Empowered Embroidery

Empowered Embroidery by Amy L. Frazer is a collection of creative projects and patterns to learn embroidery. I picked up this book because I have just begun embroidering myself. This collection features basic stitches and also several powerful women throughout history such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Michele Obama, and Frida Kahlo to name a few.

I would love to eventually get many of these pivotal women. I do suspect this book is for more advanced embroiders but I appreciate that the end of the book comes with a useful list of supplies to get to begin embroidering.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As a beginner at embroidery, I greatly appreciated the step-by-step photos and instructions of things I've only seen online. Learning how to add dimension to my stitch work is something I'll begin to experiment with now that I have an idea how it's done. This is a great title for beginners as it addresses everything from basic supplies to how to transfer designs, another place I took notes. The portraits were not something I would stitch personally, but the designs were very beautiful and no so detailed a beginner could not be successful.

This is a book I'd love to own and gift to many women who embroider. I love the adorable and empowered embroiders and how colourful they are. I cannot wait to get my needles and start working on them. Excellent book.

Amazing! Amy L. Frazer has made such a fantastic job!
Her illustrations and embroidery are thoroughly made. So little details!
Thanks to her job, you can embroider these iconic women: Frida Kahlo, Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, Harriet Tubman, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Michelle Obama.
Stitches are clearly explained and the author gives useful tips too. You can even apply the thread painting technique, because it's very well explained too. Every part of the project is explained step by step, so as you can see, all you need is to get down to work.
I'd love to embroider Frida Kahlo!

Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster and NetGalley for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

What a different embroidery book! There is information for the beginning embroider, but this book is probably better with for someone with embroidery experience. But if you are looking to embroider strong women, this is the book for you! From Eleanor Roosevelt to Ruth Bader Ginsberg, there are very explicit directions.

I’m looking forward to embroider someone from this book to give to my young niece - girl power!

This is a great celebration of inspiring women. The book contains a guide to basic stitches, and patterns and instructions for six portraits. Not all of the patterns are equally strong, though Frida Kahlo is lovely.
It’s accessible enough for beginners, but for me the real value was in the vibrant design of the book and the infectious enthusiasm. The techniques could be used for any figure you have a sketch of. It gives you the confidence to do your own thing, and motivates you to experiment with creating artworks of your own heroines.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Empowered Embroidery is perfect for the novice stitcher and more accomplished stitchers alike.

The book starts with a review of a wide variety of materials that are useful to all embroiderers, but may seem foreign to someone just entering the craft. Something special about this book versus many other embroidery books is the detail given to how to perform various embroidery stitches.

Empowered Embroidery features 6 famous and influential women from history and a wide variety of techniques that will bolster anyone’s embroidery skills.

This is a beautiful book, and the projects use such a variety of techniques that it really was inspiring. The projects in the book are different from each other in exciting ways. To me, the choices of women themselves were honestly a little uninspiring. I think there are so many amazing women in history who've done amazing things that having two of them best known for being first ladies of the U.S. is maybe a little tired? As far as the instructions go, the steps were laid out nicely. I think for someone who wanted to use this book as inspiration for their own original embroidery portraiture, you'd better come in with some drawing skills! I thought it was cool that the embroidery instructions gave two views on how to do stitches based on whether you stab the needle through the fabric or keep it on the right side always, but I did find some of the instructions confusing. I had to read the backstitch instructions many times to know what was going on, and I already know how to backstitch!

Art Makers: Empowered Embroidery features instructions for illustration, basic stitches and embroidery techniques. Also the book includes 6 projects with portraits of famous women. I love the portraits of Frida Kahlo and Ruth Bader Ginsburg and I can't wait to start these projects. A great book for more advanced embroiderers. I only wish the book included more than 6 projects.

I love how 'women's work' has become a political and social tool. In the past I have shared books featuring quilts that have a message, teach history, and celebrate iconic leaders.

I have combined quilting with embroidery to create I Will Life My Voice Like A Trumpet which features embroidered images and words of female abolitionists and Civil Rights leaders and to make Remember the Ladies featuring the First Ladies.

The employment of women's work as political and social commentary can be traced back centuries.

Amy L. Frazer book Empowered Embroidery leads artists through her process of turning sketches into embroidered art that celebrates courageous women like Frida Kahlo (seen on the cover), Eleanor Roosevelt, and Harriet Tubman.

I have only used the basic stem stitch for my quilts. I was excited to learn how to incorporate more intricate embroidery into a design.

After reviewing the necessary tools and how-to of embroidery, and showing how she develops her sketches, Frazer uses her included projects to illustrate the process.

Specific stitches and how to employ them is detailed in ample photographs.

Empowered Embroidery is a fantastic resource for artists. It does assume an ability to sketch portraits to make original art. (I have also used copyright free images and photographs for some of my quilts.)

You do not need to be an experienced embroiderer. Frazer covers everything you need to know.

The stitches and techniques are transferable to any embroidered project. For instance, the step-by-step process of creating the multitude of flowers in the Frida Kahlo portrait are basic skills easily transferable to other projects. Frazer shows how to built layers of embroidery floss to create the dimensional feel of the flowers. The way Frazer creates eyes is also impressive, easily accomplished.

The portraits differ in style so each teaches new techniques. The Eleanor Roosevelt portrait uses running stitches. Maya Angelou is on a colored linen background. Harriet Tubman includes fused applique. Ruth Bader Ginsberg is thread painted. Michelle Obama includes favorite quotes.

This book will inspire you to celebrate your personal heroines and heroes through embroidery.

I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was around 3.5 stars for me.

The embroidery is beautiful! But I was expecting more patterns and options. The patterns included are beautiful but also very detailed and time intensive. There are patterns of inspiring women like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Michelle Obama, and Frida Kahlo.

There's helpful information on getting started with embroidery like how to choose your fabric and supplies as well as pictures of each stitch. Overall it's a helpful guide but not as in depth as I was hoping for.

Excellent step by step guide to embroidering portraits. I loved the close ups and details that really help both beginners and experienced stitchers. The designs are also really good. I wasn't expecting this book to cover thread painting or offer so many stitches. I also enjoyed how often Frazer really encourages you to play with the designs and that all combines to make this an especially excellent gift to a teenager or really any woman of any age interested in a new hobby.

A very useful guide, but a bit short, to get into the world of embroidery, or, as in my case, to know some things I didn´t know or to get some inspirational ideas to improve your creativity..

This was a great book! Loved the images of all the wonderful women. The author gives clear instructions while also giving the reader options to make the image their own. A wonderful and creative book to start your embroidery journey!

Empowered embroidery is a very well thought out book. The book begins with the standard overview of various supplies noting the authors favorite cloth and thread types. The book then provides a background on the research and creativity that the author took to creat these various templates and designs. The author further provides tips for researching and creating your own design projects. The stitching though limited on type provides a detailed guide fir the various way stitches can be used with examples of simple designs. The projects in this book are not some much complicated or challenging as they are time consuming. The effort put in is worth it however because the end result is beautiful. With that in mind the author provided a more comprehensive guide to starting the various projects that I have seen in terms of tracing and transferring the images. Patterns are directed around the following women: Frida Kahlo, Eleanor Roosevelt, maya angelou, Harriet Tubman, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Michelle Obama. The designs guides are very detailed with many pages committed to each design. The author further provides different options for various aspects of the design so readers may create their own personalized version. At the start of each women readers are provided with several inspirational quotes that represent what these stood/stand for in our society. Furthermore the author provides you with a handful of sketched for each women that a reader might turn into an embroidery piece. Many of the designs can be mixed and matched and techniques can be used on other templates.

This was a great book to look through! While the embroidery is above my skill level the book also goes over the sketching and layout/design pieces. There are basic instructions and patterns for the images, but the best part is having a modern take on this skill with exceptional women as the subjects!

Empowered Embroidery by Amy L. Frazer is a beautiful book! This is definitely for someone who has some experience, but the designs of these 6 fabulous women are extraordinary. The instructions are clear with step-by-step directions and pictures. I only wish there were more projects.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group-Walter Foster for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.

Pros: My favorite part of this book was the introduction by the author/artist to know her inspiration in creating this book—learning about strong women. The author/artist’s turning to art during the pandemic is both relatable and inspiring. Another favorite part of this book is that the author/artist treats each portrait as a research project and encourages the reader/embroiderer to do the same.

In an incredibly stressful year like 2020 and now 2021, creating art through embroidery is a fantastic way to distract my hands from social media. Although I have embroidered tea towels using iron-on transfers, I’d never thought about creating portraits with embroidery until I read this book. Although I haven’t made an attempt yet, I know that RBG’s portrait would be my first project. Not only was I inspired by this book to attempt portraits, I also learned new stitches and techniques.

Cons: Although the author/artist does a great job making this book accessible to embroiderers of all skill levels, including beginners, there might be some embroiderers who struggle to learn by reading a book. For those visual learners, I suggest watching some how-to videos on YouTube to supplement what they learn in this book or signing up for one of the author/artist’s own workshops!

Thank you to NetGalley and Quatro Publishing Group - Walter Foster for the opportunity to read this book!

I am an absolute beginner at embroidery so I have to admit being a bit scared to tackle these patterns. However the designs are beautiful and the book is laid out so well I know I'll have no trouble.

I think this is a great book for beginners to experienced embroiderers. All of the frequently asked questions you can think of are elaborated on in the beginning of the book. Materials needed to pattern idea generation are all covered. There are also comprehensive stitch guides with visual aids given for all foundational and advanced stitches needed for the patterns. The patterns themselves are easy to follow and include a stitch and color guide. The patterns themselves are well thought out and will be a fun project for a first time stitcher to an experienced embroidery artist.

Folks, we all know I'm a cross stitcher but I've always wanted to branch out. Problem is, I can't draw to a standard my picky brain wants, & everything has to be perfect 1st time or it isn't worth doing. Hi, Aries. Up until today, I've always thought embroidery was too hard. *cough* pandemic sampler *cough*
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Amy's book, however, has answered questions I didn't know I wanted to ask & gave me quite a few lightbulb moments. Suddenly, all the overwhelming pieces made a lot more sense.
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I can't say I'm going to immediately rush out to get more supplies but there's a new excitement in my mind. I'm realising how many avenues this opens up for me. I'm also imagining projects that aren't either or. This isn't unique I'm sure, but it's been a while since I felt that creation buzz for something new.
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This book hasn't been released yet but keep you can pre-order via link in @amylfrazer 's bio.
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Art Makers: Empowered Embroidery published by @quartocreates on March 2, 2021.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Reposted from @amylfrazer

This is a lovely book with some amazing projects in it. It is well planned moving from the basic equipment and stitches to elaborate designs. It seems to cover everything you would need though I have to confess to feeling slightly overawed by the fact I would need to draw my design to start. The explanations look clear and explicit and are supported by lovely photos and illustrations.

This book covers a wide range of female American icons, which aren't necessarily to my taste, but I think they could easily be adapted (drawing aside!) to any character of your choice with a little thought.

I work in the library of an academic school so I don't think we would stock it but for anyone creative this would be a welcome addition to their bookshelves.

Amy Frazer has created the loveliest book for needle workers of all levels, from beginners to experts. She starts with the basics, tools and supplies needed, drawing ideas, stitching techniques, the usual topics of any stitchery book. What really makes this book stand out however is her detailed instructions and tutorials on face painting with thread. This is something I have long been interested in learning to do and this book does not disappoint. Her step-by-step details have me excited to try out my first face painting with thread. Embroidery is no longer just making pillowcases and potholders; it is serious art! This book belongs in every serious stitcher’s library. I thank NetGalley and the publisher, Walter Foster Publishing, for the opportunity to read it for my honest opinion. I gave it four stars.

I often do not like artistic renderings of humans into embroidery patterns. The lines don't seem to work well, but the patterns in this book do a very good job of keeping the individual's likeliness in a truer fashion. The only one that I think doesn't seem to hit properly is Michelle Obama's and I think if you edited one or two lines that would fix the issue.

Totally into the idea of having a Harriet Tubman embroidered hoop!

I received a copy of this book for my review, but all opinions are my own.

This book is an absolutely wonderful guidebook, leading the way into fully self-empowered creativity and embroidery-style stitching. It is also a permission slip to jump heart-first into your very own style of stitched or multi-media creativity, with your imagination leading the way.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS BOOK:
* This book is GORGEOUS- beautifully and colourfully put together in such a way that makes me want to start creating right away. I love that this book is so bright and full of amazing illustrations. Before I even started to read it, I had to flip through every single page to see what jewels awaited me.

* I just LOVE how the author describes her own method for creating patterns to embroider, and continues to urge readers to make each piece their own. This absolutely sets this book apart - and where the EMPOWERED portion of the title stands proud. Not only can you make your own version of the patterns that she has provided, but you can also create your own portraits and/or text embroideries using her easy-to-follow method. Each reader is handed their very-own permission slip to stitch whatever and however they want to, based on their own unique interests. Personally, I think that people would be a lot more willing to try out their own creative muscles if the teaching of all arts was as encouraging as this book.

* I have done some embroidery in the past - usually as a means to visibly mend and/or embellish clothing and accessories. I have done a bit of counted cross-stitching as well. I feel relatively comfortable with a needle in hand, though these are by no means my go-to creative method (like knitting is). Simply put, I am not a complete novice, but I am neither a skilled stitcher. With that caveat, I personally think that the instructions for both individual stitch types and all patterns in the book are very easy to follow.

* I usually really like learning things like this in a workshop setting because I feel like you can learn better from the presenter’s own personal mistakes that way. But in Empowered Embroidery, there are all sorts of little ‘tips’ and ‘tricks’ scattered throughout that achieve the same result. The author obviously wants to make her readers feel comfortable and supported as they practice this new skill.

* There are patterns included of six iconic women: Frida Kahlo, Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, Harriet Tubman, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Michelle Obama. The author not only walks readers through the process of embroidering their own project of each, but she also includes various ways in which you can make each differently. In this way, each pattern can be made by everyone from a very anxious novice, to the more adventurous creative, to someone who only needs vague suggestions before running off in their own direction. Honestly, these is a very hard balance to attain when teaching, and I think it has been done marvellously in this book.

WHAT I DISLIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK:
* I would have liked to see more progression of easy projects through to much more difficult. I’m not sure the given patterns are even in order of difficulty - they all seem much the same level, except for the second last (Ruth Bader Ginsburg). I would really have liked to see at least one pattern a bit more filled in, but less intimidating that the facial embroidery of RBG.

* Personally, the patterns given aren’t really my style. I still think that the book is fabulously executed, well laid-out, and explained wonderfully. Plus, it definitely gives the reader permission to create whatever they might be inspired to. I am sure that I could often reference this book for its creative method - but I don’t think I will make any of the patterns as they stand, unless I was making a gift for one of my feminist friends.

Ultimately, this book is a real winner. Whether you are new to embroidery, or already know how to stitch but want to venture into portrait making, this Empowered Embroidery is a solid choice.

Thank you to the author, Amy L Frazer, NetGalley and the publisher, Walter Foster Publishing, for an e-book copy of this title in return for an honest review.

This book hit at the perfect time: the pandemic has forced us all to rexamine our hobbies and some have looked for brand new ways to express their penchant for arts and crafts. Frazer's book hits the spot.
Presenting the age old art of embroidery in fun and modern ways, it works as an inspiration of what can be done. Although perhaps a bit too advanced for beginners, it's still a vision board for aspiring artists looking for something to while away the hours, not unliked our forebearers in this art before us.

This was a really great idea for doing embroidery, making transfer designs of some of our strongest women onto fabric.

I know how to embroider, but it’s always good to get easy to see and read details. The book provided this well. It went over the diffère types of Embroidery Thread, How to Do Different Stitches, Best Supplies to use to Draw and Transfer Designs.

My favorite designs that the book has are Kahlo Kahlo, Maya Angelou, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

So, I love new craft books and this is an especially good one.

Thanks to NetGalley, Amy L. Frazier, and Quattro Publishing Group for an ARC.

I am grateful to have received a digital edition of Empowered Embroidery, by Amy L. Frazer, through a request on NetGalley.
I enjoy embroidery as a very occasional and casual hobby and know little of it except what I have learnt from my mother and grandmother and grandaunts. I have been growing more keen over ways to increase my skill as well as commitment towards embroidery, and I found this book to be an inspiring and guiding force for the same. While I am nowhere near starting projects of the stature expressed within the book itself, the book itself is so explanatory about the basics of embroidery, including all the tools used and illustrated examples of various types of stitches, that it also becomes an ideal means to encourage yourself to practice as well as learn more.

The illustrations inside the book are pleasant and colourful, adding to the overall experience of taking in creative expressions.
The choice of the projects, creating embroidered images of inspiring women, and the author's brief explanatory note over the reason for the same feels like a connecting medium to the author. We have all been suffering in various ways for over a year now, struggling with grief, anxiety and loneliness - the products of the pandemic, and learning from challenges has been a motivating force, and creativity an outlet for growth and better mental health.

The moment the review is posted, I am hunting about the house (I am currently staying with someone else), for various scaps of clothing, threads and a needle, to practice a little embroidery today. And hopefully, I will keep going. :)

I am so thankful to the author for this book, and I am sure it is a source of comfort for many. I love that the author suggests how one may even take the projects as a guide towards creating embroidered portraits of others who are meaningful in your life. Notes like this from the author truly insure a sense of kindness and warmth to the book, beyond instruction.

Just like the author, my mother and grandmothers and aunts and grandaunts have been so important to me. Perhaps there will be a project dedicated to them through me, inspired only from this book. Thank you, again!

This book is gorgeous.

It starts by going through the materials needed, and looks at different options when it comes to essentials such as needle, thread and hoops.

It then takes you through the creative process of choosing and drawing out a design, followed by a stitching guide and techniques section.

Finally it takes you through step by step guides to embroider each Empowering woman, Frida Kahlo, Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, Harriet Tubman, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Michelle Obama.

The designs in this are beautiful, and the book contains enough information on skills and techniques needed that I feel it would allow me to complete them.

ARC kindly received from Net Galley and Walter Foster Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

This is an excellent embroidery book. Although it includes all the information you need as a beginner, I’d say it was more aimed at intermediate to experienced stitchers. There are patterns, stitches, history and different techniques to use.
A really enjoyable read and I think I’ll have to give a portrait and whirl now!

Empowered Embroidery: Transform sketches into embroidery patterns and stitch strong, iconic women from the past and present by Amy L. Frazer
Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster
Genre: Arts & Photography | Crafts & Hobbies
Release Date: March 16, 2021

Empowered Embroidery by Amy L. Frazer is a beautiful guide for embroidery.

The beginning of the book explains the basics of embroidery, including tips & tricks, as well as various stiches. The author also explains how to transfers designs and sketches onto the fabric.

The patterns provided are exquisite! There is so much detail provided, along with specific instructions on hoe to create the detailing. I wish I was more experienced with embroidery so I could try to create these beautiful works of art!

I would definitely recommend this book to someone who is experienced in embroidery and is looking to create beautiful works of art featuring strong and iconic women!
I'm so grateful to Amy L. Frazer, Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Every page of Empowered Embroidery is beautiful to behold. From the illustrated equipment list to little flourishes alongside the instructions, a lot of thought was put into making sure that all of the finishes of the book are bright, colorful, and fun to experience. Frazer's basic stitch descriptions and diagrams are clear and easy to understand. She gives the necessary foundations to tackle the projects in the book, which do admittedly look intimidating. The projects themselves have articulate, step by step instructions, with enough photos to guide crafters through. The designs radiate joy and pride in a way that's inspiring to see. I must add to any crafter's bookshelf!

With the return of embroidery's popularity, this book provides the opportunity for developing your skills in the area of thread painting. The illustrations that accompany the instructions are so clear that anyone from beginner to expert embroiderer will be able to accomplish these projects. Furthermore, the skills learned with this book are transferable to other thread painting projects.

This is a great addition to your embroidery library and even makes a great gift! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley but the thoughts expressed are my own.

As a novice embroiderer myself, Amy L. Frazer masterfully breaks down the process of creating your own portrait style embroidery project. This book beautifully uses color and an artistic layout to draw the readers eye in and keep their attention. The beauty of the project that Frazer includes in this book is that the stitch maps are technically suggestions and allow for embroiderers of varying skill to take the patterns and make them their own. I would recommend this book to anyone with a basic sewing background who wants to explore the beautiful art of embroidery!

This book is beautifully designed. I love how it demonstrates all aspects of the process, starting with finding inspiration and sketching through to how to do different embroidery stitches and even what the reverse side of her embroidery looks like! The six projects depicting inspiring women can be completed as they are, or there are also suggestions of how to adapt them, for example including different quotes.

I received a copy of this beautifully crafted book for my honest opinion from Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group.

What a gorgeous craft book! The illustrations give the book, a homegrown, relaxed feel. This is what craft is all about images of the artist's work. Of course the "cover girl" Frida Kahlo is my favourite with attention to detail including flowers, leaves, a detailed necklace, and a banner. I just wish I had the opportunity to read a paper copy as such a text relies on paper weight. I hope that the publisher has dedicated high-quality paper for this book to match the outstanding, nature of the images.

With many influential women to chose from, I hoped there were more iconic women present in the book. I would have loved to see Princess Diana, Amelia Earhart, or Wilma Rudolph. This was the only thing that let me down. The devil's advocate is that each woman in the book is drawn with outstanding attention to detail.

This book should be in any feminist's, embroidery craft kit.

This is a wonderful embroidery book for beginner and experienced feminist embroiderers alike. Truly inspiring folks to reach out and build their own embroidery as well as to explore the stories of the icons. The projects in this book are shown in a way that is great for beginners and easily adaptable for those that want to make it their own. Every feminist looking to do some needlework should get a copy of this book and share these projects with family and friends.

Amy L. Frazer book Empowered Embroidery leads artists through her process of turning sketches into embroidered art that celebrates courageous women like Frida Kahlo (seen on the cover), Eleanor Roosevelt, and Harriet Tubman. Stitches are clearly explained and the author gives useful tips too. You can even apply the thread painting technique because it's very well explained too.

I enjoyed this book; it does a good job of helping stitchers to create their own patterns. While the subject matter covered here is people you admire, the techniques would work for any subject you wanted to make a pattern of. I will say this would probably suit an experienced stitcher more than a beginner, as some of the stitch how-to's I found a little hard to follow. The introductory "what you need" chapter was good, and the explanation of different types of fabrics was very helpful. The part about creating your design was well explained, and had lots of inspiration, and left me feeling like I could actually create a decent pattern myself! There are six projects in the book to practice with, and/or to give you ideas to work into your own pattern. Frazer's patterns are pretty cool, and each shows something new and different from the other patterns, so they will increase your learning. Overall, a really fun and useful book, perfect for any stitcher's stash!

#EmpoweredEmbroidery #NetGalley

I usually like to crochet. But I found some really nice stitching books.
And this here is one of them. I started to do some work on Jackets and bags and I am giving them to my friends and they really like it.

This book it nicely structured and good if you are a beginner ,like me.

Thanks for letting me read this book

4 stars

This pattern book has detailed portrait (and beautiful!) designs for 6 women role models (mostly known in the US), including Frida Kahlo, Harriet Tubman, & RGB. There is a basic stitch guide, but based on the difficulty level of the projects I’d recommend these patterns for those with intermediate to advanced embroidery skills.

[What I liked:]

•There is a decent basic guide to choosing tools & supplies, with detailed pictures in the stitch guide.

•There is a short section of the book dedicated to the creative process of designing your own patterns, making preliminary sketches, refining the line drawings to a completed design, & scanning them into digital format for pattern transfer.

•For the portraits that involve thread painting & not just outline work, there is a guide (visual + text) on stitch direction. Plus, each pattern has a color guide, & detailed photos of how to step-by-step do detail work like facial features.

•There is a nice variety of art styles (texture, color schemes, etc.) among the patterns.


[What I didn’t like as much:]

•I really appreciate the info on turning hand sketches into digitized patterns, but I wish there was more detailed info on this (digitizing, resizing, cleaning up the design in digital format, what softwares or tools to use, etc.) I’ve been looking for materials on digitizing patterns for awhile, but not finding much.

[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]

There are so many good things about this little embroidery book by Amy L. Frazer. The author takes the time to show the development of her style and art. Her style is painterly, using color and stitches during the process of creation. The feminist-inspired patterns are very good, and the color choices are inspiring. I particularly like her Frida Kahlo, Maya Angelou and Ruth Bader Ginsberg pieces. Frida for her color choices, Maya for the floral pattern of the dress, and Ruth for her thread painting technique. One of the best things Frazer provided was to show the back of an embroidery piece and how it should look. This is so valuable to those new to embroidery, and I have never seen done before in any book. Frazer said one thing that will stick with me: if she can thread it through a needle she will sew with it. This gives the reader permission to experiment with needles and threads in the best possible way. This is a nice addition to a sewing collection.

4☆ An Educational and beautifully presented Craft Book

I am very new to embroidery and wanted to have a look at a new skill as I have been shielding since last year March!

Not only is this book beautifully illustrated with full step by step instructions, it also pays homage to some amazing women who have empowered and inspired others all around the world.

This book is very educational, inspiring and creative. It gives the reader everything they would need to get started with embroidery. It explains what equipment you would need to purchase, it goes through stitches and techniques, understanding how to read embroidery maps and more.

As I said before I'm a beginner and to be honest I've purchases some embroidery kits and they are so confusing I've just put them to one side. But with this book it has helped me to understand the stitches that I will need and it has made it a lil less daunting, so for that I'm grateful!

Would I recommend reading this Delightful book?
Well on a kindle format it proved to be a little challenging as I found myself zooming in and out, so would recommend purchasing a physical copy instead.

'Empowered Embroidery' is such a fabulous book full of creative inspirations, incredible women, fabulous imagery and exquisite stitching. I love the breadth of stitches and women, and the step-by-step instructions for embroidering such empowering women are really accessible.

A book not only about embroidery but also about strong women. It's perfect to learn more about these women and to have an awesome embroidery project for this month of March. I am still a beginner and I do not possess the skills to create such beautiful pieces as pictured in the book but it certainly makes me want to get better, I am definitely trying some if the projects to see what I can do.
The illustrations are great and the instructions clear enough.

When I say this book, I was not sure whether I would like it - I'm glad I took the chance because it is a fabulous book, not only of some brilliant women, but the techniques of capturing these faces via embroidery is just so exciting. Why? because the book explains how to capture a face by first drawing, then getting the colours and methods of embroidering the facial features expertly.
There are patterns of the women shown for those that are happy to do them, but it opens the possibility of designing many other face. Including capturing eyes, mouth, depth of features, background and much more all with stitches which are well explained.
I really love this book

Beautiful book with great descriptions. I love the diagrams, but felt this was a bit more than I was willing to try and tackle as a beginner. I think experienced embroiders will enjoy this book.