Dear Lacemakers, Hope this magazine/book review is of value to some of our Arachnes.
It is now quite a few years since a new embroidery magazine, "Inspirations", began arriving in America from Australia. Well received, the magazine was followed by a series of 16 very nice instruction books titled "A - Z of ......". The two most recent are "A - Z of Whitework" and "A - Z of Crochet". The magazine is really a great value. Compared to many books, it costs the same or less and has twice the pages. Each issue contains a number of inspirational projects with step-by-step instructions of techniques. Except for text, all is in color. In the back is a pull-out section of patterns. Even the advertising is beautiful. Everything published by <www.countrybumpkin.com.au> is in my library, because everything they issue is exceptional. However, for lacemakers, it is advisable to ask an embroiderer who collects the magazine about lace content of each issue before purchasing. Issue #55, 120 pages, contains: 1. Letters from a variety of nations (it is becoming more international). 2. 2 pages of info and pictures of the 25,000 bonnets project - honoring convict women (some Arachnes are participating. per correspondence earlier this year). 3. 4 pages about Igne Oyalari Needlelace (knotted lace from Turkey). 4. 3 pages about successfully teaching children needlework. 5. 13 pages about tambour embroidery (same basic stitch as in tambour lace). 4 pages of this feature are detailed illustrations of how to manage the tambour hook, something beginners may find difficult to master. 6. 8 pages about Maison R Malbranche in Paris - embroidering fine linens, with initials, etc., plus 6 pages of detailed stitches (a useful skill for lacemakers). 7. 8-pages about Irish Mountmellick embroidery. Irish Arachnes call Mountmellick lace because of a traditional knitted lace fringe border. 8. Other articles feature ribbon embroidery, traditional embroidery, embellishments with beads and buttons, applique, goldwork. This is the normal range of topics in "Inspirations". 9. Opportunity to purchase hard-to-find materials in kit form! Australians! Note! Considering recent Arachne discussions of several of the above topics, I thought some of you might like to own or read Issue #55. Ask your embroiderer friends if they have it. Not always easy to find, but a first-rate needlework shop might have. Only 3 copies come to my Barnes & Noble Book Store in early September and early March, so I always reserve a copy. Be sure to stress it is an Australian needlework magazine, as there is another magazine of the same name about paper crafts! $14 US, $12 Oz, $14 NZ. In the UK it is called "Classic Inspirations", and is stocked by WH Smith stores as of this issue. (American edition is now printed in England.) For a back issue, sometimes Nordic Needle in North Dakota US will have - costs around $20 US. <www.nordicneedle.com> Also, I've ordered kits directly from Country Bumpkins in Australia for my students, so you could try contacting them.. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
