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76 reviews for:
Mystical Stitches: Embroidery for Personal Empowerment and Magical Embellishment
Christi Johnson
4.3 AVERAGE
76 reviews for:
Mystical Stitches: Embroidery for Personal Empowerment and Magical Embellishment
Christi Johnson
4.3 AVERAGE
I didn't realise that this was mystical in the astrological sense. I went in thinking maybe it would have some zodiac signs but there's a lot about meditation, chakras and talismans which wasn't what I wanted.
However the actual stitches and patterns themselves were beautiful. I loved the botanical and animal spirit stitches. And I'm definitely going to embroider the universe on the back of my jacket.
However the actual stitches and patterns themselves were beautiful. I loved the botanical and animal spirit stitches. And I'm definitely going to embroider the universe on the back of my jacket.
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I received this book as an advance review copy e-book, and it is absolutely beautiful: I imagine that the "hard copy" would be even more so, one of those books it is just a pleasure to hold and to flick through and to linger on some of the wonderful illustrations and photos.
I have to admit that the spiritual element of the book, with its emphasis on new age mysticism and talismans was not for me, but the variety of designs in the book means that you do not need to be a pagan or wiccan to find something that you will like. The promotion of stitching as a form of meditation, of slowing down and really looking at things was right up my alley however.
This is probably not a book for a complete beginner at embroidery. Although the stitch instructions and illustrations are some of the best I have seen, the patterns as presented require the stitcher to do a fair amount of work in incorporating them into their own designs. It is however a wonderful resource book for someone with some stitching experience who wants to branch out a little.
With thanks to Netgalley and Storey Publishing for the advance review copy.
I have to admit that the spiritual element of the book, with its emphasis on new age mysticism and talismans was not for me, but the variety of designs in the book means that you do not need to be a pagan or wiccan to find something that you will like. The promotion of stitching as a form of meditation, of slowing down and really looking at things was right up my alley however.
This is probably not a book for a complete beginner at embroidery. Although the stitch instructions and illustrations are some of the best I have seen, the patterns as presented require the stitcher to do a fair amount of work in incorporating them into their own designs. It is however a wonderful resource book for someone with some stitching experience who wants to branch out a little.
With thanks to Netgalley and Storey Publishing for the advance review copy.
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I really liked the style of this book. I loved the focus on creating art for art's sake and not worrying about it being perfect. The colours used were really vibrant and engaging and I liked how every design was actually stitched so you could see what the final product would look like. I would say I don't think this book is for beginners as the instructions for the various types of stitches were somewhat difficult to follow if you don't already have a knowledge of embroidery. I really liked the emphasis on creativity and exploring ideas and meanings and think the layout of the book is really unique.
This book made me think about my own crafting and how calming it can be while stitching. This book was so much more than just directions for some cool embroidery. They walk you through the ritual of creating your own talisman, and talk about the many symbols you can choose, colors, and composition. They even give a few ideas for talismans, tips for embroidering garments, and more.
The stitching instructions were clear and easy to understand. I think this book is useful for people who are new and those who are experienced in needlecraft.
I was drawn to “Botanica” and “Forces of Nature” when reading the Treasury of Symbols. I would like to implement some of their techniques into my own stitching in the future. I like the idea of setting an intention before beginning a project.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the e-ARC.
The stitching instructions were clear and easy to understand. I think this book is useful for people who are new and those who are experienced in needlecraft.
I was drawn to “Botanica” and “Forces of Nature” when reading the Treasury of Symbols. I would like to implement some of their techniques into my own stitching in the future. I like the idea of setting an intention before beginning a project.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the e-ARC.
Wow, to say I am surprised is an understatement. What a truly enriching and spiritual outtake on crafting, and its benefits.
When I read the title "mystical stitches" I expected a tutorial on how to embroider different beasts and lore. To read the description of the book I found out it was much much more than that.
I thoroughly appreciated the authors guide on accessing our creative and our emotional flow through this book.
The step-by-step guides were clear, concise and helpful. I cannot wait to improve my own work further through practicing the techniques and emotional considerations seen throughout this informative creation.
When I read the title "mystical stitches" I expected a tutorial on how to embroider different beasts and lore. To read the description of the book I found out it was much much more than that.
I thoroughly appreciated the authors guide on accessing our creative and our emotional flow through this book.
The step-by-step guides were clear, concise and helpful. I cannot wait to improve my own work further through practicing the techniques and emotional considerations seen throughout this informative creation.
challenging
slow-paced
Unlike most embroidery (and needlecraft in general) books, 'Mystical Stitches' isn't so much a series of templates / patterns to follow but a meandering exploration of symbolism and the mystical / spiritual / meditative aspects of hand embroidery.
Johnson explores setting up your 'intention', what materials you will need, stitch methods, symbols you might wish to use, and brief colour theory that will help you create your own 'talisman'.
I'm a little torn about a few things: the risk of appropriation in several of the symbols (especially religious or Native iconography), the melding of various faiths and spiritual pathways (which, to be fair, is common in modern Wicca / western Neo-Paganism); and the lack of at least a few templates to get someone started.
The first concern is really up to the individual reader; many, I suspect, won't be at all bothered. I would personally find it uncomfortable, however, if someone from a religion / faith group that has historically oppressed my own used one of our recognised symbols as a talisman or clothing decoration. I suspect others, especially from minority faith groups, might feel the same way.
The second concern ties into the first: someone from a minority faith may have a harder time feeling that their spiritual / cultural symbols and meanings are being amalgamated - if anything, a clearer nod to the history and ritual importance to those groups of the various symbols would help readers make better-educated use of these symbols.
The third concern is likely the most universal. While I appreciate that Johnson would like us to go on a spiritual journey to feel out our own path for creating embroidery, I don't think I'm alone in wishing there were at least a few base templates to get one started - for example, perhaps something like an embroidered frame to outline the work area one can then put their own chosen symbols (talisman) in; or a few designs that look particularly nice when added to clothing (something more universal like planets, plants, or animals that should appeal to most). The novice embroiderer will likely struggle with things like separating threads out of an embroidery skein, blending colourways together, stitching through heavy fabrics (Johnson is keen on denim), and starting / finishing stitching in a way that keeps things from unravelling once washed.
All in all a beautiful book with a lot of ideas that would appeal primarily to Wiccans, Pagans, and anyone into Western mysticism.
Advance reader copy kindly provided by Storey Publishing.
Johnson explores setting up your 'intention', what materials you will need, stitch methods, symbols you might wish to use, and brief colour theory that will help you create your own 'talisman'.
I'm a little torn about a few things: the risk of appropriation in several of the symbols (especially religious or Native iconography), the melding of various faiths and spiritual pathways (which, to be fair, is common in modern Wicca / western Neo-Paganism); and the lack of at least a few templates to get someone started.
The first concern is really up to the individual reader; many, I suspect, won't be at all bothered. I would personally find it uncomfortable, however, if someone from a religion / faith group that has historically oppressed my own used one of our recognised symbols as a talisman or clothing decoration. I suspect others, especially from minority faith groups, might feel the same way.
The second concern ties into the first: someone from a minority faith may have a harder time feeling that their spiritual / cultural symbols and meanings are being amalgamated - if anything, a clearer nod to the history and ritual importance to those groups of the various symbols would help readers make better-educated use of these symbols.
The third concern is likely the most universal. While I appreciate that Johnson would like us to go on a spiritual journey to feel out our own path for creating embroidery, I don't think I'm alone in wishing there were at least a few base templates to get one started - for example, perhaps something like an embroidered frame to outline the work area one can then put their own chosen symbols (talisman) in; or a few designs that look particularly nice when added to clothing (something more universal like planets, plants, or animals that should appeal to most). The novice embroiderer will likely struggle with things like separating threads out of an embroidery skein, blending colourways together, stitching through heavy fabrics (Johnson is keen on denim), and starting / finishing stitching in a way that keeps things from unravelling once washed.
All in all a beautiful book with a lot of ideas that would appeal primarily to Wiccans, Pagans, and anyone into Western mysticism.
Advance reader copy kindly provided by Storey Publishing.