THE  NOVEMBER BLOG WILL BE POSTED ON NOVEMBER 10th.  MY TIME AT THE EGA NATIONAL SEMINAR DOING THEIR BOOKSTORE MEANT I WAS GONE FOR NINE DAYS BUT I LEARNED LOTS OF STUFF I WILL BE SHARING WITH YOU.



DON"T FORGET TO FIND THE DISCOUNT CODE TO GET A 20% DISCOUNT ON ANY NEW BOOK YOU ORDER.

                        


OCTOBER BLOG - WELCOME

I'm late!  I'm late!  I'm late for an important date.  No time to say hello, goodbye. I'm late! I'm late! I'm late.   The white rabbit - Alice in Wonderland.

I know how that white rabbit felt for I'm experiencing that right now.  But it is all good.

This is a very busy month for me because the Embroidery Guild of America National Seminar 14 is coming to Phoenix and I'm doing the bookstore.  I've done the bookstores for the past twenty plus years but never near home.  I'm thrilled that over 600 enthusiastic needleworkers will be visiting Phoenix and stitching. 

There will teachers flying in from other parts of the world - Jane Nicholas, the Mistress of Stumpwork and Alison Cole, the Mistress of Goldwork.  I've met Jane at a number of past seminars but I'm thrilled to be meeting Alison for the first time.  Her two books; The Midas Touch and All That Glitters are classics in goldwork embroidery.  At present distributors are no longer carrying these great titles but she is bringing a number of books to the seminar along with her talent.  I'm having her sign them.   Jane will be signing books too - a selection of her titles her latest is her Stumpwork Butterflies and Moths noted below .  $32.95

All That Glitters - The book covers both stumpwork and goldwork and features stitches, techniques, and projects ranging from dimensional framed pieces to functional items all with clear easy-to-read instructions, illustrations, and color photos.  I'm not quite sure what the price is now but the price should be in the $30.00 range.




The Midas Touch - This book is 142 pages of 11 projects, with clear instructions and color photos, techniques and supplies needed.  Her work is exquisite.  This was in the $50 range so I'm guessing it should be near the same. 






I will have lots to report about the seminar in my November Blog.  Meanwhile, I have lots more to share with you in this blog.  Welcome to my world of books and needlework friends or perhaps it is welcome back.

Friends come first so I'd like to bring Michelle Hufford of Come to the Point back for encore.

I look forward to Michelle's short, informative newsletters and I glean more than a bit of wisdom from teach of them.  I hope you enjoy, as I did, the following two pieces I "borrowed" (with permission) from her.

THINK IT THROUGH - Michelle Hufford

"When starting a new project, there are three vital questions to ask.  Although they appear independent, they are actually interdependent. Looking at the triumvirate in tandem before merrily setting off with your needle will save a lot of money, time and thread. It might be what prevents a WIP from becoming another UFO.  (1)  The first query in a new project brings up concerns color. What's my palette?  (2) The second revolves around thread.  What do I want to use? (3) The third question you should ask yourself pertains to the project's final purpose.  How is the finished piece going to be displayed?  A firm answer to that query early in the stitching has a domino effect. Many finishing choices will impact the type of fiber that will work best. Can I raid my floss stash, or do I need to stitch with perles? The fiber chosen wil often narrow the color options.

 Unfortunately, what turns out to be the million-dollar question is often neglected until far enough along in the stitching that probles arise. I have encountered many a customer who finds herself having to frog a large portion of her work because she "finally figured out what this is supposted to be." Yes, I do believe pieces "talk" to the stitcher. That's why some of mine take years before they're completed. "

 

Thanks Michelle.   I think that philosophy could be referred to simply as, "Look before you leap."  Simple but not always followed.  Michelle made think that I could apply three simple rules to my own work - my business and writing.  Each day I should ask myself: Rule 1 - What is my priority today?  Rule 2 - What information do I need to accomplish that priority?  Rule 3 - What is my deadline and what must I do to finish on time? 

Once I had a very successful businessman tell me, "Deadlines are one of God's greatest gifts.  Without a deadline, I doubt anything would get accomplished."  I;'m sure he most certainly looked before he leaped.

CONTROLLED CHAOS - Michelle Hufford

She writes in a December issue of her newletter, " I found this article on page 85 of the December 2013 issue of Good Housekeeping. It is terrific food for thought. This is a crazy time of year. For those of us who would rather make something than buy it, things are that much more chaotic. Will I have everything finished on time?

Embrace Your Messy Side: Cleanliness may be a virtue, but clutter may inspire your next great idea. When researchers at the University of Minnesota had people solve problems in either a clean room or a messy one, they found that those in the untidy space came up with more creative solutions.

"An orderly room encourages people to do what is expected. But a messy room can do the opposite, leading you to brainstorm more innovative ideas," says Kathleen Vohs, PhD. So the next time books and papers begin to pile up, cut yourself some slack. The mess could encourage a light bulb moment.

I think this may be true.  I live in the middle of papers and books and many ideas have evolved out of the mess.  When I finally put them in order, I discover so many interesting things I nearly get lost in the reading.  I think my semi-controlled litter keeps me from ever running out of ideas.  I'm sure you've found yourself leafing through books and coming upon something that hit a creative nerve inspiring you to undertake a great needlework project.  So our personal spaces should be what Michelle calls creative chaos.  But, all in all, our minds need to be open to plucking ideas from the ethers while our minds must be orderly enough to think them through into a reality.  I've included three books that gets into creativity and how this mysterious and amazing process  works.

Cameron, Julie - The Artist's Way (10th edition) - I don't have to tell you that 10 editions of the same book means this book is a seminal book on the subject of creativity and has been an international best-seller. Millions of readers have found it to be an invaluable guide to living the artist's life.  I love to be inspired - gets me doing!   $16.99




Clair, Maxine - Imagine This: Creating the Work You Love -
This book will be released on November 1st 2014.  The critics gave it two thumbs up and call it part memoir and part guide to the craft of plying creativity and say it is inspiring, informative and engrossing whether you are an artist or not.  I can't wait for my copy to arrive. $16.00



Goldberg, Natalie - Living Color: Painting, Writing and the Bones of Seeing - Natalie has been around inspiring writers and artists for a long time and I have a number of her books on my shelves.  This book came out in the spring of this year and on my list for winter reading.  This is called her memoir of "living the paint".  I'm not an artist but she is creative in paint and writing so I'm anxious to draw advice from such a creative brain.  She includes twenty-two specific assignments for readers who are seeking to expand their creativity, be it writing, painting, drawing or any other creative medium.  $24.95

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING AT?

We humans have walked this marvelous and mysterious planet long before language and writing were invented and cities stood glittering on the hillsides.  Thousands of years ago humans hunted and then learned to raise crops.  But even that early in our history our ancestors were attempting to explain this strange and scary world and used art and stories to pass this information along.  The average life expectancy was about 20 years.  Death was common and shocking.  Rituals were set

up to explain this phenomena and help them get through their short, harsh life.  Hunting had to go well or they starved to death.  If you've ever seen pictures of the ancient cave paintings drawn by prehistoric man you come to the realization that even that long ago humans came inbued with artistic ability. The animals drawn on cave walls are so powerfully drawn and real it is hard to imagine calling the painters primitive.  Perhaps they were calling those animals to the hunt. Some hunting rituals were definitely being performed. Meat was everything. Because the art was done deep inside caves each artist had to carry that animal in his brain and paint it from memory with only torch light. What is fascinating, symbols were already in play. 

 Our art is full of symbols.  Every artist is telling us a story in a painting and we must know the language of his paint to fully appreciate his art work. When small children draw a picture of their family a trained eye can see what the child feels his place in the family is, who is most important, and if it is a happy home.  In the middle ages religious paintings were center stage.  Religion and state were one.  There were no elections.  Royal families ruled. Whoever managed to survive to be crowned then had to worry about plots on his or her life.  The ruler had to be seen as the ultimate power so any portrait had to reflect invincibility.  Take a look at this painting of Queen Elizabeth I.  She is surrounded and covered with symbols of her position. Her clothes speak to her power and wealth since clothing, such as her magnificent outfit, was worth a king's ransom. Pearls were used to present Elizabeth as the goddess of the moon and her purity.  Her right hand is on a globe, possibly to show she rules the world.  I could not find out what all the ribbon bows on her clothes meant.  Does anyone know?  I'd love to hear from you.  (code: Rock14)

We don't have to look any further than our dollar bill for strange and interesting symbols.  Do you know what the Great Seal means?  Why the "all seeing eye" or the pyramid?  Take time to study the back of the dollar bill.  Shouldn't we understand what's been put on the dollar bill?  Our flag is also symbolic - thirteen stripes for the original colonies and the stars - one for each state.  The stars are set on a rectangle of blue that represents the union.

Many embroideries are full of symbols.  American samplers, for example, are full of hidden meanings.  I find I've enjoyed samplers even more after I read Patricia and Leslie's book I've listed below. They have broken the "code" of the hidden language embroidered there.

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Andele, Patricia and Lesley Rudnicki - Sampler Motifs and

Symbolism - This is a wonderful dictionary of the symbolic meanings behind old sampler motifs and the reproduction of a Scottish sampler, plus four new traditional samplers with complete graphs and instructions for each.  Each motif is nicely graphed for easy use. $34.95

Mary Kelly

Kelly, Mary - Embroidering the Goddesses of Ukraine; Embridering the Goddesses of Russia; Embroidering the Goddesses of Slovakia; Embroidering the Goddesses of the Greek Isles -  $10.00 each.  Mary's life long work has been the symbol of the goddess embroidered in cloths of many cultures. 

Why the goddess?  

She explains it all and charts out important goddess symbols for us to embroider. 

Two recent books on Chinese embroidery delve into the traditional meaning of the flowers, fish and birds and plants used in this exquisite art form. In The Art of Chinese  Embroidery by Margaret Lee we learn the cymbidium orchid is significant of position in Chinese culture and is also associated with principled, moral gentlemen of talent and integrity as well as friendship and loyalty.  In the book she includes one of her embroidery pieces called, The Three Sisters using three of these delicate orchids in honor of her three daughters who embrace these principles.  She also reveals the meaning of butterflies, the dragonfly, Koi fish, lotus blossoms and bamboo.  I was interested to learn that when embroidering birds you must understand the type of bird to select the correct stitch techniques. $45.95 

In Chinese Embroidery: An Illustrated Stitch Guide by Shao Xiaocheng she not only shares her wonderful embroidery techniques but the ancient symbols of the images embroidered.  The chrysanthemum was beloved by ancient scholars not only for its proud blossom in defiance of the autumn cold.  She explains the Calabash Pattern, a beloved pattern among common folk expressing the longing of people for happy lives.  $27.95

For extra help in decoding symbols:

Barbe-Gall, Francoise - How to Look at a Painting - Have you ever stood in front of a great painting that just drew you in emotionally but seemed to evade your understanding?  Our author takes her readers on a wonderful journey teaching us through using 36 fascinating paintings from those paintings that distort the real world, old masters, to realistic works and covers artist from Raphael to Rothko, Breughel to Bacon.  Questions of history, style, iconography and composition are dealt with in context to the paintings she discusses.  $27.99

Jung, Carl - Man and His Symbols - Illustrated throughout with revealing images, this is the first and only work in which the world-famous Swiss psychologist explains to the layperson, his enormously influential theory of symbolism in our life and dreams.  Originally done in 1964 this classic is still in print both as a hardback at $30.00 and mass paper at $7.99. 

Maybe in our own needlework we should include symbols that have meaning to us, our family and community. 

Traditional blackwork  pattern  embroidered in black.

BLACKWORK: WELL AT LEAST MOST OF THE TIME - Just Ask Laura Perin.

Blaskwork  pattern embroidered in  color.

 I love blackwork embroidery.  This embroidery makes a statement with its delicate and eye-catching stitching done in wonderful patterns.  Of course blackwork is traditionally done in black. with maybe a touch of metallic thread for accent. BUT blackwork embroidery expert Laura Perin confesses she has never done blackwork in black - she uses one, two, three or four colors and even beads.     

Blackwork has an interesting history. Did it come from Spain? Marion Scoular tells us that while Catherine of Aragon made it popular in 1501 in  England it was already documented in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales in the late 1390's.  Marion calls blackwork "the most creative, restricted embroidery." Restricted, she adds, only by the count of the ground fabric. The designs seem limitless. 

Laura created her pattern book as a reference book for all the  different stitch patterns she had used in her designs.  I love how she included a Blackwork Gallery of her designs. I call it Inspiration Alley.  Gives you a great idea of how color compliments blackwork.  If blackwork inspires you to stitch take a look at the list of  books below.

 Blackwork Patterns - This is Laura's classic blackwork book.  It is full of many different patterns using the basic blackwork stitches, using detailed instructions and beautiful examples of traditional and contemporary embroideries.  Her book is a wonderful reference collection of over 600 patterns showing one-color, two-color, and three-color variations intended specifically for blackwork designs.  The book is spiral-bound for easy use. $40.00

OTHER GREAT BOOKS ON BLACKWORK

Scoular, Marion - Why Call it Blackwork? - Over the years, I've mentioned this book many times.  It's a classic book by a great needlework teacher to get you started in this beautiful stitching.  Clear instructions and clear graphs take you on a wonderful journey and when you reach the end of this journey you will be doing blackwork.  $8.50

Marion  has done a neat design in blackwork using color.  Since tea plays an important part in my daily life her tea cup and saucer pattern caught my eye. Her pattern stitch guide and graphs and directions are so easy to use.  $12.00

Wilkins, Lesley - Blackwork Made Easy: Techniques, Patterns and Samplers - This experienced stitcher shows how to create traditional blackwork embroideries using simple stitches on evenweave fabric. Step-by-step photos and lots of charts illustrate how traditional motifs, patterns and borders can be combined to create stunning designs. The author also shows how to create band samplers inspired by those on which sixteenth century embroiderers collected their favorite designs, including figures, flowers, plants, birds and animals. Lesley combines a deep knowledge of and appreciation for historical embroideries with her own flair for design and practical teaching skill.  All color.  $19.95

 

Hogg, Becky - Blackwork: Essential Stitch Guides - Graduate Apprentice and tutor of the Royal School of Needlework, Becky Hogg,  teaches us about blackwork and includes patterns and lots of stitch information, This hardcover (laminated) spiralbound book is $21.95. 

 

Gostelow, Mary - Blackwork (revised) - This is a fascinating history of a beautiful and distinctive craft, accompanied by clear, concise descriptions, suggestions for innovative patterns, and more.  I'm happy to see this old classic is still available.  $19.95

 

 

 

Geddes, Elizabeth and Moyra McNeill - Blackwork Embroidery - Again, this is another classic on blackwork.  This excellent guide has been in print since 1976 and covers history, contemporary practice, plus stitches, needles, transferring designs and creating orginal patterns. More than 200 adaptable motifs feature birds, animals, fruit, architectural forms, and other images.  $11.95

MORE GREAT NEEDLEWORK BOOKS

Just as I was finishing up on this blog I got word of two new needlepoint books. I had to get acquainted with the two authors so I could include these titles in this blog.  This would set my schedule for the blog back a few day but after I talked to both Renee Seidman from Gone Stitching and Lynda Richardson from Dream House Ventures I knew the delay would be worth it.

GET STITCHES by the great team at Gone Stitching includes

multi-leveled stitches for needlepoint in a neat spiral-bound 6x9 format with wonderful thick paper for long term use. This small but important book features multi-layered stitches according to how many threads are used. Sections include 2-thread, 3 threads, and more for designs. There are also trame and trellis stitches for more adventurous types. In the back are stitched samples in alphabetical order. And as Renee said, "the best part everything is in color". $29.95.  You'll love visiting their website with a great selection of canvases and their TWINKLE threads. You can't miss it! Just look for the green frog with the large threaded needle slung over his shoulder.  How can you resist his call to be Gone Stitching!  www.gonestitching.net.

Our next author is Lynda Richardson, owner of Dream House Ventures.  This inventive needleworker in her book, Stitches Ala Carte, focuses on the tent stitch and long stitches to create over 60 wonderfully inventive patterns with original names such as: "all hemmed in" and "tribal motif". She does most of the patterns in one color, some in two colors, all of them using open canvas. These patterns can fill in the canvas in great effect for backgrounds but you can use them for areas in the focal point too.  You will definitely get acquainted with Lynda as she includes short pieces on herself, family and more.  You'll get to write on yourself, your needlework, family or ideas for creating your own patterns in this neat, sought after book.  $29.95   Lynda is not only a dreamer but a doer!  Nice combo!  Visit her on the web at:



 ON TO SOME OTHER INTERESTING NEEDLEWORK BOOKS









Brown, Marcia S. - Distinctive Presentation in Needle Art: A Complete Guide to Professional Finishing for Your Needlework

- This book was released earlier this year and was very popular at the ANG 2014 Seminar. Since 1979 Marcia has provided finishing services for retailers, private clients, students, and designers throughout the United States and internationally. With an average of 500 - 700 canvas and linen needle art pieces, she has developed finishing techniques that easily offer professional result. She has also been a special editor for major needlework publications and has been a teacher on the national level for a variety of mainstream needlework venues since 1991. She has lectured and exhibited for needlework seminars, museums and guilds nationwide and has run The Binding Stitch, a successful finishing business for 35 years.  $59.95

Clouston, Jennifer - Foolproof Crazy Quilting - This book contains complete instructions for over 100 embroidery, beading, and embellishment stitches, full-size 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




Doh, Jenny - Stitch Along: 10 Stitchers: 30 projects: 100 Embroidery Motifs - Thread your needle and stitch along with

ten talented artists as they share how-to instructions for creating 30 whimsical, clever, an sweet embroidery projects. With an illustrated stitch library and a step-by-step primer explaining embroidery from floss to finish and 100 embroidery motifs to tease your creativity.  $16.95



Lippert, Sabine - Sabine Lippert's Beadwork Evolution: New Techniques Using Peyote Stitch and Right Angle Weave - Our author's unique, sophisticated jewelry designs have won her legions of fans worldwide. Now she has created a collection that not only includes 25 gorgeous projects, but also provides breathtaking variations on popular stitches to build beaders skills. From a Peyote-stitched Crocodile Bracelet to right-angle-woven Marrakech Earrings to the embellished shapes of a Helena ring, her savvy techniques take beading to a whole new level.  $26.95.

Simpson, Sophie - Stitch the Halls: 12 Decorations to Make for Christmas - Sophie Simpson is of What Delilah Did.  She promises whatever your holiday style, you'll find something that's just right in these three themed collecions. Merry and Bright offers colorful, modernist geometric gems and a mini-sampler stocking. Stylish and Chic items, like Polar Parade Bunting, will delight sophisticates. Traditionalists will opt for Classic and Cosy projects, including a Tiny highland Village Garland. So join Delilah in celebrating her favorite time of the year with stitched decorations that are, quite simply, heirlooms in the making.  $14.95.

Triston, Julia and Rachel Lombard - Contemporary Applique - Professional textile artists show how traditional techniques can be adapted and expanded to create original and modern textile pieces. Transform mola work, broderie Perse, cutaway applique and many more traditional techniques into beautiful and innovative textile art with a modern twist on fabrics, materials, stitch and embellishment.  $29.95


SOME CLASSIC NEEDLEWORK BOOKS

Bosworth, Diana and Kathee Cumbie - Beards I Have Known - I love this title!  If you ever needed to pick a beard this book of forty seven beards shown in color is the place to go.  The authors include all stitches (with a diagram for each stitch) and each beard it is used for.  Have fun!  $21.95



Menz, Deb - Color Works: the Crafter's Guide to Color - If you are reluctant about selecting colors this is the place to begin. This book includes practical, hands-on tools for using color for many craft areas including needlework and beading. Color theory pronciples are demystified with clear explanations, examples, and more than 270 hand-crafted swatches tht bring color platettes to life. A 32-page interactive section features: A pull-out color wheel, two color value scales and a hue card for taking with you shopping.  $24.95

Waddell, John - Kimono Revisited - John got the rights to reprint this wonderful project booklet as he has taught this as a class many times. He includes many helpful notes so a student  can take this project on easily.  All 90 stitches are included and graphed as is the project.  $25.95




In Memory of Beth Robertson

I learn yesterday that Beth Robertson had left us.  I'm sure most of you are familiar with Beth, the needlework teacher, designer, and of course her wonderful needlepoint books co-authored by Suzanne Howren: Stitches for Effect, More Stitches for Effect, Even More Stitches for Effect, Stitches To Go and the out-of-print Thread Thesaurus. She was also the graphic artist for the magazine Needlepoint Now.  She succumbed to a short fight with cancer at the young age of sixty.  You will not be forgotten.

 

Ordering is easy! Call us at 1-800-429-5075 and use your Master, Visa, Discover or American Express card.  If you prefer to send a check:  Ruth Kern Books  7235 N. 9th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021.

If you have a question, call us Monday thru Saturday between 9 am to 6 pm Arizona time. Three hours earlier in the east, same time in the summer as the west coast. Winter reverts to two hours earlier in the east and an hour later on the west coast. We Arizonians don't do daylight saving time.

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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

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.