Liberty Cross Stitch by Helene Le Berre, softback published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-746-2, price 10.99 available from www.searchpress.com

This is the most exciting book I have seen on cross stitch. Cross stitch books are usually rather twee and aimed at the over 50s. This is contemporary and contains interesting projects that any 20+ and older would adore. The cross stitch patterns and projects are super in themselves but when combined with Liberty fabrics, it adds an extra panache. The book opens with projects ‘Just for You’ and includes accessories and a little black dress that are very desirable. The ‘In The Home’ section is great too. However, the last section ‘For baby’ is only of use if you have one or if you want to make baby gifts for a friend or family member. I don’t fall into that category any longer, so I would not use a third of the book even though the projects are sweet and I thought I could even make the baby quilt larger and use it as a bed runner, or change the shape and fabrics and use it as a table runner. This applies to many projects in this section, the bottle holder could become a flask or wine holder. The cross stitch charts are all given at the back. The charts are a little small for me and I would need to enlarge these to see what I was doing, but that is not uncommon with crafts books. Templates are also given at the back. The instructions are clear and the photography wonderful. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in cross stitch, who loves contemporary design. At last cross stitch is hip.

Machine Embroidered, The Art of Alison Holt, softback published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-345-7, price 17.99 available from www.searchpress.com

Goldwork by Hazel Everett, softback published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-626-7, price 17.99 available from www.searchpress.com

The introduction of this fabulous book includes history, equipment, transfers, designing and more. The materials and techniques sections are very detailed and well illustrated. The projects include outlines of flowers and bugs with more detailed examples of a fritillary and a butterfly as well as instructions for a seahorse and dragon. The Cornucopia project will test your skill with different techniques. The hanging decorations are my favourite project and would highlight any Christmas tree, some of the designs can also be used as pincushions or for box lids. The two needlebook projects are also a favourite. This is a wonderful book that gives very thorough techniques and instructions for many projects. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in goldwork.

Needle Painting Embroidery by Trish Burr published by Sally Milner in Australia. ISBN 978-1-86351-420-0, price 16.99 in the UK available from www.searchpress.com

Just from the front cover you can see how good this book is for anyone who wants to create embroidered flowers or birds. I have long admired Trish Burr and her books. Subtitled ‘Fresh Ideas for Beginners’, this book encompasses work that would satisfy embroiderers of any level. There is a detailed introduction to long and short stitch with step by step instructions enhanced with appropriate photos. Trish really does use her needle like a paintbrush. The projects are wonderful and there are ideas on how to use your finished embroidery. This a lovely book for any embroiderer.

For the Love of Handstitching by Jan Constantine, softback published by CT Publishing. ISBN 978-1607-05475-2, price 24.95 US dollars available from www.ctpub.com

Chic projects are divided into chapters: Love, Country, Flags, Seaside. Jan has gained a following for her designs. The felted projects mainly use blanket stitch. I like the Love section most of all with its throw, lips and Je t’aime pillows, heart notebook and rug and Love bag. The ideas are simple and translate well into felt. Templates are given for the projects. There is also a glossary of stitches. I think this book would be more fun if there were instructions on felting. It would also add a more unique angle to the projects.

Fun With Stitching by Fiona Goble, softback published by New Holland. ISBN 978-1-84773-752-6, price 12.99 available from www.newhollandpublishers.co.uk

This is just what it says it is – fun with stitching. Cute, whimsical and practical this will suit anyone who enjoys stitching and likes simple, effective motifs. Fiona Goble has successfully put together 35 useful sewing projects that will brighten your home and brighten anyone’s day. There is a clear introduction enhanced with photography showing the basics. Projects are split into everyday activities such as eat, sleep and so on. They include an apron, table mats, tea towels, baby bib, coffee cup holder, fun things for kids such as pyjamas, pillow case, clothes and lovely cushions and more. Each project is adorned with embroidered motifs in Fiona’s inimitable style. The motifs are given at the back of the book in colour and are the correct size for the projects. Recommended.

Di van Niekerk’s Roses in silk and organza ribbon, hardback published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-717-2, price 19.99 available from www.searchpress.com

Everything you need to know about silk rose embroidery. Detailed step by step instructions for every aspect plus good information on fabrics, transferring designs and more. The photography is clear and the instructions are easy to follow. There is also a stitch gallery to make authentic looking leaves, stems and thorns. Apart from roses, the book also includes instructions for wisteria, a blue tit and a warbler, butterfly and more. This is a beautiful book for anyone interested in silk and organza ribbon embroidery.

RSN Stumpwork by Kate Sinton, hardback, spiral bound, published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-586-4, price 10.99 available from www.searchpress.com

This book contains all you need to know about stumpwork including a brief history, the materials, framing, techniques, design, applique and stitches. The latter are shown in great detail with step by step photographs and clear instructions. This makes them easy to use in your own designs. The techniques are shown in detail. Photographs of beautiful finished work are inspirational. This is a terrific book for anyone interested in stumpwork and forms part of a series of Royal School of Needlework books.

RSN Silk Shading by Sarah Homfray, hardback, spiral bound published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-585-7, price 10.99 available from www.searchpress.com

I feel the front cover was an unfortunate choice as it does not reflect the more mature subjects for silk shading that are found in the inside of this book. The Magnolia, Floral Panels and details of Japanese embroidery all show what beautiful work can be achieved by using silk shading. This book gives all the instructions and information you need to carry out this craft including basic stitches, design and composition. There is also how to transfer a design and how to finish and frame your piece of embroidery. The instructions are clear and there are useful photographs that enhance the text. The stitch section has clear how to drawings and written instructions too that are easy to follow. This also makes it easy to use the stitches to design your own projects. There are many projects to follow and complete including ideas for taking your work further. The professional troubleshooting tips finish off the book giving an all round grounding in this craft.

One Simple Stitch by Helen M. Stevens, pdf ebook published by Rainbow Disks. ISBN 978-1-906314-21-7, price 14.00 available from www.rainbowdisks.com

Helen’s work is wonderful and here she shares her techniques with you and encourages you to embroider through images of her work and also videos which show the stitches and techniques in great detail. Helen states that embroidery is simply bringing the needle through the fabric yet her images of wildlife and flowers are works of art. The colour charts contain directional arrows so that you know how to work and there are finished images of the designs. Learn how to create the stitches you need to make beautiful images plus 3-dimensional stitchery, working on a dark background and everything you need to know.  This is a great advance in embroidery technique books with the video instruction, it is much easier to follow and understand than any book I have read – somehow the brain and hands never get the written instructions – once you see it done, you see how easy it is. If you have ever wanted to embroider like this, but thought it too difficult, now is your time to take the stage.