White work with colour.

Binda, NSW, Sally Milner Press, 2016  ISBN: 978 1 8635 1496 5  256 pages

In her brief introduction, Trish Burr suggests that white work with colour is seriously addictive, so readers beware! Her books are seriously addictive. I have more than I care to own up to.Trish recommends using natural fabrics, linen or cotton, which should have very high thread counts. I understand that Ribbon Rose have ordered in the 1200-1400 count linen pre-ferred by Trish. All projects can be stitched in DMC stranded cotton, although there are a few other threads suggested, such as white floche and Gloriana silks. However Trish always gives the DMC alternative. I really like this as those on a limited budget can still embroider the projects. Trish, a thoughtful teacher, has included a chart on page 19, which clearly lists the alternative threads and the number of equivalent strands needed for all the stitches where the alternatives are used.Useful equipment is listed for the projects. Do you own an aficot? Do you know what it is? Me neither, but you can use your thumbnail instead. A comprehensive section on preparation prior to stitching follows. Very detailed, it is written in Trish’s usual clear, logical style, illustrated with clear photos and diagrams. There are a few pages each about colour, stitches and padding, again accompanied with attractive, explicit illustrations.The projects are divided into three levels – there is one for beginners, three for intermediates and thirteen for experi-enced stitchers. They are exquisite, gorgeous, different, or all three. Each has the outline to trace, a materials list, a stitch diagram and explicit instructions, all with step-by-step clear photos. They are so inviting. The projects are not all girly, although there are those too, but check out the zebra’s head, the owl, the lion and my favourite – the VW beetle on page 86, which made me laugh. How many of us have fond memories of these utilitarian wee cars? Some of the projects have two colour way choices, an added bonus. Not all of the pretty projects are floral. There are a couple of scenes inspired by an artist’s work, which are a wee bit OTT for my taste but over all there is a delightful variety of projects to choose from.

There is something very attractive about Trish Burr’s writing. It is so encouraging and inviting that anyone would feel inspired to try her projects. Having said that, I admit, somewhat ruefully, that despite being enticed by her books, I have yet to actually try even one of the projects…so much inspiration, so little time. This year…Maybe…

The book is available at Ribbon Rose, The Embroiderer and online, through Book Depository. If you want to have a look at it before buying, the guild library has a copy as do Auckland Libraries.

Erica Marsden