Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Push Stitchery - Wow! What a Book






Loved this little book curated by Jamie Chalmers from first look and touch.
It is the perfect size to present work that is often somewhat diminutive, and fits the hand well for a long sit down and read. I read the book from cover to cover within the first 24 hours and loved every minute of it.

There are 30 top stitch artists in the book with a lovely spread of each one including lots of photos of work, insightful interview questions, and lovely details to bring the work up close and personal.
The first two photos are from a portrait done by Cayce Zavaglia from the USA. She has masterful use of space and thread color. As well done as any portrait in oil.

Yes, that is a shovel that has been drilled and cross stitched by Lithuanian Severija Incirauskaite-Kriaunevciene.

In Root Deep Meagan Ileana plays with the female form in just a touch of hand and feet with a strong sense of the goddess.


I want a pillow. Charlene Mullen of UK is best known for her blackwork embroidery of London landscapes. She has really pushed the envelop on taking "craft' at its most mundane level of both form and method and pushed it to art.

And the Lady in Red by Marloes Duyker, Netherlands, is a testament to what heights one can take free motion embroidery and a few bits of old lace.

This is a book that I will love and enjoy for many years to come.

Great News! Just got an email from Lark, that I can get a copy of the book to give away. Leave a message here, with your email address by November 10 and I will draw a random name to send the book to.

Nancy

43 comments:

  1. Looks like a terric book. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

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  2. I would love a copy of this book.

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  3. This looks like an interesting book. I love stitchery that goes beyond the expected. jpainedawes@live.com

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  4. What a great book! Thanks for the review and glimpse at what lies inside for the reader.

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  5. Wow. I can't believe someone would actually cross stitch on a shovel. Amazing! The first portrait is beautiful as are the other pieces. Thanks for sharing

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  6. Wow! I can't believe the diversity and beauty of this work. The first portrait is amazing. And cross stitch on a drilled shovel? Who'd a thunk it?
    Gail

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  7. Nancy, Thanks for posting photos so I have a better understanding of what is inside. Thanks! Karen

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  8. Would love to read this book.
    Thanks for the informative review
    and chance to win it.

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  9. Thanks for the review and the chance to win this book!

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  10. Okay, you had me at 'cross-stitched shovel'! This looks like a very interesting read.

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  11. Nancy,
    Great review. This looks like a library must-have! Thanks for giving us a chance to win a copy

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  12. Nancy,
    Great review. This looks like a library must-have! Thanks for giving us a chance to win a copy

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  13. It is always interesting to see the new directions fiber artists are taking. Thanks for the review and the images. delqlts at aol.com

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  14. What a great book, such inspiration.
    synelgg@aol.com

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  15. My art friend and I love using stitch. We would love an opportunity to own this book. Thanks to Lark for the offer

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  16. The creativity is unlimited! Enjoyed visiting the NC group's blog--I grew up in NC!

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  17. The exhibit sound fascinating. I plan on going to see it next week. Would love to win a copy of the book as a souvenir.
    Helene K

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  18. I would love a copy of the book also.. Lark is so generous with sharing information on blogs and motivating us to learn more.. I surely appreciate all they have done.
    And so glad that you are sharing with us.. I joined the Sketchbook Challenge also,,, but did not keep up,,, I have great intentions. another goal for 2012.. Hope to get a sketch in before the end of this year.. Thanks for continuing the challenge!

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  19. This books looks very interesting. I'd love to page through it!

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  20. This book looks very interesting. Thanks for an excellent review. I'd love to page through it for myself!

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  21. I've been looking for a book like this. Thanks for the well written review. Make me the lucky one!
    gail@gailforces.com

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  22. The book looks beautiful.
    Your review is excellent and makes me want to read this little volumne.

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  23. Thanks for your review of the book. Looks very interesting and I would love to own it. Stiching, thread painting is my passion.

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  24. Looks like a wonderful little book! Thanks for the review.

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  25. Thanks for this review ... beautiful stitching!
    Susan

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  26. This book is on my wish list, so I'd love to get a free copy! It looks very interesting.

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  27. Someone else reviewed this book a couple weeks ago. It sounds fascinating and you have reminded me that I would love to have a copy! Thanks.
    Lynn Kunz

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  28. This looks wonderful. Thanks for the review.

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  29. Nancy
    Thanks for your review of "Push Stichery". It looks like a great book.

    Valerie, v_wilson@mts.net

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  30. Nancy

    Thank you for your review of "Push Stitchery". This book looks great.

    Valerie

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  31. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this book and then sharing your good luck with the give away copy.

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  32. Looks like a really inspirational book. Thanks for the opportunity.

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  33. Looks like a really inspirational book! Thanks for the opportunity.

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  34. oooh! this looks like a book I can drool over!

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  35. The first quilt posted has my attention. Am in awe, it is fabulous. Would love to receive this book.

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  36. Well, I'd just love to win a copy of the book. In any case, it's great to get a sneek peek into it's pages. Thanks.

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  37. Yes! Push those boundaries of hand stitching...

    I'm looking at junk metal in a whole new light! The shovel is fabulous!

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  38. Another contest. Well, the random number generator hasn't picked me yet, so I'm due, yes?

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  39. PUrl Buttons, I know what you mean. Winning is not my strong suit either.

    Good luck to you all.
    Nancy

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  40. It is so good to see contemporary stitchery being promoted and taken seriously.

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  41. And the Winner is Liz Renner!

    Liz send me your address and the book will speed on its way to you. I have now read the book cover to cover twice - once to review it, and once to just slow down and savor it. Yummy!! And some lucky folks in New York can actually go see some of the work in person.

    Thanks all for entering.

    Nancy

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  42. Lyn Kunz, please send your address to me at ngcook1@bellsouth. net
    (no spaces)

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