Did you know that Jane Nicholas’s new Tiles book is out? And along with it, lots and lots of kits? Oooooh. The temptation is strong, let me tell you! The other night, I was perusing her kits from the new book, and adding the ones I really like to the shopping cart.

It was midnight. I was tired. My will was weak.

I added one kit after another. I was throwing caution to the wind! After all, why not? I’d do them… eventually.

And it was midnight. And I was tired. And my will was weak.

And really, the truth is, I have never seen such beautiful embroidery pieces that appeal to me on every level. Aesthetically, they’re gorgeous. They’re balanced, they’re ornate without being too ornate, they’re clean and crisp looking, they’re delicate but bold. Technically, they represent a challenge – but oh! what a challenge! The satisfaction of finishing even the smallest of the pieces really well would be supreme.

Did I mention that it was midnight? And I was tired? And my will was weak?

What I like best about these designs, I’ve decided (and keep in mind, I haven’t even seen the book yet!), is the edging around each of the pieces.

The edge makes the design! It binds together the whole piece in a perfect finish.

The little details of beads and beaded flowers, purls and twists…. it’s all just downright pretty. Pure artistic genius.

And at midnight, when I was tired, and my will was weak, I managed to load the shopping cart with $700+ of kits, books, and supplies from Jane’s website.

Well, my will was weak…..

…. but it wasn’t that weak!

Once I get my grubby paws on the book, I’ll make some better decisions about the kits. I’ve got my eye on two that are within budget-reach: the Cherry Flower Roundel and the Ottoman Tulip Panel. Oh, and I like the Mughal Grapevine Tile, too (check out the close up on that one!). And the Pomegranate Medallion is very pretty. And speaking of pomegranates, there’s the cover piece that’s just stunning and seems to be tugging on my heartstrings – the Syrian Pomegranate Tile……

……I’m doing it again….. and it isn’t even midnight.

I’m doomed.