The Handbook of Silk Ribbon Embroidery

The Handbook of Silk Ribbon Embroidery
By Ann Cox
Published by Search Press
ISBN: 978 1 84448 460 7
111 pages
Price: £10.99
Reviewed by Carole Kokinis

The précis on the back cover claims this book is a “useful handbook”, which is an incredibly modest statement. It is a beautiful book, A5-size with sturdy covers and an internal wire binding. The pages are good quality, with dozens of excellent and detailed photographs.

The content is superb, no other word for it. The flowers are irresistible, made into bouquets, arranged in pots and bringing scenes to life. Laburnum arches is gorgeous. Taken from two of Ann Cox's previous books, this is one of the best craft books I have ever seen. The instructions are clear and succinct, the projects inspiring and above all very do-able. In addition, there is information given on painting and shading your own ribbons, stencilling and painting backgrounds and mounting your finished work. This is destined to become a classic, useful for all embroiderers, not just those interested in silk ribbon embroidery.

Because the book is such a practical size for keeping by you, the project patterns do have to be enlarged on a photocopier. This should not be a drawback for anyone with a ruler and pencil. They can easily be enlarged manually. The tools you need are few and the results stunning.