Embroidered Wild Flowers: Patterns Inspired by Field and Forest (Make Good: Japanese Craft Style)

by Kazuko Aoki

From dandelions and violets to mushrooms and autumn leaves, this collection of embroidery motifs is inspired by nature walks.

Inspired by the wonder and beauty of the natural world, the embroidery motifs offered here evoke wildflower meadows and woodland walks. With lifelike yet whimsical plants and flowers, as well as mushrooms, leaves, trees, and birds, the flora and fauna presented here offer a delightful and beautiful range of motifs drawn from nature.

Featuring beautiful photographs, clear step-by-step instructions, and detailed diagrams, this book will be an inspiring guide for those new to embroidery and a fresh and unique offering for those experienced with needle and thread.

• ISBN10: 1611808014
• ISBN13: 9781611808018
• Publish Date: 24 March 2020
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Shambhala Publications Inc
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 96
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9781611808018

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Embroidered Wild Flowers is a new embroidery guide with templates for surface embroidery by Kazuko Aoki. Released 24th March 2020 by Roost Books, it's 96 pages and available in paperback format.

It's nice to see surface embroidery coming back into its own. It seemed for years that almost all of the new tutorial books were aimed at counted cross stitch or quilting. This book is laid out as a series of vignette project sections: along the path, when the dandelions bloom, walking along the embankment, long headed poppies, violets, spring paths, and several more. There are alternative colorways and alternate flower choices for many of the projects.

The projects themselves are mostly line drawings with filling stitches. Some are quite structural and border on stumpwork. They're all appealing and would be ideal for decor or clothing applications. The book is peppered with photographs showing the author's sketchbook pages and color selections (very inspiring).

There is a very short technique chapter and templates of the line drawings of the patterns. This chapter also includes a few tips (how to carry thread, tips and equipment to make stitching more even and enjoyable, etc) which can be utilized to make the projects easier and better.

The photography is very clear. With the diagrams, the projects should be comfortable for a keen beginner. One important aspect of the surface embroidery process which isn't covered in the book is pattern transfer to ground fabric. The info is easily accessible elsewhere, so I haven't detracted anything in the review for the oversight/lack.

The line drawings of the patterns also include recommended stitch fillers.

Lovely and useful addition to the embroiderer's library. I am going to incorporate some of the line drawn motifs in the freehand areas of my next counted thread sampler.

Five stars

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.