Pre-publication reviews

As part of the final stages of preparing Smøyg: Pattern Darning from Norway for publication, I sought and received some pre-publication reviews. I sent PDFs of the book to a number of respected and highly knowledgable needlework enthusiasts for review.

One of these people was Kari-Anne Pedersen, Curator of Costumes and Textiles, Norsk Folkemuseum, Oslo, Norway. She is a specialist in smøyg, particularly smøyg from Telemark. Kari-Anne was immensely helpful to me during the writing of the book, and was really excited to see it.

“Smøyg is an old embroidery technique dating back at least to the Vikings. It is called pattern darning in English. This book details the history of the technique, and also describes how the techniques were used on different textile pieces and clothing. There are few written sources describing smøyg, and this book is going to bring joy to many Norwegian embroiderers, who have been looking for material on this technique. It is still used in the traditional local clothing, or bunads, that are used for special occasions.

Yvette Stanton has done an impressive job with researching this technique, and presenting her finds in an admirable way. She sorts and defines different aspects of the technique and patterns. She outlines possible projects using smøyg, in addition to instructive explanations of the different stitches. A book to enjoy and learn from, answering most questions that can arise concerning smøyg. Thank you Yvette, for making such a stupendous book!” – Kari-Anne Pedersen, Curator of Costumes and Textiles, Norsk Folkemuseum, Oslo, Norway.

Spreads showing the use of smøyg on traditional shirts, the many motif uses in smøyg, and the band sampler project.

Heidi Fossnes is the editor of Bunad magazine. This Norwegian magazine focuses on the folk dress of Norway, exploring the many different styles from the many different regions, and was one of the first places I noticed smøyg embroidery. Folk dress is still worn regularly in Norway for special occasions, and many Norwegians enjoy embroidering garments for themselves or their relatives to wear.

“Finally, a long awaited book about the embroidery technique, smøyg. It is both a beautiful and educational ‘step by step’ book. In addition to showing a number of examples of garment types where the smøyg technique has been used, and is still used, in Norway, the book also contains a lot of patterns and illustrations to use in both bunads and other textile works.

The illustrations are very easy to follow. In the last part of the book Yvette shows a lot of examples using different fabrics, embroidery yarns and needles for the same pattern. This is also very useful information.

If you have not embroidered smøyg before, you will want to read this book!” – Heidi Fossnes, editor of “Bunad” magazine, Norway

Spreads showing the shirt project, the scissor keep with needlebook project, and both left- and right-handed stitch instructions

Mary Corbet, the world’s premier needlework blogger at www.needlenthread.com, also wrote a brief review. My hunch is that she will follow up with a longer, more in depth one on her blog in due course.

“I’m so excited to see Yvette’s newest addition to her ever-growing collection of excellent instructional and project books! Smøyg, a traditional technique hailing from Norway, is sure to appeal to needleworkers around the globe who love historical techniques, folk embroidery, colorful stitchery, and counted work. As always, Yvette’s approach to instruction is clear, concise, and easy to follow, making the array of gorgeous projects in this latest volume accessible to beginners and beyond. Beautiful techniques, great history, fun projects, and thorough instruction – what more could any stitcher want?” – Mary Corbet, www.needlenthread.com

You can pre-order your copy of “Smøyg: Pattern Darning from Norway” by Yvette Stanton now, from Vetty Creations. I will send your copy as soon as my shipment arrives here in mid June.