Mountmellick work is probably the best known style of Irish white embroidery. The richly decorative patterns of thick cotton thread depict natural forms, especially the abundant flora of the area. Although the practice has declined, the old paper pattern

The first how-to book for traditional Irish Embroidery

Mountmellick embroidery: its history and style, how to make it, projects to make.

The embroidery is traditionally worked on close-woven cotton with cotton thread and it has a great elegance. Flowing floral patterns intertwine with stems and leaves, the smooth satin stitches contrasting wonderfully with the padded, knotted stitchery and untextured background. These natural designs are often fairly large and the sculptured patterns have an appealing bold quality, which is enhanced by the absence of colour and the addition of knitted fringed fringes. Pat Trott explains all the techniques with clear step-by-step photography and inspiring easy-to-follow projects. This book will be welcomed by beginners and also embroiderers of all skill levels.

The ultimate resource for needlecrafters on using these traditional, timelessly appealing embroidery techniques. In whitework, the texture of the stitchery, whether it be delicate or bold, creates the beauty and interest. In this book, over 1,000 step-by-step photos illustrate the creation of this beautiful, traditional white-on-white embroidery that has inspired needlecrafters for centuries. Encompassing candlewicking, Mountmellick, cut work, appliqué, shadow work and net embroidery, this comprehensive guide in the popular A-Z series includes many useful tips and fascinating historical information.

Features needlework from Guimaraes in northern Portugal. This title helps you to learn all you need to know to create your own masterpieces and heirlooms with the step-by-step instructions. It includes a range of projects, large and small, for beginners through to advanced stitchers.

Delve into elegant Frisian whitework with historical whitework with 11 varied projects and expert instruction for left and right handed stitchers alike. From Friesland in the Netherlands, this is a style of counted embroidery dating from the 1600s, traditionally used on men’s shirt collars, on household linen, and on samplers. The style is known as Frisian whitework, but there can be touches of color, and some samplers are worked fully in color. Alphabets, figurative motifs and geometric shapes are common, and they are interpreted in a wide variety of stitches, such as satin stitch, eyelets, whipped back stitch, and chain stitch; some also with cutwork and drawn thread work. Explore this beautiful style of embroidery using whitework specialist, Yvette Stanton’s clear instructions. The book features: A detailed introduction to Frisian whitework with historical and cultural information, including many photos of historical examples of Frisian whitework from the collection of the Fries Museum, helps to place the embroidery within its cultural context. Materials and equipment 11 varied projects with a range of contemporary applications, including two samplers, soft furnishings for the home, table linen, and small articles suitable to give as gifts. The left- and right-handed step-by-step stitch and technique instructions are easy to follow, making it easy to learn. Yvette Stanton’s expert instructions will help you on your way to making beautiful Frisian whitework embroidery.