The Hand-Stitched Surface: Slow Stitching and Mixed-Media Techniques for Fabric and Paper

Sometimes we need to look beyond the surface to see real beauty. I found this to be true with this book. I have been stitching for close to 60 years. My grandmother taught me to embroider as soon as I could hold a needle because, being a Southern woman, she felt that 'ladies should know how to do handwork'. The basic skills taught in this book are not new to me. What is new is the reminder that even with the simplest of stitches, we can achieve great texture and interest to the surface of our piece. Slowing down and stitching is both meditative and rewarding and I think that is the biggest lesson I took away from this book.

This book is a great intro to the art of soothing, introspective surface design. I really appreciated the beginning chapter on hand-stitching essentials. While I'm an avid quilter, the refresher course in choosing one's fiber, tools and other materials was very useful - as was the primer on stitching techniques that followed. I haven't made a fly stitch or a french knot in about 20 years, so the how-to reminders was helpful. I loved that Lynn gave instructions on stitching on paper and on fabric. Sometimes you just want a little something to take with you - whether you're putting it in an art journal, a mixed media piece or even making a label for a quilt. This is just the book to help that process along.The projects are very approachable, as is the writing style of the book. Creating your own patterns and using improv stitching allows one to grow as they work their way through the chapters. I am very excited to try embellishing photos with stitching. And, I'm looking forward to putting my own spin on some stamped and stitched runner projects.This is exactly the kind of book I like to sit down with for a few hours with a cup of tea and of course, chocolate, making my way through it and either visualizing or jotting down ideas of what else I would do, based on the ideas presented. It's one of those books that is like a friend - and I see myself returning to it often. hank you for writing this and sharing your gifts with the rest of us.

Well written, informative book with fun mixed media hand stitching techniques and projects. Great sections on techniques, tools to use and basic stitches which will lead the reader to use their creativity to make their own projects or one of the many clever projects the author has designed. Great information for beginners or more advanced stitchers.

The Hand-stitched Surface is a perfect resource for those who want to learn new techniques or refresh old stitches long forgotten. I love how Lynn Krawczyk modifies and combines stitches with new ideas. The book is easy to follow with beautiful examples. There are also templates included...BONUS! This book is exactly what I was looking for!

I guess I had higher expectations for this book than the book gave me. It is good in so far as it goes. I learned some interesting techniques for stitching on paper and other surfaces. I don't really care too much for the projects, I guess they are just not my style.All the info is well presented with nice pictures. I gleaned some different ideas for embroidery uses that go outside the box, which is always good.

This book wasn't what I expected or necessarily wanted but it wasn't bad; I should have done a bit more research before buying. For others, it might be just what they want. The photos are good, the paper nice and thick, and some of the projects are interestingly stitched on paper. It's just not what I needed. I was looking to branch out from traditional embroidery into contemporary embellishments on clothing and accessories.

I love the free style of this author. Lynn is talented and has included a wide variety of ideas. I've done hand stitching before, but some of these ideas are more free style that I usually do, so it will push my artistic boundaries. Just looks like fun to play without worrying over little details and perfection. Just get stitching and create with this book.

I'm using the various techniques to mend/decorate clothing that needed some repair. Gives some pizazz to my mending.

The book is good but not completely what I wanted. What I like is the simple layout, and clear diagrams for basic embroidery stitches. You have how to instructions for a small range of embroidery on fabric projects, and also embroidery on paper projects. There are even hand drawn templates at the back, which is great. No computer or downloading needed. I found a few techniques I want to try, especially as I'm starting my first project on felt. The tone of the book is personal and filled with useful tips. So why don't I love it? It's too basic for me, as a veteran embroiderer. I am only keen on two of the projects (actually my pet hate is project based books for the reason I rarely like any of the items). And what I really was looking for was something more aspirational to encourage my creativity for different techniques.Example projects: stamping ink onto old book pages and cross stitching over. A simple needlecase, and some paper garden pieces with a bit of sewing which my niece (who is six) can already achieve. Felt coasters (I actually love these), and a felt cushion using material you have stenciled onto with fabric paint.It's a nice book and I recommend for someone who is looking to branch out from their usual cross stitching to a set pattern or embroidering over printed outlines.

Super book to have .

I have known Lynn for some time, and love her handwork. The book is a great reference and learning tool or those who like working with the threaded needle - by hand of course, but machine stitchers will appreciate the resource as well. I have found a number of tips that I will use for a lifetime and more to come as I work though the book! Great job Lynn!

I think even beginners will be disappointed .... very few stitch instructions and the stitch and project illustrations are really unattractive. There are so many more comprehensive and attractive stitch books out there; Sue Spargo being just one who's books give much more range, dozens and dozens more than just the 5 or 6 stitches in this book.

Ein wunderschönes Buch, das inspiriert und Mut zu eigener Kreativität macht. Ich suche immer wieder Bücher, die das Nähen zum Thema haben und ohne Nähmaschine auskommen.