This is an encyclopedia
of embroidery techniques, aimed at the embroiderer who wants
to learn a wide range of methods for use in modern work. As
the book states, whereas once most embroidery used just one
technique, these days a lot of work features mixed styles
and, of course, some of this is done by machine. Like most
craft encyclopedias, this book is not aimed at the beginner,
but more for the more experienced person who wants to widen
their repertoire. A newcomer to embroidery would also get
plenty out of this book, however as it starts off by showing
what you need to get and what is out there. In here there
is more of an emphasis on taking a look at the variety of
fabrics, threads, tools, etc., rather than insisting that
you want them all. The author even mentions the few basic
items you will need, so anybody new to the subject won’t
feel they have to buy the store. The rest of the book is mostly
about the various styles, each one being given a short section
showing methods of working the stitches, something about the
method plus some finished examples. Topics covered include
surface embroidery, needlepoint, counted thread, metal thread,
machine, appliqué, quilting and a mix of other techniques
such as beadwork, stumpwork and needlelace. Anybody wanting
to go deeper into each subject will have plenty of choice
from the impressive Search Press back catalog, but each section
does give enough information to do something. A piece of work
with the simpler methods, or a brief overview for the more
complex ones, so you can see if this method is for you and
for the project you are planning. Finally, to whet your appetite,
there is a gallery section entitled Themes which shows how
modern embroiders have interpreted various subjects and made
use of a wide range of methods. Each picture briefly explains
the methods used and each section (landscapes, abstracts,
plants, people and animals, plus decorating garments and objects)
describes possible approaches and suitable methods. Overall,
this is a very useful encyclopedia, which has certainly got
me wanting to add a few new embroidery methods to my repertoire.
If you cannot find a good range of embroidery materials locally,
try www.searchpress.com
for a list of suppliers.
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