It’s not often that I make sounds when I’m reading a book. (OK, I do make yummy noises when I’m reading cookbooks), but I certainly did as I read this one. Every couple of pages I let out a gasp because the projects here are so beautiful. I have been an embroiderer ever since I was a little girl. I have always tended to stick with what I know, failing to branch out into different areas of embroidery, and I see now that that has been a mistake. This book has certainly opened up my eyes as to all of the possibilities.

Author Christi Johnson is a true artist in every sense of the word. She experiments, she creates, she proudly wears her own work as a personal canvas, and is an exceptionally good teacher. I learned so much looking through this book, and cannot wait to put that new information into practice. Not only is this book of great visual appeal, but it is an excellent teaching guide as well. The various techniques are explained clearly and concisely so that anyone can understand them. Projects are shown step-by-step in order to not only re-create what she has done, but to design and create special projects for yourself. There is a section that I found to be invaluable, that teaches you, by way of both text and wonderful illustrations, how to make every stitch used in this book.

If you have even the remotest interest in embroidery, this book is a must have. If you have an interest in textiles or fabric arts, you need to have it as well. I can’t remember the last time I was as excited about a book as I am about this one.

Gracious, thanks to NetGalley, author Christi Johnson, and Storey Publishing for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a fabulous start for someone who is curious about embroidery. Maybe you're like me and are just dipping your toes into this creative craft or you have already started.

I would also like to pint out that it is easy to read and understand.

In anycase, Christi is not only teaching us about embroidery and how to make different stitches. She takes us on her own creative tour as of how she works out a new artwork, because yes, just as the books title says, it IS about the artwork of embroidery and the posibilities are endless.

You'll also get a dive into where and how to find inspiration, aswell as a guide about colortheory.
The book also brings up how embroidery has been done and used in different cultures.

And of course, she speaks about differnet threads and tools to use.

I would absolutely recommend this book to someone who have an interest in creating, especially if they already have an interest in design and clothes, but you might aswell make a 'painting' from the threads.

What a lovely book. This is definitely the one you need to learn embroidery. The basic stiches are covered, but what makes this book special is how is takes you by the hand to help you create your own vibe, whatever your artistic background or lack thereof. Just start creating your own embroidered fantasy now !

As a beginner embroidery individual, this book caught my eye. In my opinion, this books is more directed to intermediate/advanced embroidery skills that want to do more than purchased patterns. While the last 30-ish pages goes over multiple types of stitches (some I have not seen before), the book does not explain in what instances these stitches would be the best choice. Christi’s embroidery work that is shared throughout the book is absolutely mesmerizing and gave me hopes to what I could eventually achieve. I enjoyed the section on how to turn sketches into embroidery art, While I am not the biggest artist, I do feel like simple sketches to embroidery patterns are something the book can help anyone accomplish. I would have enjoyed the book to have a more traditional color wheel inside of it when discussing complimentary colors.

For artists who wish to tackle embroidery design, this book offers good guidance on creating patterns. Author Christi Johnson embraces the cultural history of embroidery beyond the pre-stamped kits found in big-box hobby stores. Highly recommended purchase for library collections with well-developed craft collections.

I tore through this book-- it was great. Thoughtfully written and beautifully designed. I was the perfect audience for this book-- embroidery is one of my primary hobbies and brings me great joy, though I sometimes feel that I can't access a creative side that would help me develop my own style. I especially appreciated the highlights from other embroidery artists, as well as the concrete activities that I can use to tap into my own unique creative process.

I loved this book! I recently got into embroidery and this book was very grounding for me. I loved how colorful and informative it was. I also appreciate that it wasn't just a book of designs for the reader to copy. It did a great job of grounding the reader in the history of embroidery then empowering them to creating something of their own. I found the reading and design prompts very fun and helpful. I also love the idea of elevating an original artwork/drawing by turning it into an embroidered piece. As an artist I am always looking for different ways to use my skills and this book has inspired me to make so many different piece! Simply Amazing!

Being a beginner hand embroiderer, I was excited to see this book and read it for myself. I was inspired by the bright, clear photographs and colorful project ideas contained within. There’s some great info on how to create your own sampler, so much better and more creative than buying an established kit. There’s a great section and color theory and planning your own color palette, something I’m familiar with but always appreciate a primer of. There’s lovely info on how to incorporate embroidery into your every day world.

All in all this book will help teach you how to create unique objects, as different and special as you are.

I thought this would be more of a how-to, but it's more of a museum on the pages. I enjoyed it nonetheless.

I received this DRC from NetGalley.

I think the part I enjoyed most about this book was the section where there were close ups and explanations of pictures of embroidery from various cultures. There are helpful tips for beginners about things like floss thickness and color theory stuff. The part about textures is good. There are no actual designs to follow. This is more about how to get yourself to be creative with a few prompts and some generic language about visualizing things, which, of course, not everybody can do. I don't know if this is truly a book for beginners, but maybe more for people who have a little experience but are in a creative rut and need some suggestions for inspiration. Of course, the suggestion of look at what's around you is included. But I thought the examples of modern artists' work was more inspiring, in how varied embroidery can be.

I was so taken with this gorgeous book that I am considering taking up embroidery -- an art my mother and grandmother loved to do. But Christi Johnson brings a whole new dimension to the art, with glorious examples that took my breath away. Will make a tremendous gift for all the embroiderers in your life! I'm also buying it for my own birthday present. Hurrah!

Thank you NetGalley for the arc. Technically I was expecting a more to the point/pattern filled rather than an inspiration filled personal book. I liked it. It was detailed and every photo was obviously selected with deliberation. It is also a cultural and ethnical book of handwork, which I was not very familiar. Also very colorful too. I enjoyed it. Thanks

Embroidery was my covid hobby and it has not gone away. I love learning new stitches and techniques and this book was fun and interesting. Would definitely recommend to my crafty friends.

Christi Johnson is like that one art teacher you had growing up who encourages and finds creativity in everyone. Her books are like a cozy, colorful library of creativity that you want to just climb inside and stay forever. From picking a sketchbook to write down your ideas to overcoming perfectionism, The Art of Embroidery Design is your opportunity to learn more about who you are as a creative person and then create your individual style. There's no judgement here, just encouragement, new ways of thinking, and gorgeously colorful pages of inspiration.

This was a fun embroidery book that would be great for a beginner who doesn't view themself as an artist. Johnson walks the reader/crafter through the stages of reaching a point of being confident in making your own designs. She talks about looking for inspiration and various historical embroidery styles from around the world. I especially liked that chapter with the embroidery from around the world, because it really reminded me that this is a craft that connects you to generations of those before you. Johnson then walks you through the elements of design, just like you would in a high school art course, but with a focus on how specifically to incorporate colors and textures and line into embroidery as a medium. She ends with a few project ideas. Throughout, she provides sketchbook activities and the steps to build a sampler as you go, practicing her teachings. She also showcases different artists, highlighting the many, many directions you can take your embroidery. The one thing I'll say is that, if you're an absolute beginner, all of her beginner teaching is parked at the back, the important things like how to set up an embroidery hoop and what the different stitches mean. But if you've got all the basics down, then just start at the beginning.

This book is very different from other embroidery books I have read. This one is more creative and stresses making your own designs and stretching your imagination. There are some beautiful pictures of original works and many ideas to help get you started. This is a great book if you are ready to try something new with embroidery.

I really found this to be quite inspirational! I just started embroidery about a month ago and saw this pop up on NetGalley! I really enjoyed this, the ideas and tips! It was great!

This was not exactly what I was expecting. It seems well researched and put together. I like the stitch explanations at the end. Overall, not my style though.