Book excerpt: This clear & concise reference guide shows readers how to use & combine every stitch to achieve the best decorative & textural affects. Loaded with enticing & accessible photographs. More than 200 decorative and practical stitches-fully illustrated and clearly explained. Stitch craft in Color: Stitch Sampler is a practical and inspirational guide to choosing and working a comprehensive range of stitches. Packed with color photographs of finished stitches and work in progress, it is an invaluable source of reference for embroidery, canvas work, dressmaking, and other needlecrafts. For quick and easy reference, stitches are grouped under the headings of outline and border, filling, openwork, and needlepoint stitches. Every stitch is accompanied by step-by-step instructions, and every stage of the working is illustrated with clear, annotated photographs. A time-saving information box shows the finished stitch close-up and includes advice on how to use it and which threads and background fabrics are the most suitable. Stitches are graded according to the level of skill required. Stitch Sampler features a unique photographic gallery, showing finished samples of each stitch for comparison and selection. The book also includes a practical section that demonstrates how to prepare threads and fabrics and how to select materials. Both an instructional manual for beginners and a source book for the more accomplished stitches, Stitch Sampler is the essential guide to modern needlework--Publisher description.