The Handpicked Collections: Reviewed

Last week, I announced that The Handpicked Collections, volumes 1 through 3, were available in the shop, but I didn’t really have a chance to show you what’s in the books, up close and personal.

Today, I’ll do that! I’ll tell you about the books and what delectable treasures you can expect to find within their covers.

First of all, what are The Handpicked Collections?

This is a series of needlework project books that feature some of the best projects from the archives of Inspirations Studios.

Some of these handpicked projects have been available singly for purchase through Inspirations in the past. Now, they’re being collected into volumes, which makes access to them both convenient and economical. Some of the volumes feature newly available projects, too. The third volume, for example, features previously unpublished projects.

The gorgeous embroidery projects within (there are 10 – 12 projects in each volume) appeal to a variety of levels of stitchers across a variety of needlework techniques. There’s something for everyone in every volume.

What it boils down to is this: the projects are “cream of the crop” embroidery projects.

The reader is presented with all the information necessary to complete each project.

For every project in the book, you will find a complete materials list…

…step by step instructions on how to stitch the project…

…including diagrams and photo instruction for stitches and techniques…

…along with close-up photos of the project, so that you can clearly see the details.

You’ll also find all the information necessary for finishing the project. If, for example, the project is a decorative pillow like the one featured in the photos above, the instructions for creating the pillow are also there for you.

In the back of each volume, you’ll find pull-out pages with the full-sized patterns for each project.

Over here in the shop, you’ll find all three volumes of The Handpicked Collections currently available, and on the product listings, you can see images of all the projects in the book.

Some Highlights

Below, through, I’ll highlight different projects found throughout the volumes. Just in the first three volumes, there are 34 embroidery projects from start to finish, so we don’t really have space here to look at each project. But I thought I’d highlight a few that have caught my eye – several of them are on my Wish List as we speak!

There are quite a few stumpwork projects throughout the volumes. This one in particular tickles my fancy.

I love, love, love the little detail of needle lace just under the cap of that mushroom, and the butterfly is such a delicate little touch.

Here’s another stumpwork piece that speaks to me. I’m likely drawn to it because of the autumn theme. You know how much I love autumn!

But it’s a great little project for trying your hand at stumpwork – some good variety of techniques and such pretty colors!

This rose and golden pomegranate piece (it’s a framed piece) is exquisite. These are two symbolic elements that I love to see in embroidery.

Who doesn’t love useful and beautiful embroidered accessories? Lorna Bateman’s accessories are always lovely!

This piece is vivid! It’s the top of an embroidered box. The handle for lifting the lid is the little cluster of beads in the center of the design. So pretty!

I like the frosty look of this!

This Mirror, Mirror project in volume 3 is so severely tempting. I would love to make this one. It’s probably the second thing in my life that I would make for my own self. I would like to hang it in my home.

It’s creating a little turmoil in my mind, in fact. I know I don’t have time to make it. Would I invest in the supplies at the moment? Would I? Should I? I probably shouldn’t and won’t. But … yes. It’s constantly hovering in my thoughts these days!

(You know how that is, don’t you?!)

This is another beautiful-and-useful accessory, perfect for those who love blackwork and counted techniques! It’s a “hussif” – a tool roll for holding you embroidery tools, threads, and so forth.

This piece caught my eye for a couple reasons. Of course, it is exquisite. The detail in this hand-stitched linen is superb. It’s so pretty!

But what struck is the staging of the photo. I love seeing it used. Although the setting isn’t real – it’s a staged photo – the idea behind it is very real! Use your decorative linens! That’s what they’re for!

So I just really like seeing this piece set up for use, for something as “mundane” as a card game.

And then, of course, there is this beautiful crewel-embroidered pillow. What a lovely home accent! This is also on my “I want to make it” list!

Pros and Cons and Where to Find

There are no cons to these. The price is reasonable – they’re $35 / volume. The projects are splendid. They’re superbly presented with clear instruction and images. Like all books from Inspirations Studios, there’s a sumptuousness about the books that makes them great for display, for browsing through and daydreaming, and also – and ideally – for learning, inspiration, and accomplishment.

You can’t really go wrong with them. Whether you collect them one at a time or you go all-in for the set, you’ll certainly enjoy them!

You can find all three volumes of The Handpicked Collection available here. They’re proving to be popular, and for good reason!

Studio Life

Guess what’s happening here this morning?

The whole front outside wall of my studio – which has been in place for probably around 125-150 years – is coming off.

We’re working behind this temporary wall that was built about four feet into the studio in anticipation of this project, but as you can imagine, the temporary wall is no barrier to the sound, the shakes and shudders of all the work!

It’s a bit crazy and slightly disruptive (and perhaps a little disconcerting?) for a lot of reasons. But the outcome will be worth it. I’ll keep you posted on the project and maybe even share some photos of this as the work continues!