NOTICE: OCTOBER BLOG WILL BE PUBLISHED ON OCTOBER 10TH - I got last minute news and decided to add it. Thanks for being patient. Ruth
SEPTEMBER BLOG
Come on in! Hope you brought a cup of tea and something good to munch on while you peruse this blog. You are always welcome here morning, noon or night. If this is your first time visiting make sure you click on some of the earlier blogs too. Hope you find some inspiration. Don't forget any ordered book is 20% off. Just locate the discount code in this blog and call in an order at: 1-800-429-5075. You can use that code for earlier blogs or our website or any book you'd like to order. Look forward to hearing from you. I always have time for my book friends.
What do you pick to fill your time?
In business you immediately reply: "Whatever is a priority." And that of course can vary. I've found that true in my personal life as well. But if you sit and think about it (I call that time with my cup of tea and music my "thinking time".) you might discover, like I did, you've blown slightly off course. I always have my clip board and paper with me so I can put my thoughts on paper. Like waking up in the middle of the night with a great idea you can't remember in the morning, I know better than to believe I will remember what I was visualizing during my quiet times. I scribble it all down. No machine in-between me and my thoughts. Sometimes I laugh at what I wrote and other times I'm pleasantly surprised by an important insight. My thinking time is a priority for me. But "doing" time is even more important. To get myself "doing" I am addicting to reading articles and books about "doing" people. I love to discover what motivates them. This is why organizations like the EGA and ANG work. The meetings and seminars inspire people with a similar passion.
One evening while browsing through our local newspaper I discovered an article about Cindy Burke, a very determined woman, who has set a priority in her life doing what she loves to do - make quilts - and donating these beautiful covers to the 150 men who serve with her stepson in the Middle East. Already She has sent over 100 quilts overseas and is still going strong despite her machine giving out twice. Cindy is a woman who has made her love of sewing and her appreciation of the troops her priority.
Is stitching time a priority for you? If not, why not? And when will it ever be? Time is ticking away for all of us. I hate the word regret. I've had the honor of being a hospice volunteer and I'm sorry to say, I heard that word too many times. I decided then and there I didn't want that word associated with my life and I'm sure you don't either. What I've done is to use the word regret ahead of time. In other words, "Would I regret not finishing my book? Or you could say, "Would I regret not making time to do my stitching?" Time is as slippery as an eel. We can't hold on to it so let's deal with it wisely. If we take charge of what is a priority to us we are at least taming the beast.
Is it a Crewel World Or is it a Jacobean One? I'm confused!
This thought came to me when I looked at the titles of Hazel Blomkamp's two books listed below. She used both crewel and Jacobean in her titles. Since she has over two decades of designing and teaching Jacobean embroidery I will go with her on her description, "that crewel embroidery has been around for at least 1000 years. Jacobean is used for the form of crewel that developed and flourished in England during the reign of King James I in the early 17th century. Today this style of embroidery is easily recognizable and characterized by its use of exotic plant and animal shapes." Jacqui McDonald, in her book, Essential Stitch Guides: Crewelwork, calls Jacobean embroidery, Jacobean Crewelwork. So both are crewel embroidery but Jacobean Crewel is the style of crewel developed during that 17th century time period. To get the real feel of the differences in style I spent time studying them both in the books I listed below.
Hazel focuses on Jacobean Crewel in both her books where she
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| Hazel Blomkamp |
shares her abundant knowledge with us. Hazel is from South Africa and is well-known for her gorgeous embroidery there and abroad. Other great designers and teachers, like Trish Burr, revere her beautiful and innovative crewel embroidery especially her wonderfully sublime color schemes. She is mostly self-taught and like many of us began her interest in embroidery from her maternal grandmother.
Hazel not only embroiders but is a beadworker, columnist, author, and has a wonderful website: www.hazelblomkamp.co.za. She works from home and dedicates her time to her needlework passion which leaves her little time for her home or garden. I think she's made a great choice for her time here on earth. As Joan Rivers so famously said, Cooking? Cleaning? Phooey!
Please enjoy the list of crewel embroidery books below:
Blomkamp, Hazel - Crewel Twists: Fresh Ideas for Jacobean Embroidery - Whether you refer to it as crewel or Jacobean, this free-form of surface embroidery has been around for centuries and
is still popular amongst needle artists today. Because of the nature of the fanciful objects and the tradition of using a large variety of stitches in one project, this embroidery lends itself to endless creative expression. The author uses a wide selection of materials to update techniques and inspire embroiderers to explore while working loosely within the confines of crewel work styles. The original designs included projects including beads and metal threads to add sparkle and texture to your work; monochrome embroidery making use of a variety of threads and beads, all within the same colour range; techniques employed in needle-made laces with designs defined by means of texture; more traditional embroidery including shading and satin stitch and the many variations of trellis couching to provide texture and interest. $29.95
(Discount code: MRSEPT)
Blomkamp, Hazel - Crewel Intentions: Fresh Ideas for Jacobean Embroidery - Keeping to the theme started in Crewel Twists, this book continues the concept of using non-traditional thechinques and materials in crewel or Jacobean embroidery. It showcases four large projects, each with an accompanying small project similar in technique, and shows needle workers how to creative with threads, alternative stitches and beads. Traditional techniques are explained but are extended with the use of bead embroidery techniques are incorporated, and the book also explores weaving techniques used to create textures like twill and lace weaves, as well as patterns similar to tartan and houndstooth check. Every project is clearly explained with step-by-step instructions and lots of photos, and the completed embroideries are once again displayed in ways that are both decorative and functional in the home. Templates of the original designs complete this great source for creative embroidery. $29.95
Other books
Bradbury, Frances M. - English Crewel Designs - This book features patterns filled with swirling stems, leaves, flowers, and birds traditionally found in English textiles. $7.95
Burr, Trish - Crewel and Surface Embroidery: Inspirational Floral Designs - This fusion of crewel and surface embroidery has step-by-step instructions for 17 achievable projects that use the minimum of stitches to create the maximum effect., The blending of wool, silk and cotton will guide the beginner and inspire the experienced stitcher. $24.95
Country Bumpkin - A-Z of Crewel Embroidery - This is a great resource for beginning and experienced needleworkers that includes over 500 step-by-step photos and fabulous designs from the world's best embroiderers. Everything you need to know abut crewel embroidery. $39.95
Fitzwilliam, Ada Wentworth - Jacobean Embroidery - This older book originally written in 1912 explains Jacobean embroidery by an expert in the field. Black and white illustrations. $19.95.
McDonald, Jacqui - Crewelwork: Essential Stitch Guide - These "essential stitch guides" are wonderful in their color format and great directions. Afterall, these books are under the auspices of the Royal School of Needlework. The author shows you how to work basic and more complex stitches using detailed instructions and showcases beautiful examples of both traditional and contemporary embroideries. $21.95
Rainbow, Jane - Beginner's Guide to Crewel Embroidery - Starting with just four of these stitches, this guide clearly demonstates, with detailed step-by-step photos, how to work up a complete project. Instructions follow on showing how to stretch and mount your first embroidery. Using further projects she helps you build up skills, introducing new stitches in each section. Line drawings accompany each design and are used as a guide for the stitches. The designs and colors used are traditional - reminiscent of the embroidery worked during the Tudor period. $17.95
MYSTERY CORNER
Aarons, Kathy - Death is Like a Box of Chocolates - A chocolate Covered Mystery - First in a new series. Michelle Serrano and Erica Russell celebrate their combined bookstore and chocolate shop in West Riverdale, Maryland, with a fudge cook-off. But success turns bittersweet after a photographer is found dead in their store. Now Michelle must pick through an assortment of suspects. Includes chocolate-making recipes. Yum! $7.99
Abbott, Victoria - The Wolfe Widow - A Book Collector Mystery - As Thanksgiving approaches, Jordan Bingham is grateful for her job researching rare books for Vera Van Alst, the infamous curmudgeon of Harrison Falls, New York. But when an uninvited guest makes an appearance, much more than dinner is disrupted - and Jordan is thankful just to be alive. $7.99
Albert, Susan Wittig - The Darling Dahlias and the Texas Star - Bestselling author Albert returns to Darling, Alabama, in the 1930's where the ladies of the Darling Dahlias garden club welcome famous female aviatrix Lily Dare to the annual Watermelon Festival. Unfortunately, Lily brings a whole lot of trouble when someone sabotages her plane and threatens her life. Includes Southern-style Depression- Era recipes. $7.99
Belle, Josie - Marked Down for Murder: A Good Buy Girls Mystery - Maggie Gerber puts Valentine Day love and President's Day sales on the back burner to save her nemesis Summer from being framed for murder - with the help from her friends, the Good Buy Girls. Includes tips on bargain hunting and shopping. $7.99
Brown, Rita Mae - The Litter of the Law: A Mrs Murphy Mystery - Halloween arrives early this year to rural central Virginia, when a twisted killer will stop at nothing to protect a multimillion-dollar scheme in the 21st installment of this beloved bestselling series. $7.99
Cantrell, Janet - Fat Cat at Large - A Fat Cat Mystery - When she's not dreaming up irresistible dessert bars for her Minneapolis eatery, Bar None, Charity "Chase" Oliver is running after her cat, Quincy - a tubby tabby with a gift for sniffing out edibles. But what happens when this cat burglar leads Chase to the scene of a murder: First in a new series includes recipes. $7.99
Carlisle, Kate - A Cookbook Conspiracy: A Bibilophile Mystery - It's a recipe for disaster when bookbinder Brooklyn Wainwright is asked to restore an antique cookbook for Baxter Cromwell, her sister Savannah's ex. On the opening night of his new San Francisco restaurant., Baxter is found dead, the cookbook has disappeared, and Savannah becomes the suspect du jour. $7.99
Coco, Nancy - To Fudge or Not to Fudge - A Candy-Coated Mystery with Recipes - In this second installment of Coco's series life is sweet for Allie McMurphy, proud owner of Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop on Michigan's Mackinac Island - until murder and deception leaves a bitter taste. Includes recipes. $7.99
Genova, Rosie - The Wedding Soup Murder - An Ilatlian Kitchen Mystery - Victoria Rienzi's family restaurant is hired to cater a wedding at the Jersey Shore's exclusive Belmont Country Club. The event goes off without a hitch - until the body of the club's president is found on the beach. Now Vic must act fast to find the murderer. Includes recipes. $7.99
Haines, Carolyn - Smarty Bones: A Sarah Booth Delaney Murder - A Professor arrives in Zinnia, Mississippi to study a myserious unidentified corpse that has been preserved for years. After the professor claims she can identify the dead the dead woman and reveal her role in a national scandal, the society ladies of Zinnia call on P.I. Sarah Booth Delany to handle things. $7.99
Hart, Carolyn - Dead, White, and Blue - When the notoriously flirtatious Shell Hurst disappears during the Fourth of July fireworks display, Annie Darling and her husband Max are soon following a twisted trail, marked by blackmail, betrayal, and adultery in this beloved series. $7.99
Hughes, Mary Ellen - The Pickled Piper: A Pickled and Preserved Mystery - First in a new series, Piper Lamb achieves her dream of opening her own shop of pickles and preserves, called Piper's Picklings, in the idyllic small town of Cloverdale. But things soon turn sour as she encounters a barrelful of trouble - including murder. Includes recipes. $7.99
Kennedy, Mary - Nightmares Can Be Murder: A Dream Cloud Mystery - Taylor Blake returns to Savannah, Georgia, to help her sister Allison run a candy store. Allison belongs to the Friday Night Dream Club, where members share and analyze their dreams. After a local dance instructor whom Allison had dated is found dead, the murder scene resembles one of the dreams shared at the meeting - and Allison becomes the prime suspect. $7.99
McKinleay, Jenn - Death of a Mad Hatter: A Hat Shop Mystery - Scarlett Parker and her cousin, Vivian Tremont, owners of a ladies' hat shop in London, are hired by the Grisby family to create hats for an Alice in Wonderland- themed funraiser for a children's hospital,. But when the Grisby heir is poisoned, the ladies are suspected. $7.99
Parra, Nancy J. - Murder Gone A-Rye: A Baker's Treat Mystery - Toni Holmes is the best gluten-free baker in Oiltop, Kansas - well, she's the only one. But when her grandmother becomes a murder suspect, she's more concerned with keeping Grandma free in this follow-up to Gluten for Punishment. It includes gluten-free recipes. $7.99
Price, Cate - A Dollhouse to Die for - A Deadly Notions Mystery - Daisy Buchanan thinks of her shop, Sometimes a Great Notion, as a haven of vintage sewing notions and other treasures. But after an antique dollhouse provokes some bizarre behavior in a customer, Daisy makes it her business to find out what secrets it holds. $7.99
Ross, Barbara - Boiled Over: A Maine Clambake Mystery - For Julia Snowden, the Founder's Day celebration in Busman's Harbor means helping her family's clambake company to prepare an authentic taste of New England seafood. However, a killer adds murder to the menu, making the Snowdens' business appear fishy. $7.99
Swanson, Denise - Murder of a Needled Knitter - A Scrumble River Mystery - Newlyweds Skye Denison and Wally Boyd are all set to enjoy their honeymoon cruise. Only two things stand in their way: murder and Skye's mother, who has booked the same trip with her knitting group. $7.99
Thompson, Victoria - Murder in Chelsea: A Gaslight Mystery - After a woman claiming to represent the birth mother of Sarah Brandt's adopted daughter is murdered, Sarah and Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy uncover revelations that not only affects Sarah's future with her daughter but her future with Malloy. $7.99
Viets, Elaine - Board Stiff - A Dead-End Job Mystery - After a tragic paddleboarding mishap that results in a death, husband and wife PI team Helen Hawthorne and Phil Sagemont are about to find out murder is no day at the beach. $7.99
Book Bulletins - Needlework
Glad to report a return of an old favorite that I still get requests for: Needle Index - Valley Quail Chapter of the EGA. This little spiral-bound booklet is perfect for all your needles being kept in the sections designated for each type. No losing needles here and help in selecting the correct one. $9.95
For the many of you waiting (im)patiently for the new revised edition of Jo Ippolito Christensen's classic, The Needlepoint Book, more waiting time is needed. It will not be released until next spring. I will keep you informed. Meanwhile if you want to place an order just call 1-800 -429-5075 or e-mail me at: ruthkernbooks3@gmail.com. Or write to: Ruth Kern Books 7235 N. 9th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021. We'll be waiting.
Brett-Smith, Sarah C. - The Silence of Women: Bahama Mud Cloths - This is the first full-length scholarly work devoted entirely
to the textiles created by women of the Bamana people in Mali, West Africa. These traditional mud-dyed cloths have been typically treated as craft but here they are presented as a complex art form. The author explores the hidden cultural testimony written into the mud-cloth patterns, documenting women's silent visual commentary on the events that dominate their lives - excision, arranged marriage, childbirth, and death. $75.00
Castagnetti, Anna - Ricami Sui Nastri - Embroidery techniques incorporating tie-rack - grosgrain and other ribbons. German language. $29.00
Collinet, Clementine - A Beginner's Guide to machine Sewing - 50 lesson and 15 projects to get you started - Learn how to get the most out of your sewing machine with this comprehensive and easy-to-follow guide. There are 15 gorgeous projects to make including cushions, shoulder bags, soft toys and quilts. Full-size, fold out patterns accompany the designs and 50 illustrated step-by-step lessons will guide you through all you need to get started. $19.95
Hall, Felicity - Cross Stitch Alphabet and Numbers - 100 cross stitch patterns for Aida and canvas - Over 100 letter and number charts, perfect for creating personalized gifts and pictures in cross stitch and needlepoint. All of the designs can be worked on aida (with stranded cotton) or canvas (with wool) so the possibilities are endless. Includes full-color charts and an ideas gallery offering inspiration for transferring the designs into cushions, gifts, cards and pictures. $22.99
Holzer, Elizabetta - Ricamo Estense - Canvas Embroidery themes from medieval artifacts: Introduces new vocabulary of stitches where surface stitches are combined with counted thread stitches to form striking decorative bands. $58.00 In Italian.
Loveday, Helen - Japanese Buddhist Textiles: The Bauer Collection - This is the latest in a series documenting the world-renowned Asian art collections of Alfred Bauer. This volume presents a group of 18th and 19th century Japanese Buddhist textiles. This collection is not made up of monks robes or kimonos but of uchishiki, beautiful and intricate Buddhist altar covers. Like keso, they were made from lengths of sumptuous silk, most often donated to the temple. With elaborate polychrome decoration, highlighted by gold or silver thread, uchishiki stand out as testaments in the extraordinary skill of Kyoto weavers. Superb photos are accompanied by full scholarly notes on the history of silk weaving in Japan as well as the techniques and decorative motifs used. $160.00
Merzorati, Laura and Stefanis Bressan - Guida Al Ricamo Hedebo - The details and specifics of this whitework techniques which combines cutwork, needle lace and surface embroidery are presented through clear diagrams, step-by-step photos and projects for the home. $44.00
Panese, Ombretta and Marialuisa Severi - El Merletto Venizieno Adago - Venice-style needlelace techniques, tricks, stitches and designs for the 21st century. $30.00
Shimoda, Naoko - Artfully Embroidered - This is due out in October. In this book discover vintage embroidery designs with a modern twist. $24.99
A Few Miscellaneous Titles
Steensen, Wenche O. - Simple Cloth Daisy Dolls - These charming characters in this book are all based on justone simple design. Gorgeous in their simplicity, the dolls personalities are created cleverly with different hairstyles, clothes and accessories. The basic model measures 16-18 inches in height and the materials used are pured cotton jersey and wool with very simple stitching to define the shapes. Suitable for beginners, the book includes detailed step-by-step photos showing how to make the basic doll, and beautiful close up photos of the finished dolls and their wardrobes. All the patterns are full sixe and the author offers lots of good tips and advice throughout. Whether you are new to doll making, or experienced in the techiiniques, you will love making these appealing softies. $19.95.
Pasierbska, Halina - Dollhouses: From the Vand A Museum of Childhood - This is a great peek into the miniature worlds of the finest dollhouses. Dollhouses provide a microcosmic view of the world and preserve vanished aspects of daily life and culture. But they also present an idealized version of life, sometimes airbrushing out the more basic and functional elements of everyday living. This new volume uses the dollhouse's contradictions to explore interior design, new technology, professions, and family relationships, considering such topics as the roles of the domestic servant and the gendering of spaces and household roles. The V&A Museum of Childhold's collection of dollhouses, representing homes and ways of living spanning thee and a half centuries, provides the backdrop for these tales. $24.95
I'll be back in October. Hope to see you then. Meanwhile don't forget to find the discount code for 20% off. This discount applies to ANY book you discover on the blog, web or from a friend. Just use the code.
Ordering is a piece of cake. Call us at 1-800-429-5075 or e-mail us at rkernbooks3@gmail.com. Want to mail us an order: easy!
Ruth Kern Books 7235 N. 9th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021.
Call and chat up your favorite book. That's what we are here for.
Just a Quick Note: September Blog will publish on 9/7/14
AUGUST 2014 BLOG
Come on In and Stay Awhile!
If this is your first time visiting us you will discover we offer a 20% discount for any book you order from this blog, past blogs, or any book you want to order. All you need to do is find the discount code somewhere in this blog and when you order just give it to me with your order.
With that said, scroll down this blog or any of the earlier ones you want to visit. Thanks for coming.
If you visited my house you would see I really believe that. My daughter, Donna, always quips, "My mother's way of decorating is to add another book shelf." I plead guilty. I don't know how people can go through life without opening a cover of a book. I can't get through a single day without reading a few chapters in at least one book, sometimes I pick up two or three. Books are a passion I like to share. It thrills me to have a "book friend" (I hate the word customer) call and tell me about a book they loved or that they read a book I had in my blog and wanted to talk about it. That's the best reward I can think of. Knowing my love for books, my friend Bonnie, about ten years ago, gave me a tee shirt with the above picture and saying on it. I double loved it being I'm an Edward Gorey fan. His drawings start off Mystery Theatre on PBS. You know, the young woman bent backwards on a tomb stone and her one hand to her forehead. I have mugs with Edward Gorey's illustrations on them.
Books have been my friends since I was a little girl. My parent's made sure all us children had at least one book for Christmas and I always begged for a book for my birthday. As long as I'm surrounded my books I have this safe, comfortable feeling nothing can happen I can't handle. I have books for all kinds of moods, interests and situations. Somehow I can't imagine having the same feelings for books on a machine. I like to give books away to veterans, friends and hospitals. I can't do that with a book on a machine. So I will dust my many shelves and be content pulling an old friend off a shelf and reading some of my favorite parts in it. My love of books includes fiction, non-fiction, children's books and of course needlework books. Speaking of needlework books it is about time I stop reminiscing and share some new and older titles with you. I hope you find something for your shelves.
NEEDLEPOINT BOOK BULLETIN - A CLASSIC REDONE
I can't imagine anyone who needlepoints that hasn't at least read the classic, The Needlepoint Book by Jo Ippolito Christensen, fondly referred to as "the black bible". This book is so beloved it has been through two revised editions and now a new third revision will be available for a eagerly waiting needlepoint public. I've been informed of two different release dates - one this October - the other this November. As those dates get closer I will let you know the final word. Meanwhile you are welcome to preorder now. And don't forget use this discount code: (Leo19) for our 20% discount. $35.00
ANOTHER NEEDLEPOINT BULLETIN -
Ruth Schmuff has redone her three stitch books into a new 5x7 format with a great spiral binding for easy use when stitching. The larger format was spiral bound but the old books were twice the size of the new ones. This new format is great for carrying with you in a vehicle, using at a needlework group, or seminar.
Each volume covers diagonal stitches, straight stitches, crossed and tied stitches, eyelet stitches and decorative stitches but volume 3 adds laid fillings, blackwork patterns, decorative stitches. Each book is over 300 pages filled with great stitch graphs with a wonderful stitch guide in the back done in alphabetical order. $49.95 a volume.
PUT SOME WOW IN YOUR NEEDLEWORK
If you watch the many award shows on television you can't help but notice the amount of bling shown off whether as accessories or on the clothes. Lots of glitz and glitter to let us know we are in the presence of stars. Of course decorating clothing with jewels, beads, or sequins is nothing new. Think of Queen Elizabeth I's gorgeous gowns bedecked with great embroidery and jewels. Her gowns, of course, had real gems and pearls sewn on, while today, we don't. Oh well, what we do add is just as beautiful and we can feel like queens in gorgeous beaded clothing.
If you know me, you know I am mostly "bedecked" in jeans and a blouse or top. But when my niece, Lindsay, got married in Tampa, Florida I went out an bought a new outfit for the formal occasion. Without thinking about bling I reached for a sequined (very sophisticated) two piece dress without ever having considered a sequined outfit. That was a lesson in how glitter catches the eye!
Today we can add our own bling to any outfit, embroidery piece, or quilt. In fact, it is soooo much fun to learn this skill.
Add a little glamour to your life, your embroidery, your needlepoint, lace or quilts
If you great the urge to create your own bling I've included a great list of books to teach you how.
Country Bumpkin - A to Z of Bead Embroidery - With over 440 step-by-step photos this book brings bead embroidery within the reach of anyone who can thread a needle. Find out how to work tambur beading, beadpoint, padded beading, how to handle sequins and bugle beads, and more. Discover the best tools for the task and learn to identify different beads by their size, shape and finish. $39.95
Crabe, Genevive - How to Make 100 Bead Embroidery Motifs - This is a visual showcase of 100 different motifs, organized in sections by design category. This book is great for beginners and seasoned beaders both. $24.99
Endo, Yasuko and CRK Design - Bead Embroidery Stitch Samples - This has become a great favorite of needleworkers and a best seller. Great color photos and diagram for making each great bead sample. Great ideas and great instructions for great bling designs. $17.95
Endo, Yasuko and CRK Design - Bead Embroidery Stitch Samples: Motifs - Enjoy a collection of 123 embroidery motifs using beads in this book that goes beyond basic embroidery stitches to full-fashioned motifs. Motifs vary in range from adorable single motifs to complex border patterns, to charming crewel birds and floral designs. Along with basic embroidery information, step-buy-step instructions are accompanied by detailed diagrams for each motif. $17.95
Gourley, Elizabeth and Ellen Talbott - Beaded Adornments: Creating New Looks for Clothes and Accessories - This book presents the basic stitches and techniques and then provides terrific projects to practice on. Try your hand at tatting, bead loom work, bead embroidery, decorative edging, and fringe, all of which will beautifully enhance pants, scarves, dresses, purses, and other chic projects. Mix and match the designs on whatever garment or accessory you like. Color diagrams and photos ensure that it will be easy to make each beaded adornment. $17.95
Gravelier, Roland & Mick Fouriscot - La Broderie de
Luneville - This book may be in French but it is beautifully illustrated and the designs laid out. Nothing like a French take on bling. $29.95
Hyde, Diane - Break the Rules Bead Embroidery - From quirky oddities to vintage objects, unexpected items learn to work creatively with bead embroidery. Diane presents her fanciful, fun projects with step-by-step instructions. There's the Hen and Chicks Bracelet which features toy figurines surrounded by "grass" made of fringes of seed beads, the Light It Up Earrings with their mini light bulbs haloed with floral-shaped beads and more. Learn to be daring, unconventional, experimental, ground breaking, and more! $24.95
Komurata, Noriko - Teeny Tiny Menagerie: 380 Whimsical and Wonderful Animal Embroidery Motifs - This book features 380 enchanting animal embroidery motids. Using tradional embroidery, cross stitch, and applique techniques, you can create motifs, borders, and alphabets unlike any you've seen before. Each stitched motif is accompanied by detailed instructions and fuss' free execution. It also includes an embroidery how to tutorial and photo gallery to inspire you. $21.95
Kummi, Heidi and Sherry Serafini - The Art of Beaded Embroidery - These two renowned embroidery artists share their secrets for creating beautiful beadwork. This is perfect for those who want to learn to create gorgeous jewelry and art pieces and those seeking design ideas. They discuss tools, adhesives, and materials and the book has an illustrated guide to favorite stitches, fringes, and finishing techniques. $21.95
McKnight, June - Bling, Glitz and Glamour for Needlepoint - Let June guide you through the art of adding glamour to your clothing. She describes different types of beads, how to shade with beads, stitching beneath the bead, the beading needle, attaching seed beads to a canvas, designs and more. She includes her research on the gowns of first ladies from Mamie Eisenhower to Michelle Obama. Learn the beading patterns on all their dresses. $39.95
Midori, Nishida - The Beaded Edge: Inspired Designs for Crocheted Edges and Trims - Add a personal touch with beautiful beaded trims. The author includes 18 designs that range from delicate and classic: to modern and old, all created with simple thread, a crochet hook, a beading needle, and inexpensive beads. Each trim is illustrated with clear stitch diagrams that demonstrate the patterns, and the detailed step-by-step instructions will teach you to combine basic crochet techniques with beadwork for gorgeous edges and embellishments. $17.95
Serafini, Sherry - Sherry Serafini's Sensational Bead Embroidery - Our author's wonderful pieces have won admirers including many celebrities - for their lavish beaded surfaces. She explains the fundamentals behind her work, from stitches to color theory, and lays out 25 beautifully textured projects that feature fabulous focal-point beads. $24.95
Sweet-McNamara, Amee, - Soutache and Bead Embroidery - Her secret ingredient in making great designs is soutache, a type of colourful cord that she winds, binds, and stitches into place. The first section of this book focuses on learning the technique, while the second section teaches readers how to incorporate these techniques into beautiful soutache projects. With photos and illustrations taking the reader every step of the way, beginners will start with small earrings and work up to necklaces, cuffs, and pendants, while experienced stitchers can dive right into the new design ideas. $21.99
Van Horn, Larkin Jean - Beading on Fabric: Encyclopedia of Bead Stitch Techiniques - This is a comprehensive look at tools
and materials, covering all types of fabrics, threads, needles, gules, and stabilizers. She then shares her knowledge on beads commonly used in embroidery and tips for wearability, washability, and caring for beaded fabrics. Move on to learning the basic stitches, incorporating beads into your stitches, creating edges and fringe, and beading around cabochons. She includes lots of tips and tricks to make your work easier. Included are illustrations, photos of stitched samples, and examples of completed work. $21.95
WELCOME BACK TO MICHAEL and KAY DENNIS
Years ago this husband and wife duo brought stumpwork to the needlework world through three wonderful books that became instant classics in the field: Beginner's Guide to Stumpwork, Stumpwork Seasons, and Stumpwork. The only book left in print today is their Beginner's Guide to Stumpwork. I am so thrilled they are back with a new book that will be available in November of this year, Stumpwork Embroidery: A Practical Guide to Creating Stumpwork: Plants, Animals and Figures - $25.95. This volume brings all three of their previous books into one with clear step-by-step photography and expert instruction ensures you can crate wonderful stumpwork and needlelace pieces with ease.
Kay is a professional embroiderer and a former Chairman ofthe Guild of Needlelace in England. She has been teaching both needlelace and stumpwork for many years and has written articles for a leading needlecraft magazine and has lectured and demonstrated these arts. Michael, now retired, maintains her website, photographs Kay's work, helps with stitch diagrams and helps Kay at classes and has learned how to do needlelace. Gee, I wonder who taught him? Lucky guy, got learn from the expert he resides with.
Their website is gorgeous. There is so much to see and order I lost track of time perusing it. Get a cup of tea, pull up a chair and visit with Kay and Michael Dennis for awhile at: www.kaydennis.co.uk.
We are taking pre-orders so you are able to order this book now.
MYSTERY CORNER
Bowen, Rhys - Heirs and Graces: A Royal Spyness Mystery - Lady Georgianna Rannoch is tasked by the queen to groom a newly discovered royal heir from the Australian Outback for his life as a future duke. When the young man's hunting knife is found planted in the back of the reigning duke. Georgiana thinks there is a deeper mystery to the murder. $7.99
Chase, Erika - Book Fair and Foul: An Ashton Corners Book Club Mystery - After an actual murder occurs during the Mystery Book Fair, the members of the Ashton Corners Book Club rally to clear the name of one of their own. $7.99
Coyle, Cleo - Billionaire Blend: A Coffeehouse Mystery - After a car bomb nearly kills tech whiz Eric Thorner, Clare comes to his aid. The billionaire soon hires her to create the world's most expensive coffee blend. Clair soon learns Eric has rivalries that could easily have turned deadly. But is this charming young CEO the one making a killing? Includes recipes. $7.99
Craig, Elizabeth - Shear Trouble: A Southern Quilting Mystery - As the leaves begin to fall in idyllic Dappled Hills, North Carolina, someone puts too fine a point on a local ladies' man - a pair of shears through the chest. Fortunately, the detective skills of quilter Beatrice Coleman are a cut above the rest. $7.99
Fluke, Joanne - The Other Child - Before this author created her blockbuster Hannah Swenson mystery series she produced spine-tingling suspense novels, now in repackaged editions. In this one, an old Victorian mansion menaces its new owners - and soon reveals its chilling secrets. $7.99
Moran, Terrie Farley - Well Read, Then Dead: A Read 'Em and Eat Mystery - First is a new series. Fort Myers Beach, FLorida, is home to Mary "Sassy" Cabot and Bridget Mayfield - owners of the bookstore café, Read 'Em and Eat. But when they're not dishing about books or serving up scones, Sassy and Bridgy are keeping tabs on hard-boiled murder. Includes recipes. $7.99
Shelton, Paige - If Catfish Had Nine Lives: A Country Cooking School Mystery - With Gram's Country Cooking School on spring break, Betts and Gram are taking part in the annual cowboy poetry convention, offering lessons on frying catfish over an open campfire. But when a staged gunfight ends in real death and her brother becomes a prime suspect, Betts set out to clear his name. $7.99
A POTPOURRI OF NEW NEEDLEWORK BOOKS
Boutique-Sha - Decorative Knotting for Jewelry and Accessories - Over 70 decorative knots with step-by-step clear diagrams and the techniques for incorporating them into useful and practical projects. $20.00
Fall, Cheryl, Embroidery Basics - The basic 42 stitches for surface and canvas with the clearest diagrams ever and many projects. $20.00
Holzer, Elisbetta - Ricamo Estense - Canvas embroidery themes from Medieval artifacts highlights this book. Introduces a new vocabulary of stitches where surface stitches are combined with counted thread stitches to form striking decorative bands. Photos and diagrams. In Italian. $58.00
Jeannette Douglas Designs - Isle of Hope Sampler - I fell in love with this sampler. What a great idea to make a sampler out of the history of Ellis Island. Jeannette includes a short history of the immigrants arrival to the United States through Ellis Island. The sampler is clearly graphed and all materials are stated. $22.95
Kluba, Karen - Bargello Sampler - What a neat idea - a sampler of bargello stitches. This is not only a beautiful samplers but a great reference piece for many bargello stitches. $22.95
Marzorati, Laura and F. Stefania Bressan - Guida Al Ricamo Hedebo - The details and specifics of this whitework technique which combines cutwork, needle lace and surface embroidery resented through clear diagrams, step-by-step photos and projects for the home. $44.00
Mollie Makes - Mollie Makes Embroidery - Adorable Stitches Projects Plus Tips and Tricks - This book was created by the editors of Mollie Makes, one of the hottest crafting magazines when it was released in 2011. This book covers how to work from charted designs as well as following freeform or doodle stitching. There are also brief tutorials on crewel work, ribbon embroidery, bargello, cross-stitch, and even machine embroidery. More than 15 contemporary projects from an international range of embroidery experts will demonstrate the different ways in which the techniques and stitches can be used. $19.99
Morgan, Margaret - Netted Lace: Techniques and Patterns - Once used primarily for fishing, netting now works beautifully a base for filet lace. While many lacemakers use commercially available varieties, Margaret Morgan wanted unique sizes and colors. So she began to make her own. Here she explains the equipment she uses and the traditional techniques she's gathered from old source material, and provides 40 patterns with instrucitons for creating different shapes and edgings. Use the lace for scarves, shawls, place mats, dollies, and even miniature items for a doll's house. $19.95 Due out in September.
Tams, Jeanne - Avery Hill's The How-To Book of Hemstitching and Edging - Learn to finish their needleart project with a beautiful hem or edge. Use the edging for projects such as Hardanger, needle point , cross stitch, Swedish weaving, huck embroidery, punto Yugoslavo, crewel, embroidery, applque, beadwork, quilting, weaving, wool felting and sashiko. There is a list of materials to use varies with the project. $13.00
Wolfrom, Joen - Color Play - 2nd edition - This classic has been expanded and updated with over 100 new quilts, transparency, luminosity, depth and more. This is a must-have color guide that includes swatches of tints, shades, and tones for all 24 colors in the Ives Color Wheel. Learn the emotional meanings of colors, their physical effects on people. This completely updated book makes it easier than ever to bring a design to life with well-chosen colors. Learn how to use nature's tricks to create an illusion of depth, reflections, shadows, or highlights. $29.95
Ordering is easy! Call us at 1-800-429-5075 and use your Master Card, Visa, Discover or American Express. If you prefer to send a check: Ruth Kern Books 7235 N. 9th Avenue,
Phoenix, AZ 85021.
If you have questions just call us Monday thru Saturday between 9 am to 6 pm Arizona time. Three hours earlier than the East Coast - same time in the summer as the West Coast. We Arizonians don't do daylight savings time.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, FIND THE DISCOUNT CODE AND GET A 20% DISCOUNT ON ANY NEW BOOK YOU ORDER.
SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER.
