Early-Style Hardanger: Traditional Norwegian Whitework Embroidery

I am a self-confessed white embroidery addict, so I have been excited to receive my copy of this book. As with all Yvette’s work, Early Style Hardanger is beautifully presented with great attention to detail. The content is in three sections; first the history of the technique with suggestions for the right tools and materials, followed by the projects and then the extensive stitch tutorials in the final two thirds of the book. I was fascinated by the chapters describing the history of the Hardanger technique. I love how Yvette makes sure we know exactly how to pronounce the name early on, and explains many of the relevant Norwegian words for stitches. There are so many photographs of beautiful antique embroideries and luckily for us, I get the feeling that Yvette wanted to squeeze in as many fabulous examples as possible! It is so interesting to see how these embroideries were traditionally worn and used, and to understand how the Norwegian national dress developed into its present form. I can imagine many Hardanger enthusiasts in the worldwide stitching community are like me, in that although I know and love the contemporary embroidery form I had very little understanding of where the divide is between the original stitches/styles and those currently in use. Yvette goes into great detail to distinguish between the two, with photos comparing the materials used, the core stitches and the overall design preferences for early vs contemporary style. Whilst the early style form is recognisable as Hardanger to modern eyes, there are considerable differences with contemporary pieces, some of which I found surprising. This was probably my favourite part of the book! There are ten projects to follow and a good variety of finished items. The smaller designs include a Bookmark, Square Mat, Pin tin lid design, a Biscornu and decorative edging for a Christmas Stocking. The larger projects include a Table Runner, Cushion, Lampshade, Shirt and Apron. I have got my eye on the Biscornu, but I’m also excited about working the table runner and the lampshade. There are photographs and a book trailer video showing these projects on the Vetty Creations website. The Stitch Technique tutorials have all the hallmark Stanton detail we now expect. Both left and right handed instructions are available and colour coded for easy reference. Starting and finishing methods are included with suggestions for counting and trouble-shooting. There are several new filling and edging stitches that I’m looking forward to learning. Interestingly there are also several drawn thread borders and whilst I have seen these techniques together previously, I hadn’t realised the historical connection. The fabric used in these projects is widely available and a linen thread brand conversion chart is supplied in the appendix. All the materials required are available through the Vetty creations website; however for UK readers it is worth checking out lace making suppliers for linen thread. Sue Jones from the Tortoise Loft blog recommended Jo Firth Lacemaking & Needlecraft in West Yorkshire which carries the Bockens range of linen threads; one of the recommended brands. All in all, if you’re a whitework enthusiast this book will be just your cup of tea. And now … there’s a Biscornu with my name on it … just waiting to be stitched!

Another winner! This book is wonderful! I hesitated buying this one because I have Yvette's other Hardanger book, but it was well worth it. It was fascinating learning of the differences between Early Style 'Hardangersaum' and Contemporary Hardanger. Lots of projects, ranging from a cute but very pretty biscornu pincushion, to a full sized shirt with Hardanger cuffs and collar. The patterns are in a pocket at the back so they can be laid flat to follow, which is very thoughtful. As with all Yvette's books, the instructions and diagrams are absolutely superb. If you're experienced or brand new to the technique, you'll be pleased with this book.

Having started off with Stanton's 'Elegant Hardanger' volume, this promised to be an interesting next step. The traditional designs are worked more finely than the modern, typically using 36 count fabric, though Stanton thoughtfully gives the thread dimensions of each design to assist those who might not be comfortable at such a fine count. While the traditional designs are chiefly worked in strips within the body of a piece of fabric (no buttonhole edges) there is a range of interesting and challenging projects, and of course a whole variety of further stitches which one could happily add to more modern work. All stitches are explained for both right- and left-handed working, which adds somewhat to the length of the book; as a righty I cannot comment on how helpful this will be for the normally-neglected lefty. The historical information and examples shown are fascinating and the whole thoroughly enjoyable, though I would hesitate to recommend it to a complete beginner.

Fabulous. As a beginner this is just what I needed!

What a wonderful book! Full of information on the history of Hardanger. Yvette Stanton's book are wonderful for their detailed instructions. She works very hard to make sure you can successfully embroider the projects, and left handed embroiderers like me, are given detailed instructions on how to work the stitches and approach the design. Thank you Yvette!

Bought as presents. Beautifully presented book with clear instructions

Excellent guide - something for everyone, from beginners to experienced embroiderers!

Excellent book, giving history and details of the actual embroidery - how it differs from modern Hardanger

Very nice book. Well worth the money.

Ottimo acquisto. Arrivato nei tempi previsti. Ricco di spiegazioni con schemi passo passo dei singoli punti e con schemi completi dei lavori proposti. Anche per me che non conosco la tecnica è chiarissimo.

Sobre el ORIGEN del bordado HANDENGER.

I'm a lifelong stitcher and still do a ton of cross stitch; but it's fun to extend my repertoire into other techniques. I am stunned at how much I love this book: it exceeds all expectations. The layout is as follows: the first 20 pages illustrate a brief history of hardanger, named for Hardangerfjord an area in SW Norway wherein women who had been making traditional folk costumes since medieval times took European influences from whitework and adapted them into a unique style. The "bunad" or traditional formal dress was the result. Two of my favorite pages compare columns of close-up photos of traditional Hardangersøm (or Hardangersaum) stiches with modern examples. Then follow 28 pages of 10 suggested projects ranging from a small biscornu to a table runner to a blouse to a lampshade. Then there are 7 pages just to demonstrate how to begin the stitching in terms of materials and how to count and prepare the fabric for stitching. Next are 13 pages on the satin stitch, the foundation for the trademark kloster blocks as well as traditional shapes like petals and stars. Finishing techniques surprised me: there are no buttonhole edges, only hemstitch with mitered corners and knotted or "tooth" edging. Then she covers the standard eyelets--16 pages!--and classic shapes with woven and wrapped bars within kloster blocks like dove's eye and spoked wheel. Here's how meticulous the author is: a pretty variant of the dove's eye is displayed over 2 pages with drawings and explanation of 25 steps! Couldn't be more clear. Almost every page is filled with more photos and diagrams than text. The book comes to a satisfying end with thread suggestions, a Norwegian glossary and detailed index; but wait! there's more! In a sheer folder inside the back cover are patterns for all the projects! There are 2 pages of double-sided sheets of a whopping 27" x 18". But Ms. Stanton outdoes herself with the single side pattern for sewing and embroidering the blouse, printed on paper measuring 27" x 36"! (Reminds me of my mom spreading out the onionskin Butterick patterns to make my dresses as a child.) If I could have only one book on hardanger, I could be happy with this one. But I can also recommend these: Hardanger Embroidery Hardanger Basics and Beyond (anything by Janice Love) Fundamentals made fancy: Hardanger Hardanger Embroidery (Dover Needlework) Traditional Hardanger Embroidery (Dover Needlework) Hardanger Embroidery Get anything--books and supplies--from Nordic Needle: Hardanger Embroidery Favorites: With Complete Instructions - Book 1 Award-Winning Designs in Hardanger Embroidery 1979 Cross N Patch A Collection of Beautiful Stitches (anything from Emie Bishop of Cross 'n' Patch) and get this VIDEO or anything else authored by Jane Greenoff: Hardanger for the Horrified: Hardanger Embroidery Made Easy

初心者用です。ステッチの方法が簡単なものばかりなので、ある程度やっている方には物足りないと思います。