One Needle, One Thread: Miao (Hmong) embroidery and fabric piecework from Guizhou, China Paperback – September 1, 2008

While I had expected this to be a valuable book, after quickly looking at a friend's copy, when it arrived, all my expectations were exceeded. It is richly illustrated with photographs of the costumes, the people, their landscape and most carefully of their ways of working. Unlike many books of people in distant lands, this author does not fall into the easy trap of presenting images and stories as having value for simply being different from your own culture. No, the author has clearly spent much time with the Miao and learned about their culture in a sense of shared love of the people, their lives and work, and it is obvious that they have reciprocated by sharing the details of their lives.An excellent book for one whose interest lies anywhere between avid textile scholar and casual observer. There is much rich, very clearly written material for any reader. The author has two other books on the same people, and I would recommend these as well.

I wasn't really sure what to expect when I ordered this book, but I was immediately pleased the second I opened it. The book consists of many beautiful embroidery & piecework techniques. It has examples of textiles with clear "how to" instructions and color photos illustrating the steps. The photos are all great quality and easy to understand.There are five chapters which are: Chapter 1 - 100 Miaos, 100 Costumes (a brief chapter that discusses the clothing types), Chapter 2 - Bridging Skill to Skill: language of materials (a brief introduction of materials), Chapter 3 - Stitches (embroidery techniques), Chapter 4 - Piecework (applique and patchwork), and Chapter 5 - Folk Life (techniques for making & decorating hats, baby carriers, headbands, bags, and shoes). The book finishes with a wonderful index of all the different techniques & stitches.For anyone interested in embroidery, this is a must have.

The photos are wonderful. Any embroidery student or traveler to China who wants a Chinese rather than Chinoise souvenir would do well to get their hands on this book.

So very glad with this very inspiring book! Amazingly beautifull pictures and clear instructions!Wanted to start and try these new embroidery techniques the moment I opened this book.Thank U for a quick delivery!

Very nice book, excellent fast delivery, thank you for that. A good book to experience and learn how the Miaux people are living.

Good communicaton! Fast shipment! Great item! Thanks :)

Beaucoup de photos accompagnées de textes clairs et concis. Une multitude de techniques à découvrir pour le plaisir de l'oeil et aussi pour utiliser soi-même.

A unique & informative description of the intricasies of Chinese minority textiles. The listings of stitches & photos of procedures are particularly helpful. The graphic design is also very good. My only criticism is that the paperback cover is very soft. I strengthened mine with a plastic cover.

10年ほど前に、在外公館勤務経験のある知人から、バザーで購入したというMiao族のベストを頂き、その細かな見事な手仕事に驚きましたが、どのような人たちなのか、ただ想像するしかありませんでした。別な知人から、日本語で詳細な本があると聞き、津軽こぎんにも遊佐刺し子にも似た文様に興味を覚えていた私は、この本と中国貴州苗族 染織探訪18年を、意を決して購入。纏められた内容の素晴らしさに、心から満足しています。中国貴州苗族 染織探訪15年　も手にとって拝見したいと思いますが、すでに高額な中古品しかないのでしょうか、残念です。図書館で探すことにします。

主人の海外赴任に帯同し、上海にこの3月まで4年近く居り、2年半程苗族刺繍を習ってました。帰国に際し、靜安区で苗族工芸品のお店をされてる苗族の方に苗繍お勧めの本を尋ねましたところ、鳥丸さんの本をお薦めされました。買ってみて、(苗族の方が推薦するのも)納得の内容。写真と共に、刺し方まで図解してあるので、刺繍を見るのも刺すのも好きな方、特に苗族刺繍をされる方は買って損は無いと思います。

苗族博物館で見てほしくなり購入しました。細かい手作業をそのまま真似するのは非常に困難ですが、作り方を知ることができて満足です。苗族の刺繍が好きなら見ているだけでも楽しいでしょう。