The Anchor Book of Freestyle Embroidery Stitches (The Anchor Book Series)

An excellent companion to the embroidery book by the same publisher, this edition is a delight for all those interested in canvas work. More traditional designs and methods have been cleverly broken down into smaller units and reconstructed to give geometric designs. Long stitch designs also proliferate within the designs.A pleasing aspect with the geometric designs is the use of new colourways and depths of shades too.The unit blocks given within the designs could be used individually on smaller projects or combined to decorate larger areas. A very well balanced range of ideas, techniques and colour ranges included.Delightfully, many of the designs are fully supported by superb patterns / charts at the back of the book. Page numbers are given with the full page, all colour design pages earlier. Colour codes for threads also included.A superb little book that is fully recommended and would make an excellent gift for a stitcher of early or developed skill level.

Although this book is an earlier addition I love it, I was extremely lucky to attend a course over two days with Kay Dennis and her husband, I learnt so much in such a short period, the work is totally amazing, I would recommend anyone, the work is outstanding.

Clear demonstrations for many different stitches. I have already tried some new stitches: rope stitch and spider's web filling. The colourful illustrations of each stitch are an inspiration, showing how you can combine stitches effectively. The outline patterns at the back of the book could save time when planning your own design.

After many years of cross stitching (and having amassed a large collection of DMC threads) I decided that I would like to have a go at freestyle embroidery (which I had previously thought too difficult for me). I already had a book describing the various stitches but was having difficulty finding some suitable small designs to experiment with. I found the new Anchor Freestyle book on Amazon but the designs on the front cover did not appeal to me. Fortunately I read the reviews and discovered this earlier edition which I was able to buy second hand. I think that it is excellent - good step by step description of the stitches, clear trace-off patterns and helpful colour photos of the designs. I've already stitched some of the designs and have become addicted.

I saw a friend with this book and decided I just had to have it. Good decision! It is lying on my desk and I pick it up every now and then, each time finding another wonderful illustration the use of the well-illustrated stitches. One of my chosen crafts for an upcoming holiday is plastic canvas work and this book will be the perfect size to take with me and provide inspiration.