It's nice to see surface embroidery coming back into its own. It seemed for years that almost all of the new tutorial books were aimed at counted cross stitch or quilting. This book is laid out as a series of vignette project sections: along the path, when the dandelions bloom, walking along the embankment, long headed poppies, violets, spring paths, and several more. There are alternative colorways and alternate flower choices for many of the projects.
The projects themselves are mostly line drawings with filling stitches. Some are quite structural and border on stumpwork. They're all appealing and would be ideal for decor or clothing applications. The book is peppered with photographs showing the author's sketchbook pages and color selections (very inspiring).
There is a very short technique chapter and templates of the line drawings of the patterns. This chapter also includes a few tips (how to carry thread, tips and equipment to make stitching more even and enjoyable, etc) which can be utilized to make the projects easier and better.
The photography is very clear. With the diagrams, the projects should be comfortable for a keen beginner. One important aspect of the surface embroidery process which isn't covered in the book is pattern transfer to ground fabric. The info is easily accessible elsewhere, so I haven't detracted anything in the review for the oversight/lack.
The line drawings of the patterns also include recommended stitch fillers.
Lovely and useful addition to the embroiderer's library. I am going to incorporate some of the line drawn motifs in the freehand areas of my next counted thread sampler.
Five stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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