Celtic Art in Cross Stitch

by Barbara Hammet

Book Overview

Designer Barabara Hammet combines both practical skill and interpretive vision in this new and exciting collection of cross stitch projects. Drawing her inspiration from the surviving examples of the art of ancient Celtic kingdoms, she's produced a series of stunning re-workings of the classical Celtic swirling shapes and sinuous forms that are at once both modern and timeless. Projects include pin cushions, needle cases, bookmarks, box lids, cushions,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0715312138
• ISBN13: 9780715312131
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: David & Charles
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 1.67 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 8.9" x 11.3"

Customer Reviews

Thanks to Barbara Hammet

This book is very important for the publishing format very coloured and for an explanation of the single works very effective.Very interesting the historical search that is characteristic of all works of Barbara Hammet.

Lots of possibilities

I received this book as a birthday gift at the same time I received Carol Phillipson's "Celtic Cross Stitch Designs." It says "over 75 beautiful designs" on the cover; online purchasers should be aware, however, that only approximately 25 of the designs are individual project designs -- a few relatively large and complex (including two different pillow tops, a tablecloth design, a firescreen, and a picture of two Celtic peacocks) and then several more fairly small and quick coordinating projects (such as a 4x4 inch scissors keeper pillow, a key ring design, and a couple of bookmarks). The major themes/designs are as follows: *a set of small but lovely knotwork-design stitchery items (shown on the cover of the book) *a purse-purse mirror-keyring-glasses case set done in scrollwork and swirls in muted colors "to reflect the colours and textures of rocky landscape" *a picture of a pair of peacocks adapted from the Book of Kells and stitched in very vibrant colors *a notebook cover, paperweight, bowl lid, and card in celtic key patterns (worked in just one color on a black background) plus two bookmarks (two colors each) *a picture of golden dragons with knotwork around them stitched on a black background, also *four variations on small, round intertwined serpent designs worked in pastel colors *a Durrow circle firescreen in red, gold, and green, with a large central disc and then two angular knotwork bands at the top and the bottom *two throw pillows (one birds, one hounds) worked in pastels similar to those used in the snake designs *a cat-with-interlaced-birds bell-pull done in muted but not quite pastel colors *and finally, an extremely elegant-looking tablecloth and napkin set using La Tene-style designs in shades of gray-blue. The other 50 designs are a "Celtic Motif Library" of borders, small knots, small animals, and so forth which could be used for a variety of purposes. I think that Phillipson's book is likely to result in a greater number of projects for my own stitchery, primarily because it included a larger number of distinct project designs, but I still definitely like this one very much and I'm happy to own both. There are a number of very beautiful projects, most of the major designs would be easily adaptable to projects other than those shown in the book, and the motif library is likely to prove useful, as well, since I do a fair bit of improvising my own designs. For novice stitchers who primarily want to work projects precisely as they are printed in books, the Phillipson book might make a better first choice, but this one would be excellent for anyone who has a specific interest in any of the major designs included in it (all of which are quite nice) or who enjoys futzing around with design elements, as I do.

Unique designs

This book was exactly what I was looking for. All patterns are in colour and easy to follow. The unique designs are well interpreted. I use this book for beading and not cross stitch- the patterns work well.

Flowing colors, soothing rhythm

When I first looked through this book of designs, I thought "no way--too complicated". The beauty and flowing lines appealed to me, so I looked closer. The charts were easy to understand and labelled very clearly. I tried one of the simpler projects and was hooked. Barbara Hammet introduction helps you understand the symbolism of the Celtic forms. I can hardly wait to start the next project.

Elegant, extraordinary designs. Beautiful!

The designs in this book are mesmerizing. My jaw dropped when I got mine in the mail, I couldn't believe how gorgeous they were. The best part is that the patterns are large and easy to follow, and in full color. There are intricate patterns and simple patterns, some are lively and colorful and some are more muted. All of them are just amazing tributes to Celtic art. There are so many beautiful projects to choose from, and the motif library is a wonderful resource for your own projects you dream up. I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed!