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Organize
your sewing kit in style with this book of eight different
beautiful etuis. There are also patterns for thirty-six different
accessories to put into them, from scissor and thimble cases
to needlebooks and thread winders.
As
it says on the back there are over ninety cross stitch charts
in here, using thirty-six different counted thread combinations.
In short, in true Inspirations style this is chock full of
the sort of projects that are a) going to be heirloom quality
and b) not be for beginners. But as there are lots of books
for beginners already on the market it is great to see that
there is also something else for the more advanced stitcher.
I have never owned or made an etui before and wasn’t
sure how they were constructed, but be assured that full instructions
are given. This book is laid out in an interesting way, rather
like its Japanese counterparts in that all the lush photography
and charts are at the front on glossy paper while towards
the back more ordinary matte paper is used. Here you can find
all the construction instructions and diagrams, which again
are aimed at those who have the skills to construct fancy
exploding boxes. Think dress pattern style rather than Search
Press; trademark (and landmark) style of extensive staged
photographs. Back in the glossy section each of the eight
etuis has its own chapter which is illustrated with several
pages of glorious color photographs, some of which are charts.
Choose from one shaped like a toy chest, a twisted helix pouch,
many-sided floral box, Elizabethan casket and stitching wallet
(my favorites), sampler covered book shaped box inspired by
the work of pioneer girls, another shaped one featuring a
regal swan and a wallet that opens out. As well as cross stitch
there is other embroidery and counted thread stitches, all
of which are fully explained in staged photographs in their
own section. If all this looks like a lot of work amassing
the relevant materials Inspirations also sells kits of all
the etuis on its website, although you will either need to
live in Australia or be willing to spend out on postage. None
of the etuis uses anything exotic or expensive, just counted
linen or canvas and threads plus basic hand sewing materials;
the wow factor comes from the work put into it and the beautiful
designs. One for the keeper shelf.
If
you cannot find a good range of embroidery materials locally
try www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers.
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