How the book “Hardanger Filling Stitches” came to be

In October 2022, I was tagged in a FB Hardanger group comment by a woman named Donna. She was wishing for a compendium of Hardanger filling stitches (she later told me she’d wanted such a book for 40 years). She tagged me, because she felt that I should write that book.

I thought about this for a very short while, and realised she was absolutely right! And so, I set about writing the perfect book for her, and for everyone else who was interested.

The book kept getting bigger and bigger, and I was happy to keep expanding it until my UK co-publishers said “You must stop at 280 pages!” It was a struggle, but I did.

In less than a year I had completed it (all written, illustrated, stitched, photographed, laid out, etc by me). I still don’t know how, as books much smaller usually take me about two years to create!

The Australian and NZ shipment arrived from the printer just days before Christmas and I had the mammoth task of sending out all the pre-orders I had received, while not at all well. Thankfully, I had the help of many, but especially my parents and husband.

Late last week, Donna’s book finally arrived in her letterbox. I had been tracking her parcel, from Australia, all the way to the US. It was so lovely to see a message from her the following morning.

“The book arrived safely in yesterday’s mail. I’m afraid I made inarticulate sounds of joy repeatedly after opening the package and reading your message. My husband was instructed to hold onto the book until my packing (for a stitching retreat) is complete, which it will be this morning just before I drive a few hours… Then, in the company of almost 200 like-minded women, I’ll have days to dip into your book. Oh! I should pack a doodle cloth to try some filling stitches over the long weekend! Thank you forever for this book. I can hardly wait to get started.”

My heart is full. The audience of one who I wrote the book for is happy, so I am happy too.

Order your copy from me (available now) or your favourite needlework store. It is currently available in Australia, soon in NZ, late February in Europe, and March in the US. https://www.vettycreations.com.au/hardanger-filling-stitches.html