Smøyg: Pattern Darning from Norway is now ready to pre-order!

On Thursday I sent all the files for my next book Smøyg: Pattern Darning from Norway off to my printer. And I’ve just received confirmation that the hard copies of the pages have been delivered to them. Hooray! Not only did it mean that I was finished with that stage of the book, but it also meant that I was able to enjoy the Easter long weekend without anything hanging over my head!

Once the book is sent off, I then feel ok about putting the page up on my website for you to order your copy. I know that some people wanted to order it months ago, but I just don’t feel it is right taking people’s money when the book isn’t even finished yet! The confidence that those people are showing in me by wanting to buy even before they know very much about it is very encouraging, but I don’t feel right doing that.

So, down to the details!

Smøyg: Pattern Darning from Norway

by Yvette Stanton

In this book, embroidery historian Yvette Stanton introduces you to smøyg, which is Norwegian pattern darning. Pattern darning is a simple counted embroidery technique using basic running stitch. And the words you really want to hear: this is not a difficult technique! (I hear you breathe a sigh of relief!)

This book will help you to

• explore where smøyg is found in Norway and how it features on the traditional clothing and textiles
• enjoy many photographs featuring historical examples of smøyg
• learn the stitches and techniques of smøyg with clear step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams
• be inspired by and create 13 original projects, from small through to large, with a range of useful and beautiful applications.

Smøyg: Pattern Darning from Norway has 104 full colour pages and a pattern sheet.

Introductory information details the different types of smøyg, where smøyg is found geographically and how it is used on various items of clothing and textiles. There are many photographs of historical examples, and information about the motifs, equipment and materials used.

The Projects chapter has 13 beautiful items to make, from small through to larger projects. Included are the following:

• jewellery bag
• needlecase
• table runner
• long pendant
• band sampler
• bookmarks
• hanging ornament
• table centre
• round pendant
• cushion
• shirt with smøyg collar
• framed square
• scissor keep with mini needle book.

The projects are primarily worked on linen in very fine wool, though some are worked in silk, depending on the traditional regional style they are inspired by. Traditionally, the linen ranged from about 40 count to 60 count depending on which style the embroidery was, and the type of garment it featured on. However, as I have you, my dear reader, in mind, the projects in the book are worked on 28 count, 34 count, 40 count, and for the really adventurous, 50 count! Whether you’re an absolute beginner or are wanting more of a challenge, there is something here for you.

In due course, Vetty Creations will stock the supplies for the projects in the book. We will let you know when they are available.

The Stitches and Techniques chapter is packed with detailed stitch instructions. Each stitch is taught in fully diagrammed, step-by-step format, with instructions for both left- and right-handed embroiderers. Clear diagrams and or photographs to help you see exactly how to work the stitch or technique, and concise written instructions explain each step.

An appendix and full index complete the book. The appendix acknowledges that trying to find the same supplies across the world can be difficult, so it shows different samples of threads (wool and silk) stitched on different counts of fabric, showing the appropriate needle size and coverage. This means that if the specified project thread is not available to you, you can substitute others more confidently.

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

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

When will it be available?

The Australian and New Zealand edition is expected to be available from mid June, and will ship then. The rest of the world will have a Vetty Creations/Search Press co-edition which will be available a month or two later. (How often does Australia and New Zealand get products before the rest of the world? Not very often!)

How can I order my copy?

You can order your copy from Vetty Creations now. The books will arrive here in mid June, at which time your copy will be shipped to you. Books sent outside of Australia will be sent with a trackable mail service. When you select the product to go in the shopping cart, please make sure you choose the one with the right shipping component:

• To Australia: choose “Send to Australia”
• To New Zealand: choose “Send to New Zealand (trackable)”
• To everywhere else in the world: choose “Send to Rest of the World (trackable)”

Smøyg: Pattern Darning from Norway provides all the information you need about beautiful Norwegian-style pattern darning. Its clear instructions with hundreds of helpful diagrams mean that you will be able to take yourself through a thorough course on this style of embroidery, within the comfort of your own home. Your new skills enable you to make your own examples of this style of embroidery, using the projects included in the book.

Pre-order your copy today, so that I can send it to you as soon as my shipment arrives here in mid June!

Do you have questions? Please just ask.