Effie Mitrofanis is a researcher and tutor of creative and traditional hand embroidery and exhibits and lectures regularly throughout Australia and internationally. She has studied embroidery and needle lace in the UK, Italy, Greece, China and India. She has published numerous articles in the World of Embroidery, UK, and magazines in Australia. She has a passionate interest in the art, pattern and texture of embroidery, its history, its makers and techniques.

• Introduction Section 1: Fabrics, threads and equipment * Preparation of fabric and frames * Transferring the design to fabric * Environmental safety * Laundering, pressing and storing embroidery Section 2 - Borders of open work: Hints and Tips * Border of open work edged with Antique hem stitch * Securing edges with Buttonhole Stitch and Decorative Embellishments * Border of open work edged with Four-sided Stitch * Border of open work edged with Satin Stitch Section 3 - Square border of open work edged with Antique Hem Stitch Section 4 - Open work patterns Section 5 - Surface stitches: General hints * Bullion Stitch * Chain & Whipped Chain * Buttonhole Eyelet * Buttonhole Shading * Eyelet * French knot * Woven Picot Section 6 - Finishing: Tassels * Plaited fringe * Twisted cord * Wrapped & Beaded Cord * Buttonhole Bars & Loops * Hems * Ladder Stitch * Knotted Buttonhole Insertion Section 7 - Projects: Greeting Cards. Bookmarks. Roses Drawstring Purse. Sampler Panel. Harlequin Pouch. Pearl Purse. Journal or Book Cover. Pot Pourri bag or Glasses case. Table Decoration/Runner. Sachets. Serviette. Diamond and Pearls Bag. Apricot Pocket, Bag or Cushion. Lime Green Daisies Book Bag. White On White Cushion, Table Mat or Tray Cloth. Tote Bag, Container, Cushion. Index

Dec 07/Jan 08It's great to see traditional techniques used in a more contemporary way. Drawn thread work is often used to imitate lace techniques, but combined with needleweaving and embellished with surface stitches worked in colourful threads and ribbons, it has a much more vibrant personality. Clear photographs and diagrams accompany the step-by-step instructions for all of the techniques, and you can put them all into practice on the projects, which include bookmarks, greetings cards, a table mat etc.