[.ca] Elegant Stitches (ISBN 091488185X)

From Amazon.com:
Silk ribbon embroidery utilizes many of the same stitches as more traditional crewel embroidery, but the unique qualities of the ribbon make for a very different look. This beautiful book (conveniently spiral bound to lie flat when working) offers a comprehensive stitch guide and good coverage of all the basics. Each stitch is given a clear diagram, and many also include color photos of a detail featuring that stitch. In addition, Judith Baker Montano presents charming descriptions of what inspired her lovely, elaborate finished pieces, which she calls "free-form stitchery."

Not very inspired:
This book is not very good. It's all line drawings, some photos, boringly presented and basically an adhoc production. Boring and uninspiring. It's written because Montano in her Crazy Quilt Book (superb!) tells how embroidery is the make or break deal in a crazy quilt but this book does not live up to those expectations. Instead try Lucinda Ganderton's a Stitch Sampler, where colour threads are used and everything is easily viewed or if a Montano is what you are seeking go for the gold and get her Crazy Quilting book, where the main stitches are detailed and her methods outlined. Just pass this one by.

Lovely book of lovely stitches:
This is a complete book of stitches with ideas for using them. Many color illustrations to inspire your creativity. This would be a much appreciated gift for any needleworker.

Inspiring stitch guide:
It had been many years since I learned to embroider as a child. I had difficulty finding a basic stitch guide to assist me in reviving this art in my life. This book provides not only basic stitches but clear instructions and illustrations of more complex stitches. The inspiration is in the color photographs of completed works and the valuable section on composite stitches and suggested combinations. The book also reviews the types of needles for use with various yarns and threads on a variety of fabrics. It's everything I hoped for!

BEST BOOK:
An excellent and a must have book for all crazy quilters.

All you'll need to start learning:
I bought this book after buying several other books that claimed to explain emboidery stitches. This one is the best by far. Although I may never do any of the elegant projects she has in the book I did learn how to do the stitches I wanted to do. And one of the best features is that it will open up flat so you can put it on the table in front of you while you are following the instructions and it will stay open on the page you are working with.