The Needleworker’s Companion by Shay Pendray
ISBN 1-931499-07-1, Spiralbound, 112pgs., $19.95US, Interweave Press, 201 East Fourth Street, Loveland, CO 80537-5655, 800-272-2193, www.interweave.com  

Interweave Press continues the black and white “Companion” series with needlework being the subject.  Shay has packed this little reference book with all the information you need to quickly learn or refresh you on needlework stitches.

All the most popular needlework stitches are included and break down into 12 sections with illustrations and instructions for working various stitches in each of those sections.  Fabric and canvas types are described including the various fabric counts and flosses.  Threads are described and their particular uses and advantages.

There are illustrations with actual needle size for tapestry, chenille, embroidery and darner needles along with each needle’s use.  Tools are listed and explained.  I had no idea there was a “laying” tool.  You will learn to make all the stitches, begin and finish a stitch; which needle works best for specific stitches; transferring patterns from paper to fabric; trouble shooting for thread problems; blocking and framing; cleaning and care of needlework.  How to set up frames for needlework with stretcher bars, embroidery hoops and other methods are discussed.

In addition, there are stitches graphed out for small and larger areas, outlining and methods for compensating irregular shaped areas.  Shay also provides a resource page with needlework, embroidery and needlework association contacts if you are interested in participating. Needlework Companion is the perfect little book for beginners and advanced needleworkers to carry while traveling and easy access at home; all the answers at your fingertips.