I don't buy many knitting/sewing/embroidery books these days. Most seem to be much like those that came before. Aprons, one-skein projects, quick gifts, baby gifts and more aprons. Not that I don't appreciate the work and creativity that goes into writing and publishing craft books - I just don't need to own them when I have a rather larger collection already.And then every once in a while I come across a book that completely surprises me. The book pictured at the left
is just that! I actually found it in the craft section, not sewing or embroidery. I initially figured it was more of the same until I opened it and realized that the projects are arranged by color and include both drawings for embroidery and cross-stitch charts! And, these motifs are modern, lovely and fun. The projects are whimsical and useful though no sewing instruction are included. But I can find basic instruction for most of the finished projects in one of the many books that I already own.So of course, I had to take this one home with me. And for the last few hours I have been turning the pages while thinking about my next project. A cross-stitch sampler perhaps or maybe just a simply embellished pillow. The designs have an aesthetic that seem classic, as though you once saw them on your grandmother's bed or maybe on one of her dishtowels. That's what made the book jump out at me - the longing for something from the past and an opportunity to make it new again.
After this post, I plan to pull out my collection of DMC thread and that fine Irish linen I've been saving for a few years. For this project I want instant gratification so I'll probably start with a simple cross-stitched sachet. A heart. In pink, of course.
Happy Stitching!
