Book tour – Elegant Hardanger Embroidery

Some people go on a book tour when they release a new book. I’ve never done this, but I thought I could instead take you on a tour of some of my books. I know that some of you have been along for the ride since the beginning but some of you are newer to my books and may not be aware of particularly some of the earlier ones. You are all most welcome to join me on my book tour!

Our previous stop on the book tour was The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion. Today we will take a tour of Elegant Hardanger Embroidery by Yvette Stanton.

This is a great book for learning how to do Hardanger embroidery. It has step-by-step instructions and a large range of projects.

One of the important features of this book is the way it clearly shows you what not to do for mistakes people commonly make, and then of course, it shows you the correct way to do it. It includes instructions for many different stitches, including the lacy buttonhole edge, knotted and looped picots, and a range of filling stitches.

There are fifteen projects in the book, as always, ranging from easy to difficult and small to large. Something for everyone!

The projects are worked on a range of fabrics, including Hardanger/Oslo fabric, Lugana and evenweave linen. This gives the opportunity to try them out and see the differences between each type of fabric. A range of threads are also used, from pearl cotton, to silk pearl, and even stranded cotton. White, coloured and overdyed threads are used, and there’s even some beading!

If you’re wondering what the difference is between this book and my other Hardanger book, Early-Style Hardanger, they’re quite different books. While there is some overlap in the stitches included (and both have step-by-step stitch instructions and a range of projects), each has some stitches that aren’t in the other one. “Elegant Hardanger Embroidery” is more of a general Hardanger book, whereas “Early Style Hardanger” is more about a specific style of Hardanger. So each have their place.

Here’s what one happy reader had to say about Elegant Hardanger Embroidery:

“I’ve found your book to be so helpful with different stitches and stitching problems. In fact, I’ve used your book twice within the past week and it sits right next to my stitching area.

The information section in the front of the book, along with the stitch diagrams/instructions are outstanding! The diagrams of the dos and don’ts for each stitch was great. I taught myself Hardanger from magazine instructions and didn’t realize I’d also taught myself some bad habits.

Your instructions and diagrams explain and show exactly why you should and shouldn’t do something. Your instructions are well written, and easy to follow and understand.

I really wish I’d found this book at the beginning of my hardanger learning curve. This embroidery book is really outstanding and I would recommend it to anyone interested in Hardanger – from beginner to experienced!” Ruth, San Diego CA, USA

This book was designed for use by absolute beginners, and yet also has some more involved and difficult stitches that will engage even experienced Hardanger stitchers. If you’ve been wanting to try Hardanger, Elegant Hardanger Embroidery is a great place to start.

You can purchase Elegant Hardanger Embroidery by Yvette Stanton from Vetty Creations or from your favourite needlework retailer.