The Embroidery of Mexico

BOOKLIST (American Library Association)
In a deliberate, scholarly yet approachable manner, Romero shares her embroidery discoveries across Mexico. Every one of the eight different stitching styles is prefaced by a description of her hands-on research among practitioners. In Mexico City, for example, previews of a workshop on street embroidery attracted dozens of needleworkers, filling a void in real-life historical examples. Even well-schooled stitchers will understand the differences between Otomi Tenango, Deer People (Mazahua), and Oaxacan work, not only through selected examples but also in the step-by-step photographs and excellent color prints of (usually) fronts and backs of finished pieces. Nearly 30 stitches are clearly explained (more than a few resemble common needlework, like the satin stitch and the French knot), and a handful of Romero’s own creations appear in the “Texture” chapter. Eight pages of templates are included in the appendix along with a chart showing names and provenance of stitches. Crafters will clamor for this project-driven book devoted to the colorful embroideries of Mexico. — Barbara Jacobs