Contrast in Crewel Embroidery

Ukrainian author Popova brings a new vision to crewelwork. Rather than using traditional crewel wools, she creates patterns with the varied stitches and techniques of crewelwork but updates them with cotton floss, perle, and specialty threads. This book uses these threads in contrasting color palettes, and both light and dark fabrics as a base, to show how the same pattern can look startlingly different depending on color choices. There are eight patterns included: four simple “doodles” to practice on, and four complete night and day designs, all with stitch guides. From simple to advanced, each pattern shows how to adapt color choices to create the desired effect. The book includes clear photographs of both process and finished products, as well as an illustrated stitch guide for all the crewel stitches used in the projects. The style is conversational and engaging, with the author’s individual voice coming through.

VERDICT: Sharing crewelwork designs with a focus on fresh colorways, and using threads that many stitchers are already familiar with, this book gives an updated look at the potential of traditional patterns. Popova offers practical crewel inspiration and fun ideas for contemporary embroidery.

-- Melanie Kindrachuk * Library Journal *

My first impression of this beautiful book is ‘”What a breath of fresh air!”. Followed by my admiration for Tatiana's energy, her enthusiasm, and her buoyant, joyful approach to embroidery. 

Tatiana has covered the basics of non-wool threaded crewelwork with clear illustrations and quality photographs, but she has gone much further by adding some exciting combinations of classic stitches, which I think will excite the avid embroiderer as well as the newbie. Who could resist her Propellor Stitch, Buttonhole edge on a chain stitch, Skeleton Stitch and Woven Circle Needlelace.

-- Phillipa Turnbull

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

We say: Whether you’re 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.

* Craft Focus *

Within this title, Ukrainian author Tatiana Popova brings together her long lived love of Crewelwork and develops designs which are both on dark and light backgrounds. Does that sound bland to you? As a description, yes. However as someone who does not naturally enjoy traditional forms of needlework, I was taken in by her visuals, which then in turn made me read her text. Honestly, I think I just had not fully ‘looked’ at crewelwork before. Yes, I respected it, cos see its beauty, but I did not want to try it. Reading her introduction, I already began to learn so much about this form of art. As a young girl, she admits herself that when looking at samples of this visually, she was confused, Why were leaves holding fruit? Why did birds perch in odd places? As she grew both in years and understanding, she came to love that aspect of this method. I see it as an Alice in Wonderland inspired concept, where everything looks normal, until you consider it again.

This excited me, I began to plan how I could work inspiration from the designs on the cloths I use in my own practice, namely vintage pieces, so not something as pristine and clean as she uses.

For those who actually are used to Crewel, I best not digress too far and come back to the content.

• It is hardback, heavy, with over 135 Crewel stitches explained.

• Over 100 pictures illustrated.

• All templates are included.

• Tools and material list given.

I liked the contrast idea, for example some designs which are colourful in themselves, are embroidered on fabric which is multicoloured. As someone who has had experience dyeing fabrics, this brought me to consider for I could use my pre-dyed fabrics and embroidery these designs on top of them. Then I began to think of fabrics and using thick ones as opposed to the usual ones….too many ideas before breakfast!

I am here illustrating that this title does more for your mind than simply instruct you to complete a project, Popova guides us in a suggestive way, yes with clear designs stated, but a little window of self direction allowed.

She also notes embroidery and its link to the Scientific fact that practice of this brings a form of therapy to the user.

If you know this method well, then this book may well freshly inspire you and if you are a little student, who feels they know nothing (I have been there) then you will yes, at first stare in awe, then realise you-could-too.

* Ailish Henders