Tuesday 18 January 2022

Review: Hoop Dreams: Modern Hand Embroidery by Cristin Morgan

My interest in Hoop Dreams: Modern Hand Embroidery by Cristin Morgan, was initially captured by the cover.  It features an attractive sampler in an embroidery hoop, with the title stitched in the design.  Kudos to whoever designed the cover; it worked well in snagging my attention.


The book has been out for a few years; it was published in 2018 by Abrams.  It includes a short introduction by Cristin, in which she states her hopes that the book will inspire the reader.  There is a list of tools and materials that could be used, patterns for projects that can be framed in hoops, for home decor (banner, pillow, napkins, plant cozy, and framed art), and as embellishment for other articles of clothing and/or accessories.  There are about 21 projects that appear in the book. 


The book also covers some basic techniques, such as using templates and motifs, transfer techniques, stabilizers, hoops, and threads.  A beginner stitch dictionary is included, with descriptions, illustrations, and samples on how to make these stitches.  


I read this title as an e-book, so there are features that were apparently included with the hard copy version that appear differently in the e-book.  There is supposed to be an envelope with carbon transfer patterns/templates included in the hard copy version.  In the e-book, a link is included to a webpage where templates can be printed out. 


Finally, a reference is included about the brand (DMC Threads) and identity number for each type of thread that was used in the projects featured in this book.  I can see that this would be helpful and useful for crafters who would like to replicate these projects with the exact same colourways that were used.  


Because I have done a little hand sewing before, I was familiar with some of the stitches in this book’s stitch dictionary, but there were some that I didn’t know.  As I mentioned before, the author includes a sample for each type of stitch, a diagram demonstrating needle placement, and a written description, which I think will be helpful in learning these new stitches.  


I think that the author gives enough information for a crafter to strike out on their own to create their own designs.  I cannot speak about how useful experienced stitchers would find this book, but the stitch dictionary includes only 12 different stitches (straight, split, granitos, French knot, stem, long and short, satin, back, running, fern, chain, and woven wheel), and the patterns in this book feature these stitches.  My impression is that this book would be a good introduction for beginners to embroidery, although more experienced stitchers may also enjoy the book if they like the designs that are included.