:: March 2001 
Review
Elegant Stitches
Every stitcher needs a handy stitch guide for reference and, as Judith Baker Montano asserts, inspiration. Hers is a good choice for both purposes. It includes well illustrated stitches for embroidery thread and silk ribbon, describes crazy quilt stitch combinations, and explores free-form stitchery. There is even a section on stitches for left-handers.
This is one book that can be judged by its cover, too. I like to be able to carry a reference book inside my stitchery bag so that as I work on a project, the book is there as part of my materials. Elegant Stitches makes this possible on two counts. First, its size (6" x 8 3/4") is just right for slipping into a project bag; second, its hardcover spiral binding keeps its edges from becoming dog-eared and its spiral spine from catching on other items in my bag. Inside the front cover is a guide for compatible fabrics, fibres, and needles; inside the back cover is an index of stitches.
Numerous color photos make Elegant Stitches useful and lovely to look through. Photos are in sharp focus, so fibreworkers over 35 do not have to use their imagination as to how a stitch is intended to look.
This book would make a nice gift for yourself or a fellow fibre lover (I bought one for myself and one for my mom).
Update - Manhole Covers 2001: A Quilt Oddity
Carriage Trade Press is presenting an exciting and unique collection of quilts, featuring the work of some 40 quilt artists from around the world. The second in a series of touring collections, quilts in the trunk show will be featured in a soon-to-be-released book by Shirley MacGregor, author of Quilting With Manhole Covers (see November 2000 review). For more information on tour dates and locations, visit Carriage Trade Press