Crewel Embroidery: 7 Enchanting Designs Inspired by Fairy Tales

This book is beautiful to look at and I cannot wait to try the design projects. The instructions for stitches seem clear as I briefed over them. The photos are clear, and one can easily see how the finished stitches (and completed designs) should look after completion. I have recently added a star to this book, making it a five-star review. After completing the first design from this book, I have found the instructions clear, concise, and well presented. The author presents several unique, exquisite, detailed projects. Each one is lovely, keeping with her central theme, stemming from the major design project she entitles, The Tree of Happiness. Clearly a lot of planning went into this book.

I have had my eye on this book since it was published. The War in Ukraine made it imperative that I purchase it in support of its author, Tatiana Popova who is currently seeking refuge, leaving all her original embroideries behind. But, back to the book. It is quite simply one of the most stunning embroidery books to come along in some time. If you want to learn crewel, but don’t care to work in wool, these designs will inspire you. Colorful and exuberant in their execution, the author encourages you to take a bite with a small section or go for the whole Tree of Happiness. All the information is there: line drawings for the design, an extensive stitch library and an organized method of tackling the project of your choice. Supplies used are perle cotton, stranded cotton and a rayon thread. Even if you never stitch the designs this book is packed with gorgeous photos to satisfy the heart of every stitcher who knows they will never have the time to stitch all they would like. It can also just be a reference book for the stitches. If you are a person who loves embroidery this book deserves a premier spot on your bookshelf.

Beautiful book. Bought this for my daughter. Well laid out. ..pictures are lovely.

These patterns are beautiful, and very well explained. The many photos provide good demonstrations of the stitches. I will look for other books by this author.

I love this kind of book where you get both high-quality instructions with many photos to learn from, and something to build your very own work on. Tatiana shows you how to create different moods and vibes by using different stitches and colors on the same pattern. This book is a true gem for both beginners and advanced embroidery artists looking to improve their skills and try out different techniques. And did I mention that her designs are gorgeous?

The instructions are for the most part easy to understand. One stitch my mind did not grasp by reading. I was disappointed to see patterns 2 through 6 are part of pattern 1, with minor modification - unless her goal was to show how to take pattern apart. The pictures of how to 'see' each design composed in different style/color are great for those of us with more limited imagination.

This is an excellent embroidery book with very detailed stitch explanations and pictures. I liked that it presents unusual stitches like the Fork stitch or Mountmellick stitch and others. It might be a little difficult for a beginner. All stitches are then used in very lovely patterns and colors for beautiful reinvented crewel embroidery models. It was speedily shipped and arrived in perfect condition. I love that book and I highly recommend it!

Perfect book with patterns and easy use.