contrast in crewel embroidery: modern designs stitched on light and dark

Discover a wealth of innovative and inspiring ideas for using color in crewelwork, from one of the world’s leading embroiderers, Tatiana Popova.

Explore the interplay of light and dark, and experiment with color and stitch in this stunning, practical guide to crewelwork. Through her innovative stitch designs and inimitable eye for color, Tatiana explores how the traditional technique of crewel embroidery can be reimagined for stunning, contemporary results. Inside you’ll find:

• A complete guide to the tools and materials needed.
• A guide to planning successful color, thread and stitch choices - all explained with invaluable personal insights.
• 4 ’smart doodles’, which allow you to produce an accomplished finished piece while you practice your stitches.
• 4 paired ’light and night’ embroideries each pair uses one design but varies the colors of the threads, fabric color and stitches used, to give two distinctly different results. Each project contains a complete thread and stitch list, which corresponds to detailed photography of the finished embroidery, to make it as accessible as possible.
• All templates included.
• A full stitch directory with more than 130 crewelwork stitches explained step by step, from back stitch to woven wheel.

Whether you are new to embroidery or an experienced embroiderer looking for new ideas and expert guidance, this inspiring, practical book is one you will turn to again and again.

Tatiana Popova is a Ukrainian embroiderer. She learnt to stitch at an early age, inspired by her mother and grandmother’s embroidery, and for a time she pursued her passion for stitching by studying a huge variety of embroidery styles and techniques, both at school and in her own time. Tatiana studied Floristry Design at university, but soon after graduating she discovered the world of embroidery. She started her own business, Little Owl Smart Crafts Company, producing kits for silk ribbon and crewel embroidery. Tatiana participates in a number of craft shows all around the world, including the UK, USA and Japan, and annually teaches at the Bead & Button Show in the USA.
You can find out more about Tatiana and her work on her website, www.owl-crafts.com.