Embroidery Companion: Classic Designs for Modern Living

Text, photographs, and illustrations by Alicia Paulson
Potter Craft | Trade Paperback | August 10 , 2010 | 978-0-307-46235-0

My second book showcases thirty of my dream projects in decorative embroidery, cross-stitch, and crewelwork. It is a collection of designs drawn from the natural world, based on historical motifs, or inspired by so many of my favorite things: the bright garlands of Hungarian peasant dresses, the folksy charm of Ukrainian cross-stitch borders, the earnest beauty of natural wildflowers and woodland flora, the sophistication of vintage monograms, the sweet simplicity of early American motifs, the spare modernism of Scandinavian design, even the old-fashioned whimsy of my own modern housewares. This is just all the stuff I truly love, expressed in needle and thread.

The projects are accompanied by photos of finished items, stitch charts and colorways, templates and stitch symbols, and instructions for finishing. At the beginning of each section, I’ll explain the basics, and suggest types of fabrics, kinds of floss, and sizes of needles to use. An illustrated stitch dictionary and general sewing section walks you through every stitch and basic technique used in the book. And a list of resources — from historical references to contemporary needlework shops — will help you find further information and all the supplies you need. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or an accomplished needleworker, this book has something for you.

You can also find this book at Powells.com or Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or at an independent bookstore in your neighborhood!