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The latest
entry in this excellent series shows the embroiderer how to
make something really sumptuous and special, and have fun
doing it. As with all the books, it shows even a fairly new
stitcher exactly what to do in a modern, straightforward style.
The book starts by opening out obligingly flat due to its
spiral bound spine, always helpful for following diagrams
and reading instructions while you work. Start off with a
brief history of beads and their use in embroidery, illustrated
with a few useful and attractive photographs of historical
pieces. Discover what you need and why, and discover how to
use a slate frame. Most of the book is divided into stitches
for counted thread work and freestyle stitches; these are
illustrated with a photograph of the stitch as part of a piece
of work and a computer image or photograph of how to work
the stitch. These are both very helpful, and come with tips
for better working and hints on how to use the stitch. There
are many attractive photographs too of finished pieces showing
how good the stitches can look, and finally a short section
on fringing.
I've seen bigger, more detailed guides on the market but this
one is ideal for a beginner. You don't need to know much about
beads or embroidery to dive right in and get stitching, which
is what a good basic book ought to be about. There are no
projects, which is rather a pity as it is always good to see
how a few stitches can come together to make something, but
a search on the subject ought to produce some ideas, and at
least after using this primer you will know how to embroider
with beads.
Reviews of other titles in the Royal School of Needlework
Series
Blackwork
Silk
Shading
Crewelwork
Stumpwork
Bead
Embroidery
Appliqué
Raised
Embroidery
The
RSN Book of Embroidery
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