| If
you have a board of textured threads, beads and scraps of
fabric, and are wondering what to do with them look no further.
The mother and daughter team show how to create works of art
inspired by the natural world using a wide range of embroidery
styles and assorted materials.
This is definitely one for the keeper shelf. Anybody who thinks
that embroidery is all about six stranded cotton floss will
be surprised (and thrilled) to see the richly textured and
lifelike creations and, like this reviewer, yearn to start
stitching. The first half of this book is about what you need
and how to do a huge number of different techniques. The second
half contains projects, grouped under color plus stitch diagrams.
Total
beginners to any kind of embroidery would do well to seek
out a book that teaches one method in more detail before tackling
a book like this, which is aimed at more experienced embroiderers
up for a challenge. A wide range of techniques are explained
briefly with examples, including projects in some cases. Have
a go at stumpwork, beadwork, machine stitching. Make photo
transfers, use textured threads, net, ribbon and felt. Make
needlelace and more.
Even
though each section is short, an experienced embroiderer can
learn enough to have a go at one of the projects. The section
containing these is organized in colors, each chapter beginning
with a glorious double page spread of photographs showing
both work and nature. In each chapter you can find two projects,
one harder than the other, depicting the flora and fauna of
South Africa. Subjects include butterflies and insects, flowers
such as agapanthus, passion flower and heather, and my own
favorite, of a pair of young barred owls. Each project has
a list of what you need broken down helpfully into the type
of needles, threads, fabrics and more, plus instructions that
are detailed enough for anybody who has mastered the featured
techniques.
There
is a list, too, of these techniques, plus the stitches used,
and at the back, several pages of diagrams. Some of these
are patterns for the projects (many need to be enlarged) and
some are for the stitches. They have been drawn in black pen
and, although the simpler ones are clear enough, I have seen
better diagrams. This minor gripe aside, this is a beautiful,
inspiring book filled with inspiration and many lovely projects.
Definitely one for the keeper shelf.
If you cannot find a good range of the embroidery materials
locally try www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers.
Reviews
by other titles by Lesley Turpin-Delport and Nikki Delport-Wepener
Embroidered
Flora and Fauna
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