Art of Embroidery: History of Style and Technique
Synge, Lanto
The Royal School of Needlework-Antique Collectors’ Club, Woodbridge, UK, 2001
ISBN# 1-85149-359-X
The book sets out the political and social context in which the textiles were created. Synge also carefully identifies the works of the professional workshops versus individuals. Wonderful pictures illustrate the informative text and there are 2 nice long chapters on medieval and renaissance embroidery. SB
Intermediate

Art of Embroidery: Great Needlework Collections of Britain and the United States
Gostelow, Mary
EP Dutton, New York, 1979
ISBN# 0-525-93064-7
A survey of collections in Manor Houses, Cathedrals and Living History Centers, most of which is post 1600. Some of the early 17th C pieces are fun to see including a lot of canvaswork. SB
Intermediate

Apropos Patterns for Embroidery, Lace and Woven Textiles
Abegg, Margeret
Shriften der Abegg-Steftung, Bern, Switzerland, 1978
ISBN# 3-905014-13-0 or 3-7272-9005-6
Yes, it’s been reprinted and you too can own your very own copy. Hands down, this has to be the best book on comparing actual embroideries/lacework or that taken from period paintings with the patterns taken from period printed pattern books. From drawn work to lacework, the examples are astounding and mostly of 14th-17th century needlework. AG
Intermediate

Antique Needlework
Synge, Lanto
Blandford Books Ltd., Dorset, UK, 1982
ISBN# 0-7137-1007-1
Wonderful overview of needlework through the centuries. Clearly identifies the role of needlework and needleworkers in the social structure. Good pictures of typical examples in each major category. Out of print but worth acquiring through interlibrary loan to gain a working knowledge. SB
Intermediate

A Picture Book of English Embroideries; Part 1 Elizabethan
Victoria and Albert Museum
HMSO, London, 1933
A small pamphlet with an overview and black and white pictures of Elizabethan Embroidery. While interesting, most of the items displayed are shown in color in other books. This pamphlet was reprinted with minor changes in 1961 as Elizabethan Embroidery. SB
Intermediate

A Notebook of Sampler Stitches Book Two
Bennett, Eileen
self-published, Jenison MI, 1993
27 additional of the most common stitches as seen in early 17th C. samplers, including some reticella and lacis. Quite useful to a solid understanding of the stitches and how they were used. SB
Intermediate

A Notebook of Sampler Stitches
Bennett, Eileen
self-published, Grandville MI, 1990
50 of the most common stitches as seen in early 17th C. samplers. Quite useful to a solid understanding of the stitches and how they were used. SB
Intermediate