This RSN compilation is written by eight qualified RSN graduates and tutors: Helen McCook (Goldwork), Sarah Homfray (Silk Shading), Kate Sinton (Stumpwork), Shelley Cox (Bead Embroidery), Becky Hogg (Blackwork), Lizzy Lansberry (Whitework), Rachel Doyle (Canvaswork) and Jacqui McDonald (Crewelwork).

• 5 Contents8 The Royal School of Needlework10 About this book12 Materials and equipment14 Threads and needles16 Fabric18 Design22 Using colour24 Choosing stitches26 Framing up: ring frame and slate frame30 Transferring a design34 Mounting your work38 Starting to stitch39 Essential stitches42 Crewelwork: a history, specialist tools needed, stitches, building up a design, projects 98 Canvaswork: a history, specialist tools needed, stitches, building up a design, projects 144 Blackwork: a history, specialist tools needed, stitches, building up a design, projects 180 Silk shading: a history, specialist tools needed, stitches, building up a design, projects 232 Goldwork: a history, specialist tools needed, stitches, building up a design, projects 282 Stumpwork:a history, specialist tools needed, stitches, building up a design, projects 320 Whitework: a history, specialist tools needed, stitches, building up a design, projects  350 Bead embroidery: a history, specialist tools needed, stitches, building up a design, projects 384 Index

In one word wow. Any embroidery enthusiast will doubtless flick through this book hundreds of times. This beautifully illustrated hefty tome shows stitches, numerous examples of work and projects. You'll find step by step stitch guides plus historical and contemporary interpretations of crewelwork, canvaswork, goldwork, whitework, blackwork, stumpwork, silk shading and bead embroidery. The blackwork section from Becky Hogg is my favourite. The stitch guides were previously published in the Essential Stitch Guide series of books. This resource also includes a section on mounting work. Lavish, informative, practical and inspiring - it forms the basis of a standard reference on embroidery from the highly acclaimed Royal School of Needlework.