more left-handed stitch dictionary reviews

As I regularly do, I was visiting Amazon yesterday to have a look to see if anyone had written new reviews of The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion. Umm… yes… they had. Many of them…!

As a left-hander myself, I was very interested to see if this book would improve the constant struggle with learning and implementing new stitches that is present in a world of right-handed instructions. It is a colourful and comprehensive stitch dictionary of 170 stitches, with step-by-step instructions, full descriptions and photographs of the finished stitches (so that you can see how they are supposed to look, and other stitches they go well with). I had a go at a few stitches, armed with stitch books that I have used up until now when needing to tackle a new stitch. I used both to compare the instructions. I was very impressed with the clarity of instruction and the detail given. I found it very easy to create new stitches and was impressed at how well they turned out (especially compared to my attempts following my other books). The book is far superior to my existing ‘stitch bibles’ (which are admittedly from the 1960s) because it contains many more stitches, the visuals are clearer, and you are able to see each step of the way without necessarily having to read the instructions (not always easy mid-stitch). The number of stitches contained in this book also exceeds the selection of either of my older books, so as it stands, it’s a great reference book on many levels. And as it’s targeted at left-handers, that’s an added bonus.
Workshop On The Web

This is the book that all left-handed embroiderers have been waiting for. Containing step-by-step stitch instructions, it has been written specially by a left-hander for left-handers. It explains, clearly and simply together with diagrams, how to stitch over 170 different stitches, including some unusual stitches such as nun stitch, parma stitch, spiral trellis and Breton stitch. Right-handers needn’t feel left out as there is a right-handed version for each stitch too. A stitch dictionary for left-handed embroiderers is long overdue – but this one was worth the wait.
Stitch

The trouble with most embroidery books is that all the diagrams are for right-handed people. Here at last is a book filled with diagrams for over 170 different stitches that left-handers can use without the aid of a mirror. It’s a simple enough idea, but how useful. I am amazed that I have not seen another book like this before, but I haven’t. All the diagrams are in color too, which avoids the problem a lot of black and white diagrams have which show threads – often they look like a bowl of spaghetti or mazes in a puzzle book. Every stitch has several captioned diagrams which also avoids the problem of having to guess what happens between one part of the stitch and the other. There is certainly an impressive list of stitches, many of which I have not previously encountered myself and which had me wishing for a companion volume for right-handers. Each stitch also has a small photograph of a piece of embroidery showing the relevant stitch which is useful, plus a few hints of what the stitch is used for. Variations are shown too, with diagrams on how to achieve this alternative look, as well as a page of instructions for starting and finishing work and tying knots. What you won’t find are any patterns which is perhaps a pity, but there are many other books which have these. If you or somebody you know is left-handed and keen on embroidery then this is the book for them.
Rachel A Hyde Myshelf.com

Are you frustrated by right-handed embroidery instructions, by having to mentally flip them over, use a mirror or substitute the right for left in all instructions? Here is the very solution to the problem as written by a left-handed teacher. The text gives clear step-by-step instructions and illustrates how to do over 170 stitches comfortably and sensibly for the left handed stitcher, using the method which has obviously been tried and tested by a proficient left-handed embroiderer.
Fabrications

“I’ve packaged myself up in a book so that all left-handed stitchers can have their own left-handed teacher.” Thus embroidery instructor Yvette Stanton introduces fellow lefties to her consummate guide to mastering 75 embroidery stitches in 170 variations. Not simply a set of directions for flipping stitch diagrams from left to right, the Companion includes guidance on how to hold the needle comfortably, turn the fabric to its best advantage, choose needles and thread, and much more. Full-color photographs, clear and concise text, and step-by-step color illustrations make stitch instructions easy to follow. This classroom-in-a-book is bound to be the embroidery reference that left-handed embroiderers will want to keep close at hand – the left-hand!
Piecework

Thank you to all the reviewers for their very kind words!