John Lane | Mr X Stitch

I've known Bella Lane for quite a while now and she's a fantastic embroiderer. A graduate of the Royal School of Needlework, she's a regular tutor at the Knitting & Stitching Shows here in the UK helping people to learn goldwork and stumpwork among other high-end skills. First Steps in the Enchanted Forest is Bella's first embroidery book and it's a clever idea. First Steps tells the story of a young Peruvian girl called Peruchita who decides to recreate the forest images she sees on her walks to school, by using stitches. Each chapter has vibrant painted images from Adebanji Alade, as well as an accompanying tutorial to teach basic stitches, starting with running stitch and including cross stitch and boro stitch. The book contains an embroidery kit to practice on with the aim that a simple sampler of stitches is produced at the end. I like this book. It's aimed at young people with a nice, well illustrated story that gives a glimpse into the Peruvian forest, as well as some thoughtful instruction that introduces people to embroidery. It's a clever idea and the book is packed with love, not only for embroidery but for the rain forest. The stitches are simple and with clear instructions so it's a great guide for the younger stitcher. If you've got young people in your life, whose age is in single figures, First Steps in the Enchanted Forest of Stitches by Bella & John Lane is a great book to encourage them to start stitching. Get your copy via our Amazon store why dontcha?