Cristin Morgan - Hoop Dreams: Modern Hand Embroidery

For Abrams Editor: Emma Jacobs Cover Design: Deb Wood Design Manager: Danny Maloney Production Managers: Lindsay Bleemer and Kathy Lovisolo Library of Congress Control Number: 2017944958 ISBN: 978-1-4197-2926-3 eISBN: 978-1-68335-219-8 2018 Quarto Publishing plc Cover 2018 Abrams Published in 2018 by Abrams, an imprint of ABRAMS. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. Abrams books are available at special discounts when purchased in quantity for premiums and promotions as well as fundraising or educational use. Special editions can also be created to specification.
ABRAMS The Art of Books
195 Broadway, New York, NY 10007
abramsbooks.com Conceived, designed, and produced by Quarto Publishing, an imprint of The Quarto Group
6 Blundell Street
London N7 9BH For Quarto Editor: Kate Burkett Senior Art Editor: Emma Clayton Designer: Karin Skanberg Photography: Nicki Dowey and Phil Wilkins Art Director: Caroline Guest Creative Director: Moira Clinch Publisher: Sam Warrington QUAR.MDEM

CHAPTER 1:
JUST HOOPSCHAPTER 2:
FOR YOUR HOMECHAPTER 3:
FOR YOUCHAPTER 4:
TECHNIQUES AND STITCH DIRECTORY I can still remember my very first embroidery project: a celestially inspired half sun, half moon piece for a middle school art class.
ABRAMS The Art of Books
195 Broadway, New York, NY 10007
abramsbooks.com Conceived, designed, and produced by Quarto Publishing, an imprint of The Quarto Group
6 Blundell Street
London N7 9BH For Quarto Editor: Kate Burkett Senior Art Editor: Emma Clayton Designer: Karin Skanberg Photography: Nicki Dowey and Phil Wilkins Art Director: Caroline Guest Creative Director: Moira Clinch Publisher: Sam Warrington QUAR.MDEM CHAPTER 1:
JUST HOOPSCHAPTER 2:
FOR YOUR HOMECHAPTER 3:
FOR YOUCHAPTER 4:
TECHNIQUES AND STITCH DIRECTORY I can still remember my very first embroidery project: a celestially inspired half sun, half moon piece for a middle school art class.

I worked on it during bus rides to and from school for a week or two, head down, lost in my own world, clutching my large hoop in one hand and a plastic needle and acrylic yarn in the other. I remember marveling at the way the stitches combined to make something tangible and textural appear out of what was once just a hand-sketched design on a piece of white fabric. It was like magic. I think that piece won an award in my schools art show that year, but even more memorable were those bus rides spent practicing new techniques. It was during those precious few moments each day that I fell in love with embroidery. Since then, my love for embroidery has only grown.

Through lots of practice and curious experimentation, I honed my skills. Ive dabbled in other crafts throughout the years, including sewing, knitting, and felt work, but I always find myself drawn back to needlework. Even on days that feel endless, I look forward to quiet evenings curled up on the couch with my needle and thread. Embroidery is my creative outlet, my therapy, and a source of great joy. The thing I love most about contemporary embroidery is the freedom. You dont need to master countless ancient techniques in order to create something beautiful.

With just a few simple stitches, some basic materials, and a few extra minutes each day, you can stitch just about anything. I love using playful patterns and bold color palettes to bring even the simplest of motifs to life. Modern embroidery can be both beautiful and functional, and I strive to create pieces that can be enjoyed in everyday life. Whether youre BRAND NEW to the world of embroidery or an EXPERIENCED STITCHER, I hope this book will inspire you to pick up a needle!

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