Dreamscapes in Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork

Jun 06

The cover alone has that ooh factor, the sort of reaction that has anybody who loves beautiful things reaching for their workbox. This lovely book lifts the lid on a whole new world of embroidery pleasure, which is surprising easy to master but which has a vast scope for being as challenging as you please.

I couldn't put this one down. It was originally published in South Africa, and three cheers for Search Press for reprinting this gem for a wider audience. Anybody outside that country might find getting hold of those printed canvasses difficult, but turn to the back and see the four pictures printed there. Scan them in and use transfer paper to print them onto your chosen cloth, resize them if you wish but only for yourself - this book does NOT have an angel policy.

Once that is done, the fun starts, as the colored image is embellished with cutouts (more than one canvas is needed), needlelace, ribbon embroidery, stumpwork, freestyle embroidery and even beads. You name it; there might be a use for it to adorn these wonderful pictures. The instructions are exhaustive, and need to be read thoroughly before you begin. There are four sets of them for the four pictures, which feature an old-world cottage a la Thomas Kincaid (the cover image), children on a fence, a lady sorting through her treasures with a feline companion and - my own favorite - a Mediterranean harbor scene viewed through a floral arch. Of course, once you have the knack of it you can paint your own backgrounds or use other artwork. The author says that this is the next step forward in embroidery, marrying technology with tradition and I agree wholeheartedly.

One for my keeper shelf, and a lovely gift for any needleart-inclined person.

Newsletter 65, Summer 2007

What a delightful book! This book is beautifully illustrated and very inspiring. It is well written with so many helpful illustrations that I couldn't put it down. For those (like myself) who need inspiration to start a project I found the idea of buying the printed background very helpful. This seemed very useful for both beginners and experienced needlewomen. Much detail was shown, as for example on a ladies' sleeve, with clear photographs and directions that could be easily followed. My absolute favourite design was the 'Floral Vista' but all designs were delightful. This will be a 'must have' in my library of embroidery books.

Jean Mansell, Launceston

Issue 42

Di van Niekerk is passionate about embroidery and that is just so evident in this wonderful book. She transforms four beautiful paintings into embroidery masterpieces using ribbon embroidery and stumpwork. Each embroidered design is shown in full colour with detailed close up photographs to guide you where necessary. Di prints the design onto the fabric first and then adds embroidery to give interest and a sense of depth. You can embroider as little or as much as you like depending on your skill level so it's a great idea for beginners. A stitch gallery describes and illustrates over 60 stitches so it's a great book to keep dipping into when you're working on other projects.

This is most definitely an inspirational book allowing you to learn and experiment with various stitches and techniques to produce an individual piece of work. This will inspire even the most reluctant of stitchers amongst us.

July 06

Dreamscapes consists of four outstanding artworks which have been transformed into embroidered masterpieces enhancing the already-painted fabric. Ribbons and threads are used along with a variety of techniques including surface stitching, trapunto, needlelace, stumpwork, and more. Following the format of her last book, author Di van Niekerk offers a masterclass which takes you chapter by chapter through every stage of each design allowing you to work at your own pace and build up the piece. A stitch gallery at the back contains diagrams for over sixty stitches and there are full-sized colour prints of the original artwork to inspire you. Whether you decide to work the four masterpieces selected in the book or use it as a starting point to enhance your own printed choice, this book will certainly guide you as you go.

Sept 07

Di van Niekerk gently encourages stitchers develop their skills with quick and impressive results. [This book] contains four projects, each with a printed background, embellished with embroidery. Detailed instructions are accompanied by close-up colour photos of each step and the images are supplied for printing.

Oct/Nov 06

By working from designs that are pre-printed onto fabric, Di van Niekerk uses ribbon and thread to enhance further the beautiful featured masterpieces. Techniques, such as trapunto, needlelace, padded shapes, tassel-making and wire and detached shapes are explored and there is also a useful stitch glossary. These exquisite embroidered designs are brimming with ideas for all levels.