Kew Book of Nature Samplers, The

Mary Corbet, Needlenthread.com (full review on website)

“There’s so much to recommend about this new book. It’s one of those books that is eminently suitable for absolute beginners all the way to experienced stitchers…  I’m pretty sure this book is going to be even more popular as an instructional and project book than the previous Kew Gardens Embroidery [Kew Book of Embroidered Flowers] book by Trish Burr…

As mentioned above, the folio version is a hard-bound folio that you open, to reveal the book tucked inside the folio (you can pull the book out) and, tucked into the inside flaps, a collection of all the designs within the book as iron-on transfers. The iron-ons are stated as re-usable (that would be up to a point – no iron-on is reusable ad infinitum), so you can use them for a number of projects, which makes them very convenient!

I think this book would be a wonderful way to get comfortable with needlepainting and to embroider some Really Beautiful Things along the way”.


Library Journal of the book only (library) edition

“The world-renowned Kew Gardens in London specializes in scientific research in plants and biodiversity. Fiber artist Burr (The Kew Book of Embroidered Flowers) is known for developing the needle-painting technique that’s also known as thread painting, silk shading, or long-and-short stitch. This book takes animals and plants that one can find in the Kew Gardens and meticulously renders them into exquisite needle paintings. There are nine full projects and one starter activity, perfect for fiber art enthusiasts. From beginners to more advanced needlework artists, readers can do each project as is or select individual elements to create their own projects. There is a brief discussion of the pros and cons of various materials to use in the projects. The author herself utilizes common, readily available materials. The well-illustrated technique instructions are also brief. For good measure, the folder edition of the book includes iron-on transfer templates.  VERDICT This book is exquisite eye candy for fiber artists of all levels. Libraries with craft book collections can’t go wrong with this purchase.

Inspirations All Stitched Up (Aug 2023)
This is an embroiderer’s delight, including samplers of a vast array of flora and fauna all in Trish’s signature, elegant style. 

Each stitch used is explained with step-by-step instructions, and there are reusable iron-on transfers included for each project. Trish further shares her expertise and gives advice on selecting the best fabrics and threads to use, almost as if she’s right by your side throughout the whole process.