A-Z of Crewel Embroidery (A-Z Needlework 08) [Paperback]

Sue Gardener (Editor)

Book Description

Series: A-Z Needlework 08 | Publication Date: December 1, 2004

This, the eighth book in the fantastically successful A-Z needlework series from Country Bumpkin Publications, has as much to offer, if not more than its predecessors. This newest release introduces you to the tradition that is crewel embroidery and its transformation into an art form that is still popular today. The book is a perfect introduction for beginners and a 'must have' for more experienced embroiderers. Presented in an easy to use style, this spiral bound book is overflowing with hundreds of step-by-step photographs and invaluable hints for creating over 16 original designs in styles ranging from traditional to contemporary, each one accompanied by colour photography, clear working instructions and a full size pattern. Also included is comprehensive information about the wools, fabrics and equipment required and a multitude of tips to help get you started. Tantalising tidbits about the beginning of crewel embroidery and its evolution within different societies is included, along with over 500 step-by-step photographs and easy to follow instructions for more than 45 stitches and techniques. Also contains a simple to use cross-referenced index.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I love A-Z books, and this is part of a popular series. An A-Z suggests a comprehensive volume and at first glance, this book might appear too small to be that. However, it is jammed full of instructions, history and all you need to know. A few more how-to photos of the stages of working would have been welcome. The stitch directory has these how-to photos and is very clear. The full size patterns are excellent. All in all, this is a very useful guide.-KarenPlatt.co.uk

Product Details

• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: Country Bumpkins (December 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0975092030
• ISBN-13: 978-0975092033
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #604,051 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another beautiful A to Z guide, January 31, 2007

By 

J. Cameron-Smith "Expect the Unexpected" (ACT, Australia) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A-Z of Crewel Embroidery (A-Z Needlework 08) (Paperback)

The A-Z needlework guides are beautiful publications from Country Bumpkin, publishers of Inspiration. These guides are always published on high quality glossy paper and accompanied by beautiful photography.

This is the eighth book in the series.

The guide contains some history about crewel embroidery, enough general information to enable a novice to choose yarns, fabrics and needles as well as to prepare fabric. The photographs provide a very clear guide to the stitches as well as some beautiful designs to stitch.

I'd recommend this guide to new stitchers (who will surely enjoy the clear instructions including a very clear 'order of work') and experienced stitchers who appreciate seeing (and undertaking)the beautiful work designed by others.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful patterns and well explained techniques!, September 25, 2009

By 

Newmie the cat (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A-Z of Crewel Embroidery (A-Z Needlework 08) (Paperback)

The first part of the book contains all the stitch techniques in very well detailed photos (one type of stich has been broken down to an average of 8-15 photos!) there are explanation in words as well, under each pic.
There are about 20 pages devoted to the history of crewel embroidery and the suitable supplies such as needle type and size, thread, hoops and frames, fabrics, transferring the designs, and so on.

The second part of the book contains the actual picture of the designs (what it will look like emboidered on fabric) and the full size patterns (black line drawings you'll be trancing around and transferring onto your fabric) - no projects however.
The designs are exquisite! Some of them are elongated and you can just copy the same pattern under eachother to get a border on let's say the edge of a curtain. Other patterns are rounded so they would look lovely on the center of a pillow. The color scheme is mainly autumn; lots of browns, burned orange, deep yellows, deep blues, reds and greens. However, there are few unusual ones (unusual for crewel), like more vibrant summery colors and almost pastels. All of them are lovely though!

This is high quality Country Bumpkin publication from Australia. I am familiar with most of their books and they are one of the best ones to learn from! Because of their well explained and illustrated techniques, they are always suitable for beginners.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very complete, beautiful pictures, February 3, 2011

By 

Susan E. Trask (Auburn, Maine) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A-Z of Crewel Embroidery (A-Z Needlework 08) (Paperback)

There aren't too many crewel instruction books out there, so I was pleased to find this one. I have many books from an earlier generation (when crewel working was more popular)but was looking for something updated, in color, and more clear. This is it! It has excellent suggestions for getting started, but even better, there are a number of patterns in the back with beautiful color close-ups of them, actual-size black line drawings to trace, and directions for working them. I'm using them for practice while I prepare for a large crewel-work project of my own design. The only thing I find difficult is that the directions for which stitches to use and which colors to use are in different places. You have to constantly check back and forth. Now that I'm used to that, I'm okay with it.