A Spoonful of Sugar

Make. Bake. Create.

Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Crafts
    • Crochet
    • DIY
    • Embroidery/Cross stitch
    • Gift Wrapping
    • Knitting
    • Miscellaneous
    • Paper Crafts
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Australia Day
    • Back to School
    • Valentines Day
    • Easter
    • ANZAC Day
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bars & Slices
    • Bread & Pastries
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Confectionery
    • Cupcakes & Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Ice Cream
    • Jams/Preserves
    • Main Meals
  • Sewing
    • Sewing Tutorials
    • Quilting
    • Sewing & Quilting Patterns
  • Family
    • Back to School
    • Family Fun
    • Our Home
    • Parenting
    • Travel
  • Shop
    • Pattern Store
    • Etsy Store

Book Review: Embroidery Companion by Alicia Paulson

October 16, 2010 By A Spoonful of Sugar - 17 Comments

I was fortunate to pick up a copy of Embroidery Companion – Classic Designs for Modern Living by Alicia Paulson at the library yesterday. I have spent some time this afternoon admiring all the wonderful and creative projects within its pages. The hardest decision is going to be which project to start on first!

I have been a reader of Alicia’s blog, Posie Gets Cozy for a couple of years and have been awaiting an opportunity to read her latest book. It contains 30 projects that include techniques such as decorative embroidery, counted cross stitch, and crewelwork.

The projects have a fresh appeal, whilst still utilising some more traditional designs.

Here is a peak at some of my favourite projects –

Folk Sampler

Storybook Pillowcase
Strawberry Tablecloth
Tree of Life

Embroidery Companion will be going on my Christmas list for sure!

Are there any new craft/sewing books that you would recommend?

Filed Under: Embroidery/Cross stitch, Uncategorized Tagged With: book review

« Bliss
Teen Art »

Comments

  1. two hippos says

    October 16, 2010 at 12:20 am

    I haven’t seen this new book any where, except on Amazon. It looks great, although my embroidery skills are some what limited. Look forward to seeing what you make.

    Reply
  2. Tine says

    October 16, 2010 at 1:11 am

    I love that Storybook Pillowcase and the Tree of Life! Too cute!

    Reply
  3. Jenny of Elefantz says

    October 16, 2010 at 1:25 am

    Just added to my pre-Christmas list, Lisa – thank you! I love her work!
    Hugs
    Jenny
    xxx

    Reply
  4. Mel Makes Pretty says

    October 16, 2010 at 1:57 am

    Looks like a beautiful book. I love the last project Tree of Life.
    Thanks for sharing,
    ~Mel

    Reply
  5. dutch sisters says

    October 16, 2010 at 2:27 am

    Great book, so much inspiration! The tree of life is beautiful.

    Reply
  6. suzitee says

    October 16, 2010 at 2:32 am

    Yep, Tree of Life is my favourite too! I have too many cross stitch kits here to even contemplate the other projects LOL. I’ve ordered a new book this week…hopefully it will arrive before you visit 🙂

    Reply
  7. Linda says

    October 16, 2010 at 3:33 am

    I love the strawberry tablecloth, it looks like it has a bit of dimension, but as you know thats me i have a thing for tablecloths-well coffee tabe tablecloths.
    …and no it hasn’t hit me yet that i dont have any kids at school left, it sure will in Jan when i dont have to pay any school fees. Although it was strange doing my last pick up on Friday.
    xx

    Reply
  8. Simone de Klerk says

    October 16, 2010 at 4:11 am

    I especially love the Tree of Life!
    My favorite book this year is Schnibbles times two, By Carrie Nelson. You might have guessed that LOL
    Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  9. Bela says

    October 16, 2010 at 4:12 am

    Oh, Lisa, what lovely artwork!!!! The second pic is sooooo pretty!!!

    Thanks for this delightful post!! Bela.

    Reply
  10. Amanda says

    October 16, 2010 at 4:49 am

    Alicia is so talented isn’t she? This book looks beautiful. I’ll have to speak nicely to Santa! Lots of love, Amanda xxx

    Reply
  11. Posie Patchwork says

    October 16, 2010 at 4:50 am

    Looks super pretty, i don’t do enough embroidery, love Posie

    Reply
  12. Tonya says

    October 16, 2010 at 6:48 am

    I am definitely going to have to check out this book. Cross stitch was my introduction to the wonderful world of needlework over 18 years ago while pregnant with my first son. I still love it, even though I don’t do it as much. I just picked up Fa la la Felt and the new Wee Wonderfuls book and both are fantastic!

    Reply
  13. Jeni says

    October 16, 2010 at 2:37 pm

    What a gorgeous book to have in your collection…I don’t know which is my favourite…..
    thanks for sharing

    Reply
  14. Sew Useful Designs says

    October 16, 2010 at 8:12 pm

    What a beautiful book, Lisa! I too have enjoyed Alicia’s blog for a couple of years, I love her mix of traditional and modern – and her photography is exquisite!

    I particularly love the Tree of Life project too – think this book will be going on my Xmas List!!!

    Thanks sweetie!
    Vikki 🙂 x

    Reply
  15. Embroidery says

    October 19, 2010 at 2:58 am

    Wow….Awesome work i simply like it….Really the embroidery designs are very attractive……

    Reply
  16. Happy Cottage Quilter says

    October 21, 2010 at 2:05 pm

    Love, love, love the sampler!

    Reply
  17. Corrie says

    October 25, 2010 at 8:57 pm

    uh oh I’ve just bought 4 cooking and craft books in the last month online and think this one might need to be added to the list! love love love the pretty pillowcase! how lucky are you to have it at your library – wowee!

    Corrie:)

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Categories

Archives

PURCHASE PDF PATTERNS

We offer over 100 affordable PDF sewing patterns available for download from our store website or Etsy store. Each pattern includes detailed instructions, numerous photos, and templates.

WEB STORE ETSY STORE

Instagram

Colour Crush Series: Neutral 🤍 A calming palette Colour Crush Series: Neutral 🤍A calming palette of linen, grey, charcoal and soft natural tones — ten of my favourite neutral projects that work beautifully all year round. Perfect for gifting, organising, or adding a simple, pretty touch to your sewing space.Comment PATTERNS and I’ll send you the link to my pattern store.Which neutral colours do you gravitate towards — linen, grey, charcoal, or soft natural tones?#colourcrushseries #neutralmakes #sewinginspiration #patchworksewing #handmadesewing
This sweet Hexie Garden Pouch is my Pattern of the This sweet Hexie Garden Pouch is my Pattern of the Week, stitched here in Tilda Songbird. It’s such a lovely little make for storing sewing notions, gifting, or adding a pretty touch to your sewing table. Save 25% this week only!Comment GARDEN and I’ll send the pattern link straight to your inbox.Fabric Credit: Tilda Songbird - with thanks to @tilda_Australia#hexies #englishpaperpiecing #sewingproject #tildafabric #patchworksewing
✨ Fresh & fun storage for your sewing space This ✨ Fresh & fun storage for your sewing spaceThis bright Ruby Star Luma Bucket is such a cheerful organiser — quick to sew, beginner‑friendly, and perfect for keeping your favourite tools, threads, and weekend projects tidy. The greens,  teals, and blur make it feel clean, modern, and full of energy.If you love practical makes that use just a few favourite fabrics, the Luma Bucket is a sweet project to stitch. It works beautifully on its own or as part of a matching set, and the two sizes give you plenty of options for organising your sewing room.Comment LUMA and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you ✂️🧵 Fabric: @rubystarsociety#lumabucket #sewingpattern #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingroomorganisation #rubystarsociety
Meet the Luma Bucket ✨  A modern fabric organiser Meet the Luma Bucket ✨ A modern fabric organiser in two sizes — perfect for sewing rooms, desks, and handmade gifting. Featuring a crisp contrast base and a sparkling woven star panel, it’s a quick, joyful sew you’ll use every day. Pattern now available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop. Comment LUMA for the link.  #lumabucket #fppsewing #fabricbasket #modernsewing #quiltingprojects handmadegifts
Two bestselling pouches, one beautiful matching se Two bestselling pouches, one beautiful matching set The Handy Drawstring Pouch + Mini Treat Pouch remain two of my most‑loved patterns — quick to sew, beginner‑friendly, and perfect for using up favourite fabric scraps. They’re sweet individually, but together they make the loveliest coordinated duo for gifting, organising, or adding a handmade touch to your sewing space.This Tilda version has been a community favourite, and it’s easy to see why — the colours, the structure, the way the two designs complement each other. If you’ve been wanting a satisfying weekend project, this pair is such a joy to stitch.You also save 25% when you buy the bundle — a thank you for supporting two of my most popular pouch patterns.Comment BAGDUO and I’ll send the bundle link straight to you.Available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop ✂️🧵Fabric: Tilda Songbird collection — thank you @tilda_australia#tildafabrics #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingpattern #weekendsewingproject #sewistsofinstagram handmadegifts
✨ New Travel Sewing Kits These two fresh versions ✨ New Travel Sewing Kits These two fresh versions match a Bitsy Basket, and I love how sweet they look as a little set. The Travel Sewing Kit opens flat so you can see everything at a glance, then folds back into a neat, portable shape — perfect for sewing on the go, gifting, or keeping your favourite tools organised.It’s beginner‑friendly, scrap‑friendly, and one of my most‑used makes.Comment TRAVEL and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you. Available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop ✂️🧵#travelsewingkit #sewingreels #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingpattern #handmadegifts
Follow on Instagram

Featured Pattern

Travel Sewing Kit Pattern

Featured Tutorial

Retro Drawstring Bag

Featured Recipe

Lemon Pound Cake

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Popular Posts

  • Sewing Projects for Cat and Dog Lovers
  • Patchwork Triangle Pouch
  • Triangle Pouch
  • Easy Baby Blanket
  • Teen Craft: Monogrammed Notebooks
  • Apple Crumble Slice
  • Lavender Sachets

Copyright © 2026 Lisa. K. Cox - A Spoonful of Sugar