Book excerpt: Shadow work embroidery is a beautiful needlework technique using sheer fabric to show a "shadowed" effect of the stitched threads covering the design from underneath the fabric. Allison Seils teaches beginning & advanced stitchers everything they need to know to begin working in shadow work embroidery, giving complete descriptions of materials, equipment & techniques. Her text is clearly & completely illustrated, demonstrating each step. She gives special attention to handling & working with silk threads & fabric. This book also includes over 85 original shadow work patterns, many of which are illustrated with specific applications in adult & children's clothing & other useful & beautiful objects for home or gifts. Readers will be delighted by 8 full-color pages of beautiful shadow work stitched projects. You will work in an atmosphere of Victorian charm, enhanced by poetry, articles & lovely engravings drawn from ladies' magazines of the day. With the popularity of silk threads & shadow work embroidery, this book is a must for your needlework collection. To order call: (303) 841-0631, or write: Contessa Patterns, 5749 North Stetson Court, Parker, Colorado 80134.