Contrast in Crewel Embroidery

Discover a wealth of innovative and inspiring ideas for using colour in crewelwork, from one of the world's leading embroiderers, Tatiana Popova.

Innovative, inspirational and instructional ideas for enjoying color in crewelwork embroidery, from one of the world's leading embroiderers, Tatiana Popova.An exploration of the question 'Do people do crewel on colored fabric?', Tatiana explores how color is used in embroidery, and opens up a world of possibilities for the reader. Beginning with clear information on what materials are needed, Tatiana then shows you how to take a practical hands-on approach to planning, covering color choice, thread choice and stitch choice - all explained along with invaluable personal notes from this famed embroiderer.At the heart of the book are the 4 paired 'light and night' embroideries. Each pair uses one design but varies the colors of the threads and fabric, along with certain details, to give two distinctly different results. Clear instructions and full-sized templates for these ambitious and impressive designs are included.In addition:4 'Doodle designs' allow you to produce a finished piece while you practise the stitches needed for the more ambitious 'light and night' projects.A full stitch index is included to give instant access to nearly 100 crewelwork stitches, from alternate stem stitch to woven wheel.Step-by-step pictures and supporting diagrams make the steps easy to follow, with every aspect of the craft given lavish and in-depth attention.Includes a DMC to Appleton thread conversion chart, making exploring colour as easy as it is fun.Whether you are new to embroidery or an experienced embroiderer looking for new ideas and expert guidance, Tatiana's latest book is one you will turn to again and again.

Ukrainian author Popova brings a new vision to crewelwork. Rather than using traditional crewel wools, she creates patterns with the varied stitches and techniques of crewelwork but updates them with cotton floss, perle, and specialty threads. This book uses these threads in contrasting color palettes, and both light and dark fabrics as a base, to show how the same pattern can look startlingly different depending on color choices. There are eight patterns included: four simple “doodles” to practice on, and four complete night and day designs, all with stitch guides. From simple to advanced, each pattern shows how to adapt color choices to create the desired effect. The book includes clear photographs of both process and finished products, as well as an illustrated stitch guide for all the crewel stitches used in the projects. The style is conversational and engaging, with the author’s individual voice coming through.

VERDICT: Sharing crewelwork designs with a focus on fresh colorways, and using threads that many stitchers are already familiar with, this book gives an updated look at the potential of traditional patterns. Popova offers practical crewel inspiration and fun ideas for contemporary embroidery.

My first impression of this beautiful book is ‘”What a breath of fresh air!”. Followed by my admiration for Tatiana's energy, her enthusiasm, and her buoyant, joyful approach to embroidery. 

Tatiana has covered the basics of non-wool threaded crewelwork with clear illustrations and quality photographs, but she has gone much further by adding some exciting combinations of classic stitches, which I think will excite the avid embroiderer as well as the newbie. Who could resist her Propellor Stitch, Buttonhole edge on a chain stitch, Skeleton Stitch and Woven Circle Needlelace.

Explore the interplay of light and dark, and experiment with colour and stitch in this stunning, practical guide to crewelwork. Through her innovative stitch designs and inimitable eye for colour, Tatiana explores how the traditional technique of crewel embroidery can be reimagined for stunning, contemporary results.

We say: Whether you’re new to embroidery or an experienced embroiderer looking for new ideas and expert guidance, this inspiring, practical book is one you will turn to again and again.

Within this title, Ukrainian author Tatiana Popova brings together her long lived love of Crewelwork and develops designs which are both on dark and light backgrounds. Does that sound bland to you? As a description, yes. However as someone who does not naturally enjoy traditional forms of needlework, I was taken in by her visuals, which then in turn made me read her text. Honestly, I think I just had not fully ‘looked’ at crewelwork before. Yes, I respected it, cos see its beauty, but I did not want to try it. Reading her introduction, I already began to learn so much about this form of art. As a young girl, she admits herself that when looking at samples of this visually, she was confused, Why were leaves holding fruit? Why did birds perch in odd places? As she grew both in years and understanding, she came to love that aspect of this method. I see it as an Alice in Wonderland inspired concept, where everything looks normal, until you consider it again.

This excited me, I began to plan how I could work inspiration from the designs on the cloths I use in my own practice, namely vintage pieces, so not something as pristine and clean as she uses.

For those who actually are used to Crewel, I best not digress too far and come back to the content.

• It is hardback, heavy, with over 135 Crewel stitches explained.

• Over 100 pictures illustrated.

• All templates are included.

• Tools and material list given.

I liked the contrast idea, for example some designs which are colourful in themselves, are embroidered on fabric which is multicoloured. As someone who has had experience dyeing fabrics, this brought me to consider for I could use my pre-dyed fabrics and embroidery these designs on top of them. Then I began to think of fabrics and using thick ones as opposed to the usual ones….too many ideas before breakfast!

I am here illustrating that this title does more for your mind than simply instruct you to complete a project, Popova guides us in a suggestive way, yes with clear designs stated, but a little window of self direction allowed.

She also notes embroidery and its link to the Scientific fact that practice of this brings a form of therapy to the user.

If you know this method well, then this book may well freshly inspire you and if you are a little student, who feels they know nothing (I have been there) then you will yes, at first stare in awe, then realise you-could-too.

Tatiana Popova is a Ukrainian embroiderer. She learnt to stitch at an early age, inspired by her mother and grandmother's embroidery, and for a time she pursued her passion for stitching by studying a huge variety of embroidery styles and techniques, both at school and in her own time. Tatiana studied Floristry Design at university, but soon after graduating she discovered the world of embroidery. She started her own business, Little Owl Smart Crafts Company, producing kits for silk ribbon and crewel embroidery. Tatiana participates in a number of craft shows all around the world, including the UK, USA and Japan, and annually teaches at the Bead & Button Show in the USA.You can find out more about Tatiana and her work on her website, www.owl-crafts.com.

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