The New Crewel: Exquisite Designs in Contemporary Embroidery

by Katherine Shaughnessy

One look at these pages and you know that this isn't your grandmother's crewel, but a hip, contemporary update that will have everyone reaching for a needle and thread. And these projects are easy, too, because crewel has no counting, no grids, and no cross-stitch--just beautiful free-form embroidery. Dive right in, guided by a basics chapter that explains how to do the different stitches, ranging from French knots to laid filling. Novices will swiftly move on to the 30 practice designs, all accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions and diagrams, and a dozen lovely projects. Make a card or keepsake scrapbook embellished with stitched motifs, colorful totes, table runners, and an elegant tryptich.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Sewing, Reference

112 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Ami · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure why this is "new" except for the designs being more modern than perhaps the "old" crewel. Certainly none of the stitches are new-fangled or funky-fresh. They're just plain ol' surface embroidery stitches, worked into oddly impractical designs. It's a bummer, because I'm finding that while I love the act of embroidery, it's a rather unsatisfying endeavor because I can't figure out any uses for the finished work. I don't want a million pillows and I don't want to make elaborate collars for any of my shirts. I might try embroidering onto a piece of cloth & then pasting that to a card for fancy greeting cards, but.... oh, I don't know. I'm just kvetching now. It's fine. Just fine. But I hate the word "new" in the title.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crewel is one of those old, old, handstitching embroidery techniques. If you got turned off by cross-stitching bird-and-house scenes as a child, but secretly drool over embroidery thread every time you visit Joann's, then welcome to crewel.

Not only are the designs simply lovely (more pics here), but the book walks you through all the stitches you'll need to produce your own modern crewel art. I'm not really into embroidery on the whole--its one of those things where a little goes a long way, for me. But, that said, this book does a fantastic job of reintroducing crewel as a method you can use for a variety of things from note cards to decorating your jeans. Especially nice is that all the patterns included are adjustable, so if you love the tiny flowers on the eye-glass case, you can simply resize them for one of your throw pillows. Also fun are the "crewel facts" the author includes. My favorite: "Boys crewel too. It's true. I know a male marathoner in Dallas who stitched a variation of this design on his lucky running shorts, and a man in Boston who crewels while watching football."

Awesome.

[Inder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas here, at least for the mid-century modern minimalism-loving set. It's all so tasteful, and not funky enough for me!

The stitches and the knowledge are here, however, and you can learn them and then go do your own thing. The design on the cover is one of the best and does get my creative juices flowing - What about a whole line of Dr. Seuss-inspired embroidery? How cool would that be? For faster, less delicate and richer work, switch to wool crewel yarn.

However, the text of this book does not encourage improvisation as much as Colorful Stitchery does, and I would recommend that one in its place, or the two in combination.

[Lin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thougt this book was a refreshing read.
I enjoyed the tip, reminder or fact on each stitch page.
I found it to be inspirational in that I think I, too, can "design" crewel stitches.

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

The organic and modern designs of this book inspired me to pick up my old embroidery hoop (that I've had since I was 8), thread a needle and get going.
Although crewel work is technically done with linen and two-ply wool, I'm just using muslin and embroidery floss. It still looks good.
The instructions for the stitches were so well laid out that even my four-year old daughter got interested for a bit there.
The New Crewel Exquisite Designs in Contemporary Embroidery

[Mary Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to crewel that keeps well away from strange 70's kits and makes you realize that crewel is really not that complicated, nor does it have to be ugly.

Totally off-topic aside about crewel, which I think is justified because it's not very popular: I began cotton embroidery around Christmas, and my mom told me I would love crewel. I read this book and my mom dug out an old crewel kit recently given to her. The picture was of a cider jug in various shades of brown, next to a basket of apples. The face that I loved making it made it clear that I loved crewel. We'll see how long I stick with it.

[Lise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up 'The New Crewel' hoping for some new designs and project ideas. I was a bit disappointed. The information on the history of embroidery is pretty much the highlight of the book. The projects do have a modern look, but you have to manually scan and size the designs. Not so easy to follow. I'm keeping my copy as a reference. However, I'd recommend the 'Embroider Everything Workshop' by Diana Rupp over this particular book.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book with some great design ideas. I don't think that I'd want to make any of the projects (about 1/2 of the book is projects), but the designs are very inspiring. The embroidery is contemporary, but I think that if your taste runs more toward the traditional you'll still enjoy the images. The Queen Anne's Lace is especially nice.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable book for those crafters who are interested in crewel, but are not interested in the "vintage '70s look" from the previous crewel revival. Ms. Shaughnessy provides excellent ideas on ways to use crewel that feel fresh.

I highly recommend this book to individuals who enjoy embroidering, and are looking for a new twist to their hobby.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star book in terms of organization and step-by-step instructions and accompanying illustrations of how to do stitches and projects. Nice alternative look-and-feel to the typical patterns out there for crewel.

[julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The patterns in this book are unique and contemporary. Great to use to brush up on embroidery techniques, to make the projects she's included or as a springboard to create your own designs.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book with some refreshing and interesting designs. I used it for my first attemps at crewel work and I produced a lovely sampler.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The designs in this book are fabulous, fun, and modern. If I had time I'd start something. But for now it is just inspiration.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shaghnessy's designs are abstract and cool!

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book for an intro to crewel embroidery. Don't really like the patterns but the stich info is great

[Susan]

Cool designs, but I didn't love any of the projects.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty nice book, and great pictures. I definitely want to get this one from the library again.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very traditional approach to crewel & embroidery. Focus on rules and proper technique with a gallery of author's application of the stitches completed with precision on white or off white.

[Jillian Moreno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent intro to crewel

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good introduction, clear and concise with a modern view

[Kajin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice take on crewel embroidery, with a modern twist.