Way back when I was a kid in high school, I learned how to do embroidery. Since then, majority of what I do is within stamped projects. As nice as that is, sometimes I would like to try a bit more free-hand stuff but no idea what to do. When I saw Beautiful Botanical Embroidery I figured, why not take a look and see if within these pages I can discover that special inspiration I so wanted.

Color me inspired! There are quite a few lovely pictures of floral designs to give ideas of what to do and motif designs to follow. This book would be better suited for a more experienced person, since while there are instructions on how to achieve the look, I didn’t really find a lot of detailed information on how to do the stitches.

As much as I did enjoy the book, I’m not a big fan of its layout. Personally, I would like to see the project with the picture, the necessary supplies, and instructions all together and not broken apart and clumped in separate locations. Still, it is an attractive book and would make a nice gift for anyone who enjoys embroidery.


Stars: 3
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not compensated for the book other than the entertainment it provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love to work on something crafty while listening to audiobooks - it actually helps my mind to not drift off and is, for me, an ideal combination. I usually knit, but lately I’ve been inexpertly looking for little bits of embroidery to occupy this niche for me. So that is why this book got my attention.

The book is beautifully filled with relatively simple, small enough (even the larger designs are mostly made up of smaller distinct motifs that could easily be used on their own) not to intimidate a beginner with only a little experience of embroidery. Which is what I am. I’m fairly proficient with the french knot, chain stitch, straight stitch, but satin stitch intimidates me as does any sort of filling in.

The book only uses about 8 types of stitches, which it very briefly illustrates at the back. Two stitch patterns are described in full detail at the beginning and I think had all 8 been described this way, I might have felt confident about recommending this as a book suitable for complete beginners. It would only have added 6 or so pages, if that. Another minor annoyance is the layout. Now I know separating the project photography from the instructions is quite common in many hand-crafty magazines and books, but how much trouble would it be to just add a digital link to make it easier to skip from one to the other in the digital book?

Projects include a lot of cute bags(including construction of bags), embellishments for an apron, kitchen towel, some samplers, earrings and brooches (also describing the construction). The projects in the book are worked on linen most of the time, and very beautifully photographed. I don’t think I am likely to make any of the projects, but I will almost certainly use many of the motifs when I want to add a little embellishment somewhere on a shirt or cushion or whatever the case may be, making this a book I am bound to revisit again and again. And who knows, maybe even do a whole sampler once I acquire a hoop....

Thanks to Netgalley and the Zakka Workshop for the complimentary review copy

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Beautiful Botanical Embroidery by Alice Makabe is a DIY workbook that will appeal to aspiring crafters everywhere. According to the description, the reader will "stitch your way through an assortment of elegant floral designs curated by color--from cheerful pinks and lively yellows to lush greens and moody blues." This book will teach you how to embroider bags, pillow covers, and fabric of all kinds.

Overall, Beautiful Botanical Embroidery is a stunning DIY workbook that would make the perfect gift for any aspiring crafter. One highlight of this book is how detailed it is. This book includes full-color photos and step-by-step directions to help readers take their embroidery game to the next level. It's clear that no expense was spared in making this the best book that it could be. If you're intrigued by the description, I highly recommend that you check out this book, which is available now!

Thank you to Net Galley and Zakka Workshop for a Digital ARC of Beautiful Botanical Embroidery in exchange for a review!

As a beginner sewist and embroiderer, I am always looking for resources! Patterns, how-tos, and inspiration. This book really does have it all, and it is easy to follow as a beginner! The patterns are gorgeous, and unlike a lot of embroidery books I've looked at, they are practical rather than just things to hang on the wall! I love that the book includes instructions for sewing the bags, aprons, etc that the patterns are on, as opposed to just providing a pattern with no end goal! I can't wait to do all of the designs in this book- especially the samplers in order to improve my skills. I would definitely recommend this to beginners and seasons embroiderers alike!

I love the projects in this book and they are beautifully illustrated. The pictures give step by step instructions on how to create these beautiful designs.
Many thanks to Zakka Workshop and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This woman is incredibly talented. Each project comes with detailed instructions. Some of the instructions do not have photographs, which is the reason I deducted a star. Otherwise, a beautiful addition to your hand embroidery book shelf.

I've been looking of getting into embroidery and this book is perfect to do that. While the guides will take some time to fully understand, the author has done a great job of explaining and displaying instructions. There are so many great ideas in this books to try out.

This book is beautiful; the ideas, the photographs, everything!

I am just starting my embroidery journey, and this book feels a little advanced; for someone with more experience, this would be a great gift.
The instructions look simple enough, and I love the designs in this book. Very much looking forward to trying them out...one day!

Lovely projects made from linen fabric which enhance the often detailed embroidery.

All projects and designs are suitable for beginners. There are only four different kinds of embroidery stitches used for all designs. Each stitch technique is explained using pictures.

I loved this book - so much I bought a hard copy. the detail is amazing and the author has me convinced I can achieve something beautiful.

I took up embroidery during the early days of the pandemic and I fell in love with the calming sound of the needle, thread, and canvas. I'm still pretty terrible at it however in reviewing Beautiful Botanical Embroidery, I am encouraged to keep trying after seeing the beautiful and simple designs inspired by nature. Just thinking of sketching my own pattern and attempting it (loving a challenge) makes me excited. However, I often compare the picture perfect sample to my own and get deflated a bit, however these designs and minimalistic approach to the book are now high up on the 'challenge accepted' mentality. A beautiful book.

Great book very informative and had some creative stitches. I really liked the structure and format. The pictures were pretty useful as well

Pretty, fresh ideas for embroidering all sorts of items. Clear diagrams and instructions for effective stitching and construction of the items - and a variety of practical uses. I love that the author has not stuck to representing flowers and leaves exactly from nature, but has mixed and matched suitable elements to create the look she wants - so encouraging the development of the embroiderer's own creativity. I predict that I will use this book and its ideas a lot in my own work. Highly recommended. This is my voluntary review of a free copy of the book.

This book has some very beautiful and fun botanic embroidery patterns. I definitely recommend it for crafty people with a deep appreciation for nature.

This book has beautiful embroidery projects and easy to follow directions..I liked the fact that the projects were done on natural fabrics, including linen. The patterns and projects have a very organic feel. to them, and could easily be adapted to clothing or other projects as well.

Lovely designs. I enjoyed the theme of this book and found the diagrams and photos helpful. It's somewhat project focused, but that's useful if that's what you're going for. Easy to follow and helpful for sparking ideas.

Beautiful Botanical Embroidery by Alice Makabe is a simply elegant book of embroidery projects. If you are a fan of botanical embroidery these projects are stunning. I love the fact that the book is broken down into color schemes (i.e. white, green etc). The photographs are beautiful. The drawings/patterns are easy to follow. There are 30 projects in this book. Alice Makabe does a wonderful job.

I would like to thank the author, Zakka Workshop and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very elegant book with the most beautiful botanical motifs captured on beautifully linen fabric by hand embroidery.
The instructions are easy to follow and very well shown, with lots of information on technique and supplies. The book is divided into focus on different colours at the start, such as white tones, blue, pink, green and yellow. Further into the book the practical information is given with patterns and directions for the end project created..
A very glamorous book with good visuals and directions.

The title is a perfect fit! These are beautiful designs. As someone newer to embroidery, I appreciated the section detailing the basics of embroidery and covering the stitches needed for these designs as well as the helpful tips throughout. Designs range from single color and very simple designs to multi-colored, more complicated designs as the beginner gains confidence.

Thank you Zakka Workshop and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Excellent resource for various types of botanical embroidery and its application on different types of items. Would recommend if looking for botanical inspired patterns.