Hello dear readers,
I’ve started another little embroidery adventure, and I’m delighted to share it with you. This time, I’m working on a red anemone flower pattern stitched onto a simple hankie—an everyday item transformed into something quietly beautiful. The design is from Trish Burr’s exquisite book "Long and Short Embroidery: A Collection of Flowers", which has quickly become one of my most treasured sources of inspiration.
The Flower Unfolds
The red anemone is a joy to stitch. Its petals are a vibrant blend of warm reds, fiery oranges, and golden yellows, with subtle shading that gives the flower a lifelike glow. I’ve used long-and-short stitch throughout the petals to create soft gradients and natural curves, blending the colors gently to mimic the way light plays across real petals. The center is a tiny burst of texture in French knots, stitched with light brown and dark brown that add depth and contrast. It brings the whole bloom to life.
I can’t speak about this project without singing the praises of Trish Burr’s book. Long and Short Embroidery: A Collection of Flowers is more than just a pattern book—it’s a masterclass in color theory, stitch technique, and botanical beauty. Each design is thoughtfully composed, with clear instructions and thread guides that make even the most intricate flowers feel approachable.
What I love most is how Trish encourages the reader to observe nature closely. Her patterns aren’t rigid—they invite interpretation, experimentation, and personal flair. The red anemone, for instance, is presented with such grace that it feels like you’re stitching a memory of a flower rather than a replica. Her writing is gentle and encouraging, and her artistry is simply breathtaking.
One of the things I truly appreciate about Trish Burr’s approach is how thoughtfully she presents each flower pattern. In her book, every design is offered in two versions: one with just the clean outline, and another with detailed directional guidelines. This dual format is incredibly helpful, especially when placing the anchoring stitches—those first, foundational stitches that set the tone for the entire piece.
The directional version acts almost like a map, guiding your needle through the natural flow of the petals and leaves. It helps you understand where to begin, how to taper your stitches, and how to build up the layers of shading that give the flower its lifelike quality. Anchoring stitches are so often overlooked, yet they’re essential in capturing the movement and softness of real blooms. With Trish’s guidance, even complex designs feel approachable, and the embroidery begins to breathe with subtle realism.
Long and Short Embroidery: A Collection of Flowers by Trish Burr is, without a doubt, a must-have in every embroiderer’s library. Whether you're just beginning your journey into needlepainting or you're a seasoned stitcher looking to deepen your technique, this book offers a wealth of guidance, inspiration, and beauty. Trish’s thoughtful presentation of each design—complete with both outline and directional guides—makes even the most intricate flowers feel approachable. Her mastery of color blending and stitch placement is evident on every page, and her gentle teaching style encourages confidence and creativity. It’s more than a pattern book—it’s a companion for anyone who finds joy in bringing flowers to life with thread.
