The Needlecraft Book, by Maggi Gordon, Sally Harding and Ellie Vance, is not a new release, but it is new to me! It was published in 2010 by DK Books. It’s a big fat resource book for all things needlecraft! Each chapter focuses on one type of needle craft, discussing tools and materials, basic techniques, stitch galleries and more.
The first chapter, Knitting, covers the basics with large clear photography, then continues with fun stuff like cables, lace knitting, colorwork and embellishments.
The Crochet chapter goes into great depth, explaining charts and written instruction abbreviations. I’m crochet-challenged, so I’m looking forward to sitting down and going through this chapter page by page!
The embroidery chapter covers a gazillion surface embroidery stitches plus white work, couching, smocking, beading and more!
The biggest surprise? The needlepoint chapter! Talk about eye-candy. Those big swoopy patterns on the right are called Bargello work, also known as Florentine. Really anxious to give this a try!
The next fabulous chapter is called Patchwork, Appliqué,and Quilting. Oh, boy! Now all of the things I wanted to know about quilting but was reluctant to ask are outlined right here. And the following chapter is full of general and decorative finishing techniques.
I love technique books, although not so much all in one types – since I don’t knit etc. etc. But I admit this book looks intriguing!
BTW – JUST got the beautiful bundle of fabric I won – fantastic Organic 100% cotton Robert Kaufman! I have so many ideas! Thank you so much for the contest – can’t wait to dive into the fabric and sew, sew, sew!
I enjoy technique books- in fact, I tend to prefer them to the project/tutorial format for craft books, unless said projects really focus on teaching new techniques. While there may be a cool project or two in a project-style book, I tend to come away from technique books with inspiration for tons of new projects of my very own.
I quite like technique books – but possibly prefer project books very slightly.I was looking at this needlecraft book just the other day and it does look quite good!x Thank you for the book review x
I love books like these. I also love Bargello. My mother taught me when I was 8 (around 1973) and haven’t forgotten it since. I do love all embroider, sewing, crocheting as well as other mixed media. But there is nothing like needle and thread and then creating something beautiful. I just may have to get this book!
I’m very intimidated with needlecraft in general, and have never picked it up (or sewing… or anything with fabric, yarn or softgoods… for some reason). But… the idea of a book with just techniques is alluring… it’s like gathering all the facts before you dive in. Makes sense! The pictures are gorgeous, too 😉 Thanks for sharing!