Susan Brandeis is Distinguished Professor Emerita at North Carolina State University’s College of Design and a studio artist. She founded the Southeast Fibers Educators Association and has been exhibiting, teaching, and writing about textile art and design for over 35 years.

Many books deal with stitch types in a bland similar manner. Brandeis here incorporates suggestions within this book, such as how to use text in a thread way….merging handwriting with expression…in stitch! -Ailish Henderson, Mr. XStitch Magazine

"Susan Brandeis takes us on a journey into the expressive nature of stitch using stitched lines, colours, gestural marks and textures. Each chapter in this book covers a specific design idea, its methods of use and application. The first eight focus on lines and outlines; the remaining upon shapes, spaces, colour and texture. On the one hand she takes us right back to basics. Using little more than French knots, running, back and chain stitch, she reveals how to manipulate stitches much like an artist might a pencil or paintbrush. There are no patterns to follow, no charts or how-to's, just her stitched interpretations of her design ideas and, at the end of each chapter, further suggestions and prompts to set you on your journey. Brandeis was a university tutor, so hers is a logical journey of skill-building but her passion also shines through — her goal being that you will learn how to stitch intentionally 'to capture your perceptions, experiences, moods, feelings and emotions'. As she says, put concept first, think about what you want to express, 'and then fit the techniques to the desired expression, the intended outcome'." - EMBROIDERY January February 2020

IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award (2020) - Winner [United States]