I find embroidery incredibly calming. Perhaps it’s the
attention to fine detail that necessitates a calm, quiet atmosphere. Perhaps it’s
the rhythm of stitching, or the soft textures of the linen I tend to use...and
my latest little project features such natural shades of floss...whatever it
is, I just find myself happily more relaxed and taking everything in my stride.
The recent sunshine doesn’t hurt, either!
This is the teeny make I finished yesterday afternoon,
sitting in the garden while Bunny and Little Flower frolicked about in the
paddling pool. I used a vintage linen tea towel to make the little heart. One
strand of floss for the stitching: two colours of brown for the bark, one
lovely shade of green for the leaves. That’s it! And because it is so dinky, it
was a very speedy project.
It is a key fob, from my latest – and already beloved –
craft book: The Hand-Stitched Home by
Caroline Zoob.
I bought this book last week after umm-ing and ahhh-ing
about it for a bit, and I am so glad I have it. It is one of those books that
has a definite mood to it – I opened the cover and I swear a hush came over my
home as I turned page after page of elegant embroidery and linen loveliness.
Beautiful photographs.
The book is divided into six chapters, including ‘Making
pictures’ for small embroideries in interesting frames, and ‘The soft stuff’
for cushions, blankets and the like.
There are a lot of useful, practical projects here, but all
of them have such delicate, beautiful stitching that everything seems a bit
more special. Which is interesting, because honestly, the projects all seem
very manageable, and some, like the heart key fob, are in the easy category. Back
stitch, stem stitch...a bit of sewing, but the projects, when made with subtle
colours and interesting textures, seem much more graceful and chic. Perfect for
gifts!
Just look at those bookends! Are they not gorgeous? I want
to make these for my mother-in-law, who loves sheep and all things woolly. And
I already thought of other designs using the same bookend template – fairies
for a child’s room, ribbon embroidery initials...ooo I’m digressing...
The Hand-Stitched Home
would be an ideal addition to an embroiderer’s library. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend
it for a complete beginner to embroidery - it assumes some stitch and sewing experience
and knowledge. The guide at the back of the book is not as comprehensive as a beginner’s
reference book, or more funky/naïve-design books such as Aneela Hoey’s Little Stitches or Aimee Ray’s Doodle Stitching. That being said, the
stitch guide is a good reminder for those who have done a bit of embroidery,
and I absolutely love Caroline Zoob’s
description of the knot stitch:
“I confess I cannot
make sense out of all those pictures of French knots. So I had to invent my own
sort of knot.”
Is this fantastic or what!? She continues to explain her easy-peasy
technique that looks just as wonderful as the French knot, a stitch that often
makes me want to tear my hair out!
Caroline Zoob encourages the reader to look around and be
inspired by natural surroundings. She offers good advice on choosing materials,
floss colours and tools. Her gentle, casual attitude towards the stitching
means that the projects are far more accessible and enjoyable to create than
the finished look suggests.
This book also would make a beautiful gift for someone who
enjoys embroidery. I plan to make a few more hearts then move on to the very
appealing napkin rings and placemats. Must avoid more craft anxiety, after all!
Happy crafting!
Chrissie x
