DECEMBER 5th 2013 - WELCOME!

Welcome!

Thanks for visiting with us.  Have fun looking around and feel free to leave us comments.

I consider December the open door month.  At the end we get to walk through the door not only January but a new year - at least in theory.  I celebrate two new years. One on December 31st of each year and what I call the "real new year" on the first day of spring. I could never figure out why a new year would start in winter.  Spring with its new life appeals to me for starting anew.  A number of ancient cultures agreed and made spring their new beginning. 
I hope you will celebrate two new years with me. Meanwhile I wish yuo a Happy "January" New Year and may 2014 bring you joy.  

DONT FORGET TO FIND THE SECRET CODE EMBEDDED IN THE BLOG - THAT GIVES YOU 20% OFF
ANY TITLE YOU ORDER - FROM THIS BLOG, OR EARLIER ONES OR ANY TITLE YOU NEED.


LACE: THE DELICATE ART BELOVED      

"The beauty of lace is an intangible thing. The laces have a

a strange quality, hard to catch and hold. But once this

 quality is perceived and understood it enlarges and enriches

                the mind and life of the one who has come to love them."

  -  Marion Pwwys -  Lace and Lace-making -

Lace is beloved around the world. It's history as a needle art before machine-made lace in the 19th century came into being is unique. Wearing lace was a sign of status and people went to great lengths to obtain it including smuggling it from one country to another.  According to Marian Powys in her classic, Lace and Lacemaking, the old family of laces are generally classified into three groups: the needlepoints, the pillow laces, and the decorated arts. Each have their lovely, unique characteristics and, as it says in the old catalogue, Lace from the Cooper-Hewitt Museum,  "many of the details of how the laces were made were kept secret, just as they are today in some lace-making centers, and the sources of fine materials  were jealousy guarded."  The types of lace and their patterns that were made fill volumes. The lace produced was unbelievably fine; the patterns so lovely and complex,  I think the first time anyone looks through plates of lace, their first , must be the same as mine was, "How did the lacemakers in the 16th through the 18th century ever create the complex, delicate designs and turn these designs into the beautiful antique pieces before us!  Day after long day in poor lighting, poor working conditions and poor pay, lacemakers fingers turned thread into true works of art .  No room for error as all work was frequently checked.  We don't know their names.  Their only true reward was their pride in their work.  Looking at the above picture of The Lacemaker by Vemeer, I can fell those bent backs, aching fingers, and tired eyes as I look at each lace design. It is said a number of lacemakers sacrificed their eyesight for their craft. I wish they could know how appreciated their lacemaking is by today's needleworkers, I think they would be surprised and pleased there work is known and loved around the world.

Whether hand-made or machine made, lace will always be part of fashion. I doubt there is a woman alive that hasn't had some article of clothing decorated with lace.  I remember in my senior year of high school I bought  a white lace dress for a special outing.  I spent all by babysitting I was seventeen but felt so grown-up wearing that gorgeous dress.  Many years later I can't remember what happened to that dress but I am checking through old family pictures to see if any photos of me wearing it come to light.  I also have hankie trimmed in lace given to me by a little boy I tutored when I was twenty years old.  Whenever I see pictures of lace I think of those two items.  What items of lace are in your past?  What items of lace do you still tuck away in a drawer or proudly displayed.  I'd love to hear your stories.

Introducing Heather Toomer's New Lace Book

Jeri Ames is an expert on lace and I always love to have her imput on a new lace book.  She kindly gave me permission to include her review of Heather Toomer's  new "White-embroidered costume accessories -1790s to 1840s."

"White-embroidered costume accessories - the 1790s to 1840s".
By Heather Toomer, drawings and patterns by Elspeth Reed.
Published by Heather Toomer Antique Lace, 2013,  paper cover.
198 pages, cover price in USA $44.95, ISBN 978-0-9542730-3-3.

Book has limited distribution.
To put the book in context, Jane Austen (author) lived from 1775-1817. Princess Victoria was

born in 1819 and became Queen in 1837. Both had associations with lace.
This is a sequel to "Embroidered with White - the 18th century fashion for Dresden lace and other whiteworked accessories", 2008 (Arachne review Aug, 27, 2009). As before this is original research resulting in detailed text.  Drawings and text by Elapeth Reed are admirable.
Heather's photographs are presented for each item discussed. Color fashion .are lovely, and they prove depicting fashions on very slender mannequins is not a new phenomenon!
Collectors will find identification of unusually-shaped accessories invaluable. Costumers receive guidance for making accurate recreations. Historians acquire expanded knowledge. Then, there are lovers of all things LACE. They may require more detailed information about lace made during this period for this purpose, and may need to see exactly how the laces  were attached to accessories.
Both right and wrong sides of white embroidery are sometimes shown, which helps determine how a stitch was made. Embroidery and lace travel together through the pages.
Austen could identify a buffon, pelerine, canezou, schall, or pelisse. Can you? Have you seen a shirt handkerchief? These "handkerchiefs" had a quiet different purpose and shape then pocket handkerchiefs; dress kerchiefs had a different purpose and shape than today's head covering. The distinction are interesting.
Have you seen a muslin accessory with a button-holed edge to which a bobbin-made picot edging has been attached? Effective. Delicate. Several are shown in photographs.
Much is to be said for design inspiration. The little fancy apron pockets on page 60 reminded this reviewer of patterns and cuffs, and some collars, illustrated by Elspeth Reed, Then came the thought that this would be an interesting subject for a Lace Guild contests - pockets inspired by historic cuff and collar shapes.!
Many designs are suitable for lace or muslin embroidery (or both) on today's special occasions.

For more information about muslin, see reviewers Jan. 19, 2013 review of "Muslin"http://www.mail-archive .com/lace@arachne.com/index.html. 

Jeri Ames in Maine USA
Lace and Embroidery Resource Center


Thank you Jeri for a great review. 

We carry Heather's latest book and other great books by her.



This is the companion book to Jerry Ames review:Enbroidered with white: the 18th century fashions for Dresden lace and other whiteworked accessories.  Along with wonderful information on the lace of this time period she includes 20 patterns. The photographs show a wide range of  of original items, with details of the embroidery stitches, portraits and costume illustrations. Tips are given on washing, conservation and where original items may be studied in public collections..  $44.95




 This lovely book by Heather reviews the history of christening and other decorative baby robes through the 19th century. The first section uses dated examples and contemporary illustrations to show different styles in vogue and compares them with adult styles. The second section celebrates the exquisite workmanship in these robes. She also includes how designs and stitches changed from 1710 to 1800.  Much valuable information included such as measurements and patterns for those involved in accurate reproductions for stage, screen, etc.  $44.96





If you want to get a marvelous overview of all major laces of Europe and its colonies from 16th century to early 20th century, this is the book. In an organized fashion and interesting to read she covers needlepoints, bobbin laces, crochet, tatting, embroidered nets, and other minor techniques, giving identifying characteristics with detailed photographs and drawings. Comparison between hand-made and machine-made laces helps you  correctly identify the differences.  $49.95 

 

If you need a great lace identifier in book form this a great reference book for all lace lovers. Done in dictionary style it is easy to access what you want to know about any style of lace.  $49.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Something Old ............

CLASSIC NEEDLEWORK BOOKS

Thousands of books are published every year but many go by the wayside within a year or two.  But there are some books that become "classics". These books stay available for many years.  Needlework books are no different. I keep those books available for needlework lovers  as well as stocking harder-to-find titles, foreign titles, and self-published titles. Below I've listed a number of the "classics" that remain forever popular.  Call us at: 1-800-429-5075 if you can't locate a title you are anxious to get. CODE: RKBD13  On to some classics.

CLASSIC NEEDLEPOINT BOOKS

Christensen, Jo Ippolito - The Needlepoint Book - This is definitely the queen of classics in needlepoint books.  Originally published in 1976, it was revised in 1999 and is still on top!  This is the book to start with and to refer to. Jo includes more that 350 stitches, plus information on materials, designs and project with color illustrations.  She includes how to chose the right project, transferring designs, elements of good design: color, proportion, and balance, left-handed needlepoint, finishing techniques, cleaning needlepoint and much more.  $25.00



Golden Gate Canvas Workers Chapter - A Background Stitch Reference Book - This book has been through eight printings and has stood the test to time very well.  The stitch charts were contributed by chapter members for a study program. The indexing and classification of stitch charts relate exclusively to their use for needlepoint background treatments rather that to focus on stitch structure. Great instructions, information and graphs.  $30.00










Blackburn, The Reverend Robert E. - Father B's 21st Century Book of Stitches - This is the sixth edition of his 1982 stitch book This 6'x8" spiral-bound book with its lovely hunter green cover and gold lettering invites you to open it. It's 350 pages of lovely stitches Father B. included something about the history of each stitch, what it can be used for and graphing of the stitch. Some of the stitches might be familiar but many stitches are original and not available elsewhere, while some are very old stitches that needlepointers have forgotten.  It's time to get newly acquainted with both the new and the forgotten.  $29.95

Baird, Carolyn Hedge - Merry Needlepoint - This needlework teacher, designer, and author presented us this fun book in 2001 and here it still is.  She calls it a fun needlepoint scrapbook thus the merry in the title. She wants us to catch her passion and joy of needlepoint. She covers lots of great stitches( with great graphing, and invites us to learn to include silk ribbon embroidery in our canvases, lettering and more.  All I can say is have fun!  $39.95










Clarke, Gary, Embroidery Illusions - They are called illusions because these easy, elegant designs look intricate- as if they took a lot of time and talent to create. The illustrated instructions cover various needlework styles, including satin stitch,  couching, beading, cross-stitch, stumpwork, and applque. Choose from nurery rhymes, landscapes, still life, sea creatures, and exotic scenes. Special tips show howto mix projects to make your own originals.  $24.95 











Paine, Josephine Ruth - Bargello Stars, Shells, and Borders - Published in 1995, this exciting book remains one of my most requested books. The author is one of the most creative needlepoint artists today. In this book she shares her original techniques for bargello, creating a raised scallop shell and more including the use of stars. In the center of the book are pages of the 50+ projects presented in this book.  $40.00






Willett, Meredith Barnhill & Beth Robertson - Knots Fur & Turkeywork - First published in 2005 it was reprinted a few years ago to the joy of needleworkers.  As the title clearly states, these three types of needlework are clearly examined with wonderful color close-ups and clear black and white graphed diagrams to learn these techniques in short order.  $34.95

Zimmerman, Jane D. - Traditional Silk & Metal Thread Techniques on Canvas - This list of "classics" wouldn't be complete without Jane Zimmerman.  She has a number of needlepoint books available but because of space, I decided to feature this comprehensive manual with over 320 stitch pattern variations that explores all facets of silk and metal thread embroidery of the past suitable for use in present-day canvas work. Instructions for working the two samplers are included. Gorgeous, large graphs of stitches and lots of valuable information.  We do carry her other titles: her two volume set, The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Canvas Work - volume 1 - $44.95 and Volume II - $48.95 and her Camvas Work Bands and Borders - $34.95. 



Brenda Hart is a fabulous teacher, designer, and needlework author. She has a great series of needlepoint books that came out in 1994 and are still constantly requested.  If fact, I just received a new shipment of them..
Favorite Stitches - These two hundred stitches are not only her favorite stitches but countless needlepointers too.  Each stitch comes with tips on placement and or thread suggestions to make them work on any project. She says, "The majority of the stitch patterns diagrammed in this book can be found in a book, on a building, on a floor, or on a wall or anywhere.. Classy diagrams make following a stitch pattern easy.  $39.95
Favorite Stitches Book II - You've probably guessed by now her first book was so well received that a second was called for.  Many of the stitch patterns can be used for background stitching. She suggests turning the stitch patterns upside down, or sideways, or reverse the directions, stitch them larger or smaller or simply: Have fun!   $39.95

Stitches for the Millennium - As Jo Ippolito Christensen writes in the forward, "So as the old saying goes, there is really nothing new under the sun. BUT Brenda has recycled these old geometric patterns into interesting needlepoint stitches . As I used Brenda's two volumes, I became fascinated anew at how minor changes in stitch length and stitch repetition can create new stitches. Most of the stitches are simple but not simplistic. The best things usually are that way."  What better praise can a stitch designer get!   $39.95

Jean Hilton books and patterns are true classics and constantly requested  Unfortunately, Jean passed on a number of years ago but she was so ahead of her time that her beautiful needlework goes on as fresh and original as it always was.  I've included only a few of her book here but we do carry all titles and patterns.  One of her books,  Unique Bargello, is out-of-print but there is hope it will eventually come back in print. 

Needlepoint Stitches - No matter how many great stitch books are published, this book is still at the top of requests. Jean's creative mind took her and her students "errors" and charted them into winning stitch variations. Some of these stitches are fairly complex so she suggests you practice on a doodle canvas first. Her diagrams are wonderful and are numbered for easier following.  $29.95










Stimulating Stitches - This was a follow-up to Needlepoint Stitches, and again, a much requested book. In this book, Jean takes you into her "what if" philosophy" and gives an illustration of this "what if" way of thinking as shown in the Double Fan Doubled motif.  $29.95

 Chapter Patches - She did these nine patches for the American Needlepoint Guild (ANG). Each design was taught as a program for a chapter's monthly meeting. Each patch has a variation from the original design foundation of a diamond within a square so each patch is different. Again, great instructions and diagrams.  $30.00

I wish I could put all her work here But space is limited.  The others are available with a call and all titles will eventually be available on our website: RuthKernBooks.com  Stay tuned. 

P.S. There will be more "classic books" in future blogs.
DON'T FORGET to find the secret code hidden somewhere in this blog and get 20% off the regular retail price on any titles you order.

CLASSIC EMBROIDERY BOOKS

There are a number of embroidery "classics" but I will include only a few today - more later.  All of these books and more will be on my website in the next few months. 

Burr, Trish - Long and Short Stitch Embroidery: A Collection of Flowers - I am an ardent fan not only of her books but her designs. In this book Trish selected beautiful flowers and has interpreted them in her own unique style.  She brings each flower to exquisite life by the use of carefully selected threads and her intuitive use of carefully selected threads and simple stitches.  She includes clear step-by-step instructions and full size templates and lots of great information about technique.  $19.95






Mitrofanis, Effie - Casalguidi Style: Linen Embroidery - First printed in 1996, this wonderful book by a master stitcher has passed the tests of time. Effie gives us an historical background of the style as well as examples of traditional designs and motifs. All the techniques and materials, both traditional and contemporary, required to embroidery and make a treasure trove of delightful articles are described step-by-step along with numerous diagrams and over eighty photos in full color. $34.95

BLACKWORK CLASSICS

For all of you who love blackwork embroidery I have three classic titles to add here:


Perin, Laura J. - Blackwork Patterns - Although printed in 2005, I still have many requests for it.  Why? This is a great reference collection of over 600 stitchery patterns showing one-color, two-color, and three-color variations, intended specifically for blackwork designs.  She divided these patterns into three categories: Blackwork Patterns - Small; Blackwork Patterns - Medium; and Blackwork Patterns -Large.  This book differs from other blackwork pattern books because it takes each pattern and expands its design by adding other thread colors, metallic threads and embellishments such as beads. The graphs are clear and easy to follow so have fun. Perhaps you'll end up creating some of your own patterns.  $40.00







Soular, Marion - Why Call it Blackwork?  This 35 page classic in blackwork embroidery is like taking a course without leaving your stitching area.  Marion is a beloved teacher, designer, and author and this book is sought after by students of embroidery all the time.  Great graphs and information.  $17.00













Zimmerman, Jane D. - The Art of English Blackwork - Jane has taught this for years and this book has been available since 1996.  She loves history (me too!) and gives a wonderful account of this embroidery before she acquaints you with the stitches and designs.  This large, spiral-bound 187 page book is chocked full of patterns.  $39.95

HARDANGER CLASSICS

I've never done hardanger but I do admire it.  When I think of hardanger two classic books in hardanger come immediately to mind:

Altherr, Ilse - Hardanger Embroidery: Traditional and Contemporary - This  well-known embroidery teacher, designer and author includes both beginning and advanced information on this lovely embroidery. I love the very large graphs that are so easy to read and follow and Ilse doesn't skimp on the information and directions either.  No wonder I get orders for her book from around the world.  $29.95












Scoular, Marion - Hardanger - Marion has published a needlework book that takes you through the art of beautiful hardanger.  Only 16 pages in length, this little book has been a classic since 1994 and is always snapped up at a seminar even when she is not teaching.  This is a great place to begin a new needleart.  $8.50

FINISHING CLASSICS

If you are like me you don't relish the finishing part of needlework.  However, we nervous Nellies have two great classics to lead us through the process:

Higgins, Sandy - Sandy's Finishing Touches: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finishing Needlework - Available since 1991 this classic was updated and enlarged a few years ago.   She starts with blocking, goes to Pillows, Other Edge Finishes, Pillow Stuffing and Closures, Christmas Finishing and all other kinds of projects and special effects.  $24.95










Mazu, Patricia M. - Finishing 101: A Workbook of Techniques and Encouragement - Pat's  wonderful book reflects her experience in custom embroidery finishing. Here she covers the creation of what she calls soft goods such as pillows, Christmas Stockings, Tote Bags, Purses, and Ornaments.  Pat includes space so you can include your own notes and ideas and encourages her readers to go on and develop their own techniques as they become more confident and skilled.   $39.95

FOR LEFT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS

The Left-Handed Embroiderer's Companion: A Step-by-step Stitch Dictionary -  by Yvette Stanton came out in 2011 but by the number of requests I've received for this title it is already a classic.There is no other book out there, that I know of, that deals totally with left-handed stitchers.  Yvette makes it easy to learn stitches whether surface stitches, needlepoint and counted thread in a simple step-by-step format that includes how they should look when finished. She nicely includes how different stitches can be used creatively in your embroidery with color, texture and different types of thread.  $28.00

Something New ......

BEADING

Cox, Shelby - Bead Embroidery: The Essential Guide - Another book in the great series from the Royal School of Needlework this time by Shelby Cox.  She presents an expert guide to all aspects of bead embroidery, including information on counted thread beadwork, bead embroidery, beaded surface embroidery, and fringing.  You will find stitches and techniques for every sort of needlework that involves beads. Decorative effects are explored too, making this a fantastic source book and great reference book.  $21.95








Crabe, Genevieve - How To Make a 100 Bead Embroidery Motifs - These motifs are organized by design category including: floral/botanical, abstract, geometric, and symbolic all presented with easy-to-follow photos and stitch diagrams. She also describes types of beads, needles, and beading threads as well as how to secure beads to fabric, including methods for single beads, beads in a row, stacked designs, fringes and more.   $24.99

DeCoster, Marcia - Marica DeCoster's Beads in Motion: 24 Jewelry Projects that Spin, Swing, and Slide - This world famous stitcher has devised great projects that showcase dynamism and movement - from a simple drop that swings from chains to elaborate pieces with intricate components that spin around a core of beads or along a beaded base.  $27.95







DeSousa, Karen - Braiding with Beads 2 - Braiding Solutions on the Kumihimo Disk - Karne tackles new ideas and enhances some old ones. New topics include how to braid with cores to get different effects, how to change color mid-braid, how to use cores to change the shape of the braid, how to solve common design problems, what to do when the beads you want to use have holdes that are too small for the desired fiber or the beads are too big for the disk. And tons more! I may have to return to kumihimo, $21.95










Nozue, Sanoko - Japanese Beadwork with Sozue - This book is like taking a fun class with a great bead artist but instead of one project she includes 25. In her first English book she highlights her signature melding of Japanese style with modern dramatic flair. $27.95











Sweet-McNamara, Amee K. - Soutache & Bead Embroidery - Amee introduces us to an old material in a new way, where they can practice new embroidery skills, and create gorgeous, unique pieces of jewelry. Her  secret ingredient is soutache, a type of colorful cord that she winds, binds, and stitches into place. The first section teaches readers how to incorporate these techniques into beautiful soutache projects. With photos and illustrations taking the reader every step of the way.  $22.99

EMBROIDERY

Causee, Linda - Embroidery Stitch Guide - This guide contains clear instructions and step-by-step diagrams for 58 beautiful embroidery stitches for beginners or as a refresher course. It begins with a general explanation of the supplies and gives tips for stitching and finishing your projects. Each stitch is shown individually in a full-color photo accompanied by how-to illustrations. $9.99









Clouston, Jennifer - Foolproof Crazy Quilting: Visual Guide 25 Stitch Maps 100+ Embroidery & Embellishment Stitches - This maybe quilting BUT embroidery stitches are the stars. This gorgeously illustrated primer shows you how to make your own heirloom crazy quilts. Learn which fabrics, threads, and needles to use: how to piece crazy quilt blocks, how to embroider with thread, ribbons, beads, and other embellishments, and she includes complete instructions for over 100 embroidery, beading and embellishment stitches.  There are full-sized patterns for 9 hexagonal crazy quilt blocks; and 25 stitch keys showing proper stitch placement and thread and needle selection for 25 different blocks.  $27.95




Kettie, Alice - Hand Stitch, Perspective - This has been called an essential read and reference for any textile student, practicing embroiderer, designer and artist.  Each chapter is written by an established maker, embroiderer, artist or academic, and discusses hand stitch from a different perspective. Wonderful illustrations of artistic hand stitch, both contemporary and historical, demonstrate this diverse and intimate craft in detail. (CODE: RKBD13.The contributors draw upon important collections including the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester, and the rich archive held by Manchester School of Art in this extensively researched and beautifully presented volume.  $55.00


Maillard, Veronique - Ouvrages de Dames: 300 Grilles De Point De Croix - This book is in French but who needs a book of gorgeous lettering in English when the letters are really self-explanatory especially when each letter is graphed. I think this is the most beautiful book on letters to ever be printed.  $55.00















Shaw, Mandy - Celebrate With A Stitch - Over 20 stylish projects featuring her unique motifs for births, birthdays, weddings, Christmas and other celebrations. Features bunting and pennant designs that can be  adapted to suit any occasion. Perfect for all abilities, with clear step-b7y-step instructions and stitch diagrams for both right and left-handers.  $22.99

THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR A MYSTERY!

Aames, Avery - To Brie or Not to Brie - Charlotte Bessette owner of the Fromagerie Bessette known to locals as The Cheese Shop has a lot on her plate setting a date for marriage, feeding the actors in her grandmother's production of Hamelet, and planning the menu for her best friend and cousin's upcoming wedding. At least her new creation - the delicious Brie Blueberry ice cream has turned out perfectly. But four days before the wedding a stranger is found dead in Igloo Ice Cream Parlor's freezer with his head bashed in  with a container of Charlotte's ice cream. The stranger is more than he seems and his death threatens to unravel all that Charlotte has worked for. $7.99








Byerrum, Ellen -Veiled Revenge - Washington D.C. Fashion reporter Lacey Smithsonian has always believed clothes can be magical  but she's never thought they can be cursed until now. Lacey's best friend, Stella, is finally getting married and at her bachelorette party, fellow bridesmaid - and fortune-teller - Marie Lrgesse arrives with a stunning Russian shawl. A shawl, Marie warns, that can either bless or curse the wearer. When a party crasher who mocks the shawl is found dead the next day, the other guests fear the curse has been unleashed. But Lacey has her doubts, and she must employ all her exra-fashion-perception to capture a villian who has vowed that nodbody at this wedding will live happily ever after.  $7.99










Connelly, Sheila - Monument to the Dead  - The author of the best-selling Buried in a Bog, brings us a new Museum Mystery. As president of the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society, Nell Pratt relies on the generosity of philanthropists. But when someone starts killing benefactors, it's Nell turn to come to the aid of those being murdered. But why are these elderly benefactors being killed? She is determined to find out before anyone else becomes a victim.  $7.99






Craig, Elizabeth - Knot What It Seems - Dwindling membership in the Village Quilters is hanging by a thread and group leader, Meadow Downey is desperate to recruit some new blood. With Beatrice Coleman's blessing (she's a retired folk art curator) Meadow tries to get quilt show judge, Jo Paxton, into their group.  Jo is a nosy town mail carrier and knows everyone's business and does deliver trouble wherever she goes - did Meadow make a mistake in asking her to join?  When a car accident sends Jo to meet her maker, it is discovered someone tampered with her brakes so Meadow begins to believe someone is out to eradicate the group.  $7.99








Hamilton, Victorian - Bowled Over - Vintage kitchenware and cookbook collector, Jaymie Leighton has been estranged from her high school best friend Kathy Cooper since they were teenagers, but she never knew what turned Kathy against her. After fireworks at a fourth of July picnic, Jaymie discovers the body of her friend in the park. On the ground nearby is Jaymie's own Depression-era glass bowl broken in two. Because of their tainted past, Jaymie finds herself in the center of a murder as a suspect.  $7.99









Howell, Dorothy - Clutches and Curses- Life is looking good for amateur/professional/ fashionista Haley Randolph. She's even close to getting her hands on the Delicious, the season's hottest purse - until she's hit with a curse - from an irate customer at Holt's Department Store. When things go really wrong she transfers to the new store near Las Vegas - and promptly finds the body of Courtney Collins, an old classmate, sprawled across the floor of the mensware department. Now Haley is suspect number #1.  $7.99









Madison, Ada - A Function of Murder - This is the fourth title in her Professor Sophie Knowles mysteries.  Dr. Knowles is a math professor with a knack for creating complex puzzles that delight her students. At a math department graduation party Sophie hear heated arguments coming from the graduates about Mayor Graves and later on a walk with a date finds the mayor with a knife in his back.  $7.99   The other titles in this academic mystery series are:  The Square Root of Murder, The Probability of Murder, and a Function of Murder.  Each 7.99.



 












McKinley, Jenn - Cloche and Dagger - This is the first in a new Hat Shop Mystery Series by a New York Times bestselling author.  Not only is Scarlett Parkee's love life in the loo - as her British cousin, Vivian Trement, would say - it has also gone viral.  Scarlett hops a plane to lay low at her cousin's in London and perhaps join forces in her ladies hat shop. Of course nothing is as simple as it seems. Viv seems to be missing.   $7.99

Mayes, Casey - A Gridf for Murder - Savannah Sotone make her livng creating puzzles for logic lovers. But when a novice puzzle maker's number is up, Savannah has to fill in the blanks to solve a murder.  Will the police consider puzzle envy a stone enough motive and think she decided to eliminate the competition? It's time for Savannah to sort thrugh Joanne's long list of enemies to find out who was bitter enough to poison the prospective puzzle makers.  $7.99

There will be more mysteries in December with an introduction to a mystery author.

Until then  Happy Holidays and a Great New Year!!

To Order:  Call us at 1-800-429-5075 or E-Mail at rkernbooks3@gmail.com or mail us the order to: Ruth Kern Books  P.O. Box 35366   Phoenix, AZ 85069. 

NEEDLE NEWS AND BOOK REVIEWS - November 2013

Welcome Back - November 5th 2013

            "The bookshop has a thousand books,  all color, hues, and tinges.

              And every cover is a door that turns on magic hinges."

                          - Nancy Byrd Turner -  (from the Bookshop)

Grab a cup of tea and some goodies and get comfortable for our journey into the world of needlework books and other areas.  Many years ago I discovered that needleworkers are avid readers and love historical novels, mysteries, children's books and more.  When it comes to books I'm very eclectic in my choices and devour books on many subjects.  I will include the books that I discovered thanks to staff, customers and myself to be too good to pass up.  If you have any favorites please let us know.  I love to include your favorite books. Give me a call at 1-800-429-5075 or e-mail me at: rkernbooks3@gmail.com. 

If you want to order a title call us at the above 800 number, e-mail us or feel free to send your order by mail at: Ruth Kern Books  P.O. Box 35366  Phoenix, AZ 85069.

DON'T FORGET TO LOOK FOR THE SECRET CODE THAT GETS YOU A 20% DISCOUNT.  JUST REVEAL THE CODE WHEN YOU ORDER. EACH MONTH WILL CONTAIN A DIFFERENT CODE. THIS CODE MAY BE USED UNTIL THE NEXT MONTH'S CODE IS ISSUED. ANY BOOK YOU WANT TO ORDER INCLUDING ANY NOT ON THIS BLOG WILL BE DISCOUNTED AS WELL. 

NEW BOOKS FOR BOOK LOVING NEEDLEWORKERS

BEADWORK

Eakin, Jamie Cloud - Bead Embroidery Jewelry Projects - We are lucky to get the instructions for this jewelry created by a beadworking superstar. She explains the fundamentals of beautiful design, from picking the beads to choosing a palette. Through 30 gorgeous step-by-step projects especially chosen to show principles of  construction, Jamie lays out the secrets of creating fringe, multi-strand, shaped, and other forms of beadwork. Her goal: to help beaders create their own jewelry built around unique focal pieces. She makes me want to get my own beads going.  Time!  I need a gift of more time!   $27.95 

Fitzgerald, Diane - Shaped Beadwork & Beyond: Dimensional Jewelry in Peyote Stitch - Here is another beading superstar. I've met Diane and was fortunate enough to handle her gorgeous beadwork.  I learned about her travels to South Africa to study Zulu and Xhosa beadwork, the Czech Republic, Germany and other countries to learn about the glass bead industry.  She has published 12 books and teaches across the United States and internationally.  Her new book builds on Diane's earlier book, Diane Fitzgerald's Shaped Beadwork and includes 40 stunning projects. In each chapter Diane explores a different shape - from starry necklaces and heart pins to a Pirate Eyes bracelet and she goes in exciting new directions with beautiful complex designs that play with patterns, crystals, and more.   $27.95 

CHILDREN and KIDS OF ALL AGES

Foster, Bruce, paper engineer - America's National Park - Pop-up Book - Enjoy our gorgeous national parks in spectacular three-dimensional scenes. This coast-to-coast journey features 18 of our most popular parks, six as stunning pop-ups - Everglades, Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier and Yosemite national parks by a master paper engineer. All pop-ups are done in the style of WPA posters by award-winning illustrator Dave Ember and dedicated the men and women of the National Park Service who protect these special places for future generations.  $34.95  

                                                   Grand Canyon Pop-up

Westing, Jemma, paper engineer/designer - Optical Illusions Pop-Up - This book is an astonishing pop-up of more than 50 mind-bending illusions that fool your brain into seeing what's not there with dazzling and colorful illustrations that will amaze you.  just lift the tab and turn the disks to learn the truth behind the illusions and discover how they work. You can even create your own pop-up illusion with a spectacular 3-D sculpture that changes from every angle.  $19.99  

Matheson, Christie - Tap the Magic Tree - This is a delightful, innovative picture book about the changing seasons and the magic and true interactivity of turning a page. The author invites the reader to tap, rub, touch, and wiggle illustrations to make an apple tree bloom, produce fruit, and lose its leaves.  Full color.  40 pages. $15.99

Children never get tired of alphabet books, in fact, I've discovered they are a favorite of the younger set.  With the holidays coming I thought I'd include some snazzy alphabets for kiddies and cat lovers of all ages.

Gallerani, Gabriella - Alpha Cat - Alpha cats are an elite breed they are cats with a pedigree (well most of them) and painted by scientific illustrator Gabriella Gallerari to be are honored in alphabetical order of breed.  Each great cat owns his (or her) own letter - around which to climb, hide, stretch, play, yawn or simply show off. Thus A is for Angora, B is for Bengal, C for Ceylon and so on. But Alpha cats are also the cats that have made history - literature, movies, cartoon, music, and gave happiness of writer's, scientists, kings and politicians.  $24.95 

Sobel, June - B is for Bulldozer: A Construction ABC - Nice to see an alphabet book that will hold the attention of little boys (girls welcome too!). This is an exhilarating alphabet board book for ages 1 -3. It is filled with trucks, bulldozers, forklifts and even a roller coaster!  $7.99

Ehlert, Lois - Eating the Alphabet - One of the author's best-loved books is now available in a sturdy, easy-to-hold paper edition for readers from kindergarten through Grade 2.  From the everyday apple to the exotic xiqua, colorful collages of fruits and vegetables delight the kiddies as they learn their ABC's/ The book is in full-color.  $6.95

Johnson, Stephen, T. - Alphabet City - This is an old favorite of mine first printed in 1999.  That early date tells us this book has become a favorite of many others.  I was first introduced to it by Caela Tyler, a great needlework teacher with a great imagination.  This author proposes a new look at the urban landscape, pointing out how letters appear in a variety of places from interstates to a simple sawhorse at a construction site. This is a Caldecott Honor book.  $6.99

EMBROIDERY/NEEDLEPOINT/CROSS STITCH

Hoskins, Nancy Arthur - Universal Stitches for Weaving, Embroidery, And Other Fiber Arts - This interesting book is a text for either beginning or advanced fiber artists that teaches how five basic stitches, plus 195 of their variations and combinations work upon warp and fabric in functional and decorative ways. Part I: Identifies the five universal stitches and provides detailed diagrams and learning projects to mastering each. Part Two presents inspirational weaving, embroidery, and needlelace pieces for adventurous fiber artists who dare to mix techniques, and also presents ideas for combined stitch techniques, driven by ancient fabrics from Egypt, China and Peru. Part Three: focuses on how the five universal stitches can be applied to master interlacing, wrapping, looping, chaining, and knotting stitches with ease taught by this master fiber artist. She introduces an integrated method of learning stitches with a unique visual diagramming system that greatly simplifies the process of learning all 200 stitches for use in loom weaving, tapestry, and openwork, or as edges, joins, and fringes.  Nearly 100 full-color designs and samples.  $24.99 

Witney Antiques - Historic Samplers: What's in a Name? People & Places - I look forward to Witney's catalogs every year.  This year their catalog explores the forgotten details of the daily lives of the sampler makers hundreds of years ago.  As this catalog says in the forward, "who would suspect looking Eliza Manley's sampler that her father was Portland, Massachusetts first bank robber?"  Lots fascinating stories like this one.  Open this full-colored book and disappear into the lives of young sampler makers from all levels of society.  $32.00  

Chronicle Books - Stitch Encyclopedia: Embroidery - This is one volume in a number of stitch encyclopedias that Chronicle is releasing for various types of needlework. This book about embroidery stitches presents the fundamental stitches for needlecraft in simple, easy-to-follow color illustrations.  This encyclopedic, dip-in, dip-out approach is well-suited for beginners looking to build a foundation of stitch techniques as well as seasoned stitchers. $35.00 

Morimoto, Sachiko - Stumpwork Flowers - The author offers a modern prospective on the floral motifs that have been a stumpwork mainstay for centuries. It features 19 floral motifs and eight projects, the simplistic designs show off the author's mastery of this craft. ( Code:N13DLK)  The introductory section not only showcases the artistry of her stumpwork but includes step-by-step photos and illustrations of all the techniques used making this book suitable for embroiderers of all abilities.  Sachiko encourages us to take up stumpwork and the neat contemporary designs will draw readers in. Simplicity has a wonderful beauty of its own.  $24.95 

National Academy of Needlearts - A Needleart Judge's Reference - NAN took on this much needed project of judging needlework properly.  But it isn't only for judges - just think what you can learn to improve your own stitching.  The list of contributors (teachers & designers) is impressive.  All the material is presented in a readable and easy-to-use format from non-technique considerations:  such as color, design, matting, ethics through techniques, other skills and considerations such as writing a critique, artist statement, organizing a show and more.  This book has been well-received by needleworkers.  $29.95 

Vatsyayan, Kapila - Embroidery in Asia: Sui Dhaga: Crossing Boundries through Needle and Thread - It was hard to decide whether this belonged in Embroidery or History - actually both fit.  This volume compromises some of the essays  presented at one of the HC-Asia Project seminars by participants from Palestine, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India. Attention was drawn to the role of women who have demonstrated a high degree of creativity in needlework. Through the humble and ordinary needle and thread, they established many bridges of communication between and amongst cultures.  $49.95

History

Cooper, Tarnya, Ian W. Archer, Lena Cowen Orlin - Elizabeth I & Her People - The reign of Queen Elizabeth I spanned over 40 years, and was a time of economic stability with outstanding successes in the fields of maritime exploration and defending the country. This book explores the stories of those individuals whose achievements brought about those changes. It features many remarkable portraits of the queen and her courtiers, including sea captains and explorers.  $45.00 

Marshall, Rosalind - Mary Queen of Scots - Imprisoned in castles for 18 years, executed by her cousin, England's Elizabeth I, the story of Mary Queen of Scots (1542-1587) is the stuff of legend. With an innovative approach, the books uses jewels, textiles, furniture, documents and portraits to gain insights into Mary Stuart the sovereign and woman, and of this period in history. Drawn together are surviving relics intimately connected with Mary and wider Renaissance material from public and private collections.  $15.95 

Mortimer, Ian - The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century - Looking at the past as a foreign country, this guidebook allows readers to experience the Middle Ages as never before.  $26.00   He also did the same in another volume for Elizabethan England.  $27.95

MYSTERY CORNER

Thanks to Edgar Allen Poe mysteries became popular. I don't think he lived long enough to enjoy the genre he created.  Today mysteries are one of the most popular type of fiction reading.  Years ago I started taking paperback mysteries to the ANG and EGA seminars for the bookstore.  This was so successful mysteries always are boxed with the needlework books and claim their own personal section.  Monica Ferris embroidery mysteries gave me the idea so I will start with her latest title.

Ferris, Monica - And Then You Dye - Betsy Devonshire, full-time owner of the Crewel World Needlework Shop and part-time sleuth, has hooked more than a few crooks in her USA Today bestselling Needlecraft Mysteries. Now Betsy learns the hard way that a murder is still a murder, any way it is presented.  We carry all her titles. $7.99

By the way, Monica is a wonderful guest speaker and is so funny when I had the pleasure of hearing her speak, I had tears of laughter in my eyes and a "stitch" in my side.

Hechtman, Betty - Yarn to Go: A Yarn Retreat Mystery - Dessert chef Casey Feldstein doesn't have a knitting needle from a crochet hook. But after her aunt dies unexpectedly, leaving Casey to run her yarn retreat business, the sweets baker finds herself rising to the occasion- and trying to unravel a murder mystery.  Book includes a knitting pattern and a recipe.  $7.99  We carry all her other titles as well. 

  

Logan, Kyle - Buttoned Up ( Button Box Mystery #4) - For Josie Giancola, owner of the Button Box shop, every button is a tiny work of art with its own story to tell - a story that just might end in murder. In this mystery, artist Forbis Parmenter has invited Josie to the opening of his latest exhibit of voodoo-inspired works. He plans to make a show of completing the centerpiece - a button encrusted statue - when Josie arrives with the final button. But at the big moment, Fobis bolts out of the gallery in panic.  Is it another of his publicity stunts, or is something more sinister afoot?  Josie gets her answer when the eccentric artist is found dead in the arms of a statue with his lips sealed with buttons.  $7.99 

OUR BOOK CORNER

This "corner" is for anybody who would like to share a favorite book.  This month I have reviewed The Printmaker's Daughter.  I found myself reading this historical novel set in 19th century Edo (Tokyo today) after several book friends praised it to the sky. At the time I heard about it I was reading Mr Timothy by Louis Bayard, (one of next month's reviews), the latest Oscar Wilde mystery (delicious) and The Crown, all based in either Victorian England or the reign of Henry the VIII.  I was on a roll with historical England and not thinking about historical Japan at all but I ordered myself a copy of The Printmaker's Daughter curious to see what all the hoorahs were about.  My mind being set in another place and time I had nearly convinced myself this wouldn't be my cup of tea.  As soon as it arrived I opened it to a very short Chapter I then flipped to Chapter II - Edo 1800. Before I finished that chapter I was hooked  which moved me to turn in a new reading direction and go against my current reading loves.

With Chapter II read I turned to the afterward in the back of the book to learn more about this wonderful writer and her piece, "Who was the printmaker's daughter?" My historical loving brain was captivated  by Katherine Govier's story of her research into the main characters of Hokusai, the great Japanese artist and his dutiful daughter, Oei, a gifted artist in her own right who was robbed of her place in the art world by her eccentric, autocratic father.  We must remember that in 19th century Edo no woman dared to go against a father or husband's wishes. Pleasing a man was a woman's role in life. A wealthy woman who displeased her husband could be banished to serve as a courtesan in a bordello for years.  It was a time of Shogunate rule, rulers who decided what books could be still printed and what art was acceptable.  Hokusai turned a deaf ear to many of these edicts and went his own way.  I loved the father and daughter visits to the Pleasure district and meeting poets, publishers, artists, and the women of the bordellos at this late 18th - early 19th century in Edo. 

Under Katherine Govier's skillful hand Oei and her times come to life with confident understanding of the culture and insight into a daughter's lowly place in the home even if she is her father's favorite.  We, in modern day America think we create ourselves when this book reminded me how we are still very much shaped by the times we were born into and where we were born, what level of society we are raised in and what family expects of us.  In Oei's case, an extremely difficult world for a female. 

This wonderful Canadian author has been rightly- rewarded by her country for this fine work of fiction. She is the winner of the Toronto Book Award, Canada's Marian Engel Award and has received the singing praises of a multitude of critics. Publisher's Weekly called her work, "brilliant, lyrical, absorbing and intense."  As for me her writing style including dialog never let me forget where I was - no false notes in the this novel that spoil the story.

Interestingly, I was writing about the Art Needlepoint Company when I discovered on their website they feature canvases of famous artists including Hokusai's famous "Waves"   I've included several prints I found on sites known to be by Oei. Today with the fancy technology available prints signed by Hokusai (he signed most everything that left his studio - his or not) are now being analyzed for brush strokes, theme, and color. More art historians have become convinced a number of prints done by Hokusai in his 80's are probably Oei's work.

                                                  Known Oei work

                                               By both Hokusai & Oei

Because of this wonderfully researched and fascinating story of two great Japanese artists I was able to appreciate Japanese art even more.  This book is available in paper for $14.99.

PUTTING FINE ART INTO NEEDLEPOINT

Doreen Finkel and I became acquainted by pbone when she called me about a new book for needlepointers she co-authored with Janet Perry,  Japanese Woodblocks.  What timing!  I was reading The Printmaker's Daughter and was becoming fascinated with Japanese art. Now I had an opportunity to enjoy this fine art in needlepoint.  Serendipity is definitely alive and well!  The more we spoke the more I realized we had a similar philosophy in business. I believe books are inspiration in print and picture form and Doreen believes inspiration lives in canvas and thread and great art. Whatever form inspiration takes it is the lifeblood of anyone in the arts whether needlepoint, literature, music, art.  I am convinced these arts are forever entwined.  If I hadn't become educated about Japanese Art through my reading I would have never fully appreciated their Japanese Woodblocks book available from us at $39.95

As Doreen herself told me, "Art Needlepoint Company was founded on the simple idea that art, like good design, should be available to everyone.  Our canvases represent a large variety of artists from nearly all centuries and genres. We like to think of the art of needlepoint as the ability to create maximum effect from a minimum of materials. With so much art work available across time, there is at least one if not dozens of works of art for every taste and every skill level. With a myriad of thread and stitch choices, stitchers can unleash their creativity to make each canvas their own."   

A second book is now available as well: How to Stitch Beginner Landscapes Realistically - $39.95.  What I love is there will eventually be a book for each category of canvases on their website so whatever type of art you delight in, you are sure to find an artist or painting to your taste.  How to choose? Doreen advises, "Pick whatever you are in the mood to do. Make sure you aim for getting emotionally involved.  Learn to trust your choices - go with what's in your heart - be creative in color and thread choices.  This is not about perfection - this is going on a creative journey called needlepoint. "   

Hokusai Landscape

We needlepointers are lucky. Two more books are on the horizon  around January - February of 2014 - In Bloom and  the second called, Animals. More   good news: Doreen and Janet are partnering with Rosalyn Cherry Soleil on a book about her journey in needlepoint as well as two international teachers.  Stay tuned for updates on future blogs.

Now, it's time to get another cup of tea and peruse The Art Needlepoint Company website at: www.artneedlepoint.com.   It is a sheer delight.  With all the artists they have available on canvas I am now ordering in books about them.   A WORD OF WARNING: You will get hooked!