Weekend Review: Embroidered Interiors

 

Embroidered Interiors / Penny Dowdell 
Stash Books, c2026.
160 p.

This is a fabulous new embroidery book, with a distinctive style and many new tricks for the embroiderer! I wasn't familiar with Dowdell's work before I picked up this book but am very impressed by it. So much colour and detail and lots of full coverage work that feels lush and complicated. She also uses extras like attached items or cutouts with images behind the holes cut into the working fabric. There are many cool ideas here that I haven't seen elsewhere, and she makes it seem easy. 

This is a project book, with a range of patterns provided, with instructions for each step, threads and stitches given, and all the extras explained (like adding coloured plastic for a stained glass effect). The patterns and guides are very clear, and include all sorts of interiors, from bedrooms to libraries, conservatories and dining rooms like the cover. I am impressed with the style of stitching and the complete instruction given. Anyone could learn this technique by following this book. There are also cute additions of sleeping cats and dogs in some of the scenes which could be added anywhere, really. An interesting element is how she shows that an entire 'set' can be stitched, or you could do a closeup of just part of one of the patterns if you want a bit more of an up-close view. Because of this, there are so many options to stitch from this book. 

I thought this was a wonderful book, very generous in the amount of information and guidance given. The style feels a little different from what I usually see, and is quite inspiring. I do love the cozy vibes! There is a stitch guide included, but she uses just a handful of stitches, so beginners could learn those and then tackle some of these complicated looking pieces which are just made step by step.  

This one is a hit, in my opinion. Just a little different, full of useful patterns, info and encouragement, and so cute.