The Encyclopedia of Needlecrafts

I am very happy to recieve this book full of ideas and instructions. Purchased used, but the seller left the tabs from the previous owner in the book so the best bits came pre-bookmarked!

Love these collections of timeless patterns and instructions. Used but like new. A good bargain for a crafter to add to her library.

Wonderful information

I have to say it: This is one of my favorite craft books. It has gorgeous, color photos on every page, and they are so beautifully staged and photographed that I want to make every item in this book! Each of the 7 parts (except for Part 5)has the same format: ‘Tools and Materials’; ‘Techniques’; and ‘Projects’.The ‘Introduction’ on page 7 states: “This book shows you how to exploit modern techniques while remaining true to tradition….” Note the mention of the word ‘Techniques’ which is a cornerstone in each of the 7 book parts.The only thing perplexing is that ‘Sewing’ isn’t included. However, the ‘Index’ does have 2 sewing entries: ‘Sewing Equipment’ (pages 324-325) and ‘Sewing Kit’ (pages 196-197.) A revised edition should also include ‘Sewing’, but if it did, the book would substantially swell in size and weight!This 1998, heavy, oversized book with dust-cover has 512 semi-glossy pages, all of which have graphics: color photos for all of the needlecrafts, stitch work graphs, and the patterns for everything in the book.The authors are Lucinda Ganderton and Dorothy Wood. Lucinda has a degree in Fine Art Textiles from Goldsmith’s College, London, and she is a regular writer for magazines. She has also written several books. Dorothy is an authority in embroidery and textiles. She is also a book author.The publisher is Hermes Publishing, London.This book is divided into 7 parts and has important sub-parts, below. (Note: All parts except for Part 5 have the following 3 sub-parts: ‘Tools and Materials’, ‘Techniques’, and ‘Projects’.)Part 1: ‘Embroidery’a. ‘Tools and Materials’b. ‘Techniques’c. ‘Projects’Part 2: ‘Needlepoint’(See Note above)Part 3: ‘Knitting’(See Note above)Part 4: ‘Crochet’(See Note above)Part 5: ‘Special Techniques’a. ‘Projects’ (only)(See Note above)Part 6. ‘Cross Stitch’(See Note above)Part 7. ‘Quilting and Patchwork’(See Note above)The book closes with 3 post-Part sections:a. ‘Templates’b. ‘Index’c. ‘Suppliers’ (from an international mix of businesses)This is a heavy book with graphics on most pages: color photos, stitch graphs, etc. If you do any type of needlecraft, this should in a staple in your craft book library. However, because this book doesn’t contain sewing (also a form of needlecraft), you will need other books that contain this.

Please note: I am only "qualified" to rate the cross stitching portion of this book as that is the only needlecraft work I can do.This is a beautiful book! The binding and paper are top quality. The pictures are fascinating! However, I was all set to start 4 or 5 of the projects and the directions stink! I wanted to make the nine star picture on page 250 but the directions are incomplete and the graph shows 15 stitches in block formation. You have to cut your own star templates, sketch the patterns, then center on the material and sew. I've done a large variety of cross stitching from VERY basic to quite advanced and this is the worst experience I've ever had with the patterns. Also on another pattern that is meant to repeat, there are no repeat lines marked and the ends don't fit together to make a continuous pattern.On a better note, the pictures and projects for the other art forms are as beautiful as those for cross stitching. The filet crochet items are especially beautiful. Perhaps I'll see if my mother in law can make some of those for me...

It's one of the most complete book of needlecrafting I have seen! it's just wonderful!

Lots of interesting ideas.

Very good coverage of all aspects of crafting