Crewelwork Then and Now

Journey through the vibrant, living history of crewelwork, from traditional Jacobean designs to innovative, contemporary projects.

Create 8 sumptuous embroidery projects, each with complete written instructions and a full-size embroidery chart.

Written by world-renowned crewelwork experts Phillipa Turnbull and Hazel Blomkamp, this inspiring, practical book provides a fascinating overview of how the art form of crewel embroidery has evolved over the centuries. 

Praise for historic embroidery expert Phillipa Turnbull: 'Phillipa is a renowned expert with over three decades of experience [...] Her work is celebrated for its authenticity and historical accuracy, often replicating designs from the 17th and 18th centuries.'

Praise for contemporary embroidery expert Hazel Blomkamp: 'Always fanciful, sometimes flamboyant, Hazel’s designs are wildly ingenious when it comes to her use of patterned and textured elements.' Mary Corbet, Needleandthread.com

Inside you'll discover:

• 8 inspiring crewelwork designs each with detailed instructions, charts and a full-size embroidery pattern, suitable for confident and experimental embroiderers.
• Designs from then and now: 2 designs celebrating historic embroideries; 2 original contemporary designs; 4 side-by-side designs (2 designs, both stitched by each author, for a direct comparison of how traditional and contemporary crewelwork can produce stunning and varied results).
• A comprehensive illustrated stitch directory featuring over 100 stitches, divided into traditional and contemporary ways of working.
• A full-size embroidery chart for each project.

Phillipa, an expert on historic embroidery and the founder of The Crewel Work Company, reveals the rich history of crewelwork and celebrates its vibrant beauty. Through her stunning projects and inspiring insights, discover the traditional threads and stitches used and uncover a deep and direct connection to the embroiderers of the past.

Hazel is a globally renowned embroiderer and best-selling author, who focusses on innovation in crewel embroidery, experimenting with stitches, threads, beading and more to give her work a contemporary twist. Her joyful, visionary approach breathes new life into this traditional craft.

Book Contents

Introduction

Historically Inspired Crewelwork by Phillipa Turnbull
The history of traditional crewelwork
Designs: Greedy Squirrel, Phoebe's Vineyard

Contemporary Crewelwork by Hazel Blomkamp
The evolution of crewelwork
Designs: Summer Jewels, Tiny the Tabby

Then and Now: A Crewelwork Comparison by Phillipa Turnbull and Hazel Blomkamp
Designs: Traditional Eagle, Contemporary Eagle, Traditional Blue bird, Contemporary Blue bird

Tools and materials

Stitch directory

Index