The Intentional Thread: A Guide to Drawing, Gesture, and Color in Stitch

I want to preface this review by saying that I love this book. It is fabulous, but I wasn’t as surprised or wowed as I thought I would be, not because of the quality of the book, but because it presented nothing new to me. Going through the pages was like going through the work in my studio or my archives. I started embroidering as a child. My mum showed me a few stitches I still use: running, backstitch, seeding, French knots and open and closed chain stitch. Though I loved drawing, I never used these stitches to make flowers, etc., I just worked them as I pleased in an abstract fashion, combining them, asking mum for different threads... When I moved from the South of France, (where embroidery equals Aida cloth and cross-stitch to this day), to London aged 18, I discovered an accomplished accomplice: Constance Howard. I found that a lot of the images in the Intentional Thread reminded me of those in Constance’s books.I took so many courses -though textile art remained a side-source of revenue until I was 37 when I took it up full time- the translating of mark-making into stitch has been always been my practice and figures in over 35 years of coursework or personal sketchbooks. My work has remained abstract and inspired by nature, texture, peeling paint, and the ‘try this’ sections have been covered by many a C&G course over the decades.I’m saying I might not have been surprised, but I was awed by this book.It is the first time since Constance Howard’s approach stitching in a different manner that I’ve been so excited by a textile book.For a few years now we have been showered with ‘slow stitch’ books, which frankly isn’t new but has become a fad. This book tackles slow stitching a lot without making it the author’s personal religion and discovery.Brandeis refers to it as a collating decades of her own sketchbooks. Her instructions are clear, her language isn’t patronising, doesn’t have that ‘look what I have invented!’ or ‘this is how I feel’ tone.It offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. I have never taken her classes but I imagine she is a fantastic teacher.Even though I often did double-takes when turning a page because her style is so close to the way I’ve always worked, the book remains delightful by its contents and beautiful photography.I would recommend it to absolutely anyone from beginners to professional textile artists. Whether it offers you a completely new approach or an affirmation of your methods, it is a ‘must’ addition to any textile art library.

A beautifully presented book full of inspiring ideas and helpful guidance.

I loved this book the stitch examples of texture were just what I wanted, to be used in research not a reading or instruction book. a good resource for the workroom library.

Being new to textile art I am guided by the reviews of those more experienced than myself. I am glad I got this beautiful book. The reviews led me correctly. There are ideas to try and for me this is an exciting adventure to embark on with threads and fabric. Tis book is good value for money.

Not quite as good as I was expecting, but there are some very interesting designs and would be useful for anyone interested in stitching.

I returned this as I thought it was for hand embroidery.

Without a doubt the best textile book you could buy. I'm a textile artist with a pretty comprehensive collection of books. This book is very obviously written by an expert with love for creative embroidery. I can't recommend it highly enough...buy it.

Useful as a reference book.