This whimsical collection of botanical-inspired needlework projects will take you from budding novice to confident stitcher as you explore a variety of simple counted embroidery techniques. There are 15 gorgeous projects on offer here, with templates, beautiful photos and comprehensive instructions, plus on the back page an envelope contains four of the larger embroidery charts. The alphabet bunting flags and daisy chain bracelet are stylishly simple and quite delightful. This really would make a perfect gift, the enchanting cover tempts you inside and the charming story of Thistledown Farmhouse continues with each new project. ~ Liz Robinson
Secret Garden Embroidery 15 Projects for Your Stitching Pleasure Synopsis
Stitch your very own horticultural haven with What Delilah Did. Step into Miranda Merriweather's magnificent secret garden, where lucky clovers grow in spades and the towering tulips reach six feet tall. Bursting with colour and filled with designs to suit a range of abilities, you needn't be green-fingered to recreate a slice of this magical rural retreat in your own home. Keep your eyes open for beautiful Lacewing Butterflies, Arbour Alphabet Flags, a super-sweet Milk and Honey Bee and a naughty little Early Bird called Gerald who is guaranteed to brighten up your summer. Projects are design-led, practical and colourful, and many can be completed within a weekend. The style is light and folksy but still retains What Delilah Did's signature pared-down and stylish aesthetic. Materials are high quality, with an emphasis on texture and sophisticated colours. Florals play a large part, but are beautiful and modern rather than flouncy, ranging from folky to botanical in style.
Sophie Simpson (aka Delilah) is the creator behind embroidery business What Delilah Did. She runs a successful blog and online shop where she sells her distinctive embroidery designs to customers all over the world, and her kits are sold in boutique haberdasheries and lifestyle shops throughout the UK. When she is not making books or dreaming up things for her own business, Sophie can be found designing projects for likes of Mollie Makes and CrossStitcher magazines. Her designs, which are a thoroughly modern take on traditional techniques, are attracting a whole new generation to this age-old craft. You can follow Sophie's crafty adventures at www.whatdelilahdid.com. Other books by Sophie Simpson: Storyland Cross Stitch (2013), Stitch the Halls (2014).