Stitcher’s Christmas 2019 #6: Best Needlework Books!

(979) Comments

1. De Dillmont’s Encyclopedia of Needlework!

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2. I think my most used embroidery book is “Komm wir Sticken” by Heidi Haupt Battaglia. It’s from the 50s, black and white pictures, but it’s really good and the instructions are excellent.
   Fun fact the book was published by the Swiss publisher Haupt Verlag and the grandson of the author is now the boss of the company(family business) and really happy that his grandmothers book is still used and liked (Was a bestselling book)

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   1. My first embroidery book is one I still turn to even Many years later Crewel Embroidery by Erica Wilson. I Love embroidery books to the detriment of my budget.(lol)

3. I don’t own my favorite inspiration book, as I get it from my library, but it was happening on Hazel Blomkamp’s Crewel Twists that started me into surface embroidery. It was a revelation in thread. I still go to it for ideas.

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   1. Great embroidery info, as I am a novice, I admire all types of handwork, and any tips and demos really make it so much easier to master, especially if you can demo in right and left hand. Sometimes it’s very difficult to reverse things in your mind.

4. I have several needlework books. My favorite and the ones I use the most are Trish Burr books.

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5. I have one goldwork book, so that’s about it for my reference material! All of these books look like so much fun to look through.

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6. I use the royal needlework book, digital version, which covers all the techniques I would love to try if I had the time 🙂

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7. I love books too..especially history on embriodery.! I’m crossing my fingers..thank u!

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8. I don’t have a book specific to embroidery, but I have lots of books on knitting and beading. I have recently become interested in needle painting, so I would really like a nicely detailed instructional book for beginners on needle painting.

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9. Other than cq books, the one I use the most is A-Z of embroidery stitches.

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10. The needlework technique I do most frequently is counted work so the needlework book I reach for and use most often is Eileen Bennett’s “The Red Book of Sampler Stitches” (2003). It’s a very valuable resource.

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11. The A-Z series are what I reach for
    most often. The top of my new year list includes making an embroidered box.. even if it has basic stitches! I’d live to make each side a different learning pattern! Thanks for this opportunity!

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12. I reach for the Embroidery Stitch Bible whenever I’m in need of inspiration for an embroidery motif, especially for embroidering simple picture outlines or words on my quilts.

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13. I use embroidery stitches for left-handers. It is very comprehensive. It is also good for using a slate frame since it has directions for right handers which is how left handers embroider when using a slate frame since the dominant hand [left] is under the embroidery!

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14. I really don’t have a favorite needlework book; I like them all! I tend to use internet sources a lot, like DMC and Needle-n-Thread. (And, of course, Pinterest!) So, what needlework book would I want? “A to Z Embroidery Stitches,” “A to Z Embroidery Stitches 2, ” and all of NNT’s e-books. A few needlework history books would also be welcome!

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15. I find Blackwork catches my eye the most. The detail that can be achieved from the multitude of stitches and colors is wonderful — especially when the colors are usually limited! I have started a couple of small projects and an quite close to finishing up — this will be accomplished in 2020! Thank you.

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    1. My favorites are the RSN books, especially the crewel and whitework. Thank you, Mary.

16. I am interested in learning silk embroidery so a book on this is on my want list.

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17. Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches by Mary Thomas— basic reference for stitches.

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18. As I peruse the bookshelf full of textile related books right beside my desk, I cannot imagine life without any of them, but my current favourite may be Kay and Michael Dennis’s Stumpwork Embroidery for its clear descriptions of needle lace. I’ve been fascinated by this technique since a recent guild class. Hazel Blomkamp’s Needle Lace is another excellent resource.

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19. My most used book is the “Embroidery Stitch Bible” by Betty Barnden to look up all kinds of stitches.

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20. Although they are not strictly needlework books, I get a lot of inspiration from the “Fashion in Detail” series. There are 17th century, 18th century and 19th century editions that give me inspiration every day. I love to wear my embroidery!

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21. The books I used most often this year were “Basics and Beyond” and “Fundamentals Made Fancy”, both by Janice Love. They are all about Hardanger, and I used them to finally finish a wedding sampler for my nephew and his new bride.

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22. Lately it’s been The Needlepoint Book by Jo Ippolito as I’m working on a canvas project that every 17th square I pick a new stitch (the other 16 squares stitches have been per-determined by the designer).

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23. thanks for the chance to win such great books. I very often turn to “A Passion for Needlework” by Inspirations – I have done projects both from the original book and from Factoria VII. great projects and excellent instruction

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24. Since my current main focus is crazy quilting, my grabbit book is either Jennifer Clouston’s crazy quilt or Kathy Seaman Shaw’s books on decorating seams.

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25. While I’m stitching, I find myself turning most often to one of my stitch guides. My favorite is a classic, the Readers Digest Guide to Needlework. If I’m just looking for inspiration or don’t feel like stitching but want to do something stitching related, I love to look at more of the picture type books. I have the Chloe Giordano book and some others which I turn to a lot.

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26. The needlework book I go to most often is the A-Z book of stitches – just love that series!

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27. I reach for a book that my mother used, long out of print & well used to for “how to” on more complicated stitches.

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28. I don’t have any books yet. I would like Blackwork Embroidery as my first book.
    Thank you.

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29. I love Needlework books and my library has many techniques represented and so much eye candy to enjoy! While I grew up doing surface embroidery, I am fascinated by stumpwork and treasure all my Jane Nicholas books. I have been fortunate to have taken several classes with her and gotten all my books autographed.
    Her first book, “Stumpwork Embroidery A Collection of Fruits, Flowers and Insects” will always be my favorite ❤️
    Thank you for your generosity.

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30. frequently, i look at either a constance howard book i love, or a book or two of sue spargo.
    constance was so inspira!

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31. The book I reach for the most is A-Z of Embroidery Stitches.

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32. I really like Search Press. Their books are beautifully illustrated, their instructions are clear, and they are truly inspiring/

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33. Those needlework books are so beautiful. The cover photos are very inspirational and are truly works of art.

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34. My Mom got me The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery: A Guide To Essential Stitches, Techniques And Projects for my birthday and I always refer to that for ideas and instructions.

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35. I love getting ideas from books. I am very fortunate to live close to the Textile Center in Minneapolis, MN. They gave a large library of all books on needle work, weaving, and yarn crafts. I am trying to slowly build my own resources. I am excited to know of this resource.

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36. I LOVE to do ribbon flowers. That new Ribbons for All Seasons looks GORGEOUS. I would love to add that and the other three 2019 books to my library!
    This Bird is a daily follower. Thanks for all you do.

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37. I have many needlework books but the ones I use most are the picture candy needlework books which I rely on for relaxation browsing. The inspirational factor is a bonus. Namely my precious Annemieke Mein.
    Thanks Mary, and Cheers,
    Kath Grabham.

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38. Needlework books! I love them all, but lately have reached for the A to Z smocking and embroidery books from our friends in Australia that publish Inspirations Magazine. Scarlett

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39. Books, books, books. Who could resist?
    I reach for anything with stitches &/or pretty pictures &/or clear instructions

    MJ in LFHHI

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40. My go-to book is The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion by Yvette Stanton. It’s out any time I’m trying a new stitch or trying to remember how to start up an old favorite I haven’t used in a while and it’s always out with other inspirational books as a reference because things really are very different for left-handers. Also, I like the way it’s organized. It’s simply alphabetical with very legible headings you can see at a glance when flipping through the pages. There is no grouping by families, which is sometimes nice when you are looking for inspiration, but when you are in a hurry to find a particular stitch there is no need to consult an index or table of contents.

    Kelly Ann D.

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41. I would love the crewel embroidery book in the New Year, New Skill collection. I have always been attracted to crewel embroidery and would like to improve my skills. Thank you!

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42. I have several embroidery books, and it depends on what type of embroidery I’m working on as to which book I reach for. I think the one I reach for the most is my “Hand Embroidery Stitches at a Glance.” I can never remember how to get the blanket stitch started! It’s a great little book to take with me to classes, too, if I need a refresher on a particular stitch.

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43. I love the A-Z library of embroidery books. They are my go to books if I am needing to learn a stitch or gather inspiration. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to win great products.

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44. So many books to inspire a stitcher, especially the ones on Crewel Work, my favorite.

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45. Good morning from a sunny but chilly Newfoundland! In looking at the covers today I am especially brightened by issue 102. All those vibrant birdies … I like folk art techniques and these are whimsical and carefree and bright on a winter morning. Cheers to you!

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46. The most frequent book I reach to presently is my A=Z smocking. I am learning to smock and am in a new smocking guild.

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47. For every project I end up combing through every book I have just for the pleasure of looking at the pictures, so I don’t really have a favorite. But just from seeing the covers of the 2 books on bird embroidery I know they’re the ones I want next. Beautiful!

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48. I would love Chloe Giordan’s book. Her work is so artistic. She obviously loves nature, as do I.
    Kasualkat

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49. The needlework book I go to, quite often, is the Anchor book of Hardanger (the small-sized version). The instructions, illustrations, and photos are very clear and extremely helpful!

    Pat G. (Theory Doc)

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50. Fabulous books!! As I have over 45 needlework books in my collection so far, it’s hard to keep track of which I have used most often. However, as I am currently stitching a project from Hazel Blomkamp’s Crewel Intentions, it is the book I have recently turned to most often. My library may be increasing yet again, as I’m drooling over so many of the books you’ve featured here, Mary. Thank you. Merry Christmas!

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51. My favorite books for reference are A to Z Embroidery Stitches, The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery and Stunning Stitches for Crazy Quilt. I use them often for inspiration and how to. I love them. Would love to win one of the book collections offered today. Thanks for offering them. I also use the videos on your website pretty often. Very helpful.

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52. I find that I am more and more adventuresome in my stitching so my go-to books are the Stitches for Effect series by Beth Robertson and Suzanne Howren. I use other stitch books as well, and I love reading books on history and techniques of needlework. Just a book junkie!

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53. I have a problem picking one because I like all my books by Gail Pan and Ms. Soto. For stitch help my go to is Sue Spargo’s book. I do only handwork so love cute things I can embroidery by hand.

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54. There is always room for books in my home, particularly in the craft room. Jo Ippolito’s book “the Needlepoint Book” is my go to book for canvas work, while the A-Z series cover some of the different techniques, like stumpwork, whitework, crewel and smocking. I especially like the technique books which also include instructions for small patterns guiding the stitcher from beginner to advance with lots of photos.

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55. I am a fellow book fanatic and love my not so little collection of needlework books. Never let it be said that the internet will replace the feel and smell and visual experience of a book. Yet when it comes to reference I turn more and more to the internet and in particular to your site, Mary. Thanks for that!! It’s amazing that no matter how many times I use a fly stitch, for example, I still need to see how to start!!

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56. I am making my first crazy quilt and have been honing my embroidery stitches. I don’t really have books on embroidery – I always refer to Needle N Thread – but I would love to learn Silk ribbon embroidery. Thanks.

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57. Hi Mary, Thanks for the giveaway! The book I use the most and treasure is Crewel Embroidery Old and New by Weldon Needlecraft Editors published in 1963. It was passed to me by my grandmother who was an avid embroiderer and weaver of rugs! The stitches in the book have passed the test of time and I use it often!

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58. Having done counted cross stitching for many years but I have recently rekindled my interest in embroidery, especially needle painting. I would like a book on crewel embroidery to develop my skills with various fibers.

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59. Somehow paging through a book is so much more satisfying than reading an ebook. My Little Book of Tips and Tricks by Alison Cole is one of my go-to’s for stumpwork and threadpainting, which I am working on becoming proficient at. I would also like to learn crewel embroidery and admire the work of Hazel Blomkamp.

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60. Marion Nichols “Encyclopedia of Embroidery Stitches” is the book I find myself reaching for a lot to teach myself new stitches or remind myself of how to do something.

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61. Oh, the bibliophile in me loves this give away! I most often reach for is one of my “A-Z of Embroidery Stitches,” either vol. 1 or 2, from Inspirations Press. Wonderful, clear instructions!

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62. A Visual Guide to Crazy Quilting Design by Sharon Boggon – or – Crazy Quilting the Complete Guide by J. Marsha Michler

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63. Definitely it’s Yvette Stanton’s Right Handed Guide to Embroidery . It’s getting a bit “loved” looking because I use it so much .

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64. Can’t say I have one favorite book, but the A to Z series does come to mind. I maintain a library for our fiber arts group at the senior center and love looking through the donated books. So many interesting projects!

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65. The “Embroidery Stitch Bible”-any time I need a refresher. Also the “Autopsy of the Montenegrin Stitch” has been frequently used lately.

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66. What needlework book do you reach for and use most often?

    I usually look for skill type of books so I can try something new. It’s a great way to gain skills to find a new stitch, craft or just something different.

    Susan

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67. I love books so much, it’s hard to pick one, but one I love to look at over and over is Jane Nicholas’ Stumpwork Embroidery. It’s a beautiful book!

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68. I don’t have any needlework books. I’d love to have one that describes all stitches and types of cloth to use for what projects. I’m a beginner! Thank you!

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69. I don’t have any needlework books. I would LOVE to have Embroidering Country Gardens, Lorna Bateman.

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70. I generally reach for “Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches”. It is my “go to” book for instruction and inspiration. I find I enjoy looking at good embroidery books almost as much as stitching.

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71. My go to book is Father B’s small book. It is clear and I can easily find inspiration when looking for just the right stitch.

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72. I would love to have books on flowers and birds. Two of my favorite subjects.

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73. My go to book is Right-Handed Embroider’s Companion.

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74. I have loved embroidery for many, many years. My mother taught me to embroider when I was a young girl. One year for her birthday, I bought her Women’s Day Book of American Needlework. A couple of years later she passed away and I inherited all of her sewing stuff. I actually read this book cover to cover and was so inspired. To this day, some 50 years later, it is still one of my most favorite books. It is inspiring and always gives me great ideas. Recently I was in a thrift store and was so astonished and surprised to stumble upon a box of patterns as a companion to this book. I didn’t even know that it had a companion box of patterns – so the book and the patterns have become a very great treasure. I love using the patterns which covers all of the needleworks.

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    1. I forgot to add that the book was authored by Rose Wilder Lane…

75. I have spent hours living inside these marvelous magazines. They are a world I enjoy over and over again. What a lovely gift.

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76. My go to book is Mary Thomas’s dictionary of Embroidery Stitches. I have a current addition on my tablet which I enjoy using since it is always with me. But, I just found a 1935 edition in excellent shape. One presents the stitches in the kind of stitches. The first section is outline stitches etc. The 1935 edition has them in alphabetical order. Both are great resources. Thank you

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77. My favorite needlework book right now is ‘The intentional Thread’ by Susan Brandeis.

    It’s beyond the how to perform stitches (the means) and onward to the ‘why’ of stitchery (the end, the purpose, the expression).
    I’m learning so much from it.

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78. My needlework book that I go to mostly is the inspiration magazine

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79. My current go to book for help is a well tattered copy of A-Z of Embroidery Stitches! I change technique usually after each project so I’m always having to real learn things. Any of these books would be a great asset to my collection. Several are already on my Wish List!

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80. I have been using the inspiration of The Embroidered Art of Chloe Giordano to capture the fox and dog in the sampler “The Quick Brown Fox Jumps over the Lazy Dog.”

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81. Hi, Mary,

    I reach for Yvette Stanton’s book, _The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion_, a title that you recommended to all stitchers–but I am also left-handed. The advice she provides is so much more complete than other books.

    Beth

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82. My go-to book is probably Elegant Stitches by Judith Baker Montano. She’s the queen of crazy quilting and her Handbook was the first CQ book I found. Elegant Stitches is a smaller format and includes lots of how-to’s, but more importantly for someone who already knows “how to,” it has drawings of combinations of stitches. Very inspirational!

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83. Have a number of needlework reference books; which one I reach for depends on what type of embroidery I will be doing.

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84. Thank you Mary. Whenever I need clear instructions, I reach for Yvette Stanton’s Embroidery for Left Handed – it’s so helpful to have instructions that make sense for me.

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85. I have many books that I use as resourses depending on the type of needlework I am doing. The book that is the most worn in my library which may be an indication of the amount of use it has received over the years is “Carolyn Ambuter’s Complete Book of Needlepoint.

    Joan A

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86. Hi Mary,
    I absolutely LOVE!!!!!! my Chloe Giordano book. Wonderful,pictures and instruction.
    Happy Holidays, Mary.

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87. To be honest, though I do have several great embroidery books–A ~ Z of Embroidery Stitches, Embroidery & Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool, Joyful Stitching: Transform Fabric with Embroidery, several (all) of Kathy Shaw’s books, Learn to Embroider, and The Embroiderer’s Handbook, and I use them for inspiration–when I need instruction, I go straight to your video library. I really struggle with written instructions or diagrams. I learn SO much better when I can watch it being done and then do it with you. Thanks so much for that!!! ♥ 🙂

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88. I always have close to hand my A-Z of Embroidery Stitches. It refreshes my memory and inspires me to try new things.
    Thanks so much for the opportunity to win one of these collections. They are all fabulous!

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89. The book I love & use often is Mary Thomas’s “Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches”.

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90. My usual go to book for stitches is The Embroidery Stitch Bible. There are others that I would use if I were looking for a specific technique

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91. Wow what a give-away Mary. Thank you so much. I have to keep reorganising to get all my books in. And I keep saying no more well that never works. I think the book that I reach for most is The Embroidery Stitch Bible by Betty Barnden. Such a helpful book when I’m not looking up tutorials on your site.

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92. What a great news, I am always looking for inspiration and new techniques.
    My goto books are the ones to create borders or stitches and small embroideries for crazy quilts. Can’t wait to see these new publications

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93. So much inspiration! I love handwork and would love to be the lucky winner of these books!

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94. My go to book is the RSN Book of Embroidery – the big one. This one for practical issues and inspirations. But I also like a variety of other ones including a very old book on goldwork that are great for ideas.

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95. I often to the A~Z of Embroidery Stitches which is published by Search Press. I have been embroidering for about three years now. The book that I would love to own is Crewel Embroidery, by Tatiana Popova. I love her style. Thanks Mary and Search Press for this opportunity to win.

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96. I have several favorites but probably Ann Cox silk ribbon embroidery

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97. I probably reach for “The Embroidery Stitch Bible” by Betty Barnden the most often because I just need an idea for a stitch or reminder on how to do a stitch. The book selections you shared are amazing!!

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98. I would have to say the book i reach for most often changes based on what im working on. There is usually a book associated with the project and that becomes my go to.
    If im stuck on a particular stitch I alway look at marys wonderful tutorials!

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99. I don’t have a specific book I reference, but would love to add the silk ribbon embroidery book to my library!!!

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100. I love the book English Medieval Embroidery: Opus Anglicanum for its beautiful pictures and inspiring works – however I would love a set of books like the inspirations collection to expand my skills and explore new types of embroidery!

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101. The needlework books I most often refer to are those that teach techniques. Currently I am interested in needle painting and I am trying to learn the techniques used to blend the color threads.

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102. This was hard, because I love actual books, and have a HUGE library! However, the embroidery resource I refer to most often and keep at hand while I stitch is actually online: Mary Corbet’s Needle ‘n Thread site. I find the Tips & Techniques section invaluable, and refer often to the stitch instructions & videos.
     If I had to pick one hardcover book, it would be the RSN Handbook of Embroidery.

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103. For technique I turn to all the A-Z books. For inspiration, inspiration magazine and their books are hard to beat. Also, any books by Jane Nicholas, Hazel Blomkamp, or Trish Burr would fit the bill!

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104. I love embroidery books !!! I have many of these books: embroidery stitch books, flower themes, color scheme, by specific authors …. and I consult them too much !!!! What would an embroiderer be without embroidery books? They are our inspiration, they are our master teaching us stitches and details of embroidery and they stimulate our perception of work colors and contours … I have owned several embroidery books and have known Search Press since many years ago. All the news in embroidery are presented by this reputable company that only brings us happiness and pleasure when buying your books.
     My favorite subjects for embroidery are flowers, gardens, animals, people. Lately I’ve been looking for new themes …
     I am so hopeful to win one of the collections because here in Brazil these books are very expensive …. and these collections are splendid !!!!

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105. The embroidery book I reach for most is a book of polar-bear-themed cross stitch designs. I stitched a wedding sampler for my niece (who has “Bear” as part of her nickname) and birth samplers for each of the five grand-nieces and -nephews.

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106. Since I am essentially a novice embroiderer (is that a word??) I mostly reach for how to do various embroidery stitches. After getting down basic stitches, I like to also include fancier, harder stitches.

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107. Looking forward to seeing these books.

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108. A-Z Embroidery Stitches is my go-to book for different stitches. Plus, to be honest, I go to your YouTube channel when I need help with a new stitch!

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109. Since I am fairly new to hand embroidery my most used book is Embroidery: A Step-by-Step Guide to More than 200 Stitches by Lucinda Ganderton

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110. I love embroidery books !!! I have many of these books: embroidery stitch books, flower themes, color scheme, by specific authors …. and I consult them too much!!!!
     What would an embroiderer be without embroidery books? They are our inspiration, they are our master teaching us stitches and details of embroidery and they stimulate our perception of work colors and contours …
     I have owned several embroidery books and have known Search Press since many years ago. All the news in embroidery are presented by this reputable company that only brings us happiness and pleasure when buying your books.
     My favorite subjects for embroidery are flowers, gardens, animals, people. Lately I’ve been looking for new themes …
     I am so hopeful to win one of the collections because here in Brazil these books are very expensive …. and these collections are splendid !!!!

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111. I used to do crewel embroidery as a teen and young woman. Then life got very busy with children, little girls, and I moved on to English smocking and eventually taught classes for English smocking and French hand sewing by machine at our local community college. Now I am embroidering again for fun and creativity and just smocked a romper for my grandson. But I would love to get back into the lovely wool fibers of crewel work and explore where that art is not going.

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112. I would love to have a copy of Crewel Twists by Hazel Blomkamp. I love Jacobean design and she has presented such interesting and beautiful twists to the art. Great inspiration!

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113. I keep a copy of Embroidery close to review the stitches I want to use.

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114. I love all needlework books but the one I use the most often is The Proper Stitch by Darlene O’Steen. I mainly cross stitch but would love to learn other stitching techniques.

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115. The only needlework book I even have is “A Proper Stitch,” but I’ve been dying to get my hands on Hazel Blomkamp’s crewel books!

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116. Hi Mary,

     The book I most reach for is the A to Z Crewelwork book because I enjoy crewel embroidery—really all things wool and linen/twill! The A to Z Crewelwork book has very detailed step by step instructions and clear photos illustrating various crewel work techniques making it an invaluable resource. I am glad its spiral bound because it can handle use! The projects included at the end are also inspirational and fun to analyze. This book really supports my work– especially since were I live there are no classes I can take or other resources to assist.

     Best,

     Margaret

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117. The book that I’m reading now is Embroidered Country Gardens by Lorna Bateman. It’s giving me ideas for the project that I’m working on.

     Merry Christmas

     Vickie

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118. What a wonderful selection of books! I always turn to my Inspirations A-Z of Embroidery Stitches, love their clear instructions.

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119. These books look amazing! The book I reach for most often, probably Elegant Stitches by Judith Baker Montano. It’s just easy to use, illustrations are clear, and I love that my copy is spiral bound so it lays flat beside me as I work. Thanks for this Give Away!

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120. my most-consulted is Jacquelyn Enthoven’s “The Stitches of Creative Embroidery.”

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121. The embroidery book I reach for most often, I purchased in the early 70s’ when I first started embroidering…Coat’s and Clark’s 100 Embroidery Stitches. It cost 35 cents at the time. It is 34 pages long and is about 5″x8″. It is divided into sections by stitch type, such as Flat, Looped, Linked, Composite and the like. It’s just a handy little book of stitches with brief “how to” and clear line drawings.

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122. I don’t have a single favorite book, but my favorite are my stitch reference books. I love going through any of the dictionaries or encyclopedias to find a new stitch that would add something to one of my projects. Even my old – very vintage – or antique books still have something that may be illustrated differently so that I understand the stitch. Needless to say, I have a very large library of useful books! Most do not go untouched.

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123. The books that I use most often are the A to Z of Embroidery books 1 and 2. They are great reference books and help me choose which stitch I want to use as well.

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124. Well, as a dabbler in embroidery I’m embarrassed to say that the first book I reach for is Judith Montano’s stitch book. I’m left handed and I need the extra assurance that her book gives me in left handed instruction!

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125. Not really a book, but I love browsing through Inspirations.

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126. Years ago, in the 1990s, Better Homes and Gardens published annual books of Christmas Cross Stitch patterns. Every year I use one of the 5 I own to find patterns for creating gifts, ornaments or stockings. You collection are a great opportunity to own books that appear to offer some very sophisticated patterns and tips!! Thank you!

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127. The needlework book I reach for most often is an old one – “the stitches of creative embroidery” by Jacqueline enthoven. That’s for technical stuff. And for inspiration I have any number of new and old books that I treasure. Thanks for another wonderful series of giveaways!

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128. I LOVE stitching books! Thank you for your recommendations!

     128

129. I go to Donna Kooler’s Encyclopedia of needlework. It has answered almost all of my questions…then I check your website!

     129

130. I utilize many books and your website while stitching a project, but the book I use most is the A-Z Embroidery Stitches.

     130

131. I have two favorite books I go to for stitch help. Judith Baker Montano’s “Embroidery & Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool” and Sue Spargo’s “Creative Stitching”. I really like both books. Thanks, Mary, for having such nice give aways!

     131

132. Oh my! How do I choose from my many needlework books? The book I reach for depends what type of project I’m working on. However, if I have to pick one series (sorry, I can’t stick with just one book) I’d have to choose the A-Z series by Country Bumpkin. I love them because they’re encyclopedias of stitching that I can grab to find out how to stitch or glance at myriad stitch options, whether I’m doing silk ribbon, surface, whitework, wool or any other embroidery. I’m a very visual person, so appreciate the detailed photos of stitches in progress and the lovely inspirational examples.

     132

133. My most used book is Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches which I picked up in a national trust second hand bookshop! 🙂

     133

134. I keep reaching for Mary Thomas. It’s an older edition, but always gives me new ideas.

     134

135. After stumbling upon your website and spending is: The Embroider’s Handbook, by Margie Bauer. I just getting back into embroidery and it has been a great tool for learning new stitches.

     135

136. Actually I reach for one of Jane Nicholls’ books on stumpwork. If I am stumped (no pun intended) about what threads to use, what colors would work well together, how to do a flower, or bug, or leaf then her books provide inspiration and help. I would love any of these books but would most like to have Embroidered Treasures Animals, as much of my needlework centers around an animal theme.

     136

137. I was given a copy of Mary Thomas’s Embroidery Book years ago and used it as my ‘go to’ for information, but for the past several years I’ve used websites and mainly yours, Mary! Thank you for being there!

     137

138. I love my books by Trish Burr but I have the Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery on my wish list.

     138

139. My current favorite book is Sharon Boggan’s “A Visual Guide to Crazy Quilting”. I have several books from Trish Burr. Love her work!

     139

140. Like you Mary, I love books…especially books on needlework! The book I most reach for when stitching is Sue Spargo’s ‘Creative Stitching.’ The book is small, but packed with easy to follow diagrams on a variety of stitches in logical groupings. There’s plenty of eye candy from Sue as well, and it’s really helpful that the book has a coiled binding making it easy to keep the pages open and flat when following along.

     Happy Holidays!

     140

141. Hi. The needlework books that I reach for most often are those produced by the Royal School of Needlework. I have their 2 big and comprehensive needlework guides, as well as various of their smaller ones. To me, they are the perfect go-to for all needleworkers.

     141

142. The Embroidery Stitch Bible by Betty Barnden: the photos, line drawings and description for each stitch are compact and clear. Plus small chunky books are fun to hold 🙂

     142

143. I love books and I have a lot of needlework ones, so it is hard to say which one I reach for most often. If I had to pick just one, I suppose it would be Brenda Hart’s Stitches for the Millennium, a book of needlepoint stitch diagrams that I find inspirational and endlessly fascinating. It’s a great way to look into the mind of a great stitcher. Merry Christmas and many great books to all!
     Jane/Chilly Hollow

     143

144. The Needlework book I reach for? Well, I don’t think there is just one. My two loves are Ukrainian folk embroidery (I am Ukrainian) and animals. So I have a collection of embroidery books on both these subjects. But if I had to choose one or the other – I would say animals. I have two animal embroidery books that I really, really like – they are Cat Lady Embroidery: 380 Ways to Stitch a Cat and I Love My Dog: 380 Stitch Motifs for Dog Moms and Dads. They both make me smile!

     144

145. Wow! What a great collection of books. So much fun to be had looking through those books. I don’t have many but the book I reach for the most is “Embroidery: A Step-by-Step Guide to More Than 200 Stitches”.

     Thank you for the opportunity,
     Teresa

     145

146. Oh my! What lovely, lovely books. I use many of my needlework books, including the ABC series, very old books I have collected, online information and designs (looking at you Mary) and magazines. Right now I am using Tris Burr’s Needle Painting quite a bit, since I am working on my needle painting skills

     146

147. I often use Carolyn Ambuter’s The Open Canvas but there are many others too. You can never have too many books. SC

     147

148. I reach for the RSN ABC Embroidery book- at least I think that’s the title. It’s in the library of our Guild so during/after a meeting it’s what I look at to understand stitching techniques or untangle a trouble I am having.

     148

149. The book I use the most is Stitch Sampler by Lucinda Ganderton. It has the best photos showing how a stitch is made.

     Cheryl F. from Tyler Texas

     149

150. I generally grab “The Embroidery Stitch Bible” by Betty Barnden. It has a nice collection of stitches and is a spiral book so is easy to prop open.

     150

151. I am just starting to stitch. I would love to have The Embroiderer’s Handbook by Margie Bauer.

     151

     1. I *love* that book, and it was actually the first embroidery book I ever bought.

152. I usually reach for the embroidery book that deals with the project I’m working on. Now I’m doing Schwalmwork and consulting Guido al Ricamo d’Assia by Stefania Bressan.

     152

153. Beginner’s Guide to Blackwork
     by Lesley Wilkins is my most “go to” needlework book.

     153

154. I don’t have any books as of yet as I am just starting,but I have wanted to Chloe’s book ever since I first saw it.

     154

155. RSN’s book on silk shading

     155

156. I love to collect books. I have many, many embroidery, ribbon embroidery and stitch diagrams/suggestions type of books. When I am home it’s great to have several to cross reference when trying to master a stitch. However, since I do a lot of stitching “out” at my local shop I often reach for iStitches by Ruth Schmuff. There are five very large sized volumes which I own in print. However, each volume is also available in an app form. That is what I use for reference when I am stitching “out”. It is easy and lessens the burden of what I carry into the shop for an afternoon of stitching. Of course, the shop has lovely books too . . .
     I’m constantly in trouble with my collecting!

     156

157. I have my eye on Lorna Bateman’s Embroidered Country Garden. I learned silk ribbon embroidery years ago, but Lorna’s book makes me want to relearn everything I’ve forgotten.

     157

158. This was a particularly difficult question. I have so many needlework books! 🙂

     I would say the one I use the most is Dating Fabrics: A Color Guide 1800-1960. I buy antique and vintage quilts from flea markets and spend quite a bit of time trying to date them using this book. As for needlework, I also purchase quilt blocks to incorporate in other needlework projects. I like to know the approximate date of the fabrics to help me place each block into just the right setting.

     Jennifer B. in NEPA

     158

159. My first look to learn new stitches is Elegant Stitches by Judith Baker Montano… nice clear illustrations and a lay-flat binding.
     Jeanette Sclar

     159

160. My stitch dictionaries, although I usually just end up using stem- and backstitch…

     160

161. Oh, this is a hard question! When I first started learning embroidery, I had the Readers Digest Complete Guide to Embroidery, which is still a book I reach for often for the clear instructions & photos. But for enjoyment and inspiration, I’ve found lately that I’m really loving a newer to me title, Stitch People by Jo Dixey, for its more unusual project ideas and some newer techniques that give great effects. I want to try all the projects!

     161

162. When looking at needlework books I tend to go through phases, usually depending on what I am stitching. Recently it has been Lorna Bateman’s new Embroidered Country Gardens. Before that, when working on a monogram it was Mary’s ebook Stitch Sampler Alphabet. You have just added lots of books to my wish list for next year! Thanks for the give-aways!

     162

163. I usually reach for crewelwork books or surface embroidery. The embroidered box book is very interesting, but I would just love the Birds and flowers collection. Thank you for keeping embroidery alive and well. I am so thankful to have found your site. You bring joy and happiness to many. God bless you.

     163

164. I love books as well! There are several that I use frequently one is Hand Embroidery Stitches at a glance. I keep it in my work basket.

     164

165. My most used needlework book is “Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches” because I am always interested in what other stitch I might use when I am doing a project.

     165

166. I have several books on crazy quilt embroidery that I reference regularly: The Crazy Quilt Handbook, by Judith Baker Montano, The Visual Guide to Crazy Quilting Design, by Sharon Boggon, Crazy Quilting, by Allie Aller, just to name a few.

     Looking at beautiful books on embroidery is ALMOST as fun as doing the actual embroidery.

     166

167. Any of these collections would be wonderful addition to my library! When I want to look up a technique for quick reference, I turn to my trusty Complete Guide to Needlework by Readers Digest. If it isn’t there, it will be in Thérèse de Dillmont’s Encyclopedia of Needlework.

     167

168. The book I reach for most is the left-handed embroiderer’s companion. Being a confirmed lefty, This volume has lots of pictures showing the correct way for a lefty to stitch and achieve great results. Beneath the pictures and illustrations, there is a clear concise explanation for completing the stitch. It has saved me many times from frustration and ripping out to make a better stitch pattern.

     168

169. I adore stitchery books and spend endless hours paging through deciding which marvellous design I will tackle next. I enjoying choosing my colours whether they are the ones suggested or my own creation. The thrill of seeing it come to life never fails to boost my spirits and feel the glow of accomplishment.
     I would love the pleasure of owning any of the offered books.

     169

170. I love collecting and reading needlework books as much (if not more) than actually stitching. So it is impossible to say which ONE gets used most often as it depends on the project or research that I am doing. However, my most recent project included adding a hemstitch to finish it as a bell pull so I reached for my booklet on Hemstitching by Marion Scoular. Looking forward to new books in 2020! Thnaks for the sneek peeks!

     170

171. I really like the Mary Thomas Dictionary of Stitches (https://needlenthread.wpengine.com/2006/10/dictionary-of-embroidery-stitches.html) which I found thanks to our Mary C. It’s very clear and I just love having all the different options available (and from different varieties of needlework.) I get inspired to do different projects just looking through it. They are grouped by type of embroidery, and then by function (e.g. “filling stitches.”) Fantastic.

     A very close second would be the RSN Book of Embroidery (https://needlenthread.wpengine.com/2018/06/rsn-book-of-embroidery-huge-in-more-ways-than-one.html). It contains a discussion of a variety of techniques all in one book, and the example work is to die for. It makes me wish I lived in England!

     171

172. For patterns I like designs by Kathy Schmitz because I love her simple designs that are open to using any stitches you want to try. For stitch tutorials I really like the Needle n Thread tutorials because I like to see a stitch being worked.

     172

173. I love embroidery books….not only for the all the instructions, patterns, but also for the beautiful pictures of finished projects. So much talent! I Have a few favourites but the Inspirations books and the Royal School of Needlework books are special!

     173

174. I don’t reach for a book, I reach for your website. But if I were to have a book to reach for, I would like it to be on stumpwork as I really want to learn this type of embroidery.

     174

175. My go-to book is The Complete Book of Stumpwork Embroidery by Jane Nicholas. It contains not just basic stitches, but all the information I need to create 3-D items to add to my embroideries to create depth.

     175

176. There isn’t one book that I go to when I need help…probably because I am a stitcher and quilter. I have books over 50 years old that I still reference. I love books and looking at all that lovely work!

     176

177. What a wonderful collections of assorted books to win. I started my embroidery ventures as a child with JP Coats book of embroidery. It took me through many years of learning stitiches. I always had to turn the pictures upside down as I am left handed. Then found the Left Handed Embroidery book. I have an ancient copy of Encyclopedia of Needlework. My recent book is on Crewel Embroidery. Wonderful color photos and clear instructions.

     177

178. The Needlepoint Book because I do a lot of canvas work.

     178

179. My favorite book is embroidery for left hand people.
     Jennifer Wollesen

     179

180. If I have to check something, or need help for a stitch, I use a very old book. It was my mothers, she gave it to me. It is from the 1950s, in Dutch, called Handwerken. Haven’t found a technique yet that was not in that book!

     180

181. Hi Mary, It just keeps getting better! Oh my gosh, “Crewel Birds”, I love Hazel Blomkamp’s books! Even if you don’t stitch, they are beautiful to look at. I want one.

     Thanks for this years presents.

     Connie Martin

     181

182. When working on embroidery projects, usually a crazy quilt project, my most often referenced needlework book is Allie Aller’s “Crazy Quilting”. I would love some new books for reference and skill development.

     182

183. Greetings stitchers! My go to is Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches, then the Anchor Complete Embroidery Course. Happy stitching to all!

     183

184. The needlework book I use the most is “The Art of Manipulating Fabric” by Colette Wolff. The book covers smocking, ruffles, stuffing, quilting and so much more. Before my last move, I reduced my collection of sewing and embroidery books by half. This book was the only book I missed enough that I had to replace it. I can’t remember why I purchased the book to begin with, but my previous copy was well worn and dog eared. It has provided inspiration for many projects when I wanted something “a little different”.

     184

185. Good Morning,

     I have been using several books and it really depends on what I am creating, my EGA Chapter has yearly challenges and I am currently enroll in a EGA Individual Correspondence course so I have been creating designs on my own or modifying a design. Surface Embroidery, I swear by Alison Coles two master class books Stump work Masterclass and Gold work Master class. Her instructions on how to attempt new techniques such as needle lace are superb.

     I also love the A-Z specialty books put out by the RSN.

     Thank you,
     Merry Christmas
     Jamie Cerda

     185

186. Definitely the Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery.

     186

187. Still a newbie so I don’t have an embroidery library – YET! I’ve asked for 4 books listed on Mary’s Amazon page and have Mary Thomas’ Dictionary at the top of the list. I’d love to own these books as well since a few of them are on my wish list. Merry Christmas! PS – I know I’ve been too busy this season since I’ve missed most of the prior give a ways. 🙁

     187

188. My go to reading for embroidery is actually a subscription to Inspirations magazine. The magazine offers an experience in history, techniques, patterns and ‘valuable inspiration ‘.

     188

189. My most used reference book is Encyclopedia of Embroidery Stitches by Marion Nichols. I would love to own any of the collections.
     Diane P from Kennesaw GA

     189

190. I have a large needlework book I bought from Readers Digest years ago, and I still use it quite often to prod my memory on how to begin projects, and things like stem stitch properly.

     190

191. The crewel book is one i’d reach for.

     191

192. I have always wanted to be able to go and see the Royal School of Needlework , I am particularly interested in the history of needlework .The article was very interesting as needlework itself has very little published history so I enjoy reading about it whenever I can . I am currently searching for sampler needlework and medieval needlework books at my local flea markets and book stores .

     192

193. I usually reach for an embroidery book relating to the project I’m working on at the moment. I’m doing Scwalmwork now and consult Guido al Ricamo d’Assia di Stefania Bressan.

     193

194. Choosing my go to book is hard! There are so many excellent ones. I would say recently I grab one of Christen Brown’s books for inspiration and color ideas. They are beautiful. The Embroidery Book: Visual Resource of Color and Design has a visual stitch guide as well.

     194

195. In spite of having loads of books on various techniques including a number of Search Press Books…I must admit the one I use the most is Anchor Booklet of 100 stitches. I enjoy browsing the others for inspiration and details but that little booklet is small and handy with my work as a quick reminder of various stitches.

     195

196. I tend to do embroidery embellishments with thicker threads so I reach for my two Sue Spargo Creative Stitching books.I would love some other books to inspire me to do other embroidery projects.

     196

197. the one i use the most is RSN Book of Embroidery: A Guide to Essential Stitches, Techniques and Projects

     197

198. These books look amazing. I would like to have Crewel Embroidery, by Tatiana Popova.

     198

199. The Proper Stitch or (GOOGLE)

     199

200. I have a very old book published by Better Homes and Gardens. It has chapters on different crafts. I learned a lot from that but it isn’t as comprehensive as I would like.

     200

201. Lately the book I reach for the most is ,Stunning Stitches for crazy quilts by Kathy Shaw.

     201

202. I generally look through my crewel embroidery books. Although I enjoy looking through my other books on needlepoint, gold work and many more.

     202

203. Oh my, I can’t wait and will head over to the Search Press site. I love books and love to give them. I don’t have any crafty friends or family so I usually give cookbooks.

     203

204. My current favorite is “Goldwork” by Hazel Everett. Not that I have had the guts to do any of it – yet, but it’s hard for me to keep the drool off the pages!

     204

205. I have several needlework books, but would really enjoy a book on stumpwork.

     205

206. I was lucky to obtain a copy of AnneMeike Mein textile book many years ago when it first came out. It inspired me to learn how to several new techniques. Today I reach for both Trish Burr and Hazel Blomkamp books as they inspire me to improve my use of soft shading and bring crewel into the 21st century. They both challenge me to reach beyond what I have done before. I have made several of the pieces that were published in Inspirations Magazine.

     206

207. I have recently discovered enjoyment in hand embroidery and have the Embroidered County Gardens book on my Christmas list.

     207

208. As a ‘newbie’, my stitcher’s library is small.
     I love to browse through all embroidery
     books for information and admire and dream about all the lovely projects! When it comes to actually learning a stitch, I always go to
     your needlenthread website and watch the wonderful tutorials…this is the only way I
     seem to be able to understand the process.
     Does anyone else have this problem or is it just me? All the diagrams are difficult for me to follow, but watching someone do the stitch just ‘clicks’ for me.

     208

209. I just purchased my first embroidery book, “Embroidered Country Gardens” by Lorna Bateman after having seen a copy of it at my local EGA chapter meeting. I absolutely had to have it and will be referring to it for tips, techniques, and project ideas. Although I’m not a gardener, I love flowers and gardens both embroidered, stitched, and appliquéd. Thanks for giving the history of Search Press.

     209

210. I don’t exactly have a favorite needlework book. I use my collection of A to Z books constantly. I smock, do shadow work and surface embroidery so depending on the project/projects I am working on I will have the appropriate A to Z book with me.

     210

211. I love the A to Z series. The instructions are very understandable, and the books are so inspirational.
     I love all needlework books, and feel you can never have enough. Thank you Mary, for all you do to keep us all stitching.

     211

212. Embroideries from an English Garden by Carol Andrews is one of my favorite go to books for inspiration and guidance. Lovely book!

     212

213. I started embroidering at the age of 73 and found free style surface embroidery suits me best. I go to Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery stitches (recommended by Mary Corbet) the most.

     The book I’d like most now is Hazel Blomkamp’s Crewel Birds. I love her designs and integration of beads, weaving and the like. Her designs are challenging, engaging and also do-able.

     213

214. It depends on what type of stitchery I am doing. Mostly I reach for a book with clear instructions on how to do a particular stitch, I find that after years and years of stitching, I sometimes develop a habit of doing a stitch incorrectly and it is always a good idea to refresh my memory.

     214

215. Greetings, Mary! I would so love to have the book on crewel embroidery that you show. I love the look but know almost nothing about creating it.
     Merry Christmas everyone

     215

216. I love all the books of Marie Suarez…..in french, with french style of embroidery.

     216

217. I most frequently reach for a RSN instructional book of stitches. It’s small and spiral bound so it opens easily and lies flat. I stitch intermittently so I need the reference for stitches I don’t quite remember.

     217

218. I’ve begun planning for a big wool embroidery project, so lately the books I’ve been using the most are the A-Z of Embroidery Stitches (volumes 1 & 2).

     218

219. I have several books that I reach for but it really depends on what I’m working on. If it is a canvas piece, it’s “Stitches for Effect”. If a hardanger piece then any of the books by Janice Love. If I’m hemstitching then it’s Marion Scholar and her wonderful book on hemstitching.

     219

220. I don’t own any needlework books; I use designs from the internet or books from the library. I’ve had my eye on Embroidered Country Gardens by Lorna Bateman for a while for all the beautiful intricate details and because of the kits that have been featured in the Inspirations newsletter.

     220

221. Most reached for book…? At the moment, the J Carey Elizabethan stitches one – as I can never remember how to do Elizabethan braid stitch whenever I pick up my sweetbag project!

     221

222. I would like to own Crewel Embroidery by Popova. Thanks for the chance to win this book.

     222

223. Like you, I too collect needlework, sewing and quilting books. Several bookcases full of them and am now stacking them on the floor. They are my friends. Generally, if I’m looking for a stitch or how to make it, I will pull out several of the general stitch books to see which one has the clearest diagrams. I am dyslexic and doing things in reverse or whatever can be difficult. One of the books to pull is Doona Kooler’s Encyclopedia of Embroidery Stitches. I also love the Royal needlework book that you wrote the introduction to.

     223

224. My favorite “go to” book is, Mary Thomass Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches, by Jan Eaton, Search Press.
     This book has been around for a long time and is still useful today.

     224

225. I love The Stumpwork, Goldwork and Surface Embroidery Beetle Collection by Jane Nicholas. So much inspiration and clear instruction.

     225

226. What book? Can’t pic just one :). Usual reasons I reach for one is research, or looking for a particular stitch. For research The Pictorial History of Embroidery is always my go-to. It may not have color pics but what is there covers a wide range (some examples were lost during WWII) AND the glossary in the back gives ground, fiber and stitch information. To check on how to do a particular stitch Erika Wilson’s Embroidery Book (also known as ‘the red one’) is usually the first, after that could be The Proper Stitch (D. O’Steen) or Elizabethan Stitches (J. Carey).

     And if I don’t go to a book, I start here on Needle ‘n Thread :).

     226

227. What an interesting story about Search Press, I never knew that. Anyway, the books I most reach for are my A-Z books … beautiful, instructive and just fun!

     Merry Christmas!

     227

228. I love blackwork (first love hardanger), crewel third. Knitting socks is also a passion and have never embroidered on knitting. Making a box, I know some who do that and makes me envious. So those books really intrigue me. So fingers crossed.

     228

229. I wish, I wish, I wish, I wish …. I had the very newest book on my very latest needle passion – whatever that will be in 5 seconds!

     229

230. I love any of the books by Trish Burr when I’m looking for inspiration and instruction! I’m currently devouring The Embroidered Art of Chloe Giordano but alas, it’s from the library. What amazing giveaways – Merry Christmas!

     230

231. I do mostly counted work and reach for Janice Love’s Hardanger Books, “Basics and Beyond” and “Fundamentals Made Fancy”, quite often for interesting fillings, wonderful information on what went wrong, helpful tips and beautiful inspiration!

     231

232. Like you Mary, I have tons of books, but I think the ones I turn to most often are my books from the Royal School of Needlework.

     232

233. It’s not so much a book as a button (or more often a mouse); it’s actually your web site. Its easier for me to find what I’m looking for on here than it is to try to find the correct book, which may be anywhere in a cupboard, on a shelf, or even on the table in front of me or in the corner on the floor. I do love a book too, but they do need sorting.

     233

234. What delightful collections of Needlework books! Any of them would be a great addition to my library.

     234

235. The needlework book I reach for most often is Alison Cole’s Tips and Tricks….so useful. And I always picture Alison’s cheerful face when I get it out

     235

236. I don’t really have a book I go to. I was shown how to start by a friend, and 40 years later, I just Lee learning by trying new things. But the books you review on your blog are so inspiring and tempt me to try some. Recently I had the privilege of hearing Terri Bay speak. And I am definitely going to try my hand at some white work. So I would love to wine the collection containing the book on that subject.

     236

237. I LOVE embroidery books and have many for inspiration in my ever growing and changing library. It is hard to choose just one favorite book from the ones that I have as each has it’s particular use but one of the books that I have continued to keep and often refer to for stitch inspiration is Jacqualine Enthoven’s THE STITCHES OF CREATIVE EMBROIDERY. It is an old book but I just keep hanging on to it! Having said that I’m looking forward to the next new books for 2020. It continues to be exciting to see what is new and different in the world of embroidery. Thanks for sharing your reviews of new books with the embroidery community!

     237

238. I love my silk ribbon books the most. Since I am first a counted person, silk ribbon is a challenge for me and my books give me inspiration when I am stretching myself.

     238

239. ‘A-Z of Embroidery Stitches’ and its companion book 2.

     239

240. My latest favourite is Embroidery, a Complete Course in Embroidery and Design, by Pauline Brown. This is a fabulous book, published by William Collins Sons & Co. in 1987 (I have the second edition from 1990.)

     240

241. I use various books for embroidery stitching instructions. I have yet to determine which is my favorite because none, so far, has proven to be a “one stop” reference book.

     I’m a bit of a novice and I have been working on simple wool applique projects over the last year. I also have a crazy quilt that I started many years ago and I forgot how to do all of the fancier ribbon work, hand embroidery, etc. (I barely knew how to do them back them … LOL)

     241

242. I love Trish Burr’s books. I reach for them often for inspiration and when I just want to look at something beautiful. Her work is exquisite.

     242

243. That’s such a difficult question to answer. I love my collection of needlework books. If I need to understand how to do something – then I will use the A to Z stitch books from Inspirations or the giant RSN book. If I’m looking for inspiration, then I love Trish Burr’s books and also Jane Nicholas.
     You can never have too many books!

     243

244. The best needlework book in my collection is RSN Book of Embroidery. I love embroidery books! Thanks, Mary, for all you do to keep us informed.

     244

245. These are the most beautiful giveaways! I am new to needlenthread this year, and what a joy your emails are. I look forward to the wealth of information you provide. You are inspiring me to expand my talents and explore new crafts. Thank you so much!!

     245

246. I love Judith Baker Montano’s Embroidery & Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool – she includes instructions for left handed stitchers! Thanks, Marty

     246

247. The most basic needlework book I use is Erica Wilson’s Embroidery Book.

     247

248. The book I reach for the most is The Right-handed Embroiderer’s Companion by Yvette Stanton. I find her instructions and clear diagrams the most helpful in figuring out a stitch – after your tutorials, Mary, of course. But since I can’t always get to the computer when stitching puzzles me, I reach for this book. As a consequence, it is a bit tattered, but that shows it is obviously loved.

     248

249. The right-handed embroiderer’s handbook

     249

250. I have 2 small pamphlet books that I use constantly, one is Hand Embroidery, Stitches at a glance and Pocket Guide, Embroidery that have oft-used stitches. They are very helpful when searching for a stitch.

     250

251. There are two books I would love to have for both inspiration and for reference. The first is Susan O’Connor’s Monograms: The Art of Embroidered Letters because I just cannot get enough of whitework and monograms. The second is A-Z of Goldwork with Silk Embroidery which seems perfect for learning the techniques needed for Ecclesiastical embroidery.

     251

252. Like you I am an avid collector of embroidery books and own hundreds. As I like the challenge of trying new stitches my copy of the Stitch Bible is never far from my hand.

     252

253. I would love any of the new Inspirations collection. After all, I haven’t seen them yet. 🙂

     253

254. The book I reach for at least once a year is Linen Stitches by Ginnie Thompson. It has great instructions for basic stitches and hemming. You asked for one, but I have two. The second book is Elegant Stitches by Judith Baker Montano. I just love what she has done to combine stitches. These books are the spiral bound versions — yet another thing about these books that I find so helpful.

     254

255. How is it possible to choose when there are so many beautiful and inspiring books to choose from? I choose whatever refers to the type of embroidery I’m doing at the time. But I do pick up Trish Burrs White Work with Colour more than any other. I’ve nearly completed them all.

     255

256. Currently,when I want to look at needlework books, I go to my public library because they have basic books on embroidery and counted cross stitch; but the projects they offer are mostly outdated and their color schemes are not of much interest to me. At one time, I had a precious embroidery book on fancy scripted calligraphy lettering; but I lost it in a flood a number of years ago. For real inspiration now, I look to my mother-in-law’s beautiful projects, which are mostly gorgeous ribbon embroidery, satin stitch animals and flowers, and three dimensional appliquéd flowers and insects. She has won lots of local awards for her needlework; but she does not teach or share her process. I also greatly enjoy studying the amazing designs you post on your blog! They truly make me look at the melding of design and technique in new and intriguing ways! I look to them again and again to study your techniques, thread, and fabric choices avidly. You have emboldened me to start working with metallic threads for the first time; and now I am totally hooked on them. Thank you! Your snowflake designs overwhelm me in their mixture of simplicity and complexity, sparkle and elegance! I love learning about new threads and notions that are available on the market; and I really appreciate your willingness to share your discoveries and processes so openly! It is so greatly appreciated! I am especially drawn toward complex and multi-platform techniques from nature. A merging of your 2019 collection is very similar to the layered techniques that I would dearly love to learn to do. The three-dimensional batik embroidered butterflies on the cover of “The Art of Annemieke Mein” totally blows my mind with its beauty and inspiration. What a delightful idea to add to a child’s wall quilt to add that extra touch of whimsy found in every child’s heart! It is all so inspiring! God bless, and good luck and best wishes to all.

     256

257. There are two books I reach for most often: The Embroiderer’s Handbook by
     Margie Bauer and The Complete Stitch Encyclopedia by Jan Eaton.

     What wonderful collections of books! Thank you!

     257

258. My favorite book of embroidery is an old Reader’s Digest compilation. I like it because it shows clear step by step pictures and diagrams of many basic stitches. It also has chapters on many different techniques, including appliqué, black work, and drawn thread work.
     It’s a good basic reference. And it’s the only book I own thus far.

     Diana B in Illinois

     258

259. Hi Mary,
     Not having an embroidery book, I would love a book on Crewel work because I love the way the different stitches can produce a unique texture.
     Merry Christmas!

     259

260. I have an old “Erica Wilson’s Embroidery Book” that I love. I read it for pleasure, somewhat like I read dessert menus in restaurants, even though I don’t intend to order dessert.

     260

261. I have a bookcase full of needlework references — recent, past, European, etc. What I reach for is dependent on what I am stitching and am looking for info (how to, background, colors, etc.). They cover the full spectrum of stitching guides, types of needlework, history, etc. I use them all.

     261

262. My go-to Needlework books are the Inspirations books A to Z of Embroidery Stitches 1 and 2. Also whatever technique I’m excited about at the time – Goldwork, crewel, etc. thank you!

     262

263. Trish Burr and Hazel Bloomkamp
     They are exciting and beautiful.
     Love stitching. Meditating.

     263

264. Trish Burr is my favorite and I reach for one of hers first as I attempt to improve my thread painting skills. Lately, I have been reaching for her Whitework with Colour. Thank you, Mary, for warning us that there are so many (more) beautiful needlework books coming out in 2020! I’ll have to make room for more books!

     264

265. I am a collector of needlework books-In the past I had a friend with a knit shop and everytime she got in new books she would call me and say, “I think you should come over and have a look.” Right now I would like to see the book ” Embroidered Treasures Birds ” because I have been hand sewing song birds, knitting birds and crocheting birds. Interweave press has been a great inspiration to me as well as books by Susan B Anderson and Lucinda Guy. So, I am happy to know about Search Press. tx SBeer

     265

266. “Creative Stitching” by Sue Spargo is my go to book and recommend it everyone! I love your site Mary! I learn so much!

     266

267. The books that I seem to use the most are—-A-Z of Embroidery Stitches #1 and #2.

     267

268. For inspiration, I want the books that have birds as the project. I want to see the different birds featured so I can try them. I love all birds!

     268

269. This year’s giveaways are the best yet, Mary! And today’s is particularly brilliant. I find I don’t often reach for books, exactly, so much as drool over them for inspiration when they first arrive. But one that’s been a constant over a lot of years is Kaffe Fassett’s Glorious Inspiration.

     269

270. I reach out to Trishburr books for my needle painting projects. I refer to RSN series of books as well.

     270

271. Hi Mary,
     The Embroidery book I rely on and reach for the most is, The Embroidery Stitch Bible, by Betty Barnden.
     Thanks for your embroidery inspirations-my favourite online resource!

     271

272. My current favorite book is Trish Burr’s Redoute’s Finest Flowers. I am stitching the magnolia for my grandmother for Christmas. I love the way she creates realistic flowers and I love browsing this book even when not working on a project.

     272

273. I reach for what is known as the RSN Green
     Book – the precursor to all the others. Great information on techniques and even better projects for practicing those techniques .
     Darcy

     273

274. I always have Judith Baker Montano’s Embroidery and Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool with me. It shows all of the stitches in both left and right handed and sits up making it easy to use.

     274

275. I reach for Encyclopedia of Needlework, by Donna Kooler. It may be out of print now but can be found on some used book sites.

     275

276. Hello Mary:

     Ohhh I love some of the titles coming for 2020 and am adding them to my wish list! I particularly love the one in collaboration with Kew Gardens. I used to live just down the street from Kew Gardens and had an annual membership for many years. I so miss it now that I am living in Canada. The gift shop at Kew always has amazingly curated titles and no doubt this one will be a good selling one. Anyhow, as to the question, I often turn to Goldwork by Hazel Everett as a reference book but seem to be turning more and more to Fairchild’s Dictionary of Textiles as I get into writing embroidery research.

     276

277. I love embroidery books! RSN Book of Embroidery is the best. Thanks, Mary, for all your efforts to keep us informed.

     277

278. I’ve been using reader’s digest Complete Guide to Needlework since I was a kid. It’s a great reference whenever I need to refresh my memory on a technique or stitch that I don’t use often.

     278

279. Embroidered Country Gardens is the book I most wish for right now. My very small library of embroidery books desperately needs some new life so really . . .any of those collections would be fabulous. Well used and well loved.

     279

280. I love books! And I love embroidery books most of all! Thank you Mary and Search Press for this batch of goodies. It makes my heart happy to see how many new books are coming out in 2020, that means needlework is alive, well and thriving!
     The reference book I reach for the most is that classic, “The Complete DMC Needlework of Needlework” – a must for any
     library. Any of the A-Z books are good too!

     280

281. When I need inspiration, I reach for my vintage Ondori needlework book collection gifted by my lovely aunt.

     281

282. The needlework books I reach for the most often are the stitch dictionaries. I love learning new stitches! 🙂

     282

283. I continually return to The Stitches of Creative Embroidery, by Jacqueline Enthoven, I have had it since the 70’s, so I suspect I return to it because it is so familiar.

     283

284. Hi Mary,
     I’m like you, addicted to books, and it started early. If I got a book for birthday or Christmas I was so happy but a certain couple always gave me a large Book Token every Christmas throughout my childhood and into my teens and I really loved the almost ritual pleasure of going to the same bookshop every January to choose special books. The books in this giveaway would have been the perfect choice for me or anyone wanting that special gift or treat. To have four or five of them at once is the stuff dreams are made on.

     284

285. I would really enjoy the needlework book embroidery on knitting. I now know how 2 knit, want 2 use new skill.

     285

286. Lately, I really like referring to A-Z Embroidery Stitches 2 because of the easy to follow directions and pictures,

     286

287. I most often turn to A to Z of Embroidery Stitches and A to Z of Embroidery Stitches Volume 2 . They both are wonderful inspirations and help in making stitches properly and deciding which stitches to choose to use creatively in my projects!!

     287

288. The A-Z Series of Needlework Books are my go-to source for how to do unfamiliar stitches and also as a refresher for stitches not done very often. Since Search Press is the Publisher, they deserve my thanks!

     288

289. I love the book “Willing Hands “ .
     All the projects are so lovely and I’m enjoying dreaming over the gorgeous pictures.

     289

290. I am not sure that I have one go-to book for needlework inspiration, but I cherish my entire collection. No matter how many books I have, I still make the crafts/needlework book section my first stop in any bookstore or gift shop.

     290

291. If I want to play with surface stitches, I go back to a classic – “Creative Stitches” by Edith John.
     If I want canvas stitches, I first check “A Pageant of Pattern for Needlepoint Canvas” by Sheree Lantz and Maggie Lane or “The Needlepoint Book” by Jo Ippolito Christensen.
     For inspiration in contemporary embroidery, I love to browse through the series of “Double Trouble” booklets by Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn.
     and then of course there are the design books – anything by Jan Messant, and the colour books – Ruth Issett, Richard Box.
     …… and so one’s library grows!!

     291

292. It is so hard to narrow down just one book, because I have many I often refer to for inspiration and direction. Since 2019 was my year of learning Goldwork technique, I have two books that were used regularly. Both books are from Search Press. The first is Ruth Chamberlin’s “Beginner’s Guide to Goldwork” and the second is “A-Z of Goldwork with Silk Embroidery.” There are other Goldwork books in my library, but these two have wonderful pictures and explicit directions and instructions.

     292

293. Colour confidence in embroidery – Trish Burr

     293

294. Dear Mary, This is such a wonderful give away. Books are such treasures I don’t think i would know how to do my crafting without them. My favorite book is Better Homes and Gardens Heirloom Christmas Stockings in Cross Stitch. Thanks for sharing your knowledge of craftiness with all of us.

     294

295. I’m looking over at my wall of books. So many even though I culled off the shelf. This is hard to choose just one book. But here goes….Beryl Dean, Ecclesiastical Embroidery as it has stitch diagrams, design ideas and history. This is a book valuable beyond church work.

     295

296. I love looking at reference books that have many techniques or how to stitch stitches. I would love to have Hazel Blomkamp’s book – Crewel Twists. Since, I recently finished a beginner’s course on Crewel Embroidery. Cheers Anna

     296

297. I too love embroidery books. I had to buy a separate bookcase to hold them. Reading your article on books I felt like you were in my head. I own or want to own all them featured. The two I reach for most often for guidance and inspiration are: Embroidered Flora and Fauna – three dimensional textured embroidery by Leslie Turpin-Delport & Nikki Delport-Wepener, and Crewel Intentions by Hazel Blomkamp. I love to use weaving techniques in my embroidery. I hope 2020 not only revises embroidery but I do hope a few more brick and mortar stores open for hands on browsing.

     297

298. Although I refer to several of my A-Z books, my go to reference is always your website. I love your tutorials and articles. I have referred many friends to your site and collectively we thank you for your devotion to needlework and your hard work and generosity in sharing your expertise!

     298

299. My go to book is A-Z of Embroidery Stitches. I love to try new stitches and this is an excellent resource. What wonderful books you are giving away! Thank you for your giveaways and your wonderful website. I reference your site any time I am trying a new stitch and appreciate your videos immensely.

     299

300. Mary, I reach for the RSN embroidery book for inspiration.

     But, go to your videos to “ learn” how

     Thanks for having these giveaways and have a Merry Christmas!

     300

301. I always reach for Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches. Great compilation of many embroidery stitches with great illustrations.

     301

302. I LOVE NEEDLEWORK BOOKS OF ALL KINDS. MY FAVORITE BOOK FOR STITCHES IS “EMBROIDERY A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO MORE THAN 200 STITCHES”. I CAN CARRY IT WITH ME AND USE IT WHEN I AM UNSURE ABOUT A STITCH. FOR SASHIKO AND MENDING I LOVE “MAKE+MEND” BY JESSICA MARQUEZ. FOR KANTHA STITCHING “INSPIRATION KANTHA” BY ANNA HERGERT.THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT BOOKS.

     302

303. Blown away by the books in today’s post; there were several on my wish list already but now there are even more! I use the RSN stitch guides a lot when on the move as they are ring bound and easy to carry around. I tend to reach for specific technique books if I’m working on a particular project. At present I’m using Margaret Dier’s silk shading book a lot.

     303

304. Dear Mary

     I use frenquently the Books of the Trish Burr, for embroidery. I am from Brazil.

     Maria Eustáquia

     304

305. The book that I have used the most is J. marsha Michler’s book “Motifs for Crazy Quilting”. I used it to do embroidery on a crazy quilt. I would love to make one of the little embroidered boxes that I have been seeing. Would be great to have a book with instructions. I also have one of Tatiana’s designs to embroider. Would be great to have her new book. Also, Inspirations magazine is awesome!
     Thanks.

     305

306. Both of the Judith Baker Montano “Stitches” books are my reference for silk ribbon embroidery although I frequently use the original embroidery book by Erica Wilson (that’s how far back my library goes). Would love to win one of the book collections and I realize it’s probably tacky to express a preference but I already have most of the first two collections so would really like one of the last two. Really getting into Trish Burr and Hazel Bloemkamp.

     306

307. When I began stitching I turned to Erica Wilson. However my go to books now are Sue Spargo, Kathy Shaw and Sharon Boggon.

     307

308. This is such a great set of prizes! I love new embroidery books.

     My most used books are probably either the giant RSN Book of Embroidery or my stumpwork book! A close second would be the Yumiko Higuchi books, since her designs make great easy gifts and towels.

     308

309. I do have a few needlework books (hee, hee). The embroidery books I reach for most often are an old, Anchor collection of stitching guides. I would love the “Learn a New Skill” collection. I crochet instead of knitting, and suspect the embroidery on knitting would work for crochet as well. Thank you Mary. Sally

     309

310. The book(s) that I reach for most often are the ones that show stitch patterns for crazy quilting. I do this all by hand and love combining stitches for the seams and doing little hand drawn motifs on some of the bigger areas. I also love, love, love stitch dictionaries!!

     310

311. I have a few different stitch dictionaries that are my most-used books. But I would love to have one of the crewel books from Search Press, e.g. Crewelwork Inspirations. I worked a crewel kit from the Victoria and Albert Museum years ago and loved it, but the kits are very expensive. One of the Search Press books would allow me to make a “kit” of my own.

     311

312. The book I most often reach for is Embroideries from an English Garden by Carol Andrews. I love the variety of flowers and leaves, a variety of projects and clear and complete instructions.

     312

313. The Needlepoint Book is my main “Go To” book.

     313

314. I don’t have a favorite, but I love all the eye candy.

     314

315. Potpourri of Pattern – Ann Strite-Kurz

     Inspirations Collection of Books

     315

316. The needlework book I reach for most often is Hardanger Basics and Beyond by Janice Love.

     316

317. DL Greene in NY

     The Left-Handed Embroider’s Companion by Yvette Stanton.

     317

318. Hi Mary. I mostly reach for embroidery dictionaries to decide on the stitches I’ll be using but of course I collect all sorts of books – and magazines- to provide me with inspiration.
     Thank you.

     318

319. Lately I’ve been working on some samplers in Quaker style (the medallions, the vine-y wreaths surrounding pithy words, the Roman alphabets). Hunting for inspiration has meant searching through historical sampler books with photos of those styles. There are so many: the Goodheart and Feller collection books, Carol Humphry’s “Quaker School Girl Samplers”, the Westown School book “Threads of Useful Learning”, the “Samplings” catalogs from Witney Antiques. (And Pinterest never fails one!) But once I’ve finished these, it’ll be time for something new and Search Press would be the place to go.
     Thanks for the steady flow of inspiration, Mary.

     319

320. I love books too, so I have lots. My current go to is “Stunning Stitches for Crazy Quilts” by Kathy Seaman Shaw. The stitch templates have become a valuable tool, and the 480 stitch combinations are beautiful.

     320

321. ooooooh, I have many favorites but the one I use mosst often is Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroiderty Stitches.

     321

322. Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches has become my number one. I read your book review and bought it last year. No regrets! Both intructional and inspiring.
     I’m addicted to books and by every second embroidery book that is published in Swedish. Luckily there is a lot more in English to choose between. So I own like 50 embroidery books. Marys Dictionary is the prime one.

     322

323. It depends on the work I’m doing but the first book I bought because of you Mary! is always at hand The Embroiderer’s Handbook! But others such as Trish Burr books, some RSN books, Luzine Happel books and so on…
     This giveaway is a treasure Mary thanks to you and Search Press – have many from UK . A big Thank you!

     323

324. I’d love the Embroidered Boxes book, though they all look inspiring.

     324

325. While I have hundreds of books — and use many of them often — I think the one I probably look at the most is Erica Wilson’s “Crewel Embroidery”. And the one I look at most for inspiration (and amazement) is “Lady Evelyn’s Needlework.” I LOVE BOOKS!!!

     325

326. I, also, love perusing needlework books and have begun a nice collection. Currently my most frequently used book is a book of different embroidery stitches so that I can expand my knowledge.

     326

327. The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery ~ I like it because it has a large selection of techniques and covers a number of different stitches. There are also projects included, which allows me to practice the information in the book. I believe that I purchased this wonderful book after seeing a review from you, so thank you.

     327

328. Hi Mary, Like you the book I use the most often is Erica Wilson’s Embroidery Book. It covers everything – chapters by type of technique (canvaswork, crewel, gold and silver threads, blackwork, whitework and even stumpwork) with clear instructions and diagrams. It is full of wonderful inspirational pictures of her projects including some when she was a student at RSN and many works of art both historical and by other embroiderers. The black and white photos are fine because I can often find the color photo on the internet .
     Have a great weekend.

     328

329. I don’t have a particular go to needlework book. It depends on what I think I might want to work on then I go searching for information. I have been consumed with bobbin lacemaking these last 20 years and have slowly come back to needle and canvas work. I have been lurking around looking at a lot of techniques to see what gives me the spark! I must say the Inspiration subscription and this website keeps my mojo juices following.

     329

330. My favourite embroidery book is The Proper Stitch by Darlene O’Steen. Thank you.

     330

331. I have an ancient DMC encyclopedia of needle work I go to.

     331

332. I don’t use one particular book, but I go to books with lovely photos that show a lot of details of a project to get ideas about color combinations, unusual combination of techniques, or just something that grabs me. I spot things that are done by a true artist since I lean more to the craft part myself. I love the history and continuity and connection of women through time that needlework provides.

     332

333. I’m fortunate to have a library that has a large amount of needlework books. But when it’s a book that I use frequently I buy it. I do, however, have all of Kathy Seaman Shaw’s books on seam treatments. It’s not just for CQ. I use the information for other surface embroidery projectsl

     333

334. The books I am drooling over and would like to have are the Four Birds and Flowers Books. The Embroidery book I go to the most is Crewel Creatures by Hazel Blomkamp. I read a review on this website and just had to have the book and I would love to have more. Her other books are on my Christmas Wishlist. I actually browse through just for inspiration and cheer.

     334

335. LOL–my favorite is “The Stitching Book” by Search Press, published in 2012.

     335

336. Oh my goodness, I love needlework books! Any kind – not just for projects to make but to look at and admire the work. I would love any of these books. Thank you so much!

     336

337. Incredibly beautiful books. Any of them would be a wonderful addition to a stitcher’s library.

     337

338. I would treasure any needlework book. However, my go to is Needle n Tread on line tutorials. I’ve learned so much.

     338

339. I always reach for any book by J. Marsha Michler or Judith Baker Montano.

     339

340. Time to read and get inspired! Thank you Mary.

     340

341. I find books on embroidery and stitching so inspiring. I usually find several things that I would like to try when I read them.
     Carol bu

     341

342. The needlework book I would like to have at this time would be a dictionary/encyclopedia of stitches. I want to get back to surface embroidery and like to see stitches used and how to form them.
     Lorri in Renton

     342

343. When I can’t embroider or quilt for one reason or other, my second favorite thing to do is to read about both subjects. I would say that I go most often to your site, Mary, to learn new stitches or ways of embroidery. I learn from many artists that I like and I would like to learn stump work as I haven’t tried that. Ribbon embroidery is another art that I would like to learn. Thanks to Search Press for the chance to win such books.
     Happy Holidays!

     343

344. I love Helen Stevens books but for practical stitch advice I go to a set of books I bought from Mary Shipp. It is a two volume encyclopedia of stitches. I don’t even know if they are still in print. They are spiral bound so you can lay them flat. Kim R. from Rochester NY

     344

345. My favorite needlework book used to be The Art of Embroidery by Mary Gostelow. It was so educational and inspiring. Sadly, I can no longer enjoy it (although I still own it) because the print or binding or something has toxic chemicals in it that make me ill when I open the book. Even after about 40 years. Now I turn to Christen Brown’s The Embroidery Book to refresh my skills. I’ve had the pages separated and put in archival sleeves and the book is now in a 3 ring binder so I can safely use it. Books have long been one of my favorite things to receive for Christmas. 🙂

     345

346. This year I have had great success learning new techniques from ‘Hand-stitched Landscapes & Flowers’ by Katrina Witten. It has been my much used, go-to book of the year !!!

     346

347. Mary, right now, I am doing a crazy quilt and the book that I am reaching for while sewing this project is a Kathy Seaman Shaw’s book entitled “Stunning Stitches for Crazy Quilts: 480 Embroidered Seam Designs.” It is totally inspirational! Thanks for the opportunity for me to share my favorite book with others!

     347

348. Mary, right now, I am doing a crazy quilt and the book that I am reaching for while sewing this project is a Kathy Seaman Shaw’s book entitled “Stunning Stitches for Crazy Quilts: 480 Embroidered Seam Designs.” It is totally inspirational! Thanks for the opportunity for me to share my favorite book with others!

     Regards,
     Bonnie

     348

349. The first book I reach for is A-Z OF EMBROIDERY STITCHES BY by Inspirations books and second is Crewel Creatures by Hazel Blomkamp.

     349

350. As a leftie, I find Yvette Stanton’s Left-Handed Embroidery book invaluable. Until its publication, I struggled to learn new stitches from others’ diagrams. Not only does Yvette give clear instructions with diagrams and pictures, but she also shows how right-handed stitchers would be doing the same stitch. This provides great context for the world of stitches available to embroiders!

     350

351. I would love to win the 2nd group of books as I am taking a stumpwork class from Susan O’Conner in Jan. and I’m taking a Terry Bay class in March on whitework. Guess my favorite go to books are the A – Z books

     351

352. Embroidered Christening Gowns is the book I reach for most. Primarily for inspiration but as always with Inspirations publications they have a great step-by-step photo section for the stitches used.

     352

353. I don’t have any embroidery books, but I have Thérèse de Dillmont Encyclopédie des Ouvrages des Femmes – my stepfather bought it for his first wife; widowed, he met my mother and they married; then he gave me the book. It’s an old volume, from more than a hundres years ago, with B&W pictures, but I’d love to have some modern and colorful embroidery books.

     353

354. What a gloriously generous package this is! I adore my stitching books, and since I would consider myself an intermediate stitcher, I am constantly reaching for my A to Z of Embroidery Stitches book, I find it to be invaluable. Happy holidays!

     354

355. I love Anna Hergert’s “Inspiration Kantha”.

     355

356. The newest book I reach for is Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches (New Edition), I also enjoy the A~Z series of books. I have four so far, Embroidery Stitches, Embroidery Stitches 2, Stumwork, Thread Painting and Crewel Embroidery. Enjoy your weekend Mary.

     356

357. Presently I’m into wool applique so the book I reach for most often is Creative Stitches by Sue Spargo. But I love all my books.

     357

358. Great books, I would very much enjoy one of them.

     358

359. I just recently recieved Stunning Stitches for Crazy Quilts: 480 Embroidered Seam Designs, and it is my first emboridery-esque book. Just starting out, so that New Year New Skill set sounds perfect!

     359

360. I use the internet when I want to learn a new technique. What I wish I had was the RSN needlework series.

     360

361. I would love to have a stumpwork book with instructions for this artform.There are no guilds close, so I learn by reading and doing!

     361

362. I have so many it is difficult to choose, and it changes according to what I am doing, but I suppose the one I treasure most is The Stumpwork Masterclass by Alison Cole. A most comprehensive book which always solves any problem I have with my raised embroidery.

     362

363. I’m currently trying to develop my skill set to create stumpwork. I love all of Jane Nichols books and the A-Z of Stumpwork.

     363

364. I find myself looking at The Needlepoint Book, Jo Ippolito Christiensen. Although my edition is quite old, it still holds up to offer solutions to my needs. I absolutely love books, and of course needlepoint books are my favorites. ~Liz

     364

365. I love beautiful needlework books. Most often I reach for The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery.

     365

366. What a wonderful giveaway! Thanks, Mary! The needlework book I reach for most often is The Embroiderer’s Handbook by Margie Bauer. Besides being helpful and informative, it’s beautiful and inspirational (and aspirational!) to look at. Happy holidays to everyone!

     Karen

     366

367. I’m a newbie. I tend to comb the internet for inspiration and ideas, but most recently I’ve borrowed Katherine Shaughnessy’s books from the library. Lots of helpful tips and ideas.

     367

368. When looking at my bookshelf, the one book that I have completed the most projects from is “Miniature Needle Painting Embroidery” by Trish Burr.They are challenging and always are impressive when finished.
     Since there are few classes available in my area, books are my main source of education
     Marilyn Verge

     368

369. What needlework book do you reach for and use most often? – The one I am most likely to reach for is some type of stitch book, usually a small one that I can carry with me and my stitching like Stitches to Go or others like that.

     369

370. It is so good to see all the wonderful books you mentioned. As I mention when I teach beginners embroidery, I encourage learning certain ‘common’ stitches. These books would certainly show beautiful examples of how to do stitches and the results that can be achieved . Joyce Howell

     370

371. I use your website for instructions as I’m so new. Would love a copy if Lorna Batemans Embroidered Country Garden. Many thanks.

     371

372. I have, and love, Embroidered Country Gardens. The book is pure inspiration. I’m fairly new to embroidery but the illustrations and instructions mean I can achieve beautiful results which I’ve used on cards. The book is also amazing as a coffee table book to flick through and drool over.

     372

373. Lately I have been doing more stump work and gold work. So I like Alison Coles Goldwork Master Class Book and I have a few of Jane Nicholas for stump work. A friend loaned me her A to Z book on flowers that I have been liking a lot.

     373

374. The Royal School of Needlework’s Book of Embroidery. This book stays on my table where I do my needlework. It is a great reference for stitches and I reach for it often.

     374

375. Currently, I am most often reaching for Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches. I have reached a point where I want to expand my stitch repertoire and make my projects more visually interesting.

     375

376. I would love to have a book on Crewel Embroidery. I have several books on stitches, but nothing on Crewel.

     376

377. I too am a book lover. I like to look at all of the beautiful pictures and patterns. A book with beautiful patterns in it will inspire me on what my next project will be.

     377

378. I have quite a few books now, but the favourite by far is Book of Embroidery by the Royal School of Needlework. Read/browse in it on most days!

     378

379. I think I currently reach for my Boho Embroidery book by Nichole Vogelsinger.

     I watched a video on Chloe stitching and it was truly magical. I’d love to have her book!

     379

380. Merry Christmas Mary!
     I reach for and love the A-Z books published by Inspirations- they are clear and easy to follow with great photos…Thanks for you and all you give to us!
     Blessings!

     380

381. The needlework book I use most frequently is a stitch dictionary. I like to remind myself of how to work the stitch so that my results look their best. I use both an Erica Wilson crewel book and the classic Mary Thomas stitch dictionary. Can’t wait for the new 2020 books the look so appealing.

     381

382. I like Free Form embroidery with Judith Baker Montano. All of her books are well written with good illustrations and ideas.

     382

383. The book I’m reaching out to all the time will be the book of RSN book of embroidery.

     383

384. I LOVE needlework books! These that are offered look to be exquisite examples of what’s possible for we needworkers looking to expand our knowledge. Just looking at the covers of these beautiful books inspires me to ‘up my game’ for 2020!

     384

385. Darlene O’Steen’s the Proper Stitch. Have used it for many years.

     385

386. Oh my! I feel faint at the thought! I guess I have to report a category of books–stitch guides. I have a worn little green pamphlet from 1967, titled “100 Embroidery Stitches,” which I purchased as a teenager when I launched myself on my stitching journey. It isn’t fancy, but I am very attached to it and it is a quick and clear reference if I am casting about for a stitch solution. But I also love others in this category–old books from Therese de Dillmont and Grace Christie and also the A-Z books. I have more as well–really a surplus (thus my faintness at the possibility of feeding my bottomless love of embroidery books), but I do love to have options when searching for stitches and diagrams! I will not leave out you, Mary, though online, as your stitch directions are top notch and being able to watch tricky movements for unfamiliar stitches is wonderful! Thanks to you and Search Press for this–and failing winning, for the list of books to check out… :-0
     Linda

     386

387. I love embroidery books! I think I like reading about embroidery as much as I like doing embroidery! Right now I keep reaching for Pulled Thread Embroidery by Moyra McNeill. It’s a wonderful, comprehensive book with really interesting ideas for designing projects. Thanks Mary!

     387

388. Wow-wa! Which embroidery book do I go to the most often? That is a tough question, as I have a few that I love to use equally. So, to stick to the question, I must say I use Diana Lampe’s “Embroidery for all Seasons” very often even if only to browse the colors and textures she has created.

     388

389. I don’t own any embroidery books but would to have an all encompassing book on the subject! Thanks!

     389

390. OH!!! I am SO excited about all the new books coming out in 2020!! I love my little collection of books. Although I do have to say as a left-handed embroiderer, I reach for Yvette Stanton’s The Left Handed Embroiderer’s Companion the most. It’s been so key in helping me decipher how to properly flip many stitches and the techniques used specifically for left-handed embroiderers. I’d say it’s an absolute must for anyone left-handed looking to do embroidery.

     390

391. I love, love, love needlework books and have a fairly large library of them. Depending on my mood I reach for different books. The stitch dictionaries are always in use. But if I’m after inspiration I love books with lots of photos of finished pieces. I’ll never have time in my single lifetime to do everything that appeals to me but I can dream about the possibilities. I love dimensional embroidery and bright colours, but whitework has a huge appeal as well. I think I’m a hopeless case!

     391

392. My favourite needlework book has to be Yvette Stanton’s THE LEFT HANDED EMBROIDERER’S COMPANION.
     I would be lost without it.

     392

393. Currently, I’ve been spending time referencing ‘The Embroidery’ Bible by Betty Barnden, but I also enjoy and use Jane Greenoff’s ‘Cross Stitch Antique Style Samplers’, and Trish Burr’s Introduction to Needlepainting:)

     393

394. If I’m looking for reference information, my FIRST stop is needlenthread.com, but I think you want paper books. The one that gets pulled most often from my shelves is The right-handed embroiderer’s companion by Yvette Stanton. She has nearly every stitch I’ve looked for and she has some good foundational information in the front (and a left hand version as well). If you really meant books related to a particular technique, then Jenny Adin-Christie’s Fundamentals of Whitework.

     394

395. What a difficult question…..I adore books!
     I especially love the Inspirations magazines (which are like books) and have been a subscriber since day one. I often find myself searching through these for either instructions, which are fabulous, or inspiration

     395

396. The older I get and the more lessons I get to enjoy, the more types of embroidery I do. Now I design some of my own as well, and that means different books for different projects. But I find myself pulling out Betty Barnden’s The Embroidery Stitch Bible on a regular basis. It’s small but full of stitches with good diagrams and even a general division for stitches for fabrics vs canvas, although many are useful on either. There are over 200 in this small book. It’s a goldmine.

     396

397. The book I reach for the most is the A to Z book on embroidery stitches. I use many books frequently, it just depends on the project I am working on.

     397

398. I love all needlework books!! But the one I have been reaching for recently are the Jane Nicholas’ gold and stumpwork books. Full of information and clear instructions.

     398

399. The book I reach for is Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches for the beautiful close-ups of stitches in the chapter heading page spreads.

     I would like to enter the drawing for the Birds and Flowers collection.

     Thanks to Search Press and Mary for sponsoring this giveaway!

     I’m in River Forest, Illinois.

     399

400. Don’t really have a needlework book but would love to have that gives really clear instructions on a lot of different embroidery stitch and when to use them

     400

401. The needlework book I reach for most often is Stunning Stitches for Crazy Quilts by Kathy Seaman Shaw. It is also my newest book. I use it for ideas for combination stitches on the seam lines. She has been creating seam line combinations for years now.

     401

402. How to choose a favourite go-to book, leaves me feeling disloyal to my other fabulous books – who can resist anything by Trish Burr? However the range of books which have saved my bacon on many occasions, are probably Country Bumpkins brilliant A to Z publications, with their clear instructions, photographs, and inspiration.

     402

403. Love your giveaways..only try for the ones I am interested in or on my level of work. But love to learn new techniques, then move them into a compatible craft..ie stump work to making Christmas ornaments or pixel cartoons into counted cross stitch. Working on embroidering a temari motif as a starburst ornament on aida.
     A home without books is like body without a soul. Pat Q

     403

404. Unfortunately I don’t currently have any embroidery books, but I have seen a book that looks really interesting! How to embroider almost anything by Wendi Gratz.

     404

405. I always seem to be reaching for Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of stitches. That being said, If I am using ribbons, I reach for Di van Niekerk’s Silk ribbon embroidery book. Alison Cole’s Stumpwork Masterclass book is another that I cant do without. All these books have clear instructions with good diagrams or photos so the stitch is easy to figure out. The place I go most often for stitch help is your stitch videos. They are easier to understand than most printed instructions.

     405

406. Before I discovered Mary Corbett’s superb instructional videos, I would pull out my copy of The Embroidery Stitch Bible by Betty Barnden when I encountered a stitch I didn’t know how to do–rarely these days as I find the videos much easier to follow. The one book I need (well, ONE of the books I WANT), is a good book on crewel embroidery as I have done very little of that (being allergic to wool doesn’t help) and would like to try that technique.

     406

407. As a new needleworker any of these collection will support my dreams and skill building.

     407

408. Good day Mary, yes another superbe one! The book I go to most often is my right hand companion from Yvette Stanton. Other than that these days I am looking for inspiration in my Inspirations magazines! Thanks for the drawing once again!

     408

409. What a beautiful array of books with so much inspiration! The book I reach for most right now is Sue Spargo’s book of stitches for wool applique because her instructions are clear and there are easy to follow photographs.
     thanks!

     409

410. Whatever type of needlework I’m currently caught up in. I embroider felt dolls I make. I knit cloths for myself and my husband, crochet doll clothes, and so on. I love learning new techniques and looking for inspiration.

     410

411. I don’t have many needlework book, yet, however when I want information that I can follow I go to your web site. I am about to begin a crazy quilt that I want the needle work to be done by hand and so I will need all of the help that I can get. Yes I qulit , do needle work, knit, crochet and anything else I can get my hands on. Sleep, who needs sleep? Coffee is my friend.

     411

412. I always reach for both the A to Z of Embroidery Stitches by Inspirations Magazines. I find both very handy and I love the step by step guidelines for each embroidery stitch in the books. They are always on hand. They also give me ideas of what stitches would go where in any of my embroidery that I embark on. I can then tackle any form of embroidery from any instructional book I buy – I am a sucker for good instructional embroidery books on any technique as I like to experiment when I embroider and learn new techniques.

     412

413. I have actually just bought my first book waiting for delivery. It’s Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery. Think 2020 could be my year of getting a collection of needlework books going. Love the look of Chloe Giordanos book as well.

     413

414. I have a nice collection of embroidery books, and the book I reach for depends on the type of embroidery I’m doing. (Today I’m using A-Z of Embroidery Stitches!). But I probably actually use The Proper Stitch the most.

     414

415. I love the Mary Thomas dictionary of embroidery stitches, and Hazel Everett’s Goldwork book!

     415

416. Issue 90 of Inspirations Magazine really caught my eye. The ear of corn DID look good enough to eat! I looked through all the covers several times Trying to identify my favorite, when the oddity of a vegetable on the cover of a needlework magazine struck me. I had to take a closer look and laughed when I realized it was embroidery. Good work!

     416

417. There are actually several books: the series Anchor put out, many years ago, small format, Counted Thread, Canvas Work, Free Form, and others. Perfect size to carry in a project bag. .. But sometimes a slightly different view or approach is really useful..

     417

418. I do so many different kinds of needlework that I am always reaching for a different book, depending on what technique I want to find out more about. And I have lots to choose from: I inherited over 600 needlework books from my mother! I haven’t been able to get rid of them, because I know as soon as I do get rid of any, I’ll decide to try that technique and regret getting rid of anything!

     418

419. Like you, Mary, I love books and these look wonderful. I’d think there was an early goft from Santa if my name were drawn.

     Thanks,
     Jo

     419

420. Oh dear, I’m a sucker for books. Recently downsized so I promised myself that when one a new one comes in, another must go. Does not apply to needlework books, of course!

     420

421. There are a couple of books I often go to, first The Color Confidence and next The Left-handed Embroider s Companion. I always enjoy reading your book recommendations and reviews. Thank you for keeping us informed!

     421

422. I do not have any embrodiery books yet, If I had a choice out of the list of books for this giveaway, I think I would choice the county Garden One since I enjoy stitching flowers.

     422

423. I like ‘The Proper Stitch’ by Darlene O’Steen. It is a wonderful resource book. I would love a stitch guide that shows the different ethnic variations of commonly used stitches in the US.

     423

424. Truth be told, I use a lot of old Search Press titles, because every time I attempt a new technique for my growing collection of Technique Sampler Banner pennants, I end up using a technique book once or twice, before moving on to another technique. I use needlenthread.com the rest of the time if I’m running across a particularly tricky stitch I’m unfamiliar with. Your tutorials are the best! So, no one time favorite, but lots of favorites.

     I would love to see a book using examples of the really interesting materials coming out of Access Commodities and Thistle Threads right now (the chenille, cartisane, and crinkled gimps). Also a book about matching different kinds of ground fabrics to materials.

     The embroidered boxes book looks REALLY interesting! 🙂

     424

425. Currently my most used book is A Year of Embroidery by Yumiko Higuchi. I love it!

     425

426. Man Oh Man, I’m like you, I love books about stitching of some sort. Some of them I don’t even do that particular technique, but I just love to sit and read the book and study the pictures and instructions. I have done some Japanese stitchery and the instructions were in Japanese, but the pictures were clear and easy. I love to look at the books and would love to add another Hazel Blomkamp book to my library – or another Trish Burr or any of those that are listed. Would really make my 2020 sewing projects more special. I have on my To Do list one of the ‘creatures’ from Hazel Blomkamp book and am just now finishing a Trish Burr design from a past Inspirations magazine. Have another in the hoop for when I finish this, but there’s always room to dream when looking through a great needlework book. Dream with me in 2020.

     426

427. I really love “Whitework With Colour” by Trish Burr. Lots of inspiration in that book! Thanks for the giveaway.

     427

428. What needlework book do you reach for and use most often?

     I generally rely on the instructions that come with the project I’m working on, but if I get stuck on how to do a specific stitch and the instructions aren’t quite clear, I’ll see if I have something useful on my bookshelf. For Hardanger, that’s usually one of Janice Love’s books: “Basics and Beyond” or “Fundamentals Made Fancy”. Her stitch diagrams are very clear and helpful!

     Mary in MN

     428

429. My favorite counted cross stitch book is “Sweeter than the Rose” by Leisure Arts. The projects are beautifully illustrated with photos, color charts and finishing instructions that I can comprehend! I have made or adapted several of the projects and always go back to this book when I am looking for something special and classic to give as a gift.

     429

430. Any and all blackwork and whitework pattern books, both owned and library-borrowed.

     430

431. When I need a specific stitch, I go to a stitch reference book. If it is a technique, say Blackwork, then I reach for a technique book.
     Gail in GA

     431

432. I pick up the book Creative Needlecraft from Lynette de Denne to look for a stitch to complete the needlework or just to find some inspiration

     432

433. The book(s) I’ve found most helpful, ver many years, is Inspirations Magazine. I have learnt so much from the excellent series and found great delight in the beautifully illustrated articles. Thanks so much, Mary, for your emails, which are also immensely instructive.
     Christine McCarthy

     433

434. Only have “Trish Burr Needle painting” and refer to it often for tips and inspiration!

     434

435. I would love a needlework book that clearly shows both basic and more intricate stitches as well as useful tips and tricks. I am new to needlework and still very much learning.
     Thanks
     Sharon GreenawaY

     Merry Christmas!

     435

436. I just started my book collection and haven`t a chance to discover them deeply, but I love to have books for both reasons: for inspiration and reference. I would love to learn more about whitework and blackwork!

     436

437. I don’t have any reference books yet, but I would love to own The Embroidered Art by Chloe Giordano. Thank you for the opportunity!

     437

438. What wonderful books being given away to some very lucky stitchers. I find it so difficult to find quality embroidery books in any local book shops these days, although, through your book reviews, I have been able to search for and obtain some terrific books. Some of my favorites and “go to” books are:
     Trish Burr’s Whitework With Color
     Janice Love’s Hardanger Basics and Beyond and also
     Hardanger Fundamentals Made Fancy
     Ruth Chanberlain’s Beginner’s Guide to Goldwork

     438

439. I love my crewel embroidery books, I have a few so I use them for designs and stitch guides

     439

440. The book I most reach for is a very old book that I had in teachers college Written by Mary Thomas

     440

441. I find Darlene O’Steen’s book The Proper Stitch to be invaluable.

     441

442. My “go-to” embroidery book is A-Z of Embroidery Stitches. I like to browse through it for inspiration, or I like to use it to refresh my memory on how to do any number of stitches, or if I can’t remember the name of a stitch, but remember what it looks like, I can usually find it in there.

     442

443. The book I turn to about needlework is Marianne Ellis’ book “Embroidery and samplers from Islamic Egypt”, ISBN10 185444154X. Being a medieval re-creationist I have found it to be one of the best books around that covers the time period & area. I have even made my own charts & done a few embroideries from it!

     443

444. I have several A to Z books, I always go to them. I would love a stump work book.

     444

445. The first ‘book’ I go to is to grab my laptop and click to Needle ‘n Thread! You have great advice, instructions, and videos.
     And for ‘real’ books (which I have few), I most frequently use The Embroiderer’s Handbook by Margie Bauer.
     My wishlist is topped by Trish Burr’s Colour Confidence in Embroidery.

     445

446. I have numerous copies of the Inspiration Magazine that I constantly browse for ideas and techniques. Often combining and adapting various suggestions.

     446

447. I always go back to my collection of A-Z, particulalry the embroidery stitches one.

     447

448. I have all of the RSN books and use them quite often for reference.

     448

449. I am often referring to Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches.
     Valerie Scotland.

     449

450. I have many quilting books, but even though I’ve embroidered since age 7 I have no books. I’ve enjoyed reading Needle ‘n Thread for several years and that has provided inspiration. Your videos showing the correct way to create embroidery stitches have been very useful and are much appreciated.

     450

451. I keep several good stitch reference books in a basket close to my stitching chair, which I reach for when I need a refresher on stitches I don’t use often. Indispensable!

     451

452. The book I go to the most is Encyclopedia of Embroidery Stitches, including Crewel by Marion Nichols. I like to see the variations on stitches and refresh my memory of how to do the many stitches on the book.

     452

453. My passion for books exceeds my talents whicch is why I have a rook full of some of the most amazing embroidery books and am always hopefully of getting more

     453

454. The book that I use the most is Yvette Stanton’s Right handed embroiderer’s companion. This has really good explanations of a wide variety of stitches and I carry it with me with my embroidery at all times.

     454

455. The book I go to the most is Encyclopedia of Embroidery Stitches, including Crewel by Marion Nichols. It has great illustrations on steps to stitching a stitch.

     455

456. I keep Proper Stitch and the three little Eileen Bennett books close at hand.

     456

457. I would love to own all of the A-Z needlecraft books. I know I would research them every time for stitches and ideas. They look fabulous. I always check them out from the local library.

     457

458. Exploring Embroidery compiler by Pru Georgeson. There are 10 projects by leading New Zealand embroiderers. I’ve used it as a basis for other projects.

     458

459. The Stitches of Creative Embroidery by Jacqueline Enthoven

     459

460. I have a fairly large library of needlework books. I tend to go to the book that will help me in whatever project I am working on. I am about to begin a Bargello project and will be using BARGELLO Florentine Canvas Work by Elsa Williams for the pattern I will be working.

     460

461. I just adore embroidery books

     Gail R

     461

462. The craft book I quite often use is Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches. It’s a wealth of knowledge on all the different stitches. Sandra Moffitt Australia

     462

463. I don’t own any books on embroidery, but find most my information on your web sight or books from the library.

     463

464. I reach for my A-Z of embroidery stitches and Mary’s website. Pick me!

     464

465. I always reach for my copy of RSN’s Essential Stitch Guides: Crewelwork by Jacqui McDonald when I can’t remember how to do a particular stitch or need a new one to change things up a bit.

     465

466. i love any book dealing with crewel embroidery. i have several trish burr and hazel bloomkamp’s books. my favorite ones are crewel twists and color confidence. marysue c

     466

467. I reach for the A-Z series quite often to look up stitches!

     467

468. A stitch dictionary for whatever project I’m on – Crochet, embroidery, knitting, etc. I love seeing the basic stitches laid out without extraneous things added.
     Carrie G Plane Nut

     468

469. My go to book is Embroidery & Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool by Judith Baker Montano. This book provides good step-by-step directions and diagrams. It is also compact enough to fit in a project bag when I need to take something with me to do while travelling.

     469

470. I love all my Jane Nicholas books.

     470

471. What needlework book do you reach for and use most often? If you don’t have any needlework books, what needlework book would you like to have, for reference or inspiration?

     I really want “The Seasons in Silk Ribbon Embroidery” IT looks like such a beautiful book and I have been wanting to try silk ribbon embroidery for a long time!

     471

472. My favourite book is
     The Stitches of Creative Embroidery by Jacqueline Enhoven
     …not the prettiest but the BEST!

     472

473. I don’t tend to use reference book much – as I have you and your site, but I do have sue Spargo’s creative stitching and my own sample books close at hand

     473

474. I would love a book on ribbon embroidery.

     474

475. Another wonderful bundle of goodies, wow! What a series of delights on offer….

     My favourite, and frequently used go-to needlework book, is Yvette Stanton’s Right-Handed Embroiderers Book. It’s a necessary resource as it’s well written, beautifully photographed and produced, and the step-by-step explanations are easily understood.
     Again, thank you for these wonderful opportunities to participate in the goodie-giveaways.

     475

476. I have the whole set of A-Z books by Country Bumpkin and I reach for one of those first.

     476

477. The Embroidery Stitch Bible by Betty Barnden is the one I use the most for reference, but I also love sampler books for the eye candy!

     477

478. The needlework book I reach for and use most often is Judith Baker Montano’s “Embroidery & Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool”. I am left-handed and this book has both left and right handed instructions which I find very helpful. I also have a very old book by Carole Robbins Myers published in 1974 called “A Primer of Left-handed Embroidery” that I found in a 2nd hand bool store that I like a lot. These are really the only 2 books I own and I would find it fantastic to suddenly own some more!

     478

479. Embroidery & Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool (Judith Baker Montano) is my fav go to book. And it’s small enough to go with me wherever I am stitching – even stands up for easy reference!

     479

480. Oh my goodness!! I love all these books and love needlework books. The one I reach for most often is The Proper Stitch and many of the A-Z Embroidery Stitch series of books. I really hope I win one of these books!!!

     480

481. I DON’T HAVE any books for needlework. I have lots of patterns & the computer to help me, but I do love books & all of these in the giveaways look like ones I could use & stare at & ooooo over. I sure would love them.

     481

482. I love books. I especially love books about lace and needlework. At the moment the ones I keep close at hand are “Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches,” and “A-Z of Crewel Embroidery,” both by Search Press.

     482

483. I’ve only ever really had stitch dictionaries, so I guess that’s my answer. I would like more project-oriented books (and have taken a few out of the library), but it’s not quite the same thing.

     483

484. BOOK ? Singular? Really?
     Ok! Though I flit through the garden of gorgeous needlework books with delight at each new flower, when I have classic questions, I seek Encyclopedia of Needlework. Thérèse de Dillmont. 1846.

     484

485. My inspiration comes from any book that shows needlework from or inspired by the Jacobean Era. Any time I feel lost and uninspired, I can look at the beautiful needlework from the 17th century, and I come up with a thousand projects I want to work on!

     485

486. I love all of my needlework books, but I would most reach for a stitch dictionary, and the one I’ve come to love in the last couple of years is my Yvette Stanton Right Handed Embroiderer’s Companion. Great, clear, step by step instructions of most stitches. Very handy to have close by.

     486

487. The book that I go to for help, and inspiration is the Encyclopedia of Needlework written Therese de Dillmont. The edition I own is from 1987. It has everything in it, the images are in black and white. It’s a great source.
     Tanya Heidi from Greenville SC

     487

488. Like the greedy little red-haired boy in Polar Express I say, “Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!” My all-time favorite embroidery book is Erica Wilson’s Embroidery Book, both for inspiration and for information. However, there are others that I just love to read and marinate my brain in, like the books of Barbara and Roy Hirst for contemporary stumpwork, and anything by Thomasina Beck. The ones you have chosen all look like winners.

     488

489. The needlework book I reach for the most is Sue Spargo’s Creative Stitching 2nd ed. The book not only shows how to do the stitches, it includes lots of inspirational photos with examples of how to use the stitches in a variety of colors, with beads, and in different weights and types of threads.

     489

490. I don’t have any books but I’d love one that shows a lot of different stitches and techniques and skills

     490

491. I most often use Stitches A-Z, both number 1 and number 2. Not only do they help with questions on a stitch I’m doing, they also provide inspiration to try stitches I haven’t done.

     491

492. The book I reach for most frequently is The Embroidery Stitch Bible – it has all the basics in several techniques, lots of images making it easy to understand how to do the stitches.

     492

493. Definitely The Proper Stitch.

     493

494. What needlework book do you reach for and use most often?

     A book I have on embroidery, illustrating completed works and excellent how-to for learning embroidery stitches. The book is both inspirational and instructive.

     [Apologize I can’t give the name of the book; I recently moved and it’s still boxed.]

     494

495. My embroidery bookshelf hasn’t much on it yet, so the book I reach for most often is the RSN Book of Embroidery. But I splurged recently and have spent a lot of time with the Embroidered Art of Chloe Giordanno. My wish list is full of Trish Burr.

     495

496. I reach for Judith Baker Montano’s “Floral Stitches.”

     496

497. I love and do buy many of the new books that are released but my ‘go to ‘ book for stitch information is Jo Bucher’s ‘The Complete Guide to Embroidery Stitches and Crewel.” I have owned it since the 70’s and for good stitch information it’s great. Although it is out of print, it is available in second hand book stores.

     497

498. The book I most often reach for is The Needlepoint Book by Jo Ippolito Christensen.

     Solveig W.

     498

499. I use many books depending on what I’m stitching. I don’t really have a favorite. I like all my books and anything new would be appreciated.

     499

500. I do quilting, crochet & embroidery. The needlework book I reach for depends a lot on the project I am working on, but I love the right-handed embroiderer’s companion & find it a good guide.

     500

501. I, like you, love all books and magazines related to embroidery and needle work. My friends and I take breaks to share books, coffee and of course cake! Since I am not a color expert I am able to use all my resources to help me in my projects.

     501

502. I would like to have embroidery books on crewelwork, I have embroidered one piece from an article in the insparations magazine. Enjoyed it immensely, the book with the colourful crewelwork bird looks so alive and modern
     Cheers Di

     502

503. My most used book is the Complete Illustrated Stitch Encyclopedia.

     503

504. My ‘go to’ and most used embroidery book is Yvette Stanton’s, The Left Handed Embroiderer’s Companion. I always have by my side when working on projects and it has helped me enormously when I am trying new Stitches &/or techniques.

     504

505. I’m glad the question isn’t which of these book collections I would most like to have, because I couldn’t pick. The book I’m currently using most is Home Sweet Home by Carolyn Pearce, because I’m trying to stitch the workbox designs, but also as a reference for stitches and finishing on other projects.

     505

506. The books I go to most often for technical help are the A-Z series published by Country Bumpkin (now Search Press) and Alison Cole’s hints and tips book. The books I go to for sheer pleasure and inspiration are too numerous to list!

     506

507. The books I refer to the most are ones by Trish Burr for surface embroidery, and Jane Nicholas for Stumpwork. That Kew Book of Embroidered Flowers looks very interesting.

     507

508. Yvette Stanton’s “ The Right Handed Embroiderer’s Companion”
     To help me master various stitches and to choose stitches for projects.

     508

509. Really depends on what I need to do but mostly one on various stitches

     509

510. Hmmm I guess it would be the big RSN book that covers all their main techniques. But I also have my mother’s old copy of Erica Wilson’s big embroidery book which I still use for the stitch instructions sometimes.

     Can’t wait for Trish Burr’s new book to come out – the cover is so beautiful!

     Thank you –

     510

511. The most reached for book is an almost impossible question to answer. I love books on embroidery. They make up most of my Christmas wish list. I have a “favorite” in every technique I embroider. I often begin with Erica Wilson’s embroidery book. Her stitch diagrams are large and easy to follow. And she offers a limited number of well-chosen stitches so one isn’t overwhelmed trying to choose an appropriate stitch.

     511

512. I would love to have the Whitework book that was featured. Whitework is my favorite needlework technique.

     512

513. I have the Inspirations A-Z of embroidery stitches always at hand. But my inspiration started with a second hand copy of Therese De Dillmont’s encyclopedia of needlework that I bought in the 70s and has followed me around the world !

     513

514. I recently bought Embroiderer’s Year by Helen M Stevens. I love it. It has beautiful illustrations and tips for each month of the year. The Crewel Birds book looks very interesting. It may be my next one.

     514

515. Jane Nicholas stumpwork books are my go to books for inspiration and the A to Z technique books along with your tutorials are my how to bibles.

     515

516. So often I need to reach for a book to consolidate my embroidery knowledge, and I have quite a library now on the subject. Perhaps the most often used is a very old copy of Mary Thomas “Embroidery”. This book, first published 1938 (my copy printed 1965), is a simple little book, but contains a wealth of information. Other than that, I turn to online resources, in particular Mary Corbet.

     516

517. Books on my favorite hobby, so many and so varied how could I possibly pick one. The books I rely on most are those with great stitch diagrams and charts; the Twisted Stitches series introduces fantastic new stitches for more advanced canvas worker, but the charts and diagrams are clear enough to temp any stitchers any level. I hope this entry will win.
     Johanna

     517

518. WOW! What amazing collections 🙂 I love your book reviews, I always consult them before buying. My favourite and most used stitch book to date is Mary Thomas’ Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches which I bought on your recommendation – and you were exactly right, it’s the reference I keep reaching for! I recommend it in turn to beginning embroiderers too, so your reviews help in more ways than you know 😉 Merry Christmas!

     518

519. My absolute first book is ‘A – Z of Embroidery Stitches’ a Country Bumpkin publication. Then if I need more inspiration or information I go on to ‘Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches’. I love good books. Thank you this is a great prize. Maryann in Ontario

     519

520. Lorna Bateman’s Embroidered Country Gardens book is the only embroidery book I’ve used recently – I am very close to finishing the glasses case project in it to give to my mother for Christmas!

     520

521. I love all embroidery I am afraid that sometimes I get a bit carried away & find myself with my sewing in my lap & another embroidery book in my hands.I am definately what you would call a Bookaholic!!
     I am also a fanatical fan of the Inspirations books and wonderful magazines.

     521

522. I don’t have many needlework books, but have heard great things about Erica Wilson’s books.

     522

523. My most often used book is Sue Spargo Book of stitches. I would be thrilled to win any of these.

     523

524. The book I most often reach for is one from Alison Cole and her Stumpwork techniques to assist me working on my 17th Century stitching projects – a technique I have been enjoying for the last 6-7 years inspired by Caskets, Floral gloves and Sweete Bags. The Inspirations collection of books, particularly the Stumpwork and the EG Animals would further assist my stitching abilities and ideas.

     524

525. The Needlepoint Book, Hardanger Fundamentals Made Fancy by Janice Love. Not really books I guess, but I use all my patterns from Jean Hilton for reference and the same by Roz Watnemo for hardanger help, including Save The Stitches from the old Nordic Needle. Would sure enjoy any of the books listed. Thank you for wonderful give-aways!

     525

526. I love my old copy of Judith Monsanto silk embroidery- and would love to take a peek at and own wither the Animal or Bird books in these collections!

     526

527. The only embroidery reference book I own is a stitch reference book. In order to do specialty stitches, it is a big help. The embroidery books that are the prizes would be a nice addition to my bare library.

     527

528. I don’t have a lot of needlework books, but the Proper Stitch is my go-to guide for stitches when I am not familiar with the stitch.

     528

529. I am currently doing a lot of needlepoint, so I am using Stitches to Go a bit. I love all my needlework books and own a wide variety of books on surface embroidery, stumpwork, needlepoint, ribbon embroidery, beading, fiber art and quilting. Since I am a bibliophile and and avid needleworker, I would love to own any of the books mentioned.

     529

530. I don’t have any needlebooks, but I would like one that has great step by step pictures. I tend to be a visual learner and usually go to your website when I’m learning a new stitch. Or when I forget! Those darn senior moments! I sometimes go to You Tube as well.

     530

531. I like the good books that I read about on Corbet Newsletter. I have bought a couple on them.

     531

532. I would love to have one of the books that contain embroidered birds!

     532

533. Probably “Creative Stitching” Volume 2, by Sue Spargo as I do a lot of wool appliqué.
     Pam- Gig Harbor

     533

534. I’m quite proud of my library, I’m a bit of a collector where books are concerned. For stitch technique I reach for my Mary Thomas, for specific embroidery techniques I have a few favourites Trish Burr -Thread Painting, Yvette Stanton -Whitework, the Inspiration Guides, the RSN Guides. There are many beautiful educational books available. Thank you for this opportunity.

     534

535. I do not have any books currently. Would love to get A-Z of Embroidery Stitches. Thanks for the drawing.

     535

536. My most reached for needlework book is Judy Brittain’s Step-by-step encyclopaedia. It has many different types of crafts.

     536

537. My more usefull book is A-Z for Whitework. Thank you.

     537

538. The book I use over and over is A-Z of Silk Ribbon Embroidery. The directions are clear and useful.

     Peg in Woodland Hills

     538

539. I do love needlework books, and have a large collection. The ones I use most often are the A to Z series, both the embroidery stitches books and the threadpainting one. The instructions and pictures are very easy to follow, and the projects are fun to do. Some of my books I just enjoy drooling over, because the embroidery is so beautiful.

     539

540. RSN’s Needlepoint Book is my go-to book as well as a number of books on finishing.

     540

541. The needlework book I reach for most is A-Z of Crewel Embroidery, Search Press Classics.

     I am fairly new to Crewel Work, and doing any type of needlework. This is the book that finally motivated me to begin my first project.

     541

542. I love really good embroidery books both for inspiration,new techniques and as references for my work as I often do my own version.

     Mary R

     542

543. I constantly refer to Alison Cole’s stumpwork masterclass book. I love the clear photos and variety of techniques.

     543

544. Whenever I need a refresh on a particular skill, I always reach for an issue of Inspirations Magazine. They always have step by step instructions on any embroidery stitch you might need.

     544

545. Dear Mary,
     What needlework book would I like to have, for reference and inspiration? That would be an all encompassing encyclopaedic volume of Hand Embroidery by Mary Corbet with the right balance of inspiration, information, instruction, and work projects all in a beautiful, well-presented package (you said it Mary!). What an extremely good book that would be!
     Thank you for the wonderful give-aways!

     545

546. I don’t have a go to stitch book but I would choose “The Embroiders Handbook”

     546

547. The books look amazing. Will prove so much happiness working on the projects.

     547

548. I have a number of books I refer to. One old time favorite is the Reader Digest Complete Guide to Needlework– very detail instruction to stitches, Another is The Embroiderer’s Handbook, this one has so many stitches and I refer to help decide what stitches I want to use.

     548

549. Just the old Reader’s Digest complete guide to needlework when I need to figure out how to do a particular stitch – not good for inspiration but great when you need to look up something.

     549

550. Currently my favorite needlework bool is Sue Spargo’s Creative Stitching book. The illustrations and instructions are very clear and easy to follow.

     550

551. I have Jan Vaine’s book The Art of Elegant Hand Embroidery that is my first stop if I am looking up something

     551

552. Embroidery Stitcher’s Bible. And Judith Baker Montano’s Elegant Stitches. Thank you for the chance.

     552

553. The embroidery book I reach for most is a stitch guide I was given as a teenager. I love to flick through the pages to find the stitch needed and them adjust and embellish them to suit what looks best.
     Roxy D.

     553

554. Erica Wilson’s Embroidery Book.

     554

555. Not a particular book but always for a new stitch in the book.

     555

556. The stitch guides are the most used books in my library. My current preference is a series by Suzanne Howren and Beth Robertson, “Stitches for Effect” and “More Stitches for Effect” as they number each component of complex stitches so you know where you start and finish.

     556

557. My best go to book is the RSN Book of Embroidery.

     557

558. As my embroidery skills grow I have one book that I refer to occasionally but aspire to often. Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches, new edition, has outstanding instructions and diagrams for many, many stitches. I have used a few, but there are many more to try!

     558

559. I embroider mostly on quilts, the books I go to most are the Complete Guide to Embroidery by Readers Digest and the Essential Stitch Guide by Judith Baker Montano.

     559

560. Colour Confidence in Embroidery by Trish Burr. It’s eye candy.

     560

561. Ahhhhhh, all the glorious needle art books I have. Historical, inspirations, technical…but the one I reach for repeatedly is one that I bought on a whim from my local needlepoint store, A – Z of Embroidered Stitches!

     561

562. Jacqueline Enthoven- The Book of Creative Stitches. This has been my go to book since the 60’s when I first started stitching. I have learned so many stitches from that book and I continue doing so to this day.

     562

563. Books I use most are the A to Z books for reference. I love just looking thru embroidery books even if I don’t stitch a project. I’d love to win these books!

     563

564. Such very generous gifts! I love needlework books (and also mysteries with a needlework theme!). My favorite go-to reference book on stitches is: Elegant Stitches by Judith Baker Montano. My favorite go to reference on anything related to stitching….is you! Merry Christmas!

     564

565. I find my inspiration everywhere, I love to stitch flowers and would love to have the kew book of embroidered flowers, thanks you, Colleen

     565

566. My most used books are rather specific and helpful for a leftie such as I am ! Judith Baker Montano’s “Embroidery & Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool” and Yvette Stanton’s “the left-handed embroiderer’s companion.” Several others are pulled out often, and everyone of my 100+ needlework books are very near and dear to me.

     566

567. I do not have just one book that I use often, but multiple depending on what technique I am working on. My favorite books are those from RSN so am looking forward to new ones coming out. Thank you for this opportunity.
     Gay Sommerfeld

     567

568. I can’t pick a favorite. My collection is not that big, yet. But I love looking through Kathy Seaman Shaw’s Stunning Stitches for Crazy Quilts. I cannot wait to try out the templates!

     568

569. Books, books, and books…I take them to bed to read instead of the latest novel.

     569

570. I have a lot of books on different types of embroidery but the book I probably reach for most often in an old 100 Embroidery Stitches published by Coats and Clark.

     570

571. Stumpwork embroidery!

     571

572. I don’t have any books, however I would love one on white work
     .

     572

573. Only have a couple of needlepoint books, but I find them so inspiring. I’d love to try blackwork, whitework and hardanger, and I hope to add books on those topics to my library soon. Thank you for the profile of Search Press! And thank you for the giveaway!

     573

574. I would be thrilled to win one of these collections.

     574

575. I can’t really choose just one favorite book. I like to refer to a book that specializes in whichever technique I am currently using/learning. The 2020 Inspirations Collection looks like a group I will need to add to my library!

     575

576. Favorite book definitely is “Stitches for Effect” by Suzanne Howren and Beth Robertson. Helps me put texture and stitch interest in projects. Love it!!

     Claudia CT in Newtown

     576

577. THE PROPER STITCH is the single most critical book I own. I really like samplers and the specialty sampler stitches used on historic samplers. This book is critical to my ability to execute these stitches. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that it has the charts for three of my favorite of Darlene’s samplers!

     These 4 book bundles look just marvelous. Especially because I own only ONE of these books. Woo hoo!

     577

578. Right now the book I have been using is Lorna Bateman’s “Embroidered Country Gardens”. The EGA had her as a teacher for this year’s seminar and she was able to have workshops at some chapters before and after the Seminar. We hosted a three day workshop with her and I have been really referring to her book. It is so full of amazing projects and her work is just stunning. I have been following and purchasing from her for about two decades. her book is as wonderful as she is!

     I also just love Trish Burr’s books. So amazing and inspirational. I am trying to master thread painting and her books are invaluable.

     These two are my inspirations and motivators to keep learning and I fall in love with embroidery all over again each time I look at their pieces and books.

     I can Always use more books. Someday I hope to eventually try my hand at all the techniques. Or at least as many as I can in my lifetime!

     Jean Lima-Keyte >^..^<

     578

579. Any of these collections would be a treasured addition to one’s reference library. As an embroiderer of medium ability I probably reach most often for my How to books on individual stitches. And of course the wonderful videos and demos that are posted on this site!

     579

580. Any book by Yumiko Higuchi is my favorite needlework book. I can look through her books over and over again.

     580

581. Wow, which book. It changes all the time depending on where my interest is at the time. Lately its been books on Brazilian embroidery, I love the 3D look. And I love learning about all needle work.

     581

582. The first books that I think of are: The Art & Embroidery of Jane Hall, Celtic, Viking and Anglo-Saxon Embroidery by Jan Messent, Elegant Stitches by Judith Baker Montano, Stumpwork and Goldwork Inspired by Turkish, Syrian and Persian Tiles by Jane Nicholas and Goldwork by Hazel Everett.

     582

583. I do not own a needlework book but I just bought A-Z of embroidery stitches to reference! Normally I just google/youtube what I need to know.

     583

584. The book I reach for is The Stitches of Creative Embroidery by Jacqueline Enthoven. I have had it for years.

     584

585. Any of Trish Burrs books are the ones I go to but it is really a tie with Jane Nicholas ‘s books.

     585

586. I use a basic stitch guide most often! It’s small and spiral bound, forget the name of it.

     586

587. One of my favorites is the A to Z of Smocking as I do plenty of that. And I love to embroider on top of the smocking.

     587

588. The book I most go to for different stitches is “The Embroiderer’s Handbook “ by Margie Bauer although I really hit Pinterest more or your site for stitch videos but I also have a lot of books so it’s hard to choose one.

     588

589. I reach for the A-Z to Embroidery Stitches most often. I find it a good reference book with clear instructions and photos.

     589

590. It’s hard to choose just one book. The one book I always have nearby is Encyclopedia of Needlework by Th. De Dillmont by DMC. It’s just got everything.

     590

591. I love a good stitch Dictionary. At the moment I’m enjoying the Hand Embroidery Stitches At a Glance by Janice Vaine. It’s a great, portable, reference.

     591

592. I would love to win any of the book collections and add them to my library.
     Thank you for running and organizing this amazing give-away every year. I so enjoy your daily email!

     592

593. I love books too so it is difficult to say which one. But I do like to use books with Alphabets, like Les belles lettres d’Alexandre by Veronique Maillard when I am looking for different size alphabets for projects.

     593

594. Mary – How delightful it would be to receive any of these intriguing needlework books. Please enter me for the drawing.

     Cheers,

     Suzanne Manning

     594

595. What Needlework Book! Well, it depends on what type of Needlework I’m doing. Alison Cole’s The Embroiderer’s Little Book of Hints & Tips stays on my workstation all the time. I do all kinds of Needlework…

     595

596. OMG! Books. There can’t be enough books on the shelves – and to be perfectly honest, there are not enough shelves!

     I didn’t realise how many of my books are from Search Press. What a wonderful company to feed our needs so well.

     I go through seasons of crafts. At the moment it is embroidery so my most referenced book is “Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches” – what do you know? It is a Search Press book. 🙂

     596

597. I don’t have one particular embroidery book that I use regularly. I’m always looking for something new and pull out all the relevant books from my shelves for a full evening of dreaming and planning.

     597

598. I love to have embroidery books available where I can pick one up and muse my way through it. I use the series by Julia Snyder frequently.

     598

599. The one I refer to most is The Needlepoint Book by Jo Ippolito Christensen.

     599

600. I reach for any book that might help with the current project. I try every kind of needlework that I can. The books are lovely.

     600

601. The needlework book I reach for most often is from Judith Baker Montano’s Elegant Stitches that I use for embroidery and crazy quilt stitches. So many beautiful stitches to use in Crazy Quilting, embroidery projects and more. I have all her books and refer to them often.

     601

602. If I am unsure of a particular stitch I grab my a book from my Inspirations series. I have used all of them at one time or another.

     602

603. All of the books look wonderful. I would love to learn how to do silk ribbon embroidery and 2020 is the year I am committed to try. Thanks for this opportunity.

     603

604. What book do I reach for and use most often? Well, it depends what I’m doing at the time. If it’s Crewel embroidery, I will be following someone’s pattern – usually Trish Burr or Hazel Blomkamp. I love their websites, and their books. If it’s blackwork – about which I know not nearly enough – it is more likely to start with a search on the internet.
     For general “how to” do specific stitches – it will be Yvette Stanton’s “Right Handed Embroidery” – or Mary Corbet’s website.
     I love looking at books – goldwork, little animals and birds, flowers, William Morris, Inspirations…… I could go on and on.

     604

605. It depends on my current project, but I often reach for Erica Wilson’s “Embroidery Book,” or one of Helen Stevens’s books for the eye-candy and inspiration. Lately, since I’ve started wool felt embroidery, I like Sue Spargo’s books.

     605

606. At the moment I am spending a lot of time looking at Hazel Blomkamp’s Crewel Intensions book. Her work is amazing and I love the way she layers stitches.

     Karin Hulme, New Zealand.

     606

607. The embroidery book I refer to most is the A to Z of Embroidery Stitches, because it’s useful to remind myself of how to do a stitch that I may not have used for a while.

     607

608. I reach for any of Sue Spargo books. If I can’t find what I need there I head to the internet to a web site called Needle’n Thread. There’s a wonderful stitch dictionary I use a lot!

     608

609. Complete DMC encyclopedia of needlework is one(of many!) I use, I also like the Royal school of needlework books, but honestly Mary, if I have a question I check your website first! Books tend to be eye candy, I love just looking at them.

     609

610. Hardanger Basics and Beyond + Hardanger Made Fancy by Janice Love – I use these so much I ended up buying a second set and putting it in a binder to help not wear them out so much

     610

611. Coloring Confidence in Embroidery by Trish Burr. Love learning new things. S. Montano

     611

612. My embroidery “book” of reference is a homemade book put together with brads of so many wonderful stitches. It belonged to my Mom and she bought it years ago at a bazaar.

     612

613. I don’t have any books but would love embroidered country gardens book.

     613

614. Oh my goodness, those books are AMAZING. I love Search Press books. My very favorite of the Search Press books is Jan Messent’s Celtic, Viking, and Anglo-Saxon Embroidery. But what book do I reach for most often?? Probably one of the Country Bumpkin A-Z books, which I also love. When I was learning to smock, I read the two smocking books a lot!

     614

615. I reach for the new and wonderful new RSN book. It loaded with inspiration & “how to”. I wouldn’t want to ever be without this book.

     615

616. I’d love to have a stitch reference book by the Royal School of Needlework – they look so well illustrated and useful.

     616

617. My knees are bothering me, I have been decorating my house for Christmas all day, I should be in bed by now because I have another big day tomorrow, so I cannot bring myself to go upstairs and see the name of the needlework book I most reach for when I need a reference. But I would take any beautifully illustrated embroidery book that is a comprehensive guide to the vast array of stitches, especially the more unusual ones.

     617

618. The book I use most often, at least recently, is the RSN Book of Embroidery. (Their recent compilation of individual technique volumes.) I’ve been starting to venture into more advanced techniques such as goldwork and stumpwork and that book is full of fabulous information.

     618

619. The book I most reach for is my New Edition Mary Thomas stitch dictionary.
     Full of wonderful references.

     619

620. The book I reach for mist is the RSN Book of Embroidery which reproduces several of their smaller guides. I .find it great for those moments when you can’t quite recall which way to start a stitch or what order to work the elements if a design.

     620

621. Embroidered Country Garden by Lorna Bateman would be my go to book if I had it as l love embroidering flowers.

     621

622. Yvette Stanton, “the right-handed embroiderer’s companion” and Rachel Doyle, “Canvaswork” are the most often used needlework books here.

     622

623. Joyful Daily Stitching… seam by seam by Valerie Bothwell. It never fails to inspire, whatever my project!
     Sarabar

     623

624. Right now my go to book is Alison Cole’s Goldwork Masterclass. Amazing reference, so many beautiful photos and clear instructions.

     624

625. The book for reference and inspiration would be the Royal School Needlework’s book on goldwork.

     625

626. The book I use all the time is A-Z of Embroidery Sitches. I am a not very confident stitcher but with this book by my side I can attempt all sorts of designs. My next goal is to try crewl work!

     626

627. I only have a couple of counted thread embroidery stitches books. One by Anchor and one by Coates. I do love looking at Trish Burr’s books in the library and have asked for one of them on my Christmas list.

     627

628. My favorite (and only!) embroidery book is Stumpwork & Goldwork Embroidery by Jane Nicholas. I love the colors and designs on the charts

     628

629. My most reached-for embroidery book is ‘The Stitches of Creative Embroidery’ by Jacqueline Enthoven – a wonderful stitches resource and plenty of ideas for extending those stitches.

     629

630. I don’t have any embroidery books, but I collect and treasure issues of Inspirations magazine. They are costly but so beautiful I can’t resist them! Thank goodness for the internet, because there are no shops anywhere near me that carry it. Thank you for the chance to win some books, and for making your blog such a valuable resource!

     630

631. Any books by Trish Burr,just to enjoy looking at and for the excellent instruction.

     631

632. For inspiration: Book of Needlework and Embroidery, 1986, published by Colins in 1986 on behalf of the RSN. It’s not a how-to book, but historical. I love to imagine I am participating in a craft that is 100’s of years old, and can relate nearly any modern project to one of the textiles studied in this tome.

     632

633. I am a huge book fan too and I own a few needlework books including some very good RSN books which I would use for a specific type of needlework but for more general stitch instruction for something I haven’t tried yet I use my stitch dictionary by Lucinda Ganderton, loads of stitches in lovely clear pictures.

     633

634. The book I reach for first when I’m starting or thinking about a project is the latest edition of Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches. It’s easy to find what I’m researching via the pictures and instructions are detailed and easy to follow.
     The book I’d like to try next is The Art of Annemieke Mien as I want to continue learning and improving. Thanks to Mary Corbett, I’m on a lifetime mission to enjoy embroidery as often as I can. ❤️

     634

635. Mary Thomas’ Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches because I regularly forget how to do particular stitches and need a reminder. Also it is a very useful reference when searching for new stitches to try.

     635

636. I have many books, but refer often to my book Embroidery Stitch bible. So much to read and do………..Thanks again Mary

     636

637. What an awesome gift to give away books, love the idea so much! Thank you to you and Search Press and all fingers crossed.
     We love and own a lot of books and I’m proud of my little crafts books collection as little treasures too, but I have only one of embroidery. It is called “Bleu : Motifs de broderie traditionnelle et au point de croix ” written by Agnès Delage-Calvet, Anne Sohier-Fournel. Do you know it?
     Have a nice weekend Mary

     637

638. My go to embroidery book is more a small paperback put out by J & P Coats Ltd in 1967. “100 Embroidery Stitches” goes everywhere with me in my project bag. It’s a handy quick reference guide to the structure of many of the most popular stitches. I found my copy in a charity shop for less than $1.00. My lucky day.

     638

639. I no longer each for books. Not because I don’t want to , but 10 years ago, I had to fit my life into 7 suitcases as I was moving to a new country. My remaining treasured items were placed in storage and unfortunately lost due to flooding. I would love to have resources books again. But if not, I know a good webpage where I can usually find what I am searching ;).

     639

640. I love to Embroider and I love to learn more and more stitches. I belong to 2 guilds, SAGA and EGA. I learned when I was 4 and now I am about to enter my 70’s. I am NOT ready to quit yet.

     I reference all my books, keep simple ones at my side for simple stitch reminders. I am ready to delve into thread painting, stump work and pulled stitches. So would love additions to my library.

     640

641. The book I reach for most often is crewel intentions, I don’t have the skill to make the projects yet but they seem more and more approachable the more I practice!

     641

642. These collections are amazing, Mary! I love all the books; I also particularly enjoy Hazel Blomkamp! Even if I don’t win, thank you for these wonderful opportunities — I’m sure I’m not the only one whose imagination has been sparked for 2020!!

     642

643. Wow!What a FABULOUS giveaway! My fingers and toes are all crossed!

     The book I reach for most often is probably the Left-Handed Embroider’s Companion. Being a dyslexic left-handed needleworker with left-right confusion makes this book an absolute Godsend.

     Thank you for these amazing giveaways! Even if I never win one I am really enjoying reading all of the comments.
     All the very best,
     Renata

     643

644. I have an Erica Wilson book that I get out a lot, as well as and Embroidered Flowers book and Jane Nicholas’ Stumpwork. Plus Embroidery magazine which has such a variety of styles and inspiration! (Not a book I realise, but still inspirational)

     644

645. The book I reach for the most is The Stitches of Creative Embroidery by Jacqueline Enthoven. My copy is very old and falling apart and was a lucky find in a library clear out.

     645

646. There are so many books I love but I probably pick up Judith Baker Montano’s Embroidery and Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool, a compact little book that can sit up for ease while referencing.

     646

647. Dear Mary,
     I’ve been reading your articles regularly for a while. I learned many new techniques through your website and rediscovered the fun of embroidery. The regular visits to your website helped me through a difficult time this year after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

     Through your great book launches, I discovered Hazel Blomkamp for me. I’m currently embroidering the turtle from Hazel Blomkamp’s book Crewel Creatures. This is currently my favorite and most used book on embroidery.

     Greetings from Berlin,
     Laura

     P.S.: Hopefully my english is understandable and not to bad, as i didn‘t wrote in english for a while.

     647

     1. I agree about visiting Mary’s website being a welcome respite! My husband had what we thought was a stroke (too young!) almost a year ago and it turns out it is Multiple Sclerosis. My heart goes out to you and I am thrilled you are able to stitch! I’ll remember you in prayer whenever I get the chance to have a needle in my hand.

648. Have made some covered boxes with embroidery but always looking for
     the next idea. Also have not thought about embroidery on knitted items. Interesting idea.

     648

649. I love historic embroidery books. The books on birds look very intriguing!

     649

650. I am a bookalcoholic. I like The Royal School of Needlework and the A toZ series.

     650

651. Hi Mary! I don’t have any stitching book, but thanks to you I had the opportunity to look at The embroidery art of Chloe Giordano, what a beautiful book! I think I’m going to start my little collection of embroidery books! Have a nice day!
     Diana

     651

652. I reach for Sue Spargo’s Creative Stitching whenever I start a new wool applique or other embroidered project. The illustrations are clear and her examples are so colorful and pretty.

     Donna R NC

     652

653. I have a lot of books, and yet no particular one “go-to” book. I think I’ll name Yvette Stanton’s Sardinian Knotted Embroidery as I will have it out for my New Year project and I love it.

     653

654. Thank you for your beautiful work as we continually to learn new things!

     654

655. My local library has a Royal School of Needlework book that I’ve taken out a few times as it has a great range of ideas and gorgeous pictures.

     655

656. I cant begin to count the number of accomplishments I can attribute to a good book, especially needlework. My great grandmother taught me the basics, but books allowed me to build on this passion and expand into so many other disciplines.

     656

657. I have a couple of reference books. I like The Encyclopedia of Embroidery Stitches.
     You are sharing some interesting choices coming in 2020!
     Merry Christmas
     Carol

     657

658. Winters in Erie, Pa can be long and snowy. I do a lot of cross stitch but am getting into needle painting so I reach for books by Trish Burr.

     658

659. As soon as I saw Blackwork Embroidery: Stitches, Techniques, & 13 Modern Projects, by Bernadette Baldelli, I said that’s one I want! I’ve wanted to try blackwork and this would be the perfect opportunity! But I would be happy with any of the books! I’m still learning (only my second Christmas of embroidering) and any of these books would be wonderful! I had seen Embroidered Boxes, by Heather Lewis while browsing books before and thought that would be great to try. But any of the books would be inspirational to me!

     659

660. I am quite new to embroidery, but have enjoyed watching my mother’s skill develop over many years. She has always found embroidery to be a relaxing past-time and I am finding that quality to be evident as well. I don’t have any particular embroidery books that I draw upon, but I do love books in general. I would love to read the English Country Garden book and also the Silk Ribbon embroidery one, as these are the styles I would most like to try next.

     660

661. I have many, many books that I use for inspiration and instruction but the one I use the most, after looking through the others, is The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion. I use it to translate the other right-handed books into a language that I can follow; it is so much easier than turning a book upside down, using mirrors or just trying to imagine right-handed instructions written differently. Following Mary’s advice, I had it spiral bound at a local print shop so that it stay open and lays flat. Every time I use it I thank her for that.

     661

662. I’m a novice with all manner of needlework, so the book I reach for the most is a beginner’s stitch guide that my very talented sister gave me. For some reason, French knots give me a lot of trouble and I find myself looking them up every single time I use them. It doesn’t stop me from trying, but I do have to review before hand.

     Pat Nelson

     662

663. Hi Mary,

     I love books with special stitch guides, especially background stitches for needlepoint. I’m a self taught person on how to stitch just by using information given via books. My greatest challenge was to teach myself the peyote stitch, in beading, just by looking through beading books, I figured it out and have beaded many projects.

     Happy Holidays,
     Teri

     663

664. I am a digital learner so tend to look for in for and inspiration online. I do have a copy of Crewel Creatures close at hand for composite stitch inspiration. The needle weaving is amazing.

     664

665. I reach out for Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches by Mary Thomas and The embroidery stitch bible by Betty Barnden to select stitches.

     665

666. The books I reach for most often are dictionaries of stitches. Sometimes I need to find something different and sometimes I just need inspiration.

     666

667. I especially appreciate and use the RSN Book of Embroidery.

     667

668. Whilst at home I use my 90 year old copy of Samplers and Stitches by Mrs Archibald Christie, much loved, as my source for stitch ideas and methods but I travel with The Embroidery Stitch Bible by Betty Barnden ( a Search Press book!) which is robust and has good colour instructions.
     Lynda A. H. UK

     668

669. Mary Thomas’ dictionary of embroidery stitches….. and I would like – for both inspiration and instruction – any or all of the above!

     669

670. Hi Mary,

     Many years ago, I bought the Readers Digest Complete Guide to Needlework. It is still the reference book I use most often. Thanks for the give away.

     670

671. I enjoy various embroidery techniques so use lots of books. For Hardanger reference, Janice Love’s Basics & Beyond and Fundamentals Made Fancy are indispensable. Lately, I’ve been trying stumpwork. There’s so many choices but I’ll go with Muriel Best’s Stumpwork for inspiration and Kay & Michael Dennis’ Stumpwork Embroidery for techniques.

     671

672. I enjoy all books and can spend hours just paging through any needlework book. The book I use the most is the Needlework Stitch Bible. Would really like to add more books to my collection. Thank you for offering this giveaway.

     672

673. I don’t have a book I reach for all the time anymore. Lately I find that I am reaching out to the internet for assistance. A few keywords and I have all I could wish for and more. But, I love to look at reference books and sigh over the information and lovely pictures. If I could have a new one like Traditional Blackwork Samplers (Needlecrafts Series) Lesley Williams I’d be a happy camper. [Actually, any blackwork book]

     673

674. Oh dear – I’m drooling again!! I love books, and join you in the fanatic club (as many of my previous comments on your book reviews will attest). As for what book I reach for the most – there are many. If I need stitch instructions I reach for any of the A-Z books or Judith Baker Montano’s ‘Embroidery & Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool’. For crazy quilting I like anything by Kathy Seaman Shaw. For knitting I like a book called ‘Vogue Knitting’ and for overall drool-worthy inspiration I have a copy of ‘The Art of Annemieke Mein’ from Search Press – the 2011 reprinted version.

     674

675. My favorite book in my stitchy library is “Lady Evelyn’s Needlework Collection” — I love to soak in the beautiful pictures especially the whitework.

     675

676. The book I reach for most is Yvette Stanton’s The Right Handed Embroiderer’s Companion. However Mary’s Individual Tips and Techniques is my usual go to when I need a reminder on how to do a particular stitch.

     676

677. My go to book is The Left Handed Stitchers Companion by Yvette Stanton. After reading your review I knew I had have it immediately. To have an entire book dedicated to lefties instead of the few pages normally found throughout other books is amazing. Thank you for all that you do!

     677

678. My Stitch Bible is often the one I reach for for inspiration on “what would work to achieve”, but my favorites just to look through are Trish Burr’s beautiful books and Di VanNiekirk (sp?). Both of them just have such beautiful to look at pages.

     678

679. I would like to have the book “The Art of Annemieke Mein” by Annemieke Mein because of its inspiring mix of techniques and material.

     679

680. i think that lately the book i have been going for the most is Alison Cole’s stumpwork book. i have been trying to learn many of the different techniques while attempting to recreate a stumpwork piece i saw in a museum. The piece is full of birds and animals and i am excited to see the birds and flower books you showcased.
     happy holidays!

     680

681. The resource I go to most often is “Long and Short Stitch Embroidery “by Trish Burr. It has been most valuable in learning this technique.

     681

682. I have so many wonderful books it’s impossible to choose just one. I’m a great fan of Trish Burrs books but just for beauty alone it has to be the Embroidered Art of Chloe Giordano.

     682

683. Because I am all over the place on what sort of embroidery I do, my most reached for book changes regularly. Right now it’s Botanica (the fabulous book on crewel 3-D representations of various fruits, veggies and other plants.) I’m practically sleeping with that book right now, and as an aside, I’m totally in love with the way crewel yarn works up in this sort of project.

     683

684. What I would like to have is the book “Blackwork Embroidery: Stitches, Techniques, & 13 Modern Projects” by Bernadette Baldelli because of its innovative ideas.

     684

685. When I need inspiration I reach for Stitches to Savor, A-Z Embroidery book 1 and 2, and Stunning Stitches for Crazy Quilting.

     685

686. I do enjoy good needlework books. I use ideas from many of my books including Hardanger, Brazilian Embroidery, Black work, Huck, and basic stitch instructions. Most recently I’ve been working from “A Flower Alphabet” by Elisabetta Sforza. A lovely book with great ideas.

     686

687. I don’t have one specific surface embroidery book that I go to. Over the years I have taken workshops from Jane Nicholas, Alison Cole, and Lorna Bateman. In each instance, I have purchased their book or books to help me progress and/or complete my project. I constantly refer to them for reference.

     Any of the book groups would be a wonderful addition to someone’s library.

     687

688. Nothing better than being inspired cuddled up in front of a cozy fire with a good embroidery book.
     Pat R.

     688

689. The search press website is lovely to browse too.

     689

690. I struggle a lot it’s colour matching so have been eyeing Colour Confident Stitching. I would love a book like that

     690

691. I have used the Encyclopedia of Needlework by Therese de Dillmont since the early 1980’s. In fact I have made every project in the book at least once. The book I had was so well loved and used that it was falling apart and I had to by an new copy recently.

     Peace,
     Heidrun

     691

692. I’ve never been able to afford all the embroidery books I wanted. I’ve been interested in various kinds of counted thread embroidery techniques (cross stitch, needlepoint, and blackwork especially) for a long time and tended to concentrate on graph collections

     692

693. Ohhh, this one’s easy. The Needlepoint Book by Jo Ippolito Christensen…third edition.

     693

694. I don’t have only one. It depends on the technique I’m working with, whether needlepainting, stumpwotk, goldwork , …. Alison Cole’s are on top of my desk, along with Trish Burr’s and Jane Nicholas, Helen Stevens

     694

695. I would love to own a copy of Hazel Blomkamp’s Crewel Creatures – so much beauty and inspiration in one place!

     695

696. I would love to have the Birds and Flowers collection of books as those are two of my favorite topics to embroider!

     696

697. I have a small embroidery book from the 1940s that my Grandmother got for S&H coupons (anyone remember those?). I think it was published by Good Housekeeping. I use it all the time – it’s hand drawings with really clear instructions.

     697

698. I always find Di Van Niekerk’s Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork inspiring.

     698

699. I don’t have any books, I have one magazine that I use and I frequently use your website. I love the 2020 Inspirations because I love whitework, but I also love Birds and Flowers.

     699

700. I do not own any embroidery books for now (I learned mostly everything through your website and tutorials!), but if I could choose any book to magically appear on my shelf, it would be Elisabetta Sforza’s In a Wheat Field (even though it’s more of a booklet than a book). The images I’ve seen from it are so gorgeous! And I do have a soft spot for embroidered wheat haha! Thank you for all those giveaways!

     700

701. What a lovely array of books – I could not choose between them – a super prize to win and no excuses to get going on something new in embroidery.

     701

702. I love books so much that I’d say I don’t have a favorite. I love my stitch dictionary books when I need help with a stitch. Other times I love to browse through my collection to get inspiration for my next project. I love to take a piece from this one and a piece from that one to make the project my own. More books would be a dream!

     702

703. I’m a prairie-country gal so the book “Embroidered Country Gardens” by Lorna Bateman is my current inspiration… the projects are beautifully illustrated with detailed instructions. I’d love to be gifted any one of these book sets to learn different types of embroidery! I may not attempt them all but this library resource would be truly treasured.

     703

704. One of the most enjoyable for general information and good for basic stitches is Advice is…by Marion Scoular. Basics and Beyond for Hardanger by Janice Love is my go to book. I would love to have the one on Blackwork.

     704

705. I don’t have any single book I use unless it’s a specific pattern. I do have my beloved 1930s reprint of de Dillmonts’ big book of all things embroidery for instructional reference! Modern instruction comes from a great website by Mary Corbet! Otherwise…a variety of books old & new. I’m always on the hunt for new publications, & really love historical pictures. I can’t answer this question!! Too many wonderful sources of ideas to choose from!

     705

706. My go to book lately is Creative Stitches, a book of stitches by Sue Spargo, since I am working on finishing projects for Christmas…however if I am struggling with a stitch I go to your website and look for a video to show me what I am doing wrong. I am left handed so my stitch process tends to be backwards by everyone else’s process.

     706

707. Christie’s Samplers and Stitches, a handbook of embroidery. It is nearly 100 years old but so full of wonderful detail

     707

708. I am primarily a crazy quilter. There are a lot of books that I refer to and use for inspiration. My favorite is probably Crazy Quilting – The Complete Guide by J. Marsha Michler. It has wonderful innovative ways to ribbon and threads in crazy quilting.

     708

709. I reach for “Stitches with variations” by Jacqueline Enthoven. It’sa compact little book that fits in my tool box and gives me inspiration for my next stitch. I’ve tried a few others but this one has stuck around and hasn’t been replaced.

     709

710. I have two needlework books that are my current favorites: The Intentional Thread by Susan Brandeis (a new book full of inspiration), and The Geometry of Hand Sewing by Natalie Chanin (a slightly different approach to embroidery stitches).

     710

711. I have several books but I would love one that explains stump work or hardainger embroidery. My favorite book is Inspiration. I will never be to that level but those magazines are eye candy that I like to look at over and over

     711

712. Looking forward to the new embroidery books. The books I access the most are the A – Z Series from Country Bumpkins. They are all excellent but the most used are the A – Z of Embroidery Stitches (1 and 2).
     Thanks, Mary!

     712

713. The Reader’s Digest Complete Book of Embroidery by Melinda Cross, Copyright 1996 has beautiful photos of crewelwork, goldwork, ribbon embroidery, and embellishments with clear instructions for stitches, transferring patterns, and several projects. I still look to this book when I want some basic information and keep it nearby my favorite stitching spot. Of course, my bookshelves hold a number of titles about specific embroidery and needlework techniques, but I still like this book for the basics.

     713

714. Thank you for sharing your talent and insights. I have learned so much reading your blog.
     As for my favorite needlework book it is difficult to say. I love S for Stitch and refer often to A-Z embroidery
     Good look to everyone! And Merry Christmas!

     714

715. Go-to books-
     Embroidery: Step-by-step guide to more than 200 stitches. Lucinda Ganderton
     Bead Embroidery Stitch Samples. Yasuko Endo

     715

716. Hi Mary this is Cindy M from Lincoln Nebraska. I have starting collecting surface embroidery books over the last two years and while I don’t have a favorite yet I have several on my Christmas list! Your choices on this giveaway are wonderful!
     Merry Christmas!!!

     716

717. My most reached for needlework book is one of my three stitch guides-The Embroidery Stitch Bible, A to Z of Embroidery Stitches and The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion. Every embroiderer needs a good stitch guide (or three)!

     S. Sparks

     717

718. My bestest book depends on what I’m trying to do. Right now it’s hardunger so I’m using Gay Eaton’s Ukraininan Whitework and its surface embroidery, it’s Mary Corbets videos.

     718

719. What needlework book do I reach for and use most often? That’s easy to answer! Since early this year, it has been Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches! I bought it after Mary reviewed the new edition early in 2019 and it lives permanently beside my stitching chair. My stitching group ran a Stitch Sampler project throughout the year and MT has now become my best friend for checking any and every stitch!

     719

720. I most often look through whichever embroidery book details the techniques I am currently learning the best. Right now, though, I am interested in needlepainting, but none of my books really cover it. So I find myself reaching for either tutorials on the Internet or my stitch dictionary! I also look through design books for inspiration pretty frequently.

     720

721. I think that the book I reach for the most is the Reader’s Digest Complete Book of Embroidery by Melinda Cross. I use it as a reference for stitches. The illustrations are good when I need a refresher on how to do a particular stitch – that is when I don’t have access to Mary’s videos!

     721

722. My most reached for book is A-Z of Embroidery Stitches – obv a Search Press Classic. Sometimes you just have to see how it’s done.

     722

723. I have several books. Since Darlene O’Steen’s Queen’s sampler is one of my current projects is I have been using AMy Mitten’s Autopsy of Montenegrin stitch extensively.

     723

724. I too LOVE books on embroidery, even if I don’t work any of the projects I love to look through them. My go to books are usually on counted embroidery mostly Blackwork (looking at Ethnic styles) and Drawn thread work or unusual stitches.

     724

725. The needlework book that I have that I love to reach for and browse though is The New Cross Stitch Sampler Book, 23 Fabulous Samplers by Helen Phillips. Filled with beautiful designs and written in a way that is inspirational.

     725

726. I used Tatiana Popova’s book ”The Seasons in Silk Ribbon Embroidery”.

     726

727. A house fire decimated my book (and thread) collection and I have only two now. They are in storage currently as we are nearly finished with construction to make the house ADA for my husband. One is stumpwork by Jane Nichoas and the other is miniature needlepainting by Trish Burr. I would love to add something a bit more general such as Embroidered Country Gardens or perhaps a technique I’ve never done such as Whitework or Crewel.

     727

728. I always reach for stitch instruction books first. I particularly reach for 100 Stitches by Coats. I have a vintage and a modern edition. When I need relaxation or inspiration I either go with Inspirations magazine or peruse our shelves for something interesting.

     728

729. I always reach for stitch instruction books first. I particularly reach for 100 Stitches by Coats. I have a vintage and a modern edition. When I need relaxation or inspiration I either go with Inspirations magazine or peruse our shelves for something interesting.

     729

730. I absolutely can’t stop looking at the book, Timeless Art of Embroidery, illustrating
     Helen Steven’s exquisite work. It’s just amazing!!!

     730

731. I most often use the RSN Essential Stitch Guide to Crewelwork. I only started embroidering a few years ago and don’t find time for it as often as I’d like, so I really appreciate the spiral-bound format as I study the stitches.

     Thanks for the chance to win – all the books look gorgeous!

     731

732. The book I reach for most often is that classic, Erica Wilson’s Embroidery Book. When I want to look up a certain stitch that I haven’t used in a long time, I know it will be in there. But since I have been embroidering for so many years, I will often choose a book full of colorful, inspirational pictures – isn’t that why many of us collect so many stitchery books? I love looking through books, for that idea or treatment that sparks a great idea, or even gives me an idea for a different color scheme.

     Books! We can’t live without them!

     ~Lynne

     732

733. I love whitework. In addition to inspiration I get online, I reach for an old Anchor book on Hardanger, and a newer book called Elegant Hardanger Embroidery by Yvette Stanton.

     733

734. Nice selection. Search Press has great books

     734

735. I have a couple of Japanese and Italian embroidery books that I love to look through. They’re not in English so they’re more eye candy than informational to me, but I love them.

     735

736. While I took the comprehensive orange covered Erica Wilson Embroidery Book with me overseas to have during my two year Peace Corps assignment, it’s scarcely possible to pick among my needlework books a favorite. I need them ALL, for reference or inspiration depending upon a technique. I do already have the Mein book and my most recent purchase was what you recommended earlier this year “Embroidered Boxes” by Broughton. Wouldn’t it be nice to see the RSN approach to box making to propel a new project. And there’s never been an Inspirations publication I haven’t loved. Fiji RPCV Chris

     736

737. My Go-To book at the present moment is A-Z OF STUMPWORK, The Ultimate reference and design source for stump work embroiderers. It is a beautiful book with detailed, easy to understand instructions on how to do several projects

     I have NEVER DONE stumpwork before so I pick it up and read it then…chicken out and put the book down because I doubt myself! I have been very busy with Christmas projects so am using that excuse to put the book down. Now that all of this projects are done, it’s time to pick it up again and just dive in. The only thing I need help with is where to get the wires that are used to complete the work.

     737

738. I go for the RSN book of embroidery. A beautiful book And for a website I use Mary needle and
     Thread

     738

739. Oh my silk shading I would love this book for my library or any of the give away books. I mainly do needlepoint but want to get back to crewl work.

     739

740. Several years ago I started stitching monograms as gifts and have collected a number of books with different monogram designs. The next one on my list is Trish Burr’s Floral Alphabet ebook. Can’t wait to get started!

     740

741. Embroidered country gardens is on my wish list. I’ve used various Trish Burr books for past projects.

     741

742. The World’s Most Beautiful Embroidered Blankets (I think that’s the title) By Inspirations magazine. I’ve never made anything from it but the blankets are gorgeous.

     742

743. Right now I have been looking at Crewel Twist as my guild is getting ready to do Mandala Musings from Inspirations magazine.

     743

744. I really enjoyed English Medieval Embroidery: Opus Anglicanum by the V&A. I like to see good and detailed photo’s of embroidery and this had the added benefit of giving some history to the art as well.

     744

745. Je n’ai pas de préférences cela va avec la sorte de broderie que Je fais sur le moment.
     En de moment je fais de la broderie au ruban alors mon livre est la bible du ruban.

     745

746. The book I first go to is usually Creative Stitching by Sue Spargo. I next jump to RSN books or A to Z books. It all depends on what I’m working on.

     746

747. I always keep my copy of my A to Z Book of Embroidery Stitches in my work bag!

     747

748. Crewelwork Inspirations ! Even though I do simple pieces now, I would like my work to evolve into more elaborate and detailed embroidery.

     748

749. I use my Readers Digest complete guide to needlework and DMC had a booklet of 101 embroidery stitches when i need ideas.

     749

750. I own and LOVE Lorna Bateman’s book Embroidered Country Gardens. I had the privilege of attending one of her classes in Florida this October. Lorna is a wonderful teacher , embroiderer, and designer. This book is a must have! -Rosann P. – North Carolina

     750

751. My most used book is/was the A-Z of Smocking, however I’ve either lost it, misplaced it or loaned it out, so I really need to replace it. All the A-Z books are great. Love the step by step pictures.

     751

752. I can’t limit myself to just one but am able to narrow it down to three: Darlene O’Steen’s “The Proper Stitch”, Susan O’Connor’s “Monograms”, and Elisabetta Holzer’s “Il Manuale Completo del Ricamo Estense” (even though it’s in Italian!).

     752

753. I usually get most of my information from the internet. I love all of the information on your blog which was the biggest reason why I joined. I have learned so much from your blog. I have embroidered since I was very young, taught by my Grandmother. I had a stroke a year ago. As soon as I got home from the hospital the first thing I did was to check if I could still do needlework. It is my first love now. Norma from Nebr

     753

754. I love the five books by Ruth Schmuff for needlepoint stitches. I also like Stitches to Go by Howren and Robertson.
     Of course, I am a needlepointer, and not very familiar with surface embroidery books. If I should be so lucky to win,
     I’d really love the first package (the one with Annemieke Mien’s book).

     Thanks, Mary, for all the pleasure you bring to all of us who read your emails regularly. I almost always learn something new
     and I so enjoy reading them.
     Debby Lambert

     754

755. Love the book collections. I don’t have many craft books and the ones I have are for knitting and needle felting. I do have an older Cross Stitch book. One that I would like to have is The Embroidered Art of Chloe Giordano. Looking at your book review the bok looks useful and fun.

     755

756. I use Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Stitches, The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery, and the A-Z series. Great resources make the finished work so much nicer!

     756

757. Right now it is Mountmellick Embroidery by Yvette Stanton &Prue Scott.

     757

758. I have very few embroidery books. The one I most love is “The Art of Bead Embroidery,” by Heidi Kummli and Sherry Serafini. Unfortunately, the cost supplies for every project in there is way beyond my means, so I never actually use it. It’s just eye candy.

     What I intend to buy soon for practical use is “Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches.”

     758

759. I love Elegant Stitches by Judith Montano!

     759

760. I get most of my patterns from magazines, but the book I use most is Mary Engelbreit’s Cross Stitch. I have made the Topsy Turvey Doll several times.

     760

761. My collection of embroidery books is pretty thin, but I do have a couple of the A-Z reference books that I like and use.

     761

762. Stumpwork masterclass by Alison Cole. I have it and have been drooling over what project I want to tackle first. She makes it look so doable even though I haven’t tackled my first stumpwork project yet!

     762

763. I love needlework books and reference them regularly. It is tough to choose but A-Z of Embroidery stitches is one I use often.
     Jane B

     763

764. i would like to have The Embroidered Art of Chloe Giordano, by Chloe Giordano and
     A-Z of Whitework

     764

765. i would like to have A-Z of Whitework and The Embroidered Art of Chloe Giordano, by Chloe Giordano

     765

766. I like “The Proper Stitch” by Darlene O’Steen. I’ve used my copy many times to look up stitches.

     766

767. I’ll let you in on a little secret: The resource I use most often is NeedlenThread website. Shhhhhh. But the isn’t the question that needs to be answered. The book that is in my project bag when I got to stitch and chats or programs or whatever is Stitches to Go by
     Suzanne Howren and Beth Robertson.
     Thanks for another great give-away, Mary!

     767

768. My a – z of embroidery stitches and Mary Thomas but I also really like your YouTube guides on stitches as they are so clear and I can stop them at relevant points. I do have quite a collection on crewel books tho.

     768

769. I think Ill join you Mary in loving good books on needlework..
     There has been some beautiful books published over the past year and I really enjoy your reviews as they help decision making.
     Best wishes for a happy family Xmas we are having hot weather and a terrible tragedy with a volcano erupting killing 15people sad for families at this time of the year.
     Your newsletters are always looked forward to. Take care.x

     769

770. I have done many types of needlework, usually from individual patterns, any more I just go Mary’s site and find what I need. When I looked at the collage of the books, the ones I picked out were all in this collection. The Kew embroidered flowers made me drool. I have many friends I want to make gifts for. Flower’s are perfect.

     770

771. I love all my stitching reference books. However, my go-to-can-live-without book is Darlene O’Steen’s The Proper Stitch.

     771

     1. Darn auto correct! It should read can’t live without!!!

772. The Anchor book of Crewelwork embroidery stitches is my favourite because it is such a compact size. I can take it anywhere – holidays, home and travelling. Always easy to pack into a ziplock bag for protection. Mine was published in 1997 and it is still in a pristine condition.

     772

773. I have the A-Z of Embroidery Stitches which is used most often but would love the Chloe Giordano book.

     773

774. Helen Stevens books are what got me inspired to promise myself that one day I would get serious about embroidery.Happily, I am now totally hooked on silk embroidery,many thanks to you and your blogs too, Mary!
     Jan

     774

775. I love needlework books!! I actually collect them, especially the less known ones about very specific needlework skills, like the various needle lace styles. Whenever I go abroad I also scour second hand book shops in search of publications about traditional embroidery (I have a lot about the Czech and Slovak area). Lately, I’m really itching to buy Jacqui Carey’s Elizabethan Stitches (I also read your beautiful review)
     Have a good sunday!

     775

776. Yvette Stanton’s Left-handed Embroiderers’ companion is my go-to guide. It has helped me feel far less awkward and made embroidery feel far more natural.

     776

777. Since I’ve got only one embroidery book so far, it is also the only one I reach for most often (and I mean really often): Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches.
     Apart from that, there’s one book at the very top of my wish list: Trish Burr’s Colour Confidence in Embroidery. I came to stitch my own designs lately, and it is only now that I see how difficult it can be to choose colours for an appropriate outcome.

     777

778. I also love books and after looking through your list of gifts, I obviously need more! I have been crafting for many years and have used books to learn many techniques. I am learning so many embroidery stitches right now from your e-book of monograms. Love it.

     778

779. I am always looking for new types of needlework. Thank you for the inspiration.

     779

780. I don’t really have a book that I refer to often. However, I would like to learn stumpwork and definitely want to do more crewel work in 2020.

     780

781. I love all books! The embroidery book I reach for most often is the A to Z Book of Embroidery stitches. Both volumes have clear instructions with pictures that show exactly how to do the stitch.

     781

782. I am currently trying to do a piece in white work and teaching myself as I go. The book that I have used the most is White Work with Color by Trish Burr

     782

783. There are two books I refer to often. My most reached for book would be Marion Nichols Encyclopedia of Embroidery stitches, including crewel. I also love anything from Elsa Williams.

     783

784. I don’t have many needlework books, but I’d especially like books about cutwork, needle painting, or stumpwork. I’d like to try all of these techniques but haven’t gathered up my courage yet. Thanks to everyone involved in yet another great give-away!

     784

785. I’d especially like books about cutwork, needle painting, or stumpwork. I’d like to try all of these techniques but haven’t gathered up my courage yet. I don’t have many needlework books. I should start investing in some.

     785

786. I look through Hazel B’s crewel books a lot for inspiration

     786

787. Wow! What a collection of craft books. I have never looked at the Search Press UK website, I’m so glad I did especially the embroidery books since that is my favorite craft at this time. It has been a long time desire to make a crazy quilt. All the forms of embroidery in these books will work for what I want. I have been collecting fabrics, trims, buttons, beads, and crocheting miniature flowers for many years and have been ready to begin for about a year. Since I learned about needle painting, about a year ago, I’ve been teaching myself and getting my work to go from school girl to Intermediate and hopefully advanced work. Good luck to everyone who enters this give away!

     787

788. I have the two A-Z Embroidery books. I would like Seasons in Ribbon Embroidery or Whitework embroidery. They will probably be advanced for me but I love the look and maybe someone at the EGA locally can help me through.

     788

789. Books are my downfall. I swear that my house is sinking into the ground from the weight of books. And at Christmas my family gives even more books!
     My go to books are “The Proper Stitch” and ” The Embroidery Stitch Bible”. Of course the books from the Royal School of Needlework are nearby too.

     789

790. My A to Z books are my go to books. The pictures for stitches are very helpful!
     Ren from NM

     790

791. I have a lot of stitch dictionaries that I use to look up stitches. But the one I’d most like to have is by Mary Corbet with all her knowledge in it.

     791

792. Hello,
     These days, my favourite book is from Yumiko Higuchi, titled Zakka Embroidery.
     It’s a book with simple embroidery motifs but the result is very cute.
     Thank you for the give away.

     792

793. Frankly, your site is the first place I come when I want any information or instruction.
     The book I most frequently turn to might be Monograms: The Art of Embroidered Letters by Susan O’Connor. Its comprehensive explanations for padding, trailing, satin stitching and so on always help me improve my work.

     793

794. I most often use books that provide help with finishing techniques!
     Thank you for all you do!

     794

795. I currently use the Complete Guide to Needlework.

     795

796. Mary:
     “The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery” is my go to. I have picked up so many hints and learned the correct way to do several stitches which I was unsure of. Thank you for reviewing it on your website. Prior to buying this book I was limited in my techniques. This book has opened up a whole new world for my creations!!!
     Thank you once again Mary,( have you given any thought to compiling all your knowledge and hints into a book? It would become a # 1 reference among us needle stitchers).
     Yvonne

     796

797. My current favorite book is “Primarily Quilts”, by Di Ford, which is chock full of 19th century inspirations. This book caused a major paradigm shift in my brain as good design can be translated to all types of fiber arts. She is a real fiber artist. I am an amateur fiber artist who helps to support the publishing industry and I bless those publishers that go for quality in their various fields. A nascent, wonderful thing is occurring in fiber arts and that is permission from authors to photocopy designs which means that I can do so and also enlarge or shrink designs and adapt them for my personal use only. Blessings to all of you folks who share your work and connect to us amateurs.

     797

798. I haven’t embroidered since I was a young child and just picked up this hobby again so I don’t have any books yet. I am very fascinated with stumpwork so I would love to have a book on this type of embroidery.

     798

799. I use Donna Kooler’s Encyclopedia of Needlework often. I really like that every stitch has a color picture.

     799

800. I don’t own any embroidery books yet, but The Embroidered Art of Chloe Giordano looks absolutely fantastic!

     800

801. Yvette Stanton’s Left-hander’s guide to embroidery stitches is my go-to book to help me with embroidery stitches that appear in most other books. I wish she would do another book with even more stitches in it but I’m happy that I simply have something available for the left-hannded stitcher.

     801

802. As I am currently teaching myself long and short stitch, I am constantly referring to Trish Burr – both her books and you tube videos. Worth their weight on gold

     802

803. Wow, I never thought about the publishers of the books I buy! Thank you for enlightening me.

     I don’t have any one book I reach for regularly now, as I get a lot of my information online or from multiple sources together, but out of my collection, my most useful one when I first began diving into embroidery is The Embroiderer’s Handbook by Margie Bauer. She has a simple style that is easy to understand and the book covers quite the range of techniques!

     803

804. Wow, what wonderful books! I reach for the Left hand stitching guide the most often. Most of my other books, despite having projects, are more for inspiration.

     804

805. My Alison Cole gold work book – just full of information for a relative novice in gold work

     805

806. Search Press’s A-Z series of thread painting, wool embroidery, crewel embroidery, goldwork with silk embroidery, stumpwork etc All beautifully presented with clear instructions.

     806

807. I’m always reaching for the RSN books, particularly Becky Hogg’s Blackwork one.

     807

808. I love Hazel Blomkamp’s crewel embroidery designs and own a few her books. I also admire Trish Burr’s birds a lot.

     However, I usually come to needlenthread.com for reference. Thank you Mary!

     808

809. Hi Mary, What a wonderful Christmas give away! There will be some very lucky people! I love my stitch guides books, particularly the A – Z series published by the Inspirations people. They have very clear instructions and photos for so many stitches!

     Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

     809

810. I love your site especially as a way of discovering new needlework books. As a librarian for a medium-sized public library with 14 branches, it is a great way to bring these great books to the public. Our local needlework group is quite small, but there are lots of creative people up here in the Yukon. The craft section is very heavily used in all of our libraries. Thanks so much for letting us know about these wonderful books!
     Cheers, Debbie.

     810

811. I do not have a particular book that I go to for any of my stitching. I do have quite a few needlework books and lots of other books. I have always loved books of almost any kind, from children’s books to Westerns, spy thrillers, fiction and nonfiction. I love to get lost in a good book whether it’s a good read or a good needlework book. My house is full of books. I have just recently gotten back to my needlework. Haven’t done anything with a needle and thread in forever! I got busy with work and raising a family. I have time to enjoy cross stitch and embroidery again and now having to use a magnifying glass part of the time! I ‘found’ this site by accident I think several years ago. I love coming here, have never commented, mostly just look, read and drool at all of the beautiful pieces that are posted. There are several projects on this site that I want to try to do one day if the Lord lets me live that long, lol. Anyway, great website, chock full of so much helpful information. Thanks for all of your hard work. EJ in HB

     811

812. Well, what a fabulous collection of books Mary! You’ve highlighted a few that are currently on my wish list and I’m excited to hear about the Inspirations collections that are on their way, the Whitework book will be definitely finding its way onto my bookshelf one way or another! Anyway … to answer your question: my most reached for embroidery book is most definitely my A-Z of Embroidery Stitches Vols 1&2. I’m am referring to those frequently and of all the books I have bought on your recommendation, these have had the most consistent practical value. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction!

     812

813. Wow! What a bonanza of embroidery books!! Many thanks to Search Press for such a generous donation.

     The book I’ve referred to the most – to date – is Stumpwork by Jane Nicholas. I learned to embroider as a child, so most basic stitches require no research, and your tutorials, Mary, answer most of my other needs, but stump work was a new concept for me, and Jane’s book is fantastic!

     813

814. Hi Mary,
     I have a book fetish too, but Sesrch Press has so many books in their catalogue that I am pretty much gaurenteed to win books I haven’t read if I win one of these giveaway prizes. Only the Blockbusters group would be a mixed blessing for me to win, as I already have two of the four books. Here’s hoping 🙂

     And thank you so much again for your wonderful blog, so fun and informative. And for the effort it must take to manage these huge giveaways day after day, in the already busy Christmas Season.

     We are all very lucky to have you in our lives.

     814

815. I’ve been working on some hardanger lately so I’ve been using the book by Janice Love, Fundamentals made Fancy. She has great information and pictures.

     815

816. My go to book is Yvette Stanton’s Left handed Embroiderer’s Companion for working out how to do new stitches as a lefty. I also have used Trish Burr’s Colour Complements for working out colour combinations

     816

817. I’m currently working on a e-reader cover in various needlepoint stitches of my own design, with some guidance from my local stitchery guild. So my go to book at the moment is Jo Pippolito Christensen’s “The Needlepoint Book”. I’ve been checking it out of my local library for months now, but I found a 1976 used version on the book sale cart at the Textile Museum of Canada (in Toronto). Its a great addition to my small collection of needlearts library.

     817

818. Although I own about 10 books covering stitch dictionaries or specific techniques, I would like to have a good book on counted whitework or pulled thread work.

     818

819. Hi Mary 🙂

     Wow! This is a fabulous giveaway. All four sets would be wonderful to receive.

     I tend to reach for A-Z Embroidery Stitches volume 1 and 2 the most. They are both fairly comprehensive if I’m stuck.

     Thanks for the chance to win and Merry Christmas

     819

820. I embroidered many years ago and would love to embroider again in my upcoming retirement. I have always loved it and am anxious to learn new things too.

     820

821. I like doing a variety of embroidery methods and I’m always anxious to learn new techniques.

     821

822. my most used embroidery book is my left handed embroidery stitches. i love it, sometimes the left handers get left out.

     822

823. Hi Mary
     Beautiful books certainly act as inspiration both practically and for the heart and soul. I like books that are both instructional and inspirational; books that show what heights we might aspire to such as the Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery. But I also like basic books that show how to do all the stitches and offer some simple projects that are manageable to us ordinary stitchers, such as Yumiko Higuchi’s books. And then of course the A-Z Books from Inspirations. And your clear instructional videos are essential watching as they show me how to work the stitches. Thanks Mary and all good wishes for the festive season.
     Jillian

     823

824. I reach for my A-Z Embroidery Stitches books most often. They are really easy to use and understand and have helped me on several occasions when I had trouble figuring out how to create a stitch.

     824

825. Good Housekeeping’s Step-by-Step Encyclopaedia of Needlecraft. Strictly speaking, it isn’t mine, but it must count as stolen by now. (Actually, I think my mother just gave up and told me to keep it because I borrowed it so much.)

     825

826. I use the Monograms book a lot when stitching. I’m working on one of the projects so it’s helpful for that but the information and diagrams on how to create specific stitches are good for any embroidery. The pictures are clear and the instructions are simple and laid out step by step. As well as the history of monograms and embroidery is interesting.

     826

827. Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches – an old one and a good one

     827

828. I am a beginner embroidery. I would love to have Embroidered County Gardens book. With a book I could follow alone with instructions. My project now is learning to do flowers. Dee L. from Louisana

     828

829. My go-to books are the A-Z of Embroidery Stitches volumes 1 and 2. These are the books that live on my embroidery stand, and that I pull out constantly for reminders of old stitches, ideas for new stitches, and good instructions.

     829

830. I always have a stitch dictionary or two sitting next to me when I’m stitching.

     830

831. The book I reaching for most often is the Constance Howard book of Stitches, and oldie but a goodie. But I also love books on specific techniques, especially the RSN guides.

     Thank you Mary and Search Press for offering such magnificent prizes.

     831

832. I reach frequently, La borderôs c’est tout simple, de Marie Suarez.

     832

833. When I was learning to stitch, my mother gave me an old book called A Treasury of Embroidery. It has always been my ‘go to’ book as it has a clear description and photos of just about all the stitches I use.

     833

834. I love all my embroidery books but find I refer most to Yvette Stanton’s the Right Handed Embroiderers Companion.
     The instructions and diagrams are really good.

     834

835. I love all my embroidery books but find I refer most to Yvette Stanton’s the Right Handed embroidered companion

     835

836. After recently taking up embroidery again following a break of several years, I have been reaching for the Royal School of Needlework’s comprehensive Book of Embroidery for quick help for questions. This happens only when a computer isn’t at hand, as I usually find the answers on your Needle ‘n Thread website! Thanks for all that you do, Mary!

     836

837. Just starting out in surface embroidery and counted canvas, so I love my A-Z guides from RSN!

     837

838. I’m so excited to have found your website!! I’m teaching myself how to do embroidery and your tutorials make it so easy to learn new stitches. I don’t have any embroidery books. Usually I print a design I like off the internet and transfer it to whatever scrap of fabric I like best at the moment.

     838

839. I look for clear pictures of ideas and then good instructions with good drawings or pictures of the technique.

     839

840. My favorite inspiration book is Hazel Blomkamp’s Crewel Creatures, it is just so beautiful.

     840

841. I am also a rug hooker who has spent much time dyeing wool fabric for hooking projects. I love hand dyed threads and fabrics.

     841

842. I love Mary Thomass’ Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches which I purchased after reading your review! You definitely did not steer me wrong on this terrific book!

     842

843. I LOVE BOOKS … I am in the learning stages of embroidery and I most often reach for .. the embroidery stitch bible .. it has color pics for each stitch and drawn pics on how to stitch. A great feature of this book is the spiral binding so the book stays flat for reference and learning.

     843

844. What a wonderful resource, as someone who is just developing a library, I have been using my local library as well as the on-line resources. I plan on getting a copy of Right -Handed Embroiderer’s Companion.

     Peggy J, Dayton

     844

845. I have this small embroidery stitch encyclopedia book that I love. I can’t always do all the stitches (videos often help) but once I get the hang of it, the book is a great reference.

     845

846. The Embroidery Stitch Bible by Betty Barden.

     846

847. For ideas about stitches, Embroidery & Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool by Judith Baker Montano’s. It’s for left-handers!

     For eye-candy and ideas for projects, Inspirations magazine.

     847

848. Besides referring to your website Mary, lately I’ve been reaching for 120 Embroidery Stitches by Kelly Fletcher. It’s an e-book that I printed and bound for convenience. I really like how she has divided the stitches up by type i.e. chain stitches, blanket stitches, couched stitches, etc. It helps when looking up a particular stitch for a reminder and it’s great for searching for a new twist on a stitch when you want something different.

     848

849. I don’t have any books for silk ribbon embroidery and that is something I’ve always wanted to try!

     849

850. The Anchor Book of Crewel Embroidery Stitches compiled by Eve Harlow 1989
     A great little book to inform and inspire budding and experienced crewel embroiders alike. Full of information with beautiful colour photos and clear instructions for 48 stitches. Template designs can be used to practice the stitches or use as own colourway projects. I highly recommend this book – the stitch content hasn’t aged.

     850

851. There are two books I read and reread often – they are Shuji Tamura’s book on Japanese Embroidery and Theresa Dillmont’s Encyclopedia of Needlework

     851

852. I love my big RSN book!

     852

853. My favorite embroidery book is the A-Z embroidery book. Just love the directions and illustrations.

     853

854. I reach for the “Cross Stitch Letters Bible” by Valerie LaJeune. There is always a style of lettering in there that fits the size and style of my project!

     854

855. The book I reach for most often depends upon which technique I am currently working with, at the moment I am doing stump work so my go to book is Stumpwork Masterclass by Alison Cole.

     855

856. I love all stitching, free embroidery, and textile art books. My most reached for books are the RSN technique books, from which I get inspiration for new projects and I then check out how to do the stitches on the needlenthread tips and techniques videos.

     856

857. I use all my needlework books for inspiration. I’m not sure I have a favorite. When I get a new one, I sit and read it like a novel and invariably I want to make everything in the book. Every so often I go back through my books just to get re-inspired. They’re my little guilty pleasure.

     857

858. I recently purchased Trish Burr’s Colour Confidence in Embroidery and I find myself opening it all of the time for inspiration, help in design, and sometimes just to see all the beauty it has to offer. I am always interested in books on new techniques as I love to try new things!

     Laura M. from FL

     858

859. My go to books for selecting and executing stitches for canvas work are a series of spiral bound books by Suzanne Howren and Beth Robertson. They also suggest stitches for specific effects like walls, sky, water, bushes, etc.

     859

860. I love all the Japanese stitching books. The designs are very modern but also timeless. The colors are so inspiring! I want to win the book by Chloe Giordano and start stitching that beautiful fawn right away! Thank you Mary.

     860

861. The embroidery book I reach for most often is the A-Z of Embroidery Stitches 1. However, I prefer to see your how-to videos on the stitches . That being said, I have a nice collection of books, and am always on the lookout for more! Thanks for a great giveaway!

     861

862. I would love to win the New Year, New Skills 2020 book bundle, as one of my promises to myself next year is to do more challenging things — to shake things up in 2020!

     The book that I am most often reaching for lately is “The New Crewel” by Katherine Shaughnessy. Sadly, she closed her shop in Marfa, Texas, but her gorgeous designs remain. I’m currently working on a set of four of them for my powder room, with plans to finish them early next month. Right in time to start learning some new needlework skills!

     862

863. Having just started back into embroidery after many years, I don’t have any books. Also having recently moved and downsized drastically, I have very few books at all. Packing and downsizing 25 years of stuff makes you really think before you accumulate anything. My goto is your website Mary! I haven’t had enough time in my day to even put a dent in the enormous amount of valuable knowledge and information you have given and I am deeply grateful! Maybe someday I will add books or magazines. But for now, Thank You for all that you give!!

     863

864. In this past year, I have found myself going back to Hazel Blomkamp’s “Crewel Intentions” quite a few times, as I love the projects and would like to work them all! Until now, I have managed to finish three of them, and they always give me immense joy.

     864

865. My favorite embroidery books are anything by Trish Burr, especially Colour Confidence, and Long and Short Stitch Embroidery. I love needle painting, and her books have taught me so much! If I am lucky enough to win, I would love to receive the Birds and Flowers set of books that features her new book of embroidered flowers!
     Thank you so much, and Happy Holidays!

     865

866. My absolute favourite needlework book is Embroideries from an English Garden. The style is distinctive but can be used for so many kinds of embroidery, the techniques are awesome, and the embroideries themselves are just gorgeous! Highly recommend it!

     866

867. The Anchor book of crewel stitches. Not just stitches, but ideas for designs and colour schemes. Search press is just down the road from me, so I can collect the books if I’m lucky enough to win…

     867

868. I have only 2 needlework books, Colour Confidence by Trish Burr and Crewel Creatures by Hazel Blomkamp. Both are wonderful (thank you for the recommendations, Mary). I am working on a crewel creature project now, and would love to own other Hazel Blomkamp books. I am particularly taken by the idea of the Crewel Birds as my mother is an avid bird-watcher, and it would be great to work up some different birds for her. She will be getting Maureen (the owl) from Crewel Creatures when I get to it. I’m on the tortoise just now, as a starter project.

     868

869. My go to needlework books are the collection of Royal School of Needlework little books on the different disciplines including: Silk Shading, Crewel, Blackwork, Goldwork, Applique, Whitework, Stumpwork etc. I bought mine when they were published in small individual books. They subsequently have been published in one large book, which has it’s advantage of having them all together, but makes it quite large and cumbersome compared to the small ones I have.

     869

870. I have a book of sampler stitches and my embroidery dictionary I use a lot! Others I get from my library. I am working on building my own library of useful books!

     870

871. At this time I only have stitch guides and the computer to help me, not to say you it is a limited selection, but to see actual completed projects and samples would be wonderful. I think Crewel Twists by Hazel Blomkamp would be the book I would choose own. I find her work beautiful and am sure I could benefit from her knowledge.

     871

872. The first reference I go to is the A to Z series from Inspirations Studios. Instructions are clear and as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, easy to follow. They are some of the easiest to follow instruction books in my library.

     872

873. I have a large collection of Needlework books,but the ones I reach for most often are the A to Z books by Country Bumpkin .

     873

874. Unique and invaluable, The Secrets of Needlepoint: Technique and Stitches by Dominique Siegler-Lathrop is the English language version of ‘Secrets de la tapisserie à l’aiguille’ c.1997 It truly deserves another reprint for a new generation to discover – perhaps the incomparable Search Press!

     874

875. Lately, I move between books on how-to and history genres. Studying techniques in order to create my own original projects is where my books come into play. My techniques are varied and no one type dominates. Thanks for the give-away!!!

     875

876. I really like Marie Suarez’s “Mon cahier de broderie”, perfect yo learn any stich!! Thanks from Spain

     876

877. I have a number of Hazel Blomkamp’s books and find myself reaching for them often. They are beautifully illustrated with a huge selection of stitches that are thoroughly explained. I find great inspiration in the variety of stitches and way that they have been used. Having met Hazel only further endeared me to her books. Shes every bit as bright and sparkly as the her book contents.

     877

878. Probably the book I would most go to is a Stitch Dictionary, to find out how to do the latest stitch in my current project. If I am trying to learn a new technique I will spend a lot of time with books on the subject.

     878

879. Lately the needlework book I have been reaching for and referencing is Luzine Happel’s “Schwalm Needlelace, edge decorations, easily embroidered.” Her photos and descriptions are excellent.

     879

880. I have needlework books that are all floral themed. So my inspiration is ANYTHING and everything floral.

     HOWEVER, your selection “Embroidery on Knitting, by Britt-Marie Christoffersson” is exactly what I need to point me in the direction of duplicate stitching.

     Thank you
     merry Christmas

     880

881. My Go-To embroidery book is Betty Barden’s Embroidery Stitch Bible. Always a starting point when I’m stuck for a stitch or technique.

     Nothing like sitting by the fire on a cold winters day flicking through my collection of needlework books looking for inspiration for a new project.

     881

882. I usually look through several different books to find the right stitches to embellish a project. One I use a lot is “Crazy Quilt Stitches” by Dorothy Bond. It is amazing what can be done by just combining simple stitches. And I’m not even a crazy quilter!

     882

883. Although I have several stitch reference books I frequently reach for “Embroidery Stitches, Step by Step” by Lucinda Ganderton especially when I teach new or variations of a stitch to Guild members.
     It has very clear and easy to follow diagrams and covers a wide range of the basic stitches -with variations. After reading your review of this book I was given it for Christmas a couple of years ago.

     883

884. For years I have reached for my 1999 copy of Lucinda Ganderton’s STITCH SAMPLER The Ultimate Visual Dictionary to Over 200 Classic Stitches. Disappointed, I learned the same information is in another book, with a different title, by this author.

     Three (3) copies of the same book have been shared with others.
     The gallery of stitches is extremely helpful, showing samples of every stitch in the book along with its name & reference page. Wanting certain looks is quick to select with the books contents on a dozen pages. The stitch instructions are clearly detailed and come with color photographs. Alternate names, the difficulty level, potential stitch uses, the method needed to create each stitch, and what materials (type of fabric & thread) are included for each stitch. There is also a good index for reference.

     Sure MORE stitches would be nice, but finding a book with another (different) couple hundred stitches has not occurred yet. I do own a few other “suggested” embroidery books. Each has its flaws, in my opinion. This leaves them ignored as the Stitch Sampler is used with most of my embroidery projects.

     884

885. I love all my embroidery books but am currently refering to my various books on whitework, as I am working on a sampler of whitework from different countries.
     I have all of Hazel Blomkamps books, she is a favourite, so her new Bird book would be great to win.

     885

886. What fun to learn about Search Press. I just cannot resist a good stitching book! Most of the needlework books I have purchased recently have been published by Search Press!!
     My “go to” for goldwork is Hazel Everett, for thread painting it’s Margaret Dyer, any of the Italian Punti a Giorno books for drawn and pulled thread and for all ’round it’s a toss up between the Stitch Bible and that big ol’ Anchor Book of all things embroidery!

     886

887. That’s an awesome collection of books. Right now my go to book is Crazy Quilting The Complete Guide by J. Marsha Michler. I lost a lot of books when my home burned down five years ago and I didn’t replace everything I lost but I’m working on it. Many of my projects are also gone but I’m slowly building my new library and enjoying each project I work on. These books would be a great addition to my library.

     887

888. It depends on which form of embroidery I am currently stitching.
     I like the A to Z books very much.

     888

889. The needlework book I use most often is actually a pamphlet put out by Crewel Works that they send with their kits. It is very basic and goes over long and short stitch as well as many of the stitches used in crewel work. The reason I use it a lot is that it is light and fits in my handwork bag easily.

     889

890. Lately I’ve been returning to Trish Burr’s Whitework with Colour for project ideas and inspiration. I can’t wait for her book about Kew Gardens, one of my favourite places!

     890

891. My most reached-for needlework books are the technique/stitch guides followed by luscious eye-candy books for inspiration.

     891

892. For needlepoint my go to is The Needlepoint Book by Jo Ippolito but I have a few other handy resources.

     892

893. I, too, love needlework books. I don’t have a favorite. I usually get out two or three on whichever embroidery style i am working on for reference.

     893

894. I use the left handed embroiderer’s companion by Yvette Stanton regularly. Last Christmas I made 40 ornament Christmas cards in order to try out new stitches in it.

     894

895. That is a hard question! I’m a book fanatic too, but the one I have had for many years and which I go back to is “The Art of the Needle” by Jan Beaney, which inspires me to try new things. And Inspirations magazine, of course.

     895

896. I love stitches to go.
     Also the a-z embroidery stitches.

     896

897. I have many books and it really depends on what I am stitching as to which one(s) I pull out. Sometimes it is just browsing for new projects. I do use the A-Z of Needlepoint frequently. Presently I’m using Hazel Blomkamp’s Hand Stitched Crazy Patchwork (which co-incidentally is a Search Press publication!)

     897

898. I’m doing lots of canvas embroidery these days, so the needlework book I reach for most often is likely ‘The Needlepoint Book’ by Jo Ippolito Christensen (2nd Ed). It includes both stitch diagrams and photos. Next is likely ‘The Proper Stitch’ (Revised and Expanded) by Darleen O’Steen. Lovely books in the collections. The Whitework Inspirations caught my eye. Thanks for another spectacular offering.

     898

899. I have a few books I use a lot. My blackwork books. Several bargello books. A heap of beading books! I love that you can get the old DMC Therese Dilmont books online, and have gotten a lot of inspiration from them. I would love to try more of her drawn and pulled thread designs.
     For basics I still go back to my grandmother’s old Reader’s Digest complete needlework guide.

     899

900. I don’t have embroidery books I use, but I’d love the ones with animals and flowers.

     900

901. The book I use the most is The Left-Handed Embroider’s Companion by Yvette Stanton, but the book I spend hours just looking at is Crewel Creatures by Hazel Blomkamp. It is so incredibly creative and detailed.

     901

902. What do I reach for most? Well It’s my stitch dictionaries, when I’m trying to work out how to solve a problem…

     902

903. I use several depending on what I am making. I love looking at my Schwalm references by lucine Happel

     903

904. I would certainly like to have Embroidered box

     904

905. The books I reach for most are my stitch dictionaries. I have several, including several A-Z guides, Embroidery Stitch Bible by Betty Barnden, and Stitch Sampler by Lucinda Ganderton.

     905

906. The book I use most is an old copy of the Stitchers Thesaurus . You would be amazed how often I want to change something or wonder what would be a good substitute for a particular thread. It has suggested numbers of strands for different grounds, needle sizes, etc. It is particularly handy when someone wants help as I can figure my own project out by trial and error but but can’t do that as easily on the phone or by email!

     906

907. I am eager to create a medieval embroidery project using flowers and birds . The books would be a wonderful guide to creating beautifully stitched birds .

     907

908. My go to book for embroidery stitches is Erica Wilson’s Embroidery Book. If the stitch I need can’t be found on Mary’s website first

     908

909. A couple of RSN books I have are very helpful when I’m looking for different techniques, or stitches.

     909

910. Readers digest of needlework is the one I grab the most. It’s great for looking up hints on most types of needle work in case you forget little details of techniques. Willow area.

     910

911. I don’t have a favorite needlework book I reach for, but I did pick up a little book at an auction last summer that piqued my interest. I have looked thru it a number of times since then to use several stitches. It is called Crazy Quilt Stitches by Dorothy Bond. Friday mornings find me up early, so that I can read my weekly newsletter from Inspirations Magazine before leaving for work. Such talent and beautiful projects!

     911

912. I love books too! When I am looking for a basic stitch or technique, I have several books that I go to. Here are some of them, in no particular order:

     Lucinda Ganderton, Stitch Sampler: The ultimate visual dictionary to over 200 classic stitches. DK Publishing.
     Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches. (New Edition by Jan Eaton). Trafalgar Square Publishing.
     Pauline Brown, The Encyclopedia of Embroidery Techniques. Viking Studio Books.
     The Complete Illustrated Stitch Encyclopedia. Sterling Publishing, Inc.
     Mrs. A. H. (Grace) Christie. Stitches and Samplers.
     Mrs. A. H. (Grace) Christie. Embroidery and Tapestry Weaving.

     Vicki Trephine

     912

913. My most used embroidery book is twisted stitches. I use this as a reference when I am working on a counted canvas project and I want a different stitch.

     913

914. I have a few of Di Van Niekerks books and have learned so much. I am crazy about Trish Burrs books and Hazel Blomkamps also. Thanks for this opportunity Mary.

     914

915. The book I refer to most is The Needlepoint Book by Jo Ippolito Christensen….

     915

916. Maybe one day I can buy one, I would like Embroidered Flowers, Embroidered Theasures Birds or Crewel Birds, I love embroidering birds and flowers, some day ………… one day ……

     916

917. I usually reach for one of the three Judith Baker Montano books. Wonderful pictures, a nice selection of stitches, and a favorite is ribbon embroidery.

     917

918. I currently do cross stitch and machine embroidery. Now I am expanding my horizons into stump work, crewel, and needlepoint in order to learn other techniques, combine them, and bring beauty into everyday life, when the world seems so bleak after listening to the daily news. If one can share this type of beauty with others and bring a smile to their faces, then one has accomplished their goal of bringing beauty into the world through the giving of their talents and self.

     918

919. At the moment my “table book” is opus anglicanum catalog, published by Victoria and Albert museum, and three Russian magazines about Christian Orthodox icon embroidery (they have even more information than “Inspirations”, so they are more like books than like real magazines). I am experimenting with opus anglicanum and one icon is always on my table, so these books are very often in use.

     919

920. The embroidered art of Chloe Giordano, beautiful animals and the detail is superb.

     920

921. I always go back to my Royal School of Needlework Essential Stitch Guides for a specific technique.

     921

922. Susan – Nanaimo, B.C.
     My favourite reference book for basic needlework instruction is a very old copy of Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches. Somehow I find that the diagrams are very easy to follow and the index is well laid out to find a stitch for the required application.

     922

923. I usually reach for the ABC of stitches.

     923

924. I enjoy trying new types of embroidery and challenging myself. The most common needlework book I reach for is Inspirations A-Z of Embroidery Stitches I and II. They are great guides with clear instructions. And pictures! 🙂

     924

925. I seriously think this is by far THE hardest question to answer! “A favorite book”??? Like, am I suppose to choose a favorite child, too?? 😀
     But the one book that stays with me in my project bag and NEVER gets put back on the shelf is “The Embroiderer’s Handbook” by Margie Bauer. It has pencil notes, bookmarks, sticky notes…. A trusted friend. Clear easy step by step pictures that never fail!

     925

926. I do not have any such books, but a stitch dictionary with tips for mastering each would be nice.

     926

927. I’ve recently bought ‘Willing Hands’ by Betsy Morgan. It’s a beautiful book – full of inspiration. I’m going to complete ‘The Virgin Queen’s Wallet’ and have my eye on the ‘Toy Box’. Will keep me busy for a long time.

     927

928. So many wonderful books! I would love to stitch 24/7 but I need to eat, sleep, and work (to buy all the supplies). Thanks for your generous giveaways!

     928

929. For the inspiration, I’d like to have a “best of” book from the Embroiderers’ Guild of America’s Needle Arts focusing on surface embroidery. (Heck, a similar one from Piecework wouldn’t be bad.)

     I have tons of back issues and can never find anything after a while.

     929

930. My most reached for embroidery books at the moment are candlewick embroidery as I started squares many years ago and I have now turned the squares into something useful. A beautiful embroidery and crochet table runner. I would love the embroidered country garden!

     930

931. The books I reference the most are hardanger books or crewel books. Shading in crewel and how to compose a piece is next in my journey of needlework. I really like all the collections but prefer the last. Trish Burr! Flowers!! Birds!!! The trifecta! Thank you again for this opportunity. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

     931

932. My embroidery books have been packed away for 6 months due to a move so when have needed help I have gone to needlenthread. When I have have access to my books I usually go to Mary Thomas Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches.

     932

933. I frequently refer to instructions in Inspirations magazine, especially when it is a “Master Class” on a particular technique. The detailed information and clarity of the photographs of work in progress are so helpful.
     I really appreciate your book reviews, Mary, as they help tremendously when trying to decide on a book to buy.
     Helen in Tucson

     933

934. I do not own a lot of needlework books, but would like to. My daughter gave me The Magic of Crazy Quilting by J. Marsha Michler for Christmas a few years back and I have used it many times to learn how to do a new stitch or if I hit a road block on ideas, for inspiration. I have to admit I am a fanatic on quilt books and have many. I am deviling into more embroidery all the time and would really enjoy winning the needlework books.

     934

935. The one book l reach for is an old book l’ve had forever that has embroidery stitches and shows many of them in different steps. It’s worn, torn, but l love it.

     935

936. I mostly do cross stitch and counted work so my most used book would have to be The Proper Stitch by Darlene O’Steen for the good explanations of the specialty stitches. But I do love to collect all kinds of needlework books and would be thrilled with any of these collections!

     936

937. Awesome, I love books!

     937

938. The book I reach for most often is “Crewel and Surface Embroidery : Inspirational Floral designs” by Trish Burr. I have done probably 75% of the projects in the book and my goal is to finish them all. This book is filled with beautiful projects that inspired me to start my embroidery journey years ago when I first saw it in the store. My copy has been used so much that the binding is coming apart and well worn pages are falling out! This book is by far my favorite and most used needlework book. Thank you Trish Burr!

     938

939. My hardanger books and my embroidery stitch dictionary are my go to books. When I haven’t stitched hardanger in a while I like to refresh my memory and when I’m starting a new project I like to see what’s possible. All those collections of books look amazing and there are going to be some very happy people (hope I’m one of them).

     939

940. The book I reach for most often is Sue Spargo’s Creative Stitching. It is easy to follow and gives examples of various stitches with differing threads and combination of stitches.

     940

941. Although I love and treasure many colorful modern needlework books, for general information on the basics I refer to my huge (700 pages) copy of The Complete Encyclopedia of Needlework by Therese de Dillmont, originally published in France in 1884. I have the third edition American reprint from 1996.

     941

942. My go to book is Embroidery – A Step-by Step Guide to More Than 200 Stitches. Super easy to follow and understand. Pictures are a big help. But honestly I usually check out your web site, Mary, and watch your video.

     942

943. I currently just reference the internet when in a pinch. I would love to have any and every embroidery book I could get my hands on. I would use them as traveling library for my embroidery group.

     943

944. I often use different books for my embroidery. A-Z books, Judith Baker Montano’s embroidery and crazy quilt stitch tool and of course your website.

     944

945. I don’t have a Stitchers Bible but have recently borrowed one from the library and see the need for one. However, I have one Trish Burr book and would love to have then all! Needle painting particularly fascinates me!

     945

946. I use Luzine Happel ‘s book all the time. They are excellent!

     946

947. The book I reach for most often is my Embroidery Stitch Bible – but I do love to look up the step by step instructions on your site whenever I need to try a new stitch or be reminded on how to do a stitch that I haven’t done in a while.

     947

948. I love my Leisure Arts cross stitch books! I have been buying them used for several years and love seeing them lined up in my bookshelf!

     948

949. Books by Jane Nicholas and Trish Burr changed my life as an avid art and crafts lover, but I also have the RSN Stumpwork book to help me when I’m stuck on a project. I, too, LOVE having embroidery books on hand. There are SO many amazing ones out there! This is a great giveaway!

     949

950. I love any books with flowers, and I use designs from those books often. Thank you!

     950

951. Does your website count? 😉
     In terms of actual books, I would have to say “Crewel & Surface Embroidery” by Trish Burr. Because I’m currently doing a project from it.

     951

952. My absolute favourite embroidery book is Jane Nicholas’ Stumpwork, Goldwork and Surface Embroidered Beetles Collection. I love it just to browse through when I’m feeling low, for inspiration when needed and it has enough stitch help for reference when required as well.
     Penshurst, SYDNEY.

     952

953. what lovely collections of books. I would be very pleased to explore any of them..Inspirations books are always fun. The 2019 books are very interesting and the birds book are as well.

     953

954. The book I reach for is usually A-Z of embroidery stitches.

     954

955. This is a fabulous giveaway! I have several stitch guide books which tell me how to do them and one is always within reach when I stitch.

     Heather M.

     955

956. Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches

     956

957. The books I choose to use are dependent on the project, either in progress or for ideas.

     957

958. At the moment I love old embroidery books, the one I most enjoy reading is the RSN Handbook of Embroidery (1880). Also my go to book for design inspiration is The World of Ornament volume 1&2. Though my most loved and treasured thing is watch Phillips Turnball demonstrating crewel work stitches, this is my visual book.

     958

959. My current favorite is Sharon Boggon’s book “The Visual Guide to Crazy Quilt Design.” But I’m always on the lookout for others that will provide me with inspiration or or new techniques to try.

     959

960. I would dearly love to have “Needle Painting Embroidery – Fresh Ideas for Beginners” by Trish Burr. I have never tried needle painting, but this book looks like the perfect place to start. (Thank you for your review!)

     Merry Christmas!

     960

961. The needlework book I reference the most is a stitch encyclopedia. I look at the few issues of the Inspirations magazine for inspiration. Of the books being given away the ones I would most like to look at are the Kew Garden and embroidered boxes books.

     961

962. Mary Thomas’ Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches lives on my bedside table. I have an older edition listing stitches alphabetically. I find the diagrams clear. I love the drawings, especially the hedgehog and sometimes browse through just looking at them.

     962

963. I love many types of embroidery so consult a variety of books depending on my current project. Since I do a lot of hardanger, the Janice Love books, Basics and Beyond as well as Fundamentals made Fancy would have to be the books I most regularly refer to.

     963

964. I’ve been mostly using Mary Thomas’ dictionary of embroidery stitches. Hundreds of stitches to choose from, Hopefully one day i’ll have used them all

     964

965. I don’t have many embroidery books but I do have Erica Wilson’s “Embroidery Book”. The book is somewhat dated now but is still good for reference.

     965

966. I love books too! I am giving quite a few to my grandchildren this Christmas. It is hard to choose just one embroidery book that I use most often. It depends on the technique I am working on. But I often refer to the A-Z series and the RSN books. It is wonderful to see the new titles that are coming out this year!

     966

967. Uff…I love how you’ve carefully organised them. My handbook of embroidery stitches, ribbon and thread embroidery books are closest to my heart, and arm.A treasure trove of possibilities there.

     967

968. Thank you Mary, these books are all just so wonderful along with so many others on your site. My favourite embroidery books involve crewel embroidery techniques , especially the A to Z of Embroidery, but also those by Erica Wilson, the RNS and Weldons.

     968

969. I love embroidery books! I have a number of them and find inspiration in all of them. My current go-to book is “500 Simply Charming Designs for Embroidery, Easy-to-Stitch Monograms and Motifs,” which is a book of Japanese designs and styles published by the staff of Design Originals publishing house. I needed lots of quick and charming embroidery designs to embellish a number of Christmas presents, and this wonderfu and delightful book definitely fits that criteria.

     969

970. Mildred Graves Ryan’s The Complete Encyclopedia of Stitchery, was a Christmas gift when I first became interested in needlework. I spent hours pouring over information about knitting, emboidery, crochet, and tatting. After 40-odd years it is still my go to. My journey into my version of string theory has expanded beyond the sometimes brief descriptions of different stitches, however, inspiration still springs from the pages. The 3rd collection intrigues me most as I have always been fascinated by monochromatic and intricate artwork. Thanks so much for sparking my imagination!

     970

971. The books I go to are anything by Constance Howard that I stalk used bookshops for! And anything from Jan Beaney, & many of the things from the Royal School of Needlework
     They may not be the most obvious choices but it can really make me pick up anything to start stitching on and stop worrying that I don’t have proper quality of linen!

     971

972. What a fabulous give away. I love books so much that sometimes the inspirational browsing interrupts the actual needlework itself. Can’t really pick just one. I always have Yvettte Stanton’s book of embroidery stitch instruction next to me. I also love the books produced by Trish Burr and Hazel Blomkamp and recent books by Inspirations. Stumpwork is next on my list of to be learned. I would truly love to receive any of these collections.

     972

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