Fine embroidery, whether made at home or professionally, played a major part in life in Ottoman Turkey over several centuries. The great variety of pieces in everyday use is illustrated by examples from the Museum's large collection. An introductory essay describes how the embroideries were used.

There are 16 step-by-step projects presented in this book varying both in size and complexity, with inspirational images throughout.

He tells of architecture, calligraphy, woodworking, and earthenware, but lays particular emphasis on the brilliant, underglaze-painted ceramics of Kutahya and the rich, piled carpets for which Turkey has been famed for centuries. While searching for the traits that define art and the stylistic complexities that characterize Turkish creativity, Glassie focuses on the artists and their theories and practices as well as the works they produce.