"Author Nancy Spies presents over 400 charted patterns drawn from authentic medieval sources. The patterns – imaginary creatures, animals, birds, people, lettering, etc. – can be adapted for embroidery, weaving, mosaics, etc. by anyone familiar with graphed designs. Seventeen color plates. Documentation and sources provided for all patterns."

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Has anyone here seen this in person? I am tempted to buy it based on the review but frankly, the only place I've seen it listed is on SCA sites (Amazon doesn't appear to have it, nor does ABEBooks). Since generally speaking the SCA's idea of "documentation" and mine often disagree, I'm a bit leary of buying it sight unseen.

Any comments would be welcome!

Thanks!

Meaning no disrespect, but do you have any idea how the book is regarded -outside- of SCA circles?

Really, the book is only $30, so I should just buy it anyway.....

Go here: http://www.weavershand.com/brocade.htm

This is an example of one of her bibliographies. Also to find info on other bits of info you might try going to www.google.com and typing in "Nancy Spies". This pulls up a lot of links I believe some may include articles.

Jenn

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The book is mostly patterns for counted-work (the back cover suggests techniques such as Brocaded Tablet Weaving, Mosaic, Cross Stitch, Knitting, Patchwork, Beading, Tapestry, and Needlepoint) based on various sorts of graphical sources from the Middle Ages.

In the long run, if you're looking for hugely authentic patterns for medieval needlework ... well, not meaning to sound evil or anything, but this just isn't that book, I'm afraid. But if you're interested in doing a cross stitch piece (or other form of counted work as from the list above) based on medieval motifs from period artwork, then this might be a good source for you; the patterns are fun, simple, and easy to adapt.

As mentioned, Nancy's webpage at www.weavershand.com/ArelateStudio.html has more information about this book. She's also sent a few of her sea monsters to the Embroiderers' Guild in the SCA's Kingdom of Atlantia for our website: see aeg.atlantia.sca.org/projects/ingvild.htm (though I'm not sure if these are less detailed than they are in the finished book; I recharted them on my home computer to post to the website, as she had only sent me photocopies of finished charts, and I figured recharting them on my computer would make for a clearer finished file; she didn't send color keys or anything like that).

Nancy is currently working on research for a book on cotton, its use in history, and the cotton trade for another upcoming book.

Thanks for your candor! I think I'm going to go ahead and buy it anyway, so you've done no harm to your friend's income.

I have a better idea of what to expect though, and that makes me more willing to make the purchase.

Thanks!

Thanks for your candor! I think I'm going to go ahead and buy it anyway, so you've done no harm to your friend's income.

I have a better idea of what to expect though, and that makes me more willing to make the purchase.

Thanks!

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