Apr 05
Curl up in your favorite chair and get embroidering with this fun book. There is only one project in it, but it will take you some time to complete and when you are done you will have something that is not only beautiful but top fashion as well. Fancy bags - the more ornate the better - are the accessory to have right now and making your own is a grand idea.
This is another Australian craft book released for the UK (and other countries) by Search Press, and like just about all other Aussie craft books it is beautiful to behold. It is bound to spend some time on the coffee table, being looked at lovingly and this is all to the good, but can you learn to make the object by reading it? If you are a novice embroider, then have a good look as this is where you are going with your new hobby BUT this is not the book for you. More advanced workers can rub their hands with glee though as this is one of those large, impressive ongoing projects that is just the thing. The most daunting part is the list of items needed - but thankfully this is split into sections to make it more manageable and I applaud the author's sense in doing this. I also love the fact that the bag pattern is in here too, and making it is a vital part of the project and thus you are not merely decorating the surface of an existing article. There are lots of helpful stitch diagrams in here, some wonderfully detailed photographs and a lot of instructions. My advice is to read the introduction and basics, then select the part you want to start with and read it all through first, possibly more than once before you begin.
* Myshelf.com *
Aug 05
This is a one-project book, but what a project! The title is derived from the two pretty cottages draped in wisteria and climbing roses, which form pockets on the front and back of the bag. A beehive conceals a needoe case, while a flower girl's basket houses a thimble and tape measure. In creating this charming and useful bag you will use a myriad of stitch techniques from applique and fabric painting to ribbon embroidery and quilting. Suitable for all skill levels, there are over 100 step-by-step photographs, plus templates and necessary charts to assist in recreating the amazing detail of this bag. A delightful project, requiring patience and tender loving care.
* Sew Today *
June 14
Indulge all of your embroidery passions while stitching this fabulous, versatile bag. Complete with wisteria and rose covered cottages, the Village Bag utilises a myriad of stitch techniques, fabrics, threads and buttons to create a handy tote, large enough to carry embroidery projects or for a day of shopping. Start searching now for those special buttons, ribbons and charms that will find a wonderful new home in your own unique village. The book includes a full sized pattern and over 100 step-by-step photographs, and the project is created using many varied embroidery techniques, which are all fully explained.
* Merseyside Embroiderer's Guild (megonline.co.uk) *
