At Mr X Stitch we love to review textile art and embroidery books for you. There are so many great books to discover, packed with needlework inspiration and textile techniques, so we dive into each book to find out what’s good, what’s bad and let you know why you should pick it up. Here’s what we think in a nutshell.
Introduction
This beautiful Search Press publication gives you an introduction to blackwork embroidery and the tools you need to do it, then launches you straight into 13 great projects – so you don’t have to wonder what to do with your new found skills for long.
Who Is This Book Aimed At?
I’d say this book is aimed at quite a wide range of skill levels. You can pick it up to learn a new skill and develop that skill through the various projects, or you can pick it up if you are a blackwork afficionado in search of some patterns and projects.
About The Author
According to the book cover, Bernadette Baldelli specialised in textiles at a prestigious university in Paris. Since then she has worked for DMC, created patterns and published books on embroidery, knitting and crochet.
Content
As the cover alone suggests, this book features a wide range of fun project ideas, from stitching an embroidered garland (I love this idea!) to a girls dress to a blanket to fun table mats to a little mouse wearing the best clothing I’ve ever seen a little mouse wear. I was really impressed with the range of projects it offers the read. One of those books where I find it hard to decide what to make first! The book is also full of great little tips which always pop up in just the right place.
Photography
Before I get to the photography, I really like the fact that the font used on the project titles looks like black stitching. A really nice touch. And the photography is great, there are multiple really clear photos of each project alongside well detailed patterns. And the contents page is illustrated with photos which really helps you pick out which design you want to work on. Top notch design on this book.
What Makes The Book Special?
I love it when blackwork books offer you traditional blackwork patterns and modern patterns with lots of colour side by side, and this book does that very well. Also I often find books either show you patterns which would make gifts for either children or older people, but this book provides you with ideas for all types of ages.
Anything Wrong With The Book?
Not really, no.
Conclusion
Whether you are a blackwork lover or a total newbie, I would say this book is a great one to add to your collection. Right, I’m off to make myself a fabulously dressed mouse. Seriously, look, it’s better dressed than me…
If you like this book, why not read our review of a similar one right here!
