Embroidery

Embroidery is such a calming artform with so many possibilities. You can use vibrant colours to create a thread painting, try different stitches for a 3-dimensional texture, or explore different materials for extra flare. Also, the supplies tend to be relatively small so embroidery doesn’t strain storage space and it’s easy to tuck in your bag on a trip. If you look at it that way, it’s almost practical to give embroidery a try… or so I tell myself. 

When I started looking at embroidery resources, I was overwhelmed by how many wonderful and varied books we have at Winnipeg Public Library. We have books on regional techniques, historical practices, modern aesthetics, and specific subject matter like birds or mythical creatures. It was hard to choose only a few, but here is a sample of some of the wonderful embroidery resources available at your library. 

Pet Portrait Embroidery: Lovingly stitch your dog or cat by Michelle Staub 

So adorable and so beautiful! Learn the art of thread painting as the instructions guide you through the techniques needed to create a blended effect with thread to best capture your pet in embroidery.  

Embroidery: A modern guide to botanical embroidery by Arounna Khounnoraj 

If you’re new to embroidery or want to modernize your practice, try this book. It features simple stitches and patterns that give the fresh, clean look generally associated with embroidery today. I like the rose cardigan project on page 109, showing how a small addition can make a big difference.  

Simply Sashiko: Classic Japanese embroidery made easy from Nihon Vogue

Using contrasting thread and geometric patterns, sashiko is a form of ancient Japanese embroidery that is now popular in quilting and the visible mending movement. This book introduces the classic geometric motifs and provides templates that can be used for any project.   

Represent! Embroidery: Stitch 10 colorful projects & 100+ designs featuring a full range of shapes, skin tones & hair textures by Bianca Springer 

This book is packed with patterns, techniques, motifs and slogans to make sure your art represents you and amplifies your voice. There is an entire section on how to manipulate thread or yarn to best capture various hair textures and styles.  

Bead Embroidery Chinese style by Han Yu 

Combining the techniques of French-style hook needle with Chinese-style bead embroidery, the clear instructions show how to attach embellishments as well as introducing the hook needle. If you’re comfortable with needlecraft, this would be a great book to try something new. 

The Seasons in Silk Ribbon Embroidery: 20 beautiful designs, techniques and inspiration by Tatiana Popova 

You can create the most beautiful floral pieces with silk ribbon embroidery and this book guides you through everything including how to get the right shape from the ribbon and how to dye the silk before or after stitching. This would be another great resource if you want to try something new.  

Creative Mending: Beautiful darning, patching and stitching techniques by Hikaru Noguchi 

The visible mending movement encourages you to highlight mending rather than hide it, making your pieces more unique as they age. This book captures the spirit of that movement by showing various techniques to repair textiles in a way that strengthens them and adds character. 

Pop-Up Embroidery: A beginner’s guide to modern raised stitches by Ashley Denn

This book is all about adding new dimension to your embroidery. With easy to follow directions, you can stitch dandelion seeds that seem to float, a succulent with lifting leaves, or a jellyfish with tentacles that flow beyond the frame. 

Embroidery at the ideaMILL 

Did you know the ideaMILL has an embroidery machine? Book time on the Janome Memory Craft 500E embroidery machine to create unique pieces that express your personal style. Learn more, watch an instructional video, and book your appointment here: Embroidery Machine. 

-Meg