• Home
  • Suggest A DIY
  • DIY Newsletter

Needle Work

Art, patterns and techniques

  • About CraftGossip
  • Our Network
    • Bath & Body Crafts
    • Candle Making Ideas
    • Crochet Ideas
    • Cross Stitch
    • Edible Crafts
    • Felting Patterns
    • Glass Art
    • Home & Garden Ideas
    • Indie Crafts
    • Jewelry Making
    • Kids Crafts
    • Knitting Patterns
    • Lesson Plans
    • Needlework
    • Party Ideas
    • Polymer Clay
    • Quilting Ideas
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing Patterns
    • Card Making
    • DIY Weddings
    • Not Craft Ideas
  • Giveaways
  • Roundups
  • Store
  • Search

Book review: Glorious Embellishing

August 29, 2011 by Denise Felton Leave a Comment

Australian needle artist Gloria McKinnon has put together Glorious Embellishing for Martha Pullen’s publication company. This book is all about traditional-style crazy quilting: rich, colorful fabrics; antique images; complex embroidered seam treatments; silk-ribbon and beaded embellishments.

Project directions are a bit skimpy, assuming the reader already understands the necessary techniques. This led me to believe the book was not for beginners. But when I got to the instructions for thread, silk-ribbon, and bead embroidery, I found all the detail a beginner could wish for. So I think, as the title suggests, this book is not so much about creating crazy-quilting projects as on embellishing them.

Photographs of the projects are gorgeous. When it comes to instructions, be prepared for typical pattern-style line drawings. The pattern sheet is bound into the book–it must be permanently removed from the book for use. (You could always glue a heavy envelope to the inside back cover to keep the patterns with the book once you’ve used them.) A nice feature is the inclusion of nine antique-style images, Priscilla Ladies, that can be used to create photo transfers.

The book retails for US$24.95. ISBN 978-1-878048-64-6.

You could win a copy from CraftGossip! Go to the giveaway post.

«
»

Have you read?

10 Bookmark Embroidery Patterns for Quick Handmade Gifts

If you are looking for easy embroidery projects that feel thoughtful without taking all weekend, handmade embroidered bookmarks are such a smart place to start. They are small, practical, stash-friendly, and ideal for birthdays, teacher gifts, book clubs, Christmas stockings, … Read More ...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Needlework Patterns and Ideas

Discover free needlework patterns, embroidery tutorials, cross stitch ideas, and stitching inspiration for every skill level. Explore beginner-friendly projects, creative techniques, and beautiful handmade designs all in one place.

Explore

Applique Artists Christmas Craft Inspirations Craft News and Events Crazy quilting Cross stitch DIY Tutorials and Patterns Embroidery Felt Free Patterns Giveaways Hand Holiday Machine Embroidery Needlepoint and bargello Needlework general news Patterns and charts Tips Tutorials

RSS More Articles

  • Cute Little Backpack Knitting Patterns
  • Easy Pen and Paper Games for Road Trips and Beyond
  • Handmade Pretend Play Food Ideas For Kids’ Kitchens, Classrooms And Crafty Grandparents
  • Air-Dry Clay Sunflower Trinket Dish Tutorial
  • Beginner-Friendly Crochet Scarves and Cowls
  • Satisfying Adult Snacks That Crush Cravings and Boost Energy
  • 30 Jumpsuits You Can Sew Yourself – From Effortless Weekend Wear to Showstopping Styles
  • You Won’t Believe These 20 Upcycled Bar Tables and Carts – From Trash to Tipsy
  • Young Lady in a Hammock Hand Embroidery Pattern – Etsy Review
  • Crafty Themed Mini Scrapbook Album

Copyright © 2026 · CraftGossip | Start Here | Contact Us | Link to Us | Your Editors | Privacy and affiliate policy