Whitework Sampler I
Doily
Dish Covers
Tea Pot Cosy
Edged Placemats
Buttonhole Scallop Coasters
The Cushion Collection:
Floral Cushion
Snowflake Cushion
Teddy Bear Cushion
Hen Cushion
Drawn Work Bolster
Eyelet Cushion
Envelope Pillow
Whitework Sampler II
Christening Gown
Bib
Bonnet
Booties
Sachets
Drawstring Pouches
Ring Bearer’s Pillow
Table Runner
Napkin Rings
Pin Cushion Doily
Embroidery Tool Case
Cube Pin Cushions
Needle Book
Tools & Materials
Whitework Techniques:
Schwalm Embroidery
Hedebo Embroidery
Drawn Thread Work
Eyelet Work
Count Work
Mask Work
Ajour Embroidery
Surface Embroidery Stitches
Embroidery designer Ayako Otsuka is the director of Embroidery Studio Ecru and a member of the Japan Association of Linen Spinners. She has been immersed in the world of embroidery since childhood, learning from her mother, a designer of Japanese and Western style embroidery. Ayako is the author of several books about embroidery published in her home country of Japan. She specializes in teaching whitework, stumpwork and botanical embroidery at her school, Studio Ecru, and exhibits her work in Japan and abroad.
Create 30 exquisite whitework projects using traditional stitches
and techniques under the guidance of accomplished embroiderer Ayako
Otsuka. Using draw thread work, Schwalm embroidery, Ajour
embroidery, Hedebo embroidery and other techniques, Otsuka includes
step-by-step instructions, clear photographs and diagrams to guide
you.
*The Textile Art Magazine - Embroidery*
Love the front cover, it is inviting you to sit and 'look at me'
and enticing you to look inside.
The photographs and descriptions offer delicious ideas to tempt a
creative mind, for me as a novice to this embroidery.
So often in craft books they begin with a chapter on tools and
materials. I like the setup of the first section of your photos of
projects at the beginning. This sparks my interest whilst my mind
is thinking what do I need to get started, but let's turn another
page and wow, more delicious ideas.
To get started on a project, very little is required. Living in
North Devon I haven't been able to find any suitable linen locally,
so will have to search the internet instead.
From page 88 the instructions for the projects are clear and well
laid out. Any problems with the stitches are easily solved in the
Basic Embroidery section where the colour of blue thread makes it
clear to follow. I can see many of my friends and fellow crafters
wanting a copy!
*Customer review*
Whitework embroidery is something I haven't tried before so I was
eager to flick through this book and it hasn't disappointed. I love
the idea of starting by creating a sampler to learn all the
different stitches and techniques. There is a section on tools and
materials and then an in-depth guide to the various stitches with
clear photographs, and everything seems to be clearly explained. It
all made sense to me even as a beginner. I especially loved the
full-size templates in the back of the book as they will make it so
much easier. The book is packed full of projects, I particularly
loved the christening gown, it would make the perfect family
heirloom. Even though this is a traditional technique I can see
some of the projects in here being used as a centre panel of a
cushion maybe surrounded by a bright modern print. The book is
beautifully photographed and well thought out.
*Customer review*
A beautiful book, featuring traditional and modern designs, with a
comprehensive worksheet. Excellent step by step photos and
diagrams, plus stitch glossary. Very good section on tools and
materials.
*Customer review*
This is a beautiful looking book with many gorgeous, inspiring
photographs. Some of these are of complete projects whilst many
others form part of the very clear step by step instructions.
Additionally, there are also many diagrams for each project with
clear instructions for each step in the process. At the back of the
book there are instructions for the basic embroidery stitches and
also a set of patterns as required for projects in the book. The
book includes a total of 30 designs with some which could be
successfully attempted by a first time Whitework Embroiderer
through to other more challenging designs. There are two samplers
which give an opportunity to practice and demonstrate the skills
learnt. I dream of one day being able to make the very beautiful
Heritage Christening Gown.
*Customer review*
An extremely well laid out book for those of that have never
attempted Whitework before but also I think for those with some
previous experience too. Rather like having a workshop at home,
which you can work through at your own pace, with clear
instructions and excellent pictures as well.
And of course there's no reason you couldn't transfer the skills
learnt to use red, black or blue threads for example as you become
more confident, accomplished or adventurous!
*Customer review*
This book is a great stand alone read before you even pick up a
needle. It has sections on the history of whitework with examples
of styles from different countries. Techniques included are
Schwalm, Hedebo and Hvidsom as well as the more familiar broderie
anglaise, pulled thread and drawn thread work. All are beautifully
photographed to make your mouth water. There are 30 projects
ranging from simple small bags, sachets and needlebooks to
challenging projects for cushions babywear and samplers.
Instructions are clearly presented with each step accompanied by
colour photographs, and paper patterns for the projects are
included at the back of the book. Materials and tools are
discussed, these being fairly simple and readily available, making
it an inexpensive craft. Stitches are mostly basic embroidery
stitches and instructions for these are also included at the end of
the book. The only thing missing is a list of suppliers but as most
materials are readily available from local shops or online it's not
really necessary.
Even if you never attempted whitework before this book inspires the
confidence to try it out while at the same time experienced
whiteworkers will enjoy the more intricate designs.
It's a beautiful, beautiful book I have thoroughly enjoyed reading,
It will become a treasured part of my stitch book collection and I
can't wait to get started on some of the projects.
*Customer review*
An absolutely beautiful book, full of detailed instructions, lovely
photos/pictures. The introduction tells of the history behind the
different stitches, its a fab coffee table book too.
*Customer review*
What an amazing book! Just what I wanted to relight a passion for
embroidery. All instructions very clear and even has templates
included. I am getting it for a friend for Christmas I was that
impressed.
*Customer review*
What a beautiful book this is. 30 gorgeous whitework embroidery
designs for you to make. These interesting and varied designs use
traditional stitches. The detailed techniques section is
accompanied by step-by-step illustrations. The instructions show
different types of whitework including drawn, counted and pulled.
Two sampler patterns allow you to practice your skills. This book
is suitable for beginner upwards. Handmade projects make perfect
gifts and keepsakes and include table linens and items such as a
teacosy, cushions, accessories, gifts for babies including a
heirloom christening gown, and gifts for a wedding such as a
ringbearer pillow. Embroiderers will find this book a pleasure to
look at and practical with good projects and clear instructions.
The projects are elegant. I have one niggle, all the photos are at
the front followed by tools, materials, techniques and then the
instructions and the back with only line drawings. I prefer clear
photos with the project instructions.
*karenplatt.co.uk*
Understated, classic and beautiful – that is whitework, a
traditional and often neglected style of embroidery. This
book brings it up to date and shows how it can be used to adorn all
kinds of useful and elegant items for the home and beyond. I
confess that although I have tried many types of embroidery, I have
never done any whitework. Fortunately, it says on the back
cover that this book is ideal for anybody new to it or who needs a
refresher. Like all the books I have seen that originated in
Japan this one follows a particular layout. At the front are
photographs of all the projects, followed by the instructions and
patterns. Also, at the front is a short introduction to
whitework, mentioning five different styles and where they
originated from. You then get to try them all out in two
samplers first which is a great idea as you then get a flavour of
what they are like and how they are worked. There are thirty
projects to make including cushions, sewing kit items such as a
needle case and pincushion, heirloom pieces for christenings and
weddings, table settings, sachets and more. Following the
gallery is a section on what tools and materials you will need (not
many) and all the stitches. These are grouped under the five
styles, so you get to know which stitches are associated with
each. There are many pages of staged photographs and
diagrams, some of which might have been even better larger (ditto
the print) but you will need sharp vision and a good light anyway
for whitework. Many of the stitches are quite complex so it
is good that so many stages are shown, together with tips for
foolproof results. Last are the projects, each with a list of
materials, finished size and written instructions, plus diagrams
and at the back a pullout pattern sheet. To any real
beginners all this might seem daunting; I would recommend anybody
who has never done any type of embroidery to have a go at some
freestyle first, as whitework is not one of the easiest
types. Some of the more complex pieces such as the
christening gown come with instructions and diagrams rather like
those on a paper pattern. The simpler sections are given to
mark out with measurements, the more complex parts appear on the
pattern sheet. To make most of these projects you will need
the usual sewing know-how plus a sewing machine. At the very
back is an index of stitches plus diagrams for some freestyle
stitches which are also featured in some projects. I have
never done any whitework before as it seemed like such a
bewilderingly huge topic with so many styles, but this book helps
simplify it and I feel that I will at last take the plunge.
Highly recommended for making the complex seem very doable.
If you cannot find a good range of embroidery and needlecraft
materials locally try http://www.searchpress.com for a list of
suppliers.
*Myshelf.com*
Whitework Embroidery is an absolute beautiful thing to see.
White embroidery on white fabric is just stunning. It gives an
antique and millionaire feel to any home.
Filled with techniques, this is a book that will advance your
skills and enable you to complete a project with a stunning
professional finish.
There are 30 projects, the Baby layette is amazing, but that said
all the designs are skilfully and expertly showcased. I just hope I
can achieve the same result.
The introduction to the book is an interesting read and gives some
history on the craft. There are 2 samplers included which give the
chance to practice and hone your embroidery. These can be as small
or as large as you choose.
Each project has a visual and written stitch guide included and a
large double sided pattern sheet has the designs that can be easily
traced.
If you love embroidery then this book is for you. Even a beginner
will appreciate the beauty of the work involved and it will inspire
and motivate any stitcher.
*Postcard Reviews*
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