Reviews provided by Syndetics

Booklist Review

At first blush, the new embroidery often seems like a mishmash of textures and styles, colors and techniques. Through Barton's tutelage, confusion nearly becomes modern symmetry. Instead of teaching basic stitches, she concentrates on the whys and wherefores of design. With a wealth of color photos, she demonstrates the options and combinations to add to traditional embroidery--drawing, painting, quilting, applique, machine embroidery, etc. Most exciting is her explanation of embroidered jewelry and ornaments, including gossamerlike yet sturdy fabric beads, hand-stitched cords, necklaces, belts, earrings, and flowers. The occasional ethereal subject notwithstanding, she dispenses practical information, too, on materials and equipment, different stitches, and finishing instructions. Lists of suppliers and further reading; index. --Barbara Jacobs