Crewelwork Then and Now

Journey through the vibrant, living history of crewelwork, from traditional Jacobean designs to innovative, contemporary projects. Create 8 sumptuous embroidery projects, each with complete written instructions and a full-size embroidery chart. Written by world-renowned crewelwork experts Phillipa Turnbull and Hazel Blomkamp, this inspiring, practical book provides a fascinating overview of how the art form of crewel embroidery has evolved over the centuries.

This vibrant book delves into the fascinating history of crewelwork, combining classic Jacobean patterns with innovative modern pieces. It presents eight striking projects, each with clear instructions and detailed charts. An extensive, illustrated stitch directory of over 100 stitches makes this book an indispensable resource for ambitious embroiderers seeking creative inspiration.

For those of us who shudder at perfectionism - maybe we are scared by it - this book may at first yes, frighten you. But hold on - it gets interesting.

What is this book about?

Crewelwork yes, but this title has a twist - it really looks at a forwards back view - in other words, we are gifted the past and the present all at once. It is so easy to look at Crewelwork as ‘traditional’. This in itself is not a bad thing, history has a strong place in our ongoing narrative. But what I love about this book is that it compares both the now and the past. How?

The authors and their parts in this book

Hazel Blomkamp takes a contemporary edge to her embroidery, so her writing within this book focuses on the contemporary. You will notice her subtle twists - not shocking, just small additions or alteration, or additions to support the Crewel Work.

Phillipa Turnbull looks at the depth of beauty behind the history of this method. Her part is a celebration, a recognition of what is not to be underrated - what we can learn from the past to inform our present work - or in fact simply appreciate for its worth without thinking of future possibilities.

What you will find in this book

Three main sections - the history, the contemporary and a comparison of the two. There are eight main projects. Tools, such as the charts are all housed in a separate envelope at the back of the book. There is also an illustrated stitch dictionary so the stitches are clearly explained.

What visually are the designs about?

I see Crewelwork as depicting a story, in a motif illustrated format. It could be a floral scene, a bird, a cat…I enjoyed the Tabby Cat on page 63 and also the Greedy Squirrel on page 17 - the titles warm us to the projects which I found an interesting twist on my expectations, as I was projecting ahead to page through cold titles - my own preconception quashed!

Finally one little gem about this book

Coauthoring a book can either be successful or result in a disjoined piece of writing. In this case, I see it as a success and makes the book more universal in interest. Hazel lives in South Africa and Phillipa in England. Thus a wealth of cultural difference experienced so the authors have their own life journey’s to bring to the table. The ability of our times makes this possible.

Hazel Blomkamp has taught embroidery and beadwork in South Africa for over 30 years. She is the author of Crewel Twists, Crewel Intentions, Crewel Creatures, Hand-Stitched Crazy Patchwork, Animal Portraits, two stitch guide books - Needle Lace Techniques and Needle Weaving Techniques - and has collaborated on Freestyle Embroidered Mandalas with Di van Niekerk and Monique Day-Wilde. She is a regular contributor to local and overseas publications. Travelling extensively both around South Africa and abroad to teach and promote her work, Hazel is regularly invited to teach at international conventions. Her teaching has taken her to Australia, New Zealand, Western and Eastern Europe, North America and Asia.

Phillipa Turnbull

Phillipa Turnbull is an expert on British crewelwork, and an experienced embroidery designer, tutor and lecturer who has been teaching crewelwork with a passion for 30 years. Along with her daughter, Laura Turnbull, she is joint owner of The Crewel Work Company and Lady Anne’s Needlework Retreats, which sell exquisite crewel embroidery kits, offer online courses and organize luxury embroidery retreats both in the UK and abroad. Phillipa researches private and public collections in castles, country houses and museums, and shares her studies with historic needlework enthusiasts worldwide from her home in the English Lake District.