I am so excited to be reviewing the book, “Stitch & Sew” by Aneela Hoey. I have been wanting to try embroidery for quite some time. Aneela Hoey’s book is a wonderful resource as it is filled with wonderful bag patterns as well as multiple embroidery patterns.
Tools and Techniques
The first chapter is very informative, especially for a beginner like me. The author provides information on tools, thread, techniques, stitches, and recommended fabrics to work with. I had to purchase many of these since I have never embroidered before. I purchased 6 different colors of Aurofil stranded floss, a 7″ hoop, needles, wash-away stabilizer and essex linen.
The Bag Patterns
There are five bag patterns in the book – the drawstring pouch, the clutch, the flex case, the small change purse, and the zippered pouch. There is also a pattern to make a sampler notebook which is really nice. I may make that one day! Since I am a bag-maker and I have many bag patterns, my main focus when reviewing this book will be on the embroidery aspect of it. I chose the small change purse (and rounded the bottom corners) and the zippered pouch bag patterns and concentrated more so on the embroidery patterns.
The Embroidery Patterns
This book is chock-full of embroidery patterns. By my count, there are approximately 39 different patterns. You can use them as they are in the book or use part of one pattern mixed with part of another. I used them “as-is” for simplicity. The stitches I used were the straight stitch, backstitch, satin stitch, chain stitch, couched cross-stitch, french knot, blanket stitch, and the lazy daisy. As I stated before, I used Aurofil stranded cotton floss on essex linen. The results, in my opinion, were pretty darn sweet! The instructions are very clear and the patterns are simple enough that even a beginner like me was able to get wonderful results. There is some amazing embroidery out there, but if you’re looking to learn how to stitch many simple to intermediate stitches, this book is for you.
I hope you enjoyed this review and I hope it has inspired you to:
Make Something Beautiful Today!
You can purchase this book and most others that I have reviewed (or plan to) here.
If you liked this review, you might be interested in this one too…
I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Dahlia Williams
May 30, 2022 at 12:47 pmThis is new! I love it, can’t believe those flowers are hand stitched 🧵. You did an amazing job, makes me want to try embroidery again!
the sewing librarian
May 30, 2022 at 12:52 pmThank you! It was fun and I can’t wait to do more!
Susan J
May 30, 2022 at 7:46 pmBrings back memories! Embroidery was one of my first sewing skills learned as a teenager. I embroidered many things, never thought about bag embellishment. Haven’t embroidered for decades! My mind is already considering places to use it! Thanks for firing off my old brain synapses!
the sewing librarian
May 30, 2022 at 7:48 pmThat’s the goal – inspiration! Glad to be of service!
Carmen
May 31, 2022 at 1:08 amYour projects are beautiful! I just recently got rid of my hoop. Now I’m sorry I did. Thanks for bringing this lovley art to my remembrance.
the sewing librarian
May 31, 2022 at 1:22 amThank you! It really is a beautiful art and I hope you get a new hoop!
Naomi Bonilla
May 31, 2022 at 5:14 pmI love the embroidery patterns on those bags. Those poseys though are my favorite. Did you use the stabilizer? Did you have to wash the fabric to remove the stabilizer before assembling your bags? You are an inspiration- you should know!
the sewing librarian
May 31, 2022 at 10:20 pmThank you! Yes I traced the pattern onto the stabilizer and then adhered it to the fabric.
Darien Williams
June 20, 2022 at 11:12 pmWow! By hand?! I am impressed and inspired! They all came out so beautiful! Love this and can’t wait for next months blog 🙂
the sewing librarian
June 21, 2022 at 12:39 amThank you, Darien! New post coming soon!