Monday, November 19, 2012

At Last, Jane Hall Opens Up

When Jane Hall published her first book, The Art & Embroidery of Jane Hall: Reflections of Nature, I was smitten.


I devoured every page and was impressed with her ability to capture the delicate, natural forms of flowers, leaves and butterflies while using needle and thread.  I was fairly desperate to know how she did everything.  And her first book left me wanting and disappointed.

I re-read the entire book twice from cover to cover just trying to decipher the smallest hints of technique.  But she gave only the briefest of clues.  And frankly, it left me feeling a bit sad.

That was until she published her next book which I pre-ordered and finally read this past weekend...
The Art of Embroidered Butterflies.


Finally she shares how she accomplishes such delicate precision...and I am so grateful.

She takes you with her on the walks through the meadows outside her home in the UK.  We see what she sees and then we are taken through her artistic process of how she translates the natural forms she studies into her own works of art.  


As someone who is seeking to create more precision in my own work, it's a thrill for me to absorb her prose and her process.  I highly recommend it to you, if nothing else than to soak in the beauty of her world, her supplies and her subjects.


That being said, this isn't a "project" book.  There are no patterns or supply lists.  And it's not likely that you will easily be able to copy her butterflies...she uses lots of antique silk threads and other supplies that are not so easily attained.

But you will be inspired and get new ideas for how to create more delicate and realistic embroideries.

Happy Monday everyone!

12 comments:

Heather M. said...

I'd wondered about her first book but it certainly looks like this new one needs to go on my Christmas list right away. Thanks for telling us about it.

Starr White said...

I also have her first book, and have read it many times. Such a wonderful source of inspiration. Looking forward to seeing this new book!

Shirlee Fassell said...

OMG I am doing butterflies right now!! I will definatly have to get her book. Thanks Susan

Wendy said...

I just ordered this book on Sat. and was hoping it would be a good one to own. Thank you for the heads up.

gracie said...

The book looks so beautiful....I am sure you will be able to stitch her butterflies!

Sarah Sequins said...

Wow, so beautiful and delicate!

Speaking of embroidery books, do you have Free Form Embroidery by Judith Baker Montano? A friend of mine reviewed it recently, and it looks awesome:

http://www.mixed-media-artist.com/2012/11/book-review-free-form-embroidery.html

It's definitely on my to-buy list. :)

margaret said...

Like many others I have her firt book, beautiful to browse through and will look out for the new one.The free form embroidery book by J B Montano I heard only today from amazon that it has been dispatched, have had it on pre order for a couple of months so will be itching to get my hands on it
Wondering if Jane Hall will be at the K & S show here in Harrogate this coming week, have met her at previous shows, will look out for her and pass your compliments on to her if she is there.

Rachel said...

That's two books at least that I need to look out for at the Knitting and Stitching Show in Harrogate. I wonder how I'll get everything home..

Anonymous said...

The second book really looks a joy. Thanks for pointing it out!

Createology said...

I can easily imagine you absorbing every stitch and detail of these beautiful butterflies.
Thanksgiving Blessings Dear...

Coeur de freesia said...

I also have her first book, and I really love it. Her embroidery is very delicate.
This new book will be on my christmas list !!

Unknown said...

You British just do things better. I live in Texas and thought my needlework was beautiful. But the magic British ladies weave is breathtaking.

Related Posts with Thumbnails