Practice the mindful art of hand embroidery with 18 gorgeous projects you can use to create home decor, upcycled clothing, and personalized gifts.
Creative Embroidery & Beyond expands on the best-selling Creative...and Beyond series, which includes Creative Lettering & Beyond , to focus on one of the most popular crafting methods out embroidery. In this visually stunning book that presents hand sewing as accessible and fun, three talented, on-trend artists —Jenny Billingham (@flynn_and_mabel), Theresa Wensing (@get.stitch.done), and Sophie Timms (@mindfulmantra_embroidery)—each present six designs. They are ideal for embroiderers of all skill levels , from total beginners to more advanced. You will
Embroidery is a fun, accessible art medium that’s proven relaxing and mindful for millions of crafters around the world. Make your own embroidered gifts and more with Creative Embroidery & Beyond .
Very nice beginner embroidery book. Particularly, the explanation of the stitches at the start of the book is well written and easy to follow, if you can master these techniques, you're well on your way. The patterns themselves are nice, nothing earth shattering here, but it's nice to see projects for both display pieces and for clothing or household items, like pillows. The photos that accompany the projects are not only visually appealing, but helpful as well. I think I'm inspired to embroider some clothing now! I received an ARC from the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review.
Embroidery is thankfully making a comeback! My mom taught me how to embroider when I was a little girl and I am grateful she did. Creative Embroidery and Beyond is a little nostalgic foray into a world of beautiful skills, techniques and gorgeous crafting results including floral patterns for clothing and hoops, a whimsical camper, houseplant and hearts. The authors offer tips and detailed instructions for eighteen patterns and ideas for creating individualized patterns, too.
My favourite projects are the fungi, butterfly (the detail!) and wildflower bouquet. But what lifts my heart most is knowing the authors care enough to share their passion to open up a whole new world for many. Talk about an inspiration! Crafting by hand is incredibly gratifying and rewarding and important to pass on to others.
Though especially fabulous for beginners, some of the less-often used stitch directions are excellent refreshers for novice and experts, too.
My sincere thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Walter Foster and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this lovely book.
A fantastic book on a collection of embroideries that will be great for all ages. The reference guide is super informative and has everything you need to bang out a beautiful piece. The patterns are all very lovely and have a range from beginner to ones that are a bit more involved so it’s not throwing you into the deep end right away. The Cup of Planets and the Butterfly are my favorite from this collection, they are just so gorgeous. This book is perfect for any stitcher’s bookshelf!
A beautifully done craft book with lots of direction for those new to embroidery or lacking confidence (like me), with great projects to try. I enjoyed the step-by-step instructions with suggestions for stitches and colour, as well as the variety of projects from different crafters. I’m brimming with new ideas, and I feel ready to apply my art skills and what I’ve learnt here.
Thank you to Edelweiss and to Walter Foster Publishing.
Thoroughly impressed! Super creative and aesthetically appealing, the designs provided in this book are really cool and easy to work with.
This guidebook provides the basic details regarding the basic materials that would be required and the minimal steps to follow for some very interesting projects regarding embroidery.
I love it.
Thank you, Quarto Publishing Group- Walter Foster Publishing, for the advance reading copy.
Creative Embroidery and Beyond by Jenny Billingham is an amazing guide that will take you on an incredible journey into the world of embroidery. This book is a treasure trove of knowledge, covering a wide range of techniques from the basic stitches to more advanced designs. But what truly sets it apart is how approachable and human-friendly it is.
One of the things I loved about Creative Embroidery and Beyond is how clear and concise the instructions are. Jenny Billingham breaks down each technique into easy-to-follow steps, complete with helpful illustrations and diagrams that make learning a breeze, even for beginners. The book also provides valuable tips on choosing materials, setting up your workspace, and caring for your finished projects, which shows that the author truly understands the needs of embroidery enthusiasts at all levels.
Another highlight of this book is the variety of projects that Billingham includes to help you practice your skills. From simple bookmarks to more intricate wall hangings, there's something for everyone. These projects not only allow you to apply what you've learned, but they also serve as a source of inspiration and motivation to challenge yourself and take your embroidery to new heights.
The organization of Creative Embroidery and Beyond is top-notch, making it easy to navigate and follow along. The instructions are written in a way that feels like you're having a conversation with a friend who is guiding you through the process, and the illustrations and diagrams are incredibly helpful in visualizing the steps. It's evident that the author genuinely cares about the reader's success and has put a lot of thought into making the book accessible and enjoyable.
As someone who is passionate about embroidery, I highly recommend Creative Embroidery and Beyond to anyone who wants to explore this beautiful art form. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced embroiderer, this book has something to offer. It's a comprehensive and informative guide that will not only teach you the techniques but also inspire you to create your own unique works of art.
This work is about the art of embroidery and includes original patterns with helpful instructions. It was compiled by three artists and each artist contributed six patterns to the book.
The book begins with good information for beginners, from transferring patterns to different types of stitches and things to keep an eye out for with your threads (twisting, stripping, etc.). There was also a discussion of shopping locally and supporting small businesses. I enjoyed the page of FAQs, ranging from how long embroidery may take to some personal information about the authors’ own experiences. There was also a section about creating your own patterns, which I found quite helpful. Each pattern included in the book begins with a full-color photograph of the completed pattern with its name, a list of tools and materials, and a thread color guide. Then the line art of the pattern is included for tracing, followed by step-by-step instructions to take the pattern from beginning to end.
There were many fun projects in this book. I quite liked the rainbow pattern as the author points out that it’s a great pattern to use up all your leftover threads from previous projects. There were several projects that embellished clothing, including a small flower garden coming out of a jacket pocket. And of course, there were many patterns centered around flowers and bouquets. The monarch butterfly on the cluster of flowers was especially lovely.
This book is a great resource for beginner embroidery artists or those with more experience who want some inspiration. It would make an excellent addition to any embroiderer’s library and I’m excited to give these patterns a try! My thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Creative Embroidery and Beyond is a delightful guide and source of inspiration for creatives with varied experiences in the art of embroidery. The images are delightful, with stunning examples of embroidered images in hoops, and even precious embroidered flowers at the corners framing the text. The introduction of the book is motivating, focusing on ensuring the audience is able to cultivate their love of embroidery. It clearly outlines the tools needed to successfully engage in this craft (there is nothing worse then going to the craft store, getting your tools, them realising you don’t have something vital you didn’t know you needed. Each stitch has illustrated instructions that are easily accessible for beginners and states what purpose the stitch is best for. The sample projects in the book not only give the pattern/design, but also gives the specific codes for each thread colour which is so convenient and really helpful for beginners (standing in front of 1538607545 thread colours in the craft store is really overwhelming and confronting when you are just starting out). Each design is lovely, they are presented in various formats, like hoops, hats, clothing ect and in a range of themes, whimsical florals, daisy, roses, butterflies, space and even caravans. The instructions on how to construct the designs are detailed and accompanied by images. Additionally, there is a section with advice on how to create your own designs and cultivating creativity. This book is great for beginners or intermediate embroiderers or even for an expert experiencing a creative block, it also would make a delightful gift for a creative loved one. Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Creative Embroidery and Beyond: Inspiration, tips, techniques, and projects from three professional artists by Jenny Billingham, Sophie Timms, and Theresa Wensing is currently scheduled for release on June 6 2023. This book presents hand sewing as accessible and fun. Three artists—Jenny Billingham (@flynn_and_mabel), Theresa Wensing (@get.stitch.done), and Sophie Timms (@mindfulmantra_embroidery)—each present six designs. They are ideal for embroiderers of all skill levels, from total beginners to more advanced. You will find step-by-step embroidery projects featuring flowers, animals, insects, and more; instructions for how to embroider on denim, hats, and t-shirts; primers on essential stitches, including whipstitch and satin stitch; information on embroidery tools and how to use them; advice for threads and brands to use; and more. Embroidery is a fun, accessible art medium that’s proven relaxing and mindful for millions of crafters around the world.
Creative Embroidery and Beyond offers readers exactly what they would expect from this title and description. I thought the instructions and text were helpful and accessible. I like the suggestions and clear instructions for the different supplies and stitches that are most likely to be needed. I thought the pattern, fabric, and project suggestions were nicely rounded. Some were very much to my taste, and others less so, as it should be because we all have things we like to work with more than others. The book has definitely given me some ideas for things to try next- if I ever finish my 'project to do' pile that I already have set up for myself. I think this book might be a good buy for newer crafters, but for experienced crafters might want to check it out from the library.
This charming book contains fun embroidery designs by three different designers, along with detailed instructions and clear step-by-step photos. All of the designs are accessible to beginning stitchers, but also can spur the creativity for more experienced embroiderers by giving ways that designs can be adapted. I especially liked that designs were included for stitching on t-shirts, denim jackets and hats in addition to fabric in a hoop.
The authors include a list of materials for each project, and even though the authors are based in the UK, the materials they list are common and can be found in the US (and, I presume, most everywhere). They list thread colors with DMC numbers, DMC being the most commonly used and highest quality thread, although it would be easy to substitute other brands.
One of the details I most appreciated was just one page long, encouraging readers to support independent and local stores and to be creative in looking for fabric and tools in thrift stores, antique stores, and other out-of-the-way places. Unlike some other crafts, embroidery can be done fairly inexpensively and thus can be accessible to a wide variety of people. I encourage everyone to give it a try!
Many thanks to Quarto and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The hobby of embroidery is relaxing, rewarding, inexpensive, and impressive. Creative Embroidery and Beyond is an excellent hand embroidery book, with 18 fantastic embroidery projects, beautifully curated color palettes, and in-process pictures.
Creative Embroidery and Beyond provides clear, basic how-to instruction, with most of the book’s space devoted to in-progress images of the projects. My favorite projects were the abundant floral patterns and the butterfly, with the camper project a delightfully unexpected addition.
A beginner could work through the projects to learn over a dozen useful embroidery stitches. Because French knots are my nemesis, I did wish for more details in the instructions for this particular stitch, but everything else was perfect for the absolute beginner.
Advanced embroiderers will likely find the instructions and photos redundant, but even the advanced will appreciate the value of the gorgeous patterns: dividing the full cost of the book between the 18 patterns comes out to less than $2 per pattern for the print version and less than $1 per pattern for the Kindle version.
Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Group for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
While the patterns used / included in this book did not interest me very much, the tips on stitching and the notes on types of stitches and techniques I found quite useful. (To be fair, I tend to prefer to create my own patterns based on doodles of wild and improbable creatures, and flower designs have never particularly been my thing.)
I will definitely be referring back to the notes and tips sections for use in my own work. Some of the choices the authors make of techniques for stitching each design were also illuminating and inspiring for my own designs.
If flower designs are you thing, this book is definitely for you. Even if not, it still has a lot of valuable information and I would recommend it to beginning and intermediate stitchers alike.
The step-by-step instructions and accompanying photographs are very clear and easy to follow, making this an excellent how-to book.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Quarto, and Walter Foster Publishing for providing an early copy for review.
Creative Embroidery and Beyond is a beautiful project book filled with 18 projects to stitch up. These projects do not overwhelm with massive landscapes and can be approached without fears of endless hours to complete.
The authors spend little time explaining stitches in the beginning allowing the readers to jump quickly into projects. This book may be better served to someone that has basic knowledge of sewing or stitching as the stitch guide is more of a refresher and probably not for someone just starting out with floss and needle.
Personally, I can't wait to start with the daisy project and move onto the Monarch on the Queen Annes Lace (gorgeous!). I appreciated the photos of the projects on different items from jacket pockets to baseball caps.
Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster and Netgalley for this ARC (all opinions expressed in this review are authentically mine).
Have you ever fallen in love with a book before? That is the feeling you will be flooded with if you pick up 'Creative Embroidery and Beyond'.
Pinterest and #instaembroidery followers alike will rejoice with this collection of ADORABLE patterns that even beginners can have a go at. I'm sorry, did you see the planets being poured in to the cup?
The easy to follow stitch guide at the beginning and tips on what supplies you need are a beginners (and forgetful crafters) best friend. The patterns are easy to read, with beautiful colour photographs showing the main steps of each piece.
The only issue I'm finding with this book is what project to begin first because I believe I love them all.
I was gifted a digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thanks Quarto Publishing & NetGalley!
This is a lovely book of embroidery. Whether you are new or more experienced this book has some lovely patterns and some good stitch diagrams. Jenny Billingham, Sophie Timms and Theresa Wensing break down each technique into easy steps, with helpful illustrations and diagrams that make learning a delight, even for beginners. The book also provides valuable tips on choosing materials, establishing your workspace and caring for your completed pieces. I believe that Ms. Billingham definitely understands the needs of embroidery artists of various levels.
I would like to thank the authors, Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The resurgence of hand crafts and re-fashioning vintage cloths has brought about a renewal of embroidery patterns and supplies. Making old things new again and adding your own personal touch is what people want. This book explains the supplies needed, how to make the stitches using easily understandable photographs and patterns that are timely and beautiful. Something for all skill levels is included. This would be a great beginner book but there are projects here for people who have been needleworking for years. The rainbow on the cover is stunning with its color and texture. Grab a copy before it sells out.
What a beautiful book! I have embroidered or cross stitched since I was a child but I loved that this book has so many pages in the front that explain different stitches, giving confidence to anyone, beginner to advanced, to create beautiful creations. The rainbow is probably my favorite pattern as I often have leftover threads and have never thought of such a project to use them up. There are so many great ideas in the book as well as suggestions on how to create your own patterns. I have not actually tried any of the patterns yet, but I did feel as though the instructions that I read through, along with the photos, were fairly clear and would be pretty easy to follow.
This is a treasure of a book, filled with a great variety of patterns for projects that are much fresher and prettier than the one note patterns we used to get. I love how many stitches Billingham shows us in the beginning and the unusual way she uses stitches in her patterns. She offers patterns for typical things like flowers but also a whimsical camper van, mushrooms and more. Her monarch is stunning. The details in the instructions really tell you everything you need too. Well recommended.
I read a temporary digital advance copy of this book via NetGalley.
I just love a good embroidery book that works for the skilled and the novice (me). Some of the terms and stitches used in the book are familiar to me, but there are others that I need to learn. I enjoy that all skill sets are included in this book. What makes this book outstanding are the patterns!! I could not love them enough. The mushrooms are worth the price of the book alone. This is not your grandmother's embroidery book!!! Go to your favorite craft store, grab a few supplies, and just enjoy this one.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me get ahold of this gem!
A beautiful book that definitely gets the juices flowing and needles threaded! It covers all sorts of information from beginning to end such as the types of tools and materials that will work best right down to authors personal stories. There are 3 authors and each contribute 6 designs. I'm putting this on my wishlist, as with a temporary copy only to read, I wasn't able to complete much. A lovely addition to any library and I learned an awful lot! My thanks to Netgalley and the authors and publishers for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review
Creative Embroidery and Beyond, written by a trio of ladies, is full of incredible content, education, creativity, and encouragement. Being able to start with the basics of embroidery by learning the necessary equipment needed to do the craft, and the introductory stitches to create masterpieces, this book has it all! I highly recommend the book to all who want to learn the art of embroidery, as well as gain insight into different types of medium to create the art, as well as varying styles of artwork. Get yourself a copy!!
I used to do embroidery as a child but none for a very very long time now! At 43, I’m keen to start again and this is a great book full of simple (and some more complex) examples which look easy to use from the book (with downloadable patterns), advise on tools required (not too many to my husbands relief!) and clear and easy instructions on the required stitches, may of which I remember now I’ve seen them!
Now to start working it which will be my first attempt and to get going!
Creative Embroidery and Beyond is my new favorite embroidery book! I’ve been in a rut with my embroidery since Christmas, after making so many gifts. This book has delightfully colorful patterns, and insightful instructions. I’ve always wanted to learn how to embroider onto clothes and this book provides several smart patterns to do so. I love the rainbow pattern and the cup of planets pattern the best. I cant wait to get started on my new projects!
A bright and colourful guide to embroidery. Beautiful stylish patterns an designs. Instructions clear to follow. I had an eBook version but am keen to buy a hard copy. Would make a wonderful gift for a beginner or an expert. I loved the colour choices as well. Lots of expert advice and tricks to try.
Thank you to the authors, publisher and Netgalley for this electronic arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Another day, another craft book you need for your shelf. Here you can expect all the usuals such as intro section for beginners, FAQs that are actually useful, and patterns done by multiple artists. Despite this, the book still has its own unique feel. The designs are adorable with even one for scrap yarns (and we all need more patterns for those.)
Overall, the book was well-organized and easy to follow.
The best part of this is the practical tips and tricks at the beginning. I've read many of these in various sewing books over the years, and this is one of the better ones. It has something to offer both intermediate and beginner embroiderers.
The projects are pretty, but repetitive. They could be summed up as embroider some flowers on it. They do seem to be intended to offer you a chance to practice various stitches. It's just a shame that they aren't varied at all.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a nice book. It has information on embroidery including getting started, various stitches, and some finished patterns. There's helpful tips to help your projects turn out and information on following a pattern. Overall it's a helpful guide.
A fun embroidery book for beginner or old timer who would like some fun quick projects! The variety of projects and mediums on which to stitch are fun and a nice change from the standard hoop. The visual glossary of stitches is wonderful for novice or those that need refresher. A great book to inspire a weekend of crafting!!
A lovely book, full of ideas to add embroidery to soft decor and clothing. The projects included in the book are really lovely, and lift the look of the garment to new heights. There are full instructions on stitches, which are easy to follow, with step by step photos. A really lovely book. Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DRC