The Art of William Morris in Cross Stitch

by Barbara Hammet

The author presents a stylish collection of over 30 cross stitch designs inspired by those of William Morris. A section devoted to basic techniques section provides step-by-step instructions for the needleworker.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Art, Victorian

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Helen]

There are 40 projects in this set of designs to work. They are all elements taken from wallpapers, Kelmscot printings and other work from the Morris studios. They are extremely good, having large scale grids in colour, full sets of threads given in three available brands, and suggestions as to materials. MS Hammet provides backgrounds on the structure of the original patterns and what role these designs played. She gives basic information on stitching and how best to handle the work. A group of us were introduced to punched paper work and I was particularly pleased to see she gives suggestions on using that material.
An excellent book, which I'll likely have to order for myself.

[^]

Not only some really lovely designs; but full of very useful suggestions for different ways to use the charts given. Definitely not, thank goodness, 'just' another 'cushion' book! [I speak as one whose interests lie in canvas needlepoint].

I also really liked the author's descriptions of her thought processes during the design process; constantly relating her interpretation back to the methods and materials that William Morris used.

[Catherine King]

Giving it five stars because this is a labor of love: Hammet's admiration of William Morris shows in the care she takes in how she adapts his complicated tapestries. The photographic stylings by Tim and Zoe Hill are simply exquisite. Would be a proud addition to the library of any cross-stitcher or Pre Raphaelite disciple.

[Marianne]

Definitely some things in here I want to stitch. Her adaptations don't always make 100 percent sense to me but they are well within the bounds of remaining lovely.