Hoop Dreams: Modern Hand Embroidery

by Cristin Morgan

Vibrant color and rich textures abound in  Hoop Dreams , a stylish embroidery guide for the modern maker. Author Cristin Morgan of Marigold + Mars outlines the basics of 10 classic embroidery stitches and then teaches you how to use them to create 20 beautiful and practical projects for hoops, for the home, and to wear. New and experienced embroiderers alike will be delighted by the fresh motifs and bold color palettes and empowered by the easy step-by-step instructions and templates, which show that with just a few simple stitches, some basic materials, and an idea or two, you can stitch just about anything. A glossary of more than 50 additional patterns and motifs will inspire you to personalize your projects and use your newfound embroidery skills in fresh and imaginative ways. As an added bonus, the book includes an envelope with 10 carbon transfer papers for quickly transferring patterns to fabric.
 
If you received a first printing of this book that includes transfer papers that do not work, please email us at  or call (212) 206-7715 to receive replacement papers.
 

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Art, Sewing, How To

128 pages, Hardcover

First published April 24, 2018

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

خب دیگه فکر کنم به حد کافی کتاب راجع بهش خوندم و از اونجایی که شروع کردم دوختن رو شاید باقی ای که میخواستم بخونم در این ارتباط رو نخونم؛ یا شاید باز مجبور شم بخونمشون.

خوب بودن نکاتی که هر کدوم میگفتن، فکر کنم.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good for beginners and easy to use stitches

[Emesskay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book because I wanted ideas of something else to do in embroidery besides flowers, and I have to say that this book delivered on that promise. However, if I had seen the Animal Embroidery Workbook by Jessica Long first, I probably would not have not bought this book, because I find the animal designs by Ms. Long as more my thing. That being said, this book does have ideas for embroidery on things besides just plain cloth (e.g. embroidery on clothes, on canvas bags) and for a full project that involves some sewing along with the embroidery (e.g. making an embroidered collar or a glasses case). I can see myself doing some of these projects but using different designs. The book also includes templates, stitching guides, and helpful tips for finishing projects.

[Jacqueline M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this enough to buy my own copy after checking it out from the library. The introductory information is clearly written and has an appropriate number of attractive and high-quality photos. Each project is very well-laid out and easy to complete with beautiful photos. Because I had a library version, I can't speak to the iron-on transfers as those had been used by someone else, however the book provides clear instructions on how to copy a transfer using various methods and has printed versions to copy in the appendix.

I do wish the author had chosen to show the needed stitches either as they are introduced in the projects OR at the beginning of the book in the introduction section. They are instead in the back of the book and not in their own section which is frustrating to flip back and forth if you are unfamiliar with a certain stitch and trying it for the first time.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this over the past two years, while using it to complete projects. I had no problem following instructions as a complete beginner, whose only other crafting experience is sewing by hand and extremely basic knitting. I constantly suggest this to people who want to get into modern embroidery. I am very very hooked - it's quite relaxing, at least for me, and the patterns and stencils provided are still providing inspiration for lots of gifts and home decorations.

[Janalee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read (scanned) many embroidery books and this one had projects I'd actually do. It's modern and young (not same).

Plus the templates and lettering she provides in the back are going to come in handy. I read this digitally and she provides a link so you can print them out.

Next step: find out if she has IG account.

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was around 3.5 stars for me.

There are some fun designs and helpful information, but it may be a bit much for a beginner. There are some interesting craft suggestions in this book and the patterns are included in the back. There's not a lot of images from the book I personally would use, but I see how this could be a helpful guide.

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

It says for both beginning or more advanced embroidery but this book is very beginner. If you have little embroidery experience this would be a good book to learn basics like material requirements and use of stabilizers but I think it would be harder to learn stitches from a book instead of a video.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good resource for beginners with an explanation of all the core stitches. Not every project was my style, but a lot of them were. My daughter is interested in learning to embroider. She just got a sampler kit for her birthday, but after she's done with that we'll definitely be trying out some of these!

[Gabe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed these projects and the iron on patterns towards the end was a nice addition. I would recommend this for someone who has the basics down, and wants to expand into other projects- outside of the hoop. Overall good, but I still prefer Edgy Embroidery for beginners.

[Tereza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tohle bude TAK boží knížka!! Spousta jednoduchých a přitom efektních projektů, postupy, které jsou fakt blbuvzdorné. Na konci knížky poběžíte do obchodu si koupit všechno potřebné, to vám garantuju:-)

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the mending thread I've been exploring, I wanted to know some special stitches and designs for making mends pretty. This has a pocket in the back with alphabets and other great designs you can copy and transfer.

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like Morgan's floral/plant based designs but few of the other ones. This is very trendy and targeted towards a different audience. I don't see the need for embroidered sprinkles to hang on my wall, but a pre-teen girl might.

[Amberwench · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute patterns and projects. Good for higher level beginners who know the basic stitches and are ready to make more complex designs (while still using those basic stitches). The teaching pages are in the back with the patterns for reference.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. A library book initially. I liked it so much I made it my own and purchased it. I have transferred several of the designs to an apron and a laundry bag. Can't wait to embroider these easy designs.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the basic explanations for fabric, thread, and stitches. Has some cute projects included. The sheets at the back of the book are especially helpful. Would have loved more ideas or information about creating your own patterns.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoop Dreams... very creative, very custom looking projects with great color combinations. I like how each project is broken down into smaller pieces to make it more manageable. I wish there was a little more variety in projects and imagery, but overall a Great book!

[Ambur Taft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great inspiration to get back to doing some embroidery....love the simplicity and fun new patterns that I look forward to using for a few gift projects.

[Pamela Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it and I'm not a big embroidery fan. This book still caught me up and I found 2 I have to do projects and several more I'd like to do.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

None of these projects really jumped out at me. Not a book I will reference in the future.

[Góczán Judit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Érdekes ötletek, de alapvetően nem az én világom. Túl sok a felesleges dísztárgy, kevesebb a használati. A módszerek és leírások azonban alaposak és jók az illusztrációk.

[Violet Laflamme · Rating 4 out of 5]

It doesn't teach a ton of stitches but makes up for it with ideas and cute patterns. Good for someone curious about hand embroidery but not suitable for someone already familiar with the craft.

[pea. · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful photos
lovely colors

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Colorful pictures and easy to follow directions for various embroidery projects. Some of the projects involve some sewing.

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really delightful. Easy yet adaptable project ideas plus clear explanations and lots of pictures.

[Heather Culley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible but stylish and attractive projects. You can think of dozens of people who would like them as gifts

[Mckinley]

Some good inspiration

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good starter guide for hand embroidery. Had some cute patterns. Totally recommend

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A modern look for embroidery especially the easily framed hoop embroidery - a new interest for me.
Love the colorful patterns and I am working on a cacti pattern .

[Catarina Rocha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book. Good ideas, clear instructions. Great starting point for beginners.