Customer Reviews

Ukrainian Embroidery

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

 

 

For those interested in a basic introduction to Ukrainian embroidery, this is a good book. It seems to be aimed at an American or later generation Ukrainian-American audience, and it assumes little prior knowledge. It has been a standard in Ukrainian-American homes for many years. The explanations are clear, and the background information is plentiful (though slightly slanted to reflect the writers' backgrounds rather than the pan-Ukrainian experience). Sample patterns are included, though they would be easier for the novice to visualize if they were in color. The book concentrates on cross-stitch which, while the most wide-spread and simple stitch used in Ukraine today, is not nearly the most interesting, unique, or historical stitch in the Ukrainian embroiderer's repertoire. Realistically, there are many books for beginning cross-stitchers, and while the Ukrainian usage of that technique is quite specific in execution, it probably doesn't require too much extra explanation. The color plates are good, though a bit frustrating in that the patterns and techniques shown there are not sufficiently covered in the text - they are, in effect, teasers. The book also has a simple pattern for a lady's Ukrainian embroidered blouse (sorochka). The cut and usage is distinctly modern and simplified for the novice, but with the resurgance of interest in peasant styles in women's fashion, its a nice selling point. The book is well bound, and printed on quality paper which holds up quite well.