Great book - Royal School of Needlework Embroidery Techniques

As you may know I am currently studying at The Royal School of Needlework and using spare moments to read about the history and varied techniques of hand embroidery.
Here's a book I recently discovered and one I will definitely be ordering this week.
I highly recommend buying it or borrowing it from you local library if they have a copy.
It has some great sources of inspiration, a bit on the history of hand embroidery and guides on how to practise some of the techniques.
Take a look...

Front cover

A page on the technique of Silk Shading

This work in progress shows you how the background is worked to create a 3D effect in Goldwork

An iris worked in Goldwork

I'll be tracking the progress of a Goldwork piece in my next term at RSN so don't forget to follow me for pictures of work in progress on my blog, Twitter or Facebook. 

It's an incredibly layered and beautiful process, which I hope to share with you.