A Perfect World in Ribbon embroidery and stumpwork

If it was at all possible for Di van Niekerk to improve on her previous book Dreamscapes, then indeed she has.

A Perfect World is a rich, sumptuous celebration of the beauty of the natural world. The design, painted in watercolour by South African artist Verde, consists of 17 panels containing a total of 60 elements. Each element is presented individually, along with a list of its required materials, making it really simple to utilise a single element on its own in another craft project such as scrapbooking or knitting.

A feature of the book that I find very appealing is that each element is given with both its Latin and common names - education through craft!

A Perfect World features a full-colour double-page spread of the completed design, the original watercolour design for copying onto fabric, and a line drawing version of the design for those who'd prefer to choose their own colours and background; there is also a comprehensive (and easy to follow!) stitch gallery.

The book is suitable for both beginners and experienced embroiderers.

Reviewed by Kerry-Anne Gilowey

Also available in Afrikaans as 'n Wonderwereld vir lintborduur en stumpwerk