Embroidered & Embellished

May 20, 2013
The second book by Brown (Ribbonwork Gardens) is a cornucopia of fancy stitches, which she has divided into four styles of embroidery: traditional; silk ribbon; raised and textured; and bead. Twenty or so stitches per style are carefully demonstrated in full-color photos of each step of stitching. Even experienced stitchers are likely to learn something new: for example, the Spiderweb Rose, or how to couch ribbon. Brown also provides a thorough overview of the ribbons, floss, threads, and tools likely to be needed, along with idiosyncratic advice taken from her many years of sewing. As a catalogue of possibility for stitching, this is a wonderful addition to a crafting library. The eight patterns included, and the general look of the book, however, aren’t as pleasing—the former are busy and the latter seems outdated. This book certainly provides a guide to what’s become the usual style of embellishment; but readers looking for a modern take on the craft will have to keep searching. Full-color photos.