Abstract Embroidery

Introduction 6

Tools and materials 8

How I work 14

Photography: hints and tips 16

Composition and design 20

Techniques22

PROJECTS 30

Coastal 32
Coastal 1 34, Coastal 2 42, Coastal 3 50, Coastal 4 58

Alpine 66
Alpine 1 68, Alpine 2 76, Alpine 3 82, Alpine 4 88

Urban 94
Urban 1 96, Urban 2 104, Urban 3 110, Urban 4 118

Gallery 126

About Emily Botelho

Emily Botelho, who works under the name Salt Stitches, formerly had a career in the fashion industry and turned to embroidery in 2018. She has built a substantial following, sharing and selling her hoop-based works on Instagram and via her website www.saltstitches.com. She teaches workshops all over the world, including the UK, US and Spain. In 2021, Emily emigrated to Canada where she stitches full time. Emily won the People’s Choice Award at the 100 Kellogg Lane Art Comp 2023.

@victoriaroserichards

This study in abstract embroidery was a joy! A key aspect of the book is the variety available to the reader the project sections with a range of colour combinations, hoop sizes, stitch types and textures means a new or intermediary stitcher can find something that appeals to them to explore, with the former helpfully equipped with all the techniques needed. And this book certainly inspires explorations! I believe abstract is something exciting for any artist to delve into: the freeness and loose direction allows creativity and the ability to experiment and run wild, and I think Emily demonstrates this exquisitely throughout her art from the mixed media of the coastal shell pieces to the most abstract and expressive section, her urban series.

This was the section that drew me in more than anything. While many of us artists already lean towards admiring, recreating and/or interpreting coastal and mountainous terrains, these being two very well-explored themes in embroidery already, turning something many people would pass in the street without thought or care into something just as gorgeous merits admiration! The chipped paint layers, mis-matched stone wall or old sink, all proving as worthy of these abstract studies and reconstructing through an artistic lens as shell-adorned beaches.

Emilys ability to view these mundane everyday objects as opportunities for beauty and how this can inspire those reading to also see more beauty in their everyday lives shows her to be a leader in her field, and this book a great outlet to let readers explore the abstract beauty around them.

The Bookseller's Circle

A beautiful introduction to this beautiful art of creating embroidery embellished with a diverse array of stitches, beads and found items that capture a moment in time. There are no strict rules making it an inexpensive art, and as demonstrated by the 12 projects featured, it can be a meditative and mindful activity that is just beautiful. A vibrant and stunning book with advice for beginners and experienced stitchers alike.