Sardinian Knot stitch a review

Sardinian Knot stitch a review

Sardinian knot stitch book I recently received in the mail a book titled Sardinian Knot Stitch: Interpreted by Gioja Ralui. The parcel was pleasant surprise from Jeanine of Italian Needlework.

I love the story of how Sardinian Knotted Embroidery came to be. Gioja Ralui is a pseudonym that combines the names of 4 women who met online and with a common interest in traditional embroidery techniques developed a friendship. This in turn resulted in a book,Sardinian Knotted Embroidery. So, it was with a big grin on my face that settled down further to read about this form of embroidery.

All over the globe there are groups of women who have taken an embroidery stitch and developed it into an embroidery style with patterns that have gone on to become part of their cultural story. Sardinian Knotted Embroidery is like that.

The preface outlines the history and mythology associated with this form of embroidery. This is followed with a discussion on materials traditionally used in this form of embroidery.

Sardinian knot stitchSardinian Knot Stitch is clearly illustrated with step by step photographs.

Sardinian knot stitch patternsAs you can see diagrams describe the patterns with clear instructions.

Sardinian knot stitch projects For me good photography is crucial to good embroidery books. The finished embroidery is clearly photographed

The 70 page book covers the uses of this stitch, and the main pattern motifs used in this style of embroidery. Names of patterns are usefully in both Sardinian and English. These translate into charming names such as “the little leaves”, “the heart”, “the teeth”, “the crosses” and “the spurs”. Also in the book there are 5 “non-traditional” projects in varying degrees of difficulty.

OK so how do I feel about Sardinian embroidery after reading this? I am not likely to work a traditional piece but I am likely to add some of the patterns to my band sampler. My eye is becoming more and more attracted to traditional styles and patterning. This means for me I think it is time to explore this traditional style in a non traditional manner! But I am a bit quirky as I am sure for many people Sardinian Knot Stitch will be the start of a wonderful journey into this traditional form of embroidery.

4 Comments

  1. Sharon, we thank you so much for the review! I’ve been in the States for a week at the EGA Seminar and had people tell me they had read this. I hope you’ll post pics of your Sardinian Knot Stitch bands when you do them! Thanks again!

  2. I have just read about this book on Mary Corbet’s website and thought it was so interesting to hear your take on it – good one to have on the shelf I would say.
    Many thanks
    El

    Eleanor Roome

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