework masterpieces.

I love this book, I have found it to be very informative and having shown another friend who loves needlework, she can't wait to get her own book.
The pictures and details are lovely, it is well written and easy to understand,

This is a very beautiful book with information on the stitches of Chinese embroidery that will enable a serious embroiderer to begin to learn how to practice this craft. The book includes a description of the frame that is used by Asian embroiders and suggestions are given for using canvas stretcher bars to make your own. Instructions are given for stretching the fabric on the frame and for transferring patterns.

Each of the stitches are described, illustrated with line drawings and one or more historic textile examples is shown. The covered stitches include satin stitch, satin stitch with padding, long and short stitch, seed stitch, outline stitch, mat stitch, well stitch, star cross stitch, couching stitch, water weed stitch, chain stitch, counted stitch,holding loop stitch, weave stitch, and bullion knot stitch.

There are nineteen projects at the end of the book that are very tempting; the instructions are extensive.

I have purchased three of these books at 3 separate times. Two I gave to friends, and the last was for myself. One of these friends was with me in Suzhou, China, as we wandered through small, chilly shops where women clustered together to sew these beautiful paintings on large wood frames. Those we talked to had done this since childhood. My friend wanted to buy some silk thread to experiment with on her own, but we found the range of colors to be overwhelming. Of course, I gave her this book. She is still in China, and can bring this book into the shop, point to the project color charts, and get the thread she needs without speaking a word of Mandarin. (I purchased several "paintings," but I use this book to relive my favorite day in China, and learn more about this beautiful art form.)

I love needlearts as a hobby and the beautiful book by Young Yang Chung is a must have! Enjoyed thoroughly~