Embroidery has never looked this good or been so colorful! And it’s never been so much fun to do. With inspiration and encouragement from designer and colorist Kristin Nicholas, would-be and experienced stitchers alike will find dozens of projects that add exuberance to every room in the house.
Nicholas’s collection opens with pillow covers in dancing colors on unexpected patterns and fabrics, such as stripes and plaids, velvets and corduroys. For kitchens, she offers a joyfully polka-dotted tea cozy or jewel-bright, purchased napkins and tablecloth creatively stitched with floral motifs. Personalized wedding gifts include a luxurious, monogrammed cashmere throw and his-and-hers hot water bottle covers; or for the perfect baby gift, a cozy matching blanket and teddy bear set.
Many projects feature fabrics from flea markets and thrift shops, with complete how-to on hand-felting and hand-dyeing sweaters and blankets for the very softest, most colorful look. With her ribbon-stitched craft boxes (perfect for scrapbookers), embroidered stationery, and even a pair of espadrilles, the author explores an exciting world of embroidering on unexpected surfaces and materials.
Nicholas encourages readers to find inspiration in whatever pleases them—gardens, nature, ceramics, architecture, ethnic and vintage textiles, postcards and magazines—and to use that inspiration as the basis for this new spin on traditional stitchery. This is the craft book for every creative person who loves fibers and fabrics, and itches to counterbalance the teched-up part of their lives by using their hands for selfexpression and personal fulfillment.
Date Published 10/1/2005
Ratings
Rated By: Robin "Master of the Girlie Arts"
From: Unavailable
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Comments: Kristen's books just keep getting more fun! I never thought that I was capable - let alone would enjoy - embroidery, but once again Kristen has lured me into the world of textile arts with fun, unique, interesting, and easy-to-follow projects that even a novice would be proud to call their own. Your friends and family will be impressed: Wouldn't a hand made teddy bear make a fabulous baby shower gift? What about a hand embroidered wedding blanket? Or you could make embroidered linens for Gramma, just like she did for you! You can do it all with Kristen's book no matter what your level of expertise. Really. I swear.
Rated By: Becca "Be Happy: Knit!"
From: Western, MA
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Comments: WOW!!! I just got COLORFUL STITCHERY in the mail, this past weekend, and started (and finished) my first project. The designs are so easy to follow. It took me no time at all to get in the groove. Hoorah for another awesome book by Kristin Nicholas!!! I have to add a bit about the illustrations: I love 'em. I've loved them in KIDS KNITTING and in KIDS EMBROIDERY (both of which are also great books!!!). I'm so psyched for this book. I can't wait until work ends and I can go home to start my next project!!!
Rated By: M. Held "fashionsandwich"
From: Northampton, MA
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Comments: So easy!! The best!! I had never done this type of work before but when I saw this book in a local store I was intrigued. The step by step instructions on how to do each type of stitch and pattern make it so easy that I have made 7 pillows in the past month, and some only take a few short hours! I recommend this book highly.
Rated By: P. Ike "compulsive embroiderer"
From: NY State
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Comments: This is fun and provokes exploration This book does wake you up to possibilities. Her basic point of view is very personal and might not grab everyone, but the use of color and adventurous spirit of the book is enough to get anyone off dead center..embroiderer's version of writer's block.
Rated By: D. Donovan, Editor/Sr. Reviewer
From: California
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Comments: Personalize a home with embroidery! Embroidery projects usually focus on clothing, but they can be used to personalize a home, too - as embroiderer Kristin Nicholas demonstrates in COLORFUL STITCHERY: 65 HOT EMBROIDERY PROJECTS TO PERSONALIZE YOUR HOME. From dragonflies on pillows to lap blankets, egg cozies, and more, these colorful embroidery projects lend to gift-giving as much as home embellishment. Each comes with a full-page picture and easy details on fabric choice, notions and stitches.
Rated By: Claudia Birkeland
From: Cape Cod, MA
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Comments: This book is what your mom meant when she said "busy hands make a happy heart." The projects are so well explained in word and picture...hand drawn by he auhor artist: indeed the whole book is a work of art in itself. Every page a gem of color and inspiration and just plain fun! See page 172 for a fabulous project for oneself or a birthday party activity. This book is like a smile: everyone should have one......Claudia Birkeland
Embroidery has never looked this good or been so colorful! And it’s never been so much fun to do. With inspiration and encouragement from designer and colorist Kristin Nicholas, would-be and experienced stitchers alike will find dozens of projects that add exuberance to every room in the house. 
