The Joy of Stitching: 38 Quick and Easy Embroidery and Needlework Designs

Bright colors and Scandinavian-inspired motifs are the themes of this collection of embroidery projects by Norwegian designer Sæther. The focus is on small, quick-to-stitch projects using basic embroidery stitches. The designs include embroidery as an embellishment on ready-made clothing or housewares (such as napkins or tablecloths) and embroidery on canvas or fabric that is finished as artwork or an accessory. Sæther uses a variety of techniques, including crewel, freehand embroidery, and cross-stitch on needlepoint canvas, so although the stitches and motifs used may be similar, the finished look and feel varies. The folk art-inspired projects are lovely, especially the traditionally embroidered glove cuffs and the colorful embroidered corset. Most likely to grab contemporary embroiderers are the cheery embroidered T-shirts, with their amusing themes—such as a cupcake-eating crocodile and a sweater-wearing dachshund—and their charmingly handmade essence, thanks to the freehand embroidery techniques used. A brief guide to embroidery basics, featuring common stitches, suggestions for transferring patterns, and methods for working with a number of fabrics and canvases, is included, and finishing information is provided within the individual patterns.