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Publisher:
Search Press |
Release
Date: August 2004 |
ISBN:
094843290X |
Awards:
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Format
Reviewed: Large Format Paperback |
Buy
it at Amazon |
Read
an Excerpt |
Genre:
How-To Books/Needlepoint |
Reviewed:
2004 |
Reviewer:
Rachel A Hyde |
Reviewer
Notes: |
Copyright
MyShelf.com |
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Icelandic Patterns in Needlepoint
By Jona Sparey
Iceland
isn’t as famous as it ought to be, and this book sets out
to help change that at least among crafters. Think of Vikings, and
their wonderful knotwork patterns writhing with stylized flowers
and beasts; here is a bookful of such designs to be worked in wool
on canvas.
Clear diagrams, large, lush photographs, and pictures
of finished items grace this book which will look just fine on any
coffee table. But this is a lot more than a handsome working primer
(as if that isn’t enough) as it also tells the reader something
about Iceland, a unique and undervalued place. Somehow the lovely
tapestries take on a whole new meaning when you actually sit down
and read this book, which tells of the author’s Icelandic
forbears. There is a worked poem of the house her grandfather built
himself, tales of the author’s childhood trips to the land
of her ancestors by trawler, and even a treasured family photograph.
Many of the pieces have stories behind them, and the whole book
makes fascinating reading. Perhaps a few more photographs of Iceland
itself might have been nice, but you can’t have everything,
and there is plenty to enjoy here.
What about the actual instructions? These are
easy to understand (particularly to anybody who has previously done
needlepoint) and as nine-count canvas is unique, an address is given
(in the UK) for ordering. No gallery of advanced work takes up valuable
project space here and even a beginner ought to be able to make
a bright, vibrant tapestry that they can be proud of. A lovely book.
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