1️⃣ My 'Must Have' embroidery books #1 | Find out why I love this one so much!

[@lauravivanco]

I've tried adding a comment but it keeps vanishing. Maybe it's because I tried to include a link? What I was trying to say is that I found a video about Casa Fermin and I was trying to share it because I thought others who'd seen Sarah's video might like to see this one, as it's a tour of their studio.

[@lauravivanco]

Tying in with what Sarah said about different cultures, Antonio (the owner) says that originally the style of the embroidery came from ladies' fashion, from France. He says it takes 30-35 days to make one of these outfits, and there are several of them working on it at the same time (the page the video's embedded in says there are usually 6 of them working on it). The jackets are visibly stiffer than the trousers and stand up on their own. Apparently a suit can weigh about 4kg. In fact, Antonio says that some people buy suits to display them in their houses, like some people display suits of armour. He says they might cost about 3,500 to 4,000 euros. That fits with what it says on another site (I don't dare put in a link in case it doesn't work and sabotages my comment), which says that's for a more basic version and adds that that figure doesn't include the cape, shoes, stockings or, presumably, the hat.

[@janesmith4617]

@@lauravivanco If you can't share the link, could you perhaps tell us the title of the video so that we can find it more easily?

[@lauravivanco]

@@janesmith4617 Yes, it's produced by TeleMadrid and it should pop up if you search for the sentence "¿Cuánto cuesta y dónde se hacen los trajes de los toreros?"

[@lauravivanco]

I think it'll be of interest even if you can't understand Spanish because you can see some of the making process (one of the workers is putting on beads) and some examples of the work, and how the embroidery looks when it's on someone. The jackets, for example, are so stiff with the goldwork that you have to put both arms into the sleeves at the same time (as the cameraman discovers when he tries one on), and you can see how high up the breeches go (almost up to the armpits).

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

If you can email the link to me Laura at the address below I can add it to the description below the video: [e-mail]

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

Such lovely stitching! A true labour of love! Thank you for sharing this video!

[@crochetsensei3353]

How inspiring! I love cultures that have industries in embroidery. Thanks Sarah for a lovely video.

[@barbaracabrera207]

I love, love, LOVE, this book!!! The photography is great, and really makes a difference in enjoying the book. I had NO IDEA they were embellished with goldwork. It's quite amazing. Thank you very much for sharing this book. I REALLY enjoyed seeing all 5 books, and learning so much about medieval embroidery!!! *** YES,...SHOW US MORE BOOKS!!! Thank you for video. Austin,TX USA

[@damonturnbull5903]

Beautiful work. Thanks for sharing. The barbarism and beauty of man in a costume. The two faces of the one coin.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Very eloquently put DaMon...

[@Jenny_bell_key]

I do so love your channel! I have learned so much from your videos. Much appreciated and thank you from Midwest America!

[@MariaMartinez-jb3zn]

Beautiful book..quite intricate wow 🙏🏽🙋🏻‍♀️👍🏽

[@mayolson2]

Thank you sweet spirit. This was delightful to see.

[@jeanbolton7642]

Thank you for sharing this superb book. I can definitely see why you love it so much. I agree with Virginia Cruz's comment about your sharing of all sorts of wonderful information and your enthusiasm, which is catching!

[@virginiacruz433]

Wow that so beautiful. I would just like to say that out of all the embroidered videos i have seen, you are the only one that has really shared so much information. You are now the only one I watch now. Thank you for sharing. God bless you always.💖🐘👍

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thank you so much Virginia!

[@Gettomix222]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing

[@CJ-cn1sf]

Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing. I would love to see more books.

[@TheJanestarling]

Ignoring the reason they're worn, such stunning costumes. The work that has gone into them is phenomenal! i look forward to further delving into your collection, I've already got serious book envy!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

It is conflicting that something so beautiful is associated with something not...There are more less controversial book videos coming!

[@SharonH11100]

I don’t have room for even one more book, sadly, but I much enjoyed your showing us this one. Looking forward to more stitchers book reviews. Thanks so much.

[@mk-ki4ls]

Yes!! Have been waiting for a video like this

[@juliaconnolly641]

Thank you for sharing this Sarah

[@iwondery1725]

Love seeing the books you have inspire you, thanks! I'll look forward to seeing more videos like this.

[@louannlanning4541]

That book is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@rebeccat5738]

Really enjoyed that thank you, and absolutely fascinating!. I would never have known that they wore Goldwork in that way - but I must admit that the idea of all that precious Goldwork embroidery having to take such heavy duty wear and tear (at times quite literally) made me wince a bit!, although I think perhaps ginger cat felt that his own natural "Goldness" was far more impressive!. Really looking forward to seeing some more of your book collection.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

He does seem to be out-shining everything else Rebecca!

[@cecilyerker]

Ging is working hard emitting calming energy, thank you nice kitty 🐱

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

He does like a good book...

[@ranjanamajumdar7302]

This is officially my favourite channel !!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thank you Ranjana!

[@patrice8257]

You know Sarah scars show our strength of what we've been through on our bodies they are not something that should incite shame. I think patches on a piece of clothing can reflect that also. Both are beautiful. Love the book.

[@Digitalhunny]

Well, I think with _your_ attitude, _you_ should consider starting an inspirational channel. Ya know here on youtube. If not, please at least keep on shining in these comment sections. Thanks,🤞🤗💕

[@lindadechow3703]

This is a wonderful book. You are absolutely right; I searched all my favorite book sellers and did not find it. Ill keep a lookout for it, though. Very nice look through, you will really enjoy it.

[@beldr.]

I appreciate this video and love your channel! I enjoy hearing you talk about embroidery that’s meant to move and be worn. Your observation between the beauty in the matador’s clothes and the ugliness of what the bull experiences is striking. It makes me think of what could be possible as the tradition evolves: perhaps creating beautiful regalia for the bull and maybe encouraging a new branch of “bullfighting” so it’s instead “bull-befriending” or something. Like the sport would be more about creating trust with the bull and bringing out the best in it (like how people already build special relationships with horses, dogs, and demonstrate their skill in competitive settings).

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

I'm sure I read somewhere that they were doing bullfights without real bulls somewhere; more of a show to show off the Matadors skills and their beautiful suits without harming any animals; as an animal lover and an embroidery lover this sounds like the perfect solution! As someone who makes my living from embroidery I can't imagine what I would do if suddenly I couldn't do the thing I was good at but yes these things need to evolve...

[@francinelanglois8342]

Sarah ! With all of your elegance, you are bringing us elsewhere in the embroidery world. Thank you so much! 🪡

[@amandapower9718]

Thank you so much! I adore embroidery, I adore books, I adore the goldwork technique and I adore Spain, the Spanish language and Spanish culture - guess who just picked up a copy for £8? I am now very worried that you are going to share a stash of your beautiful books and I will be bankrupt by the end of it!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

You won't if you keep finding them for £8 Amanda! That was a bargain!

[@susanjeffries2615]

Amazing !!

[@loreleyhahn]

This is such an informative video. I find your voice very calming and watching your videos helps me learn to embroider but also relaxes me. Thanks!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thank you Loreley!

[@sallyhpenny5795]

The gold work is beautiful, but ‘Ging’ is even better

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

I should just make cat videos SallyH!

[@sallyhpenny5795]

@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery Or stitch them Sarah - like Mary Queen of Scots did when she was imprisoned. Some suggest that the piece she stitched of the ‘ginger’ cat with mouse was reference to Elizabeth l (who had red hair I believe) toying with her (Mary’s) life. Seems feasible.

[@whenyoucantfindafriend9304]

Thanks for sharing this book! I would love to see more books and references in your collection! As a beginner it’s sometimes hard to find good quality reference photos because I don’t know yet what to search for. Especially I like to research art and textile history for inspiration!

[@Everyoneisanartist776]

Kindle has an endless supply of authors and a variety of subjects on embroidery style and mediums available (purchasing the hardcover is also an option) for your viewing. Also, your local library and big brand art stores will have books as well. I just bought a couple too. 😁

[@whenyoucantfindafriend9304]

@@Everyoneisanartist776 Thanks! So far I only have one e-book in my collection but I should look up some more.🤣 I used to live near a museum that had a library which was great! But maybe my local library has some books or inter library loan options that I can checkout though. Do you have a favorite I should look for?

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

You can always try asking your library to order in a book if they don't have it, but yes you need to know what to ask for! I have more book videso coming so wait for those and maybe you will see something you like!

[@dianawilliams2827]

What beautiful embroidery! I hope you will share more of your books.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

More coming Diana!

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

Thank you for such a gorgeous viewing! I do not approve of the sport, per se, but I wouldn't mind having this book as a beautiful example of this precious artwork. 💖😺

[@ChoochooseU]

😲 😯 😮 ------ That last Madonna and child took my breath away

[@francestornese7252]

This is a wonderful video. I am so amazed that there is cutwork on the jacket and it doesn’t get crushed? Does it crush, but as long as it still shines they don’t care? Is there smooth bullion? Wow, I’d love to see one in reality. Oh and once again, I love seeing ginger cat!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

It must get damaged Frances I'm sure! But yes I agree, there wasn't any sign of that. I shall have a closer look... Ginger Cat does like a good book to sit on...

[@nupur5586]

Thanks for sharing …. Ordered and am looking forward to studying this book! I have often wondered about how much ‘decoration’ goes into armor, swords and other things used in war etc … Looking forward to more of these ‘book segments’

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Medieval embroidery up next I think Nupur!

[@jimhooper4252]

Thanks Sarah ...what a great idea ..... nobody really discusses “ inspiration “ do they ?

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

I'm trying to tackle that in my Vlog videos so check those out if you haven't seen them! But yes, it's a subject all in itself!

[@Everyoneisanartist776]

Thank you for another wonderful video! I’m new to embroidery and your tutorials encourage me to forge full speed ahead. You are creating a new generation of artists who greatly respect the art form and will likely continue to pass it on to another brood of onlookers. So cheers to you Ms. Homfry, thank you!🥂 P.S. if you can create a video on how to attach and secure the precious stones shown on the costumes, we’d greatly appreciate it.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thank you for your kind comments!

[@barbarahudson8879]

Lovely book. Sarah

[@Digitalhunny]

Please, show us more of your collection! These books of yours are so interesting & beautiful. I must ask of _this_ book, how did they wash these outfits? Not just sweat either, if you know what I mean? :/

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

I have a horrible feeling they probably don't Digitalhunny....

[@gayeelder8255]

wow! I don't like the "sport" of bullfighting, but the religious symbolism is obvious and historical connection to the religious ritual of bull dancing practiced by the ancient Minoan civilization is intriguing.

[@elainet5870]

It is amazing to see all the work that goes into these costumes, as I think most people think of the cruelty of bullfighting rather than the beauty of the costumes. While I thank- you for sharing, I would not be interested in buying such a book.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

It's hard to not think about the bulls yes, and I certainly don't endorse animal cruelty; as an embroiderer I wanted to share the skills of the artisans who make the stunning embroidery

[@peterstratten3087]

Love your enthusiasm Sarah. I watched a few of your demos. That lead me to buying your silk shading book and learning more. Quick question if I may - do you back every piece of fabric before you put it in a hoop or frame or do you only do it on special projects? I was about to shop at your online shop for fabric etc but didn’t know if I needed to get say calico to back my work while sewing. Love your book and this one too. Keep up the good work. Peter.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Hi Peter, I do tend to back everything yes. I like the extra supoort another layer of fabric brings; much easier to stitch on two layers than one! I tried a small sample the other day on one piece of fabric just to try out a stitch and it pulled the fabric terribly so back to two pieces I went! A plain cotton/calico works well for most fabrics

[@lorismith6517]

Just stunning! Does the book mention how much one of these incredible suits might cost?

[@lauravivanco]

I tried posting a reply earlier but my computer was playing up, and I'm having trouble posting links, but I found a video in which the owner of Casa Fermin says that they might cost about 3,500 to 4,000 euros. That fits with what it says on another site, which gives pretty much the same figure, but says that's for a more basic version and adds that that figure doesn't include the cape, shoes, stockings or, presumably, the hat.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

I'm looking at the amount of work in them and I think that might be good value Laura! If you can manage to find the link I would be really interested to see that...

[@rebeccal786]

Loved it. I’m not familiar with the book nor the costumes. Thank you.

[@JOLENE2008]

I like that? very inspiring?

[@muhlenstedt]

Unfortunatelly I can not separate the costumes and the cruel use of them . I am completely against animal abuse and macho culture, independently in which clothes these are wraped in. I will never buy such a book that helps to glorifies it. Sorry, I could not enjoy this video, but I am not a hater, it is just a personal position I want to express.

[@cecilyerker]

I would argue that you are only giving the publisher and author the money and not directly supporting the bullfighting industry

[@muhlenstedt]

@@cecilyerker Yes, as the book brings the bullfight to the background with the first place for the ästhetic it leads the observer to separate and to tolerate what the costums are made for. The reality of animal torture in my opinion should not br osbscured by other aspects- Focusing on the beauty of the costumes weaks the focus of the consequences of the bullfighting industry.It brings sympathy for something that bellows to the horror.Sorry for desagreeing with you and It seems as I am the only here with such thoughts, but I can not help

[@winnepeterson7740]

Too bad their embroidery doesn’t include the eyes of the bull, filled with terror, pain, long slow suffering, and ultimately undeserved death. I’ve loved every one of your videos but have such abhorrence of the cruelty of bull “fighting” that it’s hard to enjoy this one.