EMBROIDERY OF ALL RUSSIA

More a history than a how-to, this attractively illustrated introduction to Russian embroidery provides a generous selection of religious, domestic, and personal pieces, with numerous items from the last few centuries and some from even earlier times. Characterizing regional differences succinctly--Iranian influence on Azerbaijan work, similarities between Finnic and Estonian techniques, a preference for Slight colors in the Ukraine--Mary Gostelow established a general context and the singularity of pieces as well. Those eager to copy can choose from ancient samples--such as the easy-to-follow Soghdia bird adapted from an 8th century B.C. silk textile--or bold modern geometrics designed by Popova or Chernikov. Prosit!