Great information...but.......

This was a great book for information--small and easy to handle--instructions on the many stitches in great detail and easy to follow.

HOWEVER----the book itself is spiral bound at the top. Flip the first page to the back(built -in stand) to read. Turn around to read the next page, and so on and so on....every page must be rotated to read--all 191 pages. This book was extremely annoying to "turn the pages". Too bad--it's a great book otherwise.

Good Reference Book for Embroidery

This is a nice compact book to have as quick reference for certain stitches you may need to complete a project. Easy to understand the diagrams and the pictures of the finished stitch are really beautiful.

odd format

This is a beautiful little spiral-bound book designed to stand up on its own built-in easel. It's a very odd format. As you casually browse the book, half the pages are upside down because they're designed to be right side up when used on the easel. To read through you have to continually turn the easel back and forth.

While a stand-up book might be nifty, it's only 6"x5" and its small type and diminutive illustrations are difficult to read from any distance. The extra board and big metal binding make it a heavy addition to your sewing bag.

The format is redeemed by Judith Montano's excellent stitchery. I've always been a fan and learned silk embroidery from her earlier books. I'd prefer this stitch dictionary in a conventional format.

Essential Needlework Resource

Very durable, practical resource. An encyclopedia of illustrated stitches that will show beginners how to work the selected stitch. Illustrations very clear and easy to follow. Judith Baker Montano's Embroidery & Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool: 180+ Stitches & Combinations - Tips for Needles, Thread, Ribbon, Fabric - Left- & Right-Handed Illustrations

Judith Baker Montano's Embroidery & Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool

This is an excellent teaching and or reference book for all kinds of stitch work. The format is straight forward and easy to use, making it now my favorite. I am still learning same of the more complicated stitches. However as the author clearly states, all the stitches are simple, some just have more steps! I also appreciate how she encourages the use of all types of threads (ie. silk, linen, wool) and even thin ribbon to add verity and dimension to her work (and now mine). I can truly recommend this book as a keeper.