The Kew Book of Nature Samplers - by Trish Burr Hardcover

Book Synopsis

Complete with reusable iron-on transfers, the ultimate guide to embroidering flora and fauna, written by needlework expert Trish Burr in association with The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

"It's one of those books that is eminently suitable for absolute beginners all the way to experienced stitchers..." Mary Corbet, Needlenthread.com

This exquisite follow-up to the hugely successful Kew Book of Embroidered Flowers in the same series, is written by needlework expert Trish Burr in association with The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It features:

• 9 full projects
• The projects in the book are arranged by skill level
• Reusable iron-on transfer papers offering a fast and accurate method of transferring the designs onto fabric
• Full-size templates
• A starter project that introduces the reader to the most commonly used stitches in the samplers to follow, including long and short stitch, split stitch, satin stitch, bullions and French knots.
• The samplers feature a vast array of fauna and flora, including butterflies, bugs, birds, a rabbit and a hedgehog, lotuses, foxgloves, poppies, toadstools, and numerous wildflowers.
• Explanation of all the stitches needed
• Gives thorough advice on preparation and choosing fabrics and threads - including a handy thread conversion chart.
• All the projects are shown step-by-step, with an order of work diagram given where appropriate.

All the reusable iron-on transfers needed are kept safely together with the book in an attractive hardback folder. The templates are also included at full size at the back of the book.

This stunning and practical book is a must-have for anyone interested in capturing the intricacy of nature in thread.

Review Quotes

Mary Corbet, Needlenthread.com (full review on website)

"There's so much to recommend about this new book. It's one of those books that is eminently suitable for absolute beginners all the way to experienced stitchers... I'm pretty sure this book is going to be even more popular as an instructional and project book than the previous Kew Gardens Embroidery [Kew Book of Embroidered Flowers] book by Trish Burr...

As mentioned above, the folio version is a hard-bound folio that you open, to reveal the book tucked inside the folio (you can pull the book out) and, tucked into the inside flaps, a collection of all the designs within the book as iron-on transfers. The iron-ons are stated as re-usable (that would be up to a point - no iron-on is reusable ad infinitum), so you can use them for a number of projects, which makes them very convenient!

I think this book would be a wonderful way to get comfortable with needlepainting and to embroider some Really Beautiful Things along the way".

Library Journal of the book only (library) edition

"The world-renowned Kew Gardens in London specializes in scientific research in plants and biodiversity. Fiber artist Burr (The Kew Book of Embroidered Flowers) is known for developing the needle-painting technique that's also known as thread painting, silk shading, or long-and-short stitch. This book takes animals and plants that one can find in the Kew Gardens and meticulously renders them into exquisite needle paintings. There are nine full projects and one starter activity, perfect for fiber art enthusiasts. From beginners to more advanced needlework artists, readers can do each project as is or select individual elements to create their own projects. There is a brief discussion of the pros and cons of various materials to use in the projects. The author herself utilizes common, readily available materials. The well-illustrated technique instructions are also brief. For good measure, the folder edition of the book includes iron-on transfer templates. VERDICT This book is exquisite eye candy for fiber artists of all levels. Libraries with craft book collections can't go wrong with this purchase.

Inspirations All Stitched Up (Aug 2023)
This is an embroiderer's delight, including samplers of a vast array of flora and fauna all in Trish's signature, elegant style.

Each stitch used is explained with step-by-step instructions, and there are reusable iron-on transfers included for each project. Trish further shares her expertise and gives advice on selecting the best fabrics and threads to use, almost as if she's right by your side throughout the whole process.

About the Author

Trish Burr is a self-taught embroiderer who hungrily consumes all aspects of this fine craft. Through research and practice she has developed this individual technique of surface embroidery. She specializes in Needle painting and Whitework Embroidery and her aim is to help others to develop their embroidery skills, provide inspiration and spread the love of this beautiful art!