Review on The Marvels of Crewel Embroidery: Mastering the Art with Expert Techniques by Summer Hendricks

This book is intended to teach beginners the basics of circular embroidery and enable more advanced craftswomen to improve their technique and expand their stitch repertoire. It tells you how to choose patterns, materials and wool, sketch the patterns on the fabric, place the work on the frame, stretch and glue the finished product. Detailed instructions for 48 different stitches are illustrated with charts making the book a solid reference. Dating back to 16th-century England, Crewel embroidery is enjoying a widespread revival today. Its charm lies not only in the color nuances and color contrasts, but also in the wide range of stitches that can be combined in many ways to create an almost infinite amount of textures and effects. It is this variety that makes hand embroidery much more interesting than needlework. Erica Wilson is an eminent American designer and craft teacher. She is the author of four books on needlework and has her own television show on public radio. She also travels extensively, giving lectures and leading workshops on the art of embroidery. Miss Wilson is married to furniture designer Vladimir Kagan. They have three children.