Lovely Little Embroideries: 19 Dimensional Flower Bouquet Designs for Hand Stitching

Stackhouse, the owner of the embroidery studio Forest Chorus, debuts with a beautiful guide to embroidering. “The rhythmic act of passing the needle back and forth through the fabric was a sort of meditation, a comfort,” she writes, before explaining the basic supplies one needs: floss type (including common silks, wools, and metallics), fabrics (cotton and linen are best, since they don’t stretch too much), needles (go for embroidery needles in sizes 3 to 9), and hoops (which keep fabric taut). Stackhouse then walks readers through methods for tracing designs, followed by the projects: there’s a simple “Variegated Garden,” a red and teal “Winter Garland,” and a cheerful “Summer Garden.” The “mini projects,” which are stitched using 1.6-inch hoops, are especially delightful, and include soft pink chrysanthemums, a rose, and “Flower Duo with Buds,” a tiny white bouquet against a red background. Each project comes with a traceable design, a list of required supplies, an itemized stitch guide, and labeled thread colors, giving newbies everything they need to get going. Some of the projects end up looking quite similar, so readers in search of variety may be disappointed. But for those looking to get started with the craft, Stackhouse’s experience and advice will be just the ticket. (Apr.)