Crewelwork Then and Now - by Hazel Blomkamp & Phillipa Turnbull (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Journey through the vibrant, living history of crewelwork, from traditional Jacobean designs to innovative, contemporary projects.

Create 8 sumptuous embroidery projects, each with complete written instructions and a full-size embroidery transfer.

Written by world-renowned crewelwork experts Phillipa Turnbull and Hazel Blomkamp, this inspiring book provides a fascinating overview of how the art form of crewel embroidery has evolved over the centuries.

This stunning book contains:

• 8 inspiring crewelwork designs each with detailed instructions, charts, and a full-size embroidery transfer
• Designs from then and now 2 designs celebrating historic embroideries; 2 original contemporary designs; 4 side-by-side designs (2 designs, each stitched by the two authors, for a direct comparison of how traditional and contemporary crewelwork can produce stunning and varied results)

• A comprehensive illustrated stitch directory featuring over 80 stitches, divided into historical and modern ways of working.
• Full-size embroidery transfers for each project

Phillipa, an expert on historic embroidery and the founder of The Crewel Work Company, reveals the rich history of crewelwork and celebrates its vibrant beauty. Through her stunning projects and inspiring insights, discover the traditional threads and stitches used and uncover a deep and direct connection to the embroiderers of the past.

Hazel is a globally renowned embroiderer and best-selling author, who focusses on innovation in crewel embroidery, experimenting with stitches, threads, beading and more to give her work a contemporary twist. Her joyful, visionary approach breathes new life into this traditional craft.

Review Quotes

Mary Corbet Needle 'n' Thread Oct 2025
Crewelwork Then & Now: Exploring Traditional Designs and Contemporary Stitching is a lovely hard-covered book in a gorgeous blue and gold. The cover, I have to admit, immediately captured my attention. It offers a unique way of examining crewelwork by combining the expertise of two well-known names in the world of embroidery, each of whom has a contrasting approach to the topic.
Crewelwork Then & Now by Hazel Blomkamp and Phillipa Turnbull is a project book that offers the reader the opportunity to experience both traditional crewelwork and contemporary interpretations of crewelwork. Crewelwork Then & Now would be a nice addition to the library of any stitcher who appreciates traditional crewel embroidery and loves contemporary interpretations of traditional design. It's a fun book, with an interesting angle.
The illustrations throughout the book are an excellent guide to help the stitcher achieve expected outcomes. You can see very clearly how your stitching is meant to turn out.
For the vast array of stitches and techniques in the book, you can't go wrong with this one!

About the Author

Hazel Blomkamp has taught embroidery and beadwork in South Africa for over 20 years. She is the author of many books including Crewel Twists, Crewel Intentions, Crewel Creatures, and two popular stitch guides. Her teaching has taken her to Australia, New Zealand, Western and Eastern Europe, North America and Asia.

Phillipa Turnbull is a leading crewelwork designer who exhibits and leads workshops in the UK and US. She runs her own company, The Crewel Work Company Ltd., and lives in Appleby-in-Westmoreland, Cumbria.