Helen M. Stevens

The first in Ms. Stevens' Masterclass series. This book provides 5 projects with patterns, detailed instructions, and a narrative about the flowers and the embroideries. I have worked 3 of the 5, 2 of which I modified from the original works both in terms of color and composition. I feel that it is in keeping with these books to do so. Ms. Stevens' ai in the books is not to create carbon copies of her style, but to give the embroiderer the skill and confidence to arrange and create designs show more based on hers or on their own sketches. Anyone who has not tried the technique, opus plumarium, which is a cool take on satin stitch, will be well rewarded by this book and the others in the series. The directions are clear, the patterns are easily transferable, and picture of the work in progress are very helpful as the stitcher gets comfortable with this designer. show less

This is one of Ms. Stevens' books that provides plates of her embroideries and a narrative. I had not stopped to read her books until I got this one as a gift, I had only focused on the patterns in her Masterclass series. I was glad I read this one, and inspired to go back and read the narratives in the others. The book is framed by a story about a lady in a medieval hall who is embroidering while a bard tells tales. The text of the book ranges from anecdotes related to the subject matter in show more the embroidery to thoughts on doing the work itself. show less

Embroiderer's Countryside is one of my favorite books. There are three different versions of Helen M Steven's' books. The first books that came out were beautiful examples of her work with the artists insights into embroidery. The second set of books were call "Masterclass" and also include instructions on projects. The third type of her books are also called "Masterclass" but have more detailed projects. All of her books are wonderful but I personally like the original books which are more show more like coffee table style books, Definitely treat yourself to one of her books. show less

Embroiderer's Countryside is one of my favorite books. There are three different versions of Helen M Steven's' books. The first books that came out were beautiful examples of her work with the artists insights into embroidery. The second set of books were call "Masterclass" and also include instructions on projects. The third type of her books are also called "Masterclass" but have more detailed projects, these are the one's bound in a yellow cover. All of her books are wonderful but I show more personally like the original books which are more like coffee table style books, Definitely treat yourself to one of her books. show less