Knitch Magazine

Title: Stitchin Retro

Author: Leisure Arts

Date Published: 2008

Review Date: March 14, 2010

Who is this book for?

Talk about a trip down memory lane! Stitchin’ Retro is an introduction to embroidery. Using iron-on transfers and simple stitching, you can embellish almost any item of clothing or household linen. The book includes dozens of transfer designs and several project ideas with retro designs from the 50’s and 60’s. The transfers are a throwback to the distant crazes for hand embroidery that preceded counted cross-stitch. As an 8-year old, I remember the pleasure of choosing transfer patterns and embroidery floss to stitch kitchen towels and quilt squares. I plotted new schemes and colors while I stitched and could not wait to do more. The love of fiber and color has always been there for me, and these early projects nurtured that interest, allowing simple successes that encouraged a desire to learn new techniques. Stitchin' Retro can be a similar vehicle for novice stitchers, whether they are 8 or 28. The designs are intended to appeal to all ages. Younger learners might relate better to the bold flowers or Parisian poodle than to the martini napkin, and the sweet baby gifts will entice everyone. Who could not be charmed by the “Ropin Cowboy” jean jacket?

What’s Inside?

All embroidery in this book is completed with 5 easy stitches: French knots, backstitch, satin, chain, lazy daisy stitches. After mastering these stitches, readers are encouraged to consult the many embroidery books available to learn more. Transfer designs from the 1930’s, 1940’s, 1950’s, and 1960’s plus outlines from old school books and children’s books fill the middle part of the book. Model projects using the transfer designs inspire beginners to try decorative stitching.

Using It

Instructions for these basic projects are well written and simple enough for beginners to learn on their own. Adult teachers with no needlework experience could help a child learn with the aid of this book. Most of the embroidery is completed on finished goods such as kitchen towels, napkins, t-shirts and baby garments. You’ll learn how to affix the transfer pattern, mount the fabric in an embroidery hoop, and create good-looking embroidered projects using 5 simple stitches. I love that the book does not dictate floss colors; learners have the power to follow (and develop) their own color sense.

Best Advice

The basic information on supplies and stitching is very well presented. Although the authors offer only four tips to embroidery success, these are important and valuable bits of advice. Pay heed to them. Don’t forget to have fun. As suggested, for extra special designs, add beads, buttons and charms to your embroidery. Observe the models to see how simple embellishments like a row of rick rack can fancy up a kitchen towel.

Recommendation

This book could spark interest in stitching. There is nothing like simple successes to fuel a desire for more learning. For the modest cost of this book and a few simple supplies, you can launch yourself or a child in your life into a lifelong love for needlework.

Overall Recommendation

I rate this book a 7; excellent for beginners and interesting for experienced stitchers who want to take a trip back to their childhood.