Craft Focus
Explore the interplay of light and dark, and experiment with colour and stitch in this stunning, practical guide to crewelwork. Through her innovative stitch designs and inimitable eye for colour, Tatiana explores how the traditional technique of crewel embroidery can be reimagined for stunning, contemporary results.
We say: Whether youre new to embroidery or an experienced embroiderer looking for new ideas and expert guidance, this inspiring, practical book is one you will turn to again and again.
Library Journal
Ukrainian author Popova brings a new vision to crewelwork. Rather than using traditional crewel wools, she creates patterns with the varied stitches and techniques of crewelwork but updates them with cotton floss, perle, and specialty threads. This book uses these threads in contrasting color palettes, and both light and dark fabrics as a base, to show how the same pattern can look startlingly different depending on color choices. There are eight patterns included: four simple doodles to practice on, and four complete night and day designs, all with stitch guides. From simple to advanced, each pattern shows how to adapt color choices to create the desired effect. The book includes clear photographs of both process and finished products, as well as an illustrated stitch guide for all the crewel stitches used in the projects. The style is conversational and engaging, with the authors individual voice coming through.
VERDICT: Sharing crewelwork designs with a focus on fresh colorways, and using threads that many stitchers are already familiar with, this book gives an updated look at the potential of traditional patterns. Popova offers practical crewel inspiration and fun ideas for contemporary embroidery.
Tatiana's Crewel Embroidery (Search Press 2020) - Goodreads Reviews - 4.78 This is a book filled with stunning crewel work embroidery.... Tatiana Popova is a major craftswoman in her art, and what she does is beautiful. She not only demonstrates the techniques of crewel, she simplifies and breakdown each design into small achievable parts.
My first impression of this beautiful book is What a breath of fresh air!. Followed by my admiration for Tatiana's energy, her enthusiasm, and her buoyant, joyful approach to embroidery.
Tatiana has covered the basics of non-wool threaded crewelwork with clear illustrations and quality photographs, but she has gone much further by adding some exciting combinations of classic stitches, which I think will excite the avid embroiderer as well as the newbie. Who could resist her Propellor Stitch, Buttonhole edge on a chain stitch, Skeleton Stitch and Woven Circle Needlelace.
