Stitch & Sew: Beautifully Embroider 31 Projects

Designer Hoey’s clear-cut how-to book is chock-full of ideas for producing accessories that incorporate embroidery. Readers get a two-for-one primer on the basics of embroidery and sewing. Hoey starts with embroidery, covering techniques, including positioning the pattern and caring for the project when it is finished. The book then turns to sewing, concentrating on setting in zippers, essential to her projects and often daunting for beginners. Straight stitches and back stitches include fern and satin, plus the more intricate Van Dyke and fishbone. The book’s projects include variations of pouches, clutches, and cases, with half a dozen embroidery designs for each, complete with printable or downloadable patterns. The finished items are simple and practical and the projects serve as a quick and easy pastime for prolific embroiderers. Color photos. (July)