A-Z of Ribbon Embroidery

Rating:
Summary: I could gush on and on about this lovely, useful book
Review: As if they just didn't know the meaning of the word "mediocre", Country Bumpkin has produced yet another elegant reference guide to the needle arts; this time, it is ribbon embroidery that is demystified for us. A-Z of Ribbon Embroidery is the latest in a series of practical and beautiful books that I just can't say enough good things about, they are just about that perfect. Okay, I'm gushing a little here, please bear with me. Did I mention this book was practically perfect???

The best ribbon embroidery designers from Country Bumpkin's publications contributors (Inspirations, Victoria, et al) demonstrate their step-by-step techniques for making their signature blossoms which really do look convincing and 3-d. As with the other A-Z books, this one is an alphabetical guide to both the basic stitches and the best design applications of its needle art. It turns out that ribbon embroidery (not necessarily silk per se, either) can create charming illusions of more than just roses - but oh, what an array of gorgeous roses there are! There are also cherry blossoms, nasturtiums, tulips, carnations and daffodils - whatever flowers you like, plus a few cute characters besides. I can't get over the carnations - I actually did a double take to be sure it wasn't a photo of real carnations! I have begun to understand that ribbon embroidery can be a form of painting with silk when skillfully done.

Even though this book has lovely photographs and designs it is no coffee table book. A spiral binding guarantees that AZORE will stand up to its proper use as a reference guide. There is a complete list of materials and an embroidery index included with each design project so that it's easier to refer back to the basic guide when you need to. The photos leave nothing to the imagination, so that even stitching "dummies" like me can be clear on every step in the process. Come to think of it, if there is a "Silk Ribbon Embroidery for Dummies" out there, it couldn't be clearer than this - except that the publishers here have too much respect for their readers to refer to them that wayJ At the same time, I think that there is enough variety of designs that even more experienced stitchers will find some inspiration.

This book will get used frequently by anybody that has the remotest interest in ribbon embroidery. Well worth the money!
-Andrea, aka Merribelle