The Complete Encyclopedia of Needlework cont ains over 250 alphabetical entries and 1,000 illustrations, with easy-to-follow diagrams showing how to complete the pro jects. '
We looked up the sort of embroidery a friend of mine purchased in a second-hand shop. It was cutwork. She didn't believe me until I showed her the drawing in the Encyclopedia.
This book has been around for decades and it's a lot of fun just to peruse as well as use for reference.
The book refers to numerous diagrams, and yet this version has none of them. Kind of difficult trying to figure out what things should look like if there are no diagrams to refer to. Very frustrating.
A Good Reference. If the Kindle version had all the required illustrations, this fabulous encyclopedia would be top shelf. Otherwise, this was interesting to read.
I have two copies of Encyclopedia of Needle-works. One copy was purchased in the 1970 in a used book store. I recently purchased the updated version from 1987 at a quilt show sale table. Although, not all inclusive of all needlework techniques this book tries to include every one of them.
The text is a little dry but the illustrations are sufficient enough to allow a person to learn how to do some of the techniques. I have used many of them over the years. Several detailed patterns are included.
Techniques in the book:
Plain sewing English work, Venetian embroidery Tatting Knitting Crochet Multiple Embroidery Techniques white work, black work open linen
Netting Macrame Open work Needle made laces
If I come across another copy of this book I will probably buy it ... I need a copy for the cabin up north. I also own several copies of I have two copies of Encyclopedia of Needle-works. One copy was purchased in the 1970 in a used book store. I recently purchased the updated version from 1987 at a quilt show sale table. Although, not all inclusive of all needlework techniques this book tries to include every one of them.
I ran across this book while in a used book store recently. While there are things about needlework that are not in this book, I doubt there is much that can not be found here. Therese de Dillmont has done an outstanding job of putting together what could be considered the Bible of needlework. This is a wonderful resource if you have any inclination to sew, mend, embroider, knit, crochet, macrame, tat, net or work with lace.
Written to appear as though it is in Old World Style the instructions are concise yet easy to understand. Whether you are a first-time dabbler or an experienced sewer you will enjoy this book. There are loads of pictures throughout the book but they are in black and white. It doesn't deter from the book, the look gives the encyclopedia charm.
I also think it makes great reading for those that work with mixed-media art. Working with velvet and silk, "embroidery upon white stuff", English work, needle-painting, gold embroidery, information about working with cotton and flax; there is something for everyone.
Published in 1987, you may be lucky enough to run across a copy like me. If you can't find it in a book store try thrift shops, used book stores or your library, you will be very happy you did!
Not being an expert needlewoman, I can’t vouch for the technical quality of the majority of the contents of this book, other than to say that the text does read well (a sure sign of an author who knows her stuff). Numerous needle techniques are explored, with copious directions given, and there’s no shortage of design inspiration.
I picked this up to help me get my mind in to more traditional needlework as it is what I love the idea of, but have never had the practice to learn to do well. I think this (when I go back and follow the instructions) will open up the way to great sewing technique. Things that seem like they should be totally obvious after reading this would not have occurred to me before.
I have two of these books as well. My first one I bought new in the late sixties and the second book was given to me in the late eighties. This book is very complete in most forms of needlework and is a great resource.
I got this for free for my kindle without reading the reviews. There are no pictures to refer to when the book instructs you to do so. Otherwise, a fantastic book that keeps all the information you could ever want to know about needlework all together in one place.