Goldwork Embroidery: Designs and Projects (Milner Craft Series) Paperback – August 1, 2007

Mary Brown is one of the best needlework historians and goldwork designers around. She went through the rigorous studies at the Royal School of Needlework and learned a lot! Fortunately for us, she's willing to share. I've had this book for a couple years and have used it in projects...and am inspired to do many more.Goldwork Embroidery is divided into 2 sections: Background and Techniques, and The Projects. The first section includes a beautifully illustrated history of goldwork harkening back to the 12th century; a history of the metal threads themselves and how they are constructed; material and equipment you'll need; and then the stitching techniques. For one complicated project I was doing through the Embroiderers' Guild of America, I relied solely on her photos of the various threads in gilt, silver and copper...close-up pictures of 62 different ones on black so you can make out every detail...to decide which thread to use.Section 2 includes 15 projects. Each project has pages of the full color picture, photos of details, the templates for your fabric, which fibers or spangles to use, and how and where to place them. I included in the Images above the Basket of Flowers, the Vine of Flowers (and its template) and the Ornamental Fan so you can see how rich the details are.Just the 35 books listed in the Bibliography are a great resource for further study. She doesn't see these books as rivals...merely helpful to us stitchers.While this is one of the very best books on goldwork embroidery, I also recommend the following:New Ideas in GoldworkBeginner's Guide to GoldworkRoyal School of Needlework Embroidery Techniques

Meticulously detailed book. First chapter which is a history of goldwork embroidery mainly in England reads a bit like a thesis with details of important goldwork pieces the author viewed. She then goes into the history and construction of metal threads followed by materials, equipment and preparation techniques. Then a chapter specific to goldwork techniques. The main part of the book is the 15 projects going from easiest to most difficult. Many have lots of padding throughout the pieces. In her list of materials, she is very thorough giving also what is needed for preparation in addition to the various goldwork threads. This is followed by very detailed material on working each project plus each has actual size drawings (also for the padding) and color photos. Bibliography and suppliers list complete the book. In addition the author has kits for each project. Medallion is the cover photo and is the second project in the book.There are also two projects of figures. No or nue though. I find all my goldwork books useful, but if you're only buying one this would be an excellent choice even though the author has included some difficult pieces.

Good technic book for library

Very nice! I only wish it had difficulty listed for the projects-like beginner,advanced,etc. Beautiful projects and good directions.

This is a rare goldwork book that features multiple projects. This makes this great for both learning and inspiration. I'm looking forward to digging in the near future.

I am totally new to goldwork embroidery, but this book gave me the fever.Ms Brown was concise with her explanations to the point I didn't get "lost" in her section on tecniques (like I often do). All pictures were clear and gave great detail of each project. I actually went out and bought a selection of gold threads and braids to try a small project using some of her "how to" pages as a guide. You will not waste a penny on buying this book - it is a keeper!

This book is great. It has fantastic color detail pictures and shows patterns, techniques, and samples. It provides some historical info as well. Love it.

This book is wonderful. It is full of fascinating information, beautiful pictures and truly inspiring projectsIt's a needed addition to any needleworker's library.