Decorative Victorian Needlework

Bradley's book is filled with beautiful tapestries, a history of needlepoint (or Berlinwork as it was orginally called) and wonderful graphs of the designs. With all of the different shades used in each project, this is definitely not for the novice. One annoyance about the book--she features photos of projects that aren't in the book! However, they are available in the kits she designs and in other books.

I collect medieval tapestry needlepoint and am always happy to find a book such as this. Unfortunately the copy I found was at the public library so I didn't have time to do any of the projects before I had to return the book. The projects look absolutely beautiful and the history attached to each was very interesting.

Elizabeth Bradley has written a masterpiece for the needlepointer who loves beautifully muted colors and traditional English design. As usual, Ms. Bradley begins with an informative introduction giving the history of Victorian canvaswork and then proceeds to give the reader a real feast with her adaptions of historical motifs. Among the choice offerings are The Parrot, The Spring Basket of Flowers, Barley Twists and Cornflowers, Rose and Primula Border, and Patchwork Pieces. The projects are suitable for the intermediate to advanced needlepointer. This is probably one of the premier needlepoint books in print today and should not be missed!