Embroidery Companion
Alicia Paulson
In A Nutshell: Cute embroidery ideas but strictly for an old-fashioned girl
I enjoyed embroidery whilst at school, and often thought I’d like to give it another go. But I would like to produce something modern and current. I picked up Alicia Paulson’s book searching for inspiration. Her work is sub-titled “Classic designs for modern living” but I have to say the use of the word “modern” in connection with this book is a serious contravention of the trades description act.
Her ideas, although undeniably cute, are seriously old-fashioned. Of course, this could be a positive bonus for someone looking to create something with a vintage feel. They sit uncomfortably with my own style aesthetic. Traditional designs work when given a contemporary twist, but these are stuck firmly in the past.
From a practical perspective, three types of embroidery are included – decorative, counted cross-stitch and crewel work. There are 30 projects, graded by three skill levels.
This book may suit if you want traditional old-fashioned embroidery, but it didn’t make me want to pick up my needle.
