Today I went to the library in search of books on embroidery. No need to worry--I am not planning on stopping cross stitching. But I do admit that I have been watching Vero's progress on her "Rose Cottage" project and am absolutely entranced by her lovely work! I am not sure I could even do that type of freehand style embroidery (and all those french knots!), but I was hoping to find a book that at least had something similar. Alas, I found many books on embroidery, but nothing in that class! All the books seemed quite dated and not at all in the style that I would be interested in attempting. Does anyone know where you can find books or magazines (or do they sell charts?) that are as elegant as you see on Vero's blog? I have a feeling that she has gotten her projects from somewhere in France or possibly Australia. I hope to go to the bookstore this weekend, so I will be able to at least look at magazines. I know they carry a few foreign needlework ones.
I did come away with this book on punchneedle. Is there anyone who does punchneedle? This is something I have thought of attempting on and off for some time now. Although I don't really care for the designs in this book, it looks like it gives good instructions on how to do it and the materials you need to have. I know there are several (maybe more than I think) cross stitch designers who are also releasing punchneedle charts, plus there are always patterns in Create and Decorate magazine. I think I can easily buy the hook (or whatever you call the "needle" that is used) from Nordic Needle. It is just a matter of pricing out how much it would cost and then choosing one design to try. I suspect that I will always prefer cross stitch to other types of needlework, but it can be fun to try other techniques as well.