Alicia Paulson

Embroidery Companion is a charming how-to guide to introduce both beginner and experienced crafters to the world of embroidery. The featured projects are explained with clear, easy-to-follow instructions and stunning photographs.
Alicia Paulson's designs have a classic, European feel and are worked in a muted color scheme. The projects presented in Embroidery Companion draw from the embroidery disciplines of cross-stitch,decorative embroidery and crewelwork.
As I glanced through the book, the show more striking photographs drew me in and inspired me to try a crewelwork project, "The Tree of Life." When I read the instructions for this project, I was impressed by how easy they are to follow and how well each step is explained.
Paulson has the highly-valued ability to explain how to complete a project in a simple and clear manner without making me feel ignorant or as though she was pitching to the lowest common denominator.
Alicia Paulson's Embroidery Companion is a must read for both those who already have a love of embroidery and those who are new to this timeless craft. show less

There are quite a few projects in this book, and most are quite original, which I did appreciate. However, I was disappointed that all the projects, as described, had a large machine sewing component. I was looking for (and thought this was) something more geared toward hand stitching.