Decorative Victorian Needlework: Over 25 Charted Designs

By Elizabeth Bradley

Book Overview

Cushions that feature subtly shaded, mossy rosebud wreaths. A dark-eyed spaniel so adorable that you'll wish it were real. Rich autumn leaves, a cord and tassel design for borders and patchwork pillows: all these projects display the rich colors and the enchanting details of the finest Victorian embroidery. Whether your pleasure is animals, florals, abstract geometrics, or repeating patterns, they're here--along with a selection of borders and needlework rugs. Stitch shy rabbits nestling in a leafy woodland hollow. Delight a horse-crazy little girl with the pretty white palomino pony delicately lifting its hoof. A posy of violets looks wonderful on a pillow set against crisp linen sheets and antique fabrics, while the giant wreath makes a splendid project for an ambitious flower-loving needleperson. Abstract backgrounds include interlocking diamonds and stars, pinstripes, and overlapping ribbons. From pin cushions and pictures to chair covers and carpets, every pattern is breathtaking! 168 pages (all in color), 10 1/4 x 11 1/4.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 080695583X
• ISBN13: 9780806955834
• Release Date: December 2000
• Publisher: Sterling
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 1.82 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.3" x 0.8" x 10.3"

Customer Reviews

Lush designs...definitely not for the novice

Bradley's book is filled with beautiful tapestries, a history of needlepoint (or Berlinwork as it was orginally called) and wonderful graphs of the designs. With all of the different shades used in each project, this is definitely not for the novice. One annoyance about the book--she features photos of projects that aren't in the book! However, they are available in the kits she designs and in other books.

awesome, a joy to read

I collect medieval tapestry needlepoint and am always happy to find a book such as this. Unfortunately the copy I found was at the public library so I didn't have time to do any of the projects before I had to return the book. The projects look absolutely beautiful and the history attached to each was very interesting.

The charts in this book are a marvel in the use of color.

Elizabeth Bradley has written a masterpiece for the needlepointer who loves beautifully muted colors and traditional English design. As usual, Ms. Bradley begins with an informative introduction giving the history of Victorian canvaswork and then proceeds to give the reader a real feast with her adaptions of historical motifs. Among the choice offerings are The Parrot, The Spring Basket of Flowers, Barley Twists and Cornflowers, Rose and Primula Border, and Patchwork Pieces. The projects are suitable for the intermediate to advanced needlepointer. This is probably one of the premier needlepoint books in print today and should not be missed!