Reviews (2)

Not for embroidery machines!
Caution - this book is NOT what it may appear to be! It was written almost 20 years ago, and deals with using a SEWING machine and a variety of zig-zag stitching to achieve embroidery-type results. It is NOT about using embroidery machines. As an embroidery machine enthusiast, it was of little value to me.

An essential part of any sewers library
As always, Ms. Fanning specialises in the head slapper in this book.Every time I go back through it I feel like an idiot for not having thought of some of the simple and (once pointed out) obvious techniques shedescribes.Whatever sort of embellishment you are planning, chances arethere is something in this book to make the process easier and moreeffective.And when you are not sewing, the book is fun to read!Herexplanations are clear and easy to envision.I have never actually madeone of the projects in the book, but have used the techniques on countlessprojects.She even says that's fine with her!A truly useful bookbrimming with GOOD ideas. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Embroidery    5. Embroidery, Machine    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Machine sewing    8. Needlework - Embroidery   

Reviews (8)

Native American Beadwork & more!
This is a great book for those looking for authentic beadwork styles. The author covers a broad range of styles. He also discusses different backgrounds and even provides instruction for hide tanning.

Preserving tribal styles and techniques
The author, Joel Monture, is a professor of traditional arts at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe.His thorough textbook documents not only native American beadwork techniques, but the tedious methods of leather preparation that are necessary prior to beading.
It's worth looking at.
I just got this book along with two others the other night. Haven't had the chance yet to read it completely yet. Having scanned it a bit though, I would say the section with color photos is good, particularly if you're a crafter looking for patterns. The text I've read up to this point is good and worth reading. I've had a little bit of a hard time with some of the diagarms though, particularly some of the ones dealing with hides and hide tanning. Not that I'm looking to tan hides right now, but I thought it would still be interesting to understand the process. Several of the stitch diagrams are easier to follow though. There are black and white photos as well in this book. Most came out fine, but I think a there are a few that must have had poor lighting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beadwork    2. Costume and adornment    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Indian beadwork    8. Indians of North America    9. Jewelry    10. Leather Arts And Crafts    11. Native American Art    12. North America    13. Textile Arts - General    14. Crafts & Hobbies / Folkcrafts    15. Embroidery    16. Fashion design    17. The Americas   

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Embroidery    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework - Embroidery    8. Patterns    9. Textile Arts - General    10. BG-KITS - BG-ART KITS    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Embroidery    12. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB   

Reviews (2)

Willowood - Jean Wells
Great book, easy to follow instructions for beginner or advanced.

Not your usual designs
I am not a big fan of buttonhole applique. This book has changed my mind and that if a few of my students. Jean Wells has created some beautiful, sophisticated designs. Her use of fabrics is inspiring. My favorite is theForest Friends Quilt, which is shown in two different colorways, eachgiving it a whole new look. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Appliquâe    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Patterns    7. Quilted goods    8. Quilting    9. Sewing    10. Embroidery    11. Patchwork & applique    12. Quiltmaking   

Reviews (7)

Silk Ribbon Embroidery Bible
It is a beautiful book , fotographs are very nice and clear . The explanations are very clear , also for beginners. The ring-binder is very handy when you are stitching. I would recommand this book to every one who likes ribbon embroidery.
Fun book
Great pictures, concise directions and suggestions. I have been using this book with every project.

A 'must' for any who would work silk ribbon embroidery projects successfully
Beginners as well as advanced embroiderers will find the Silk Ribbon Embroidery Bible outstanding: it covers all details needed to work with ribbon embellishments, from instructions on over sixty ribbon embroidery stitches and patterns for motifs to color illustrations of each completed project, pattern guides and order of work charts, fabric and thread details, and more. A 'must' for any who would work silk ribbon embroidery projects successfully.
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Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Embroidery   

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (1)

Instructions better, designs not as good as her previous book
After receiving Trish Burr's previous book, Redoute's Finest Flowers in Embroidery (see my review there), I hurried to purchase this one as well. I'm feeling a curious mix of satisfaction and disappointment with this one.
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Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Embroidery    7. Embroidery    8. STUDY AIDS - Series Study Guides   

Editorial Review

The centuries-old craft of embroidery is enjoying a strong revival today. Beginners will find all the information here they need to get started, and more experienced needleworkers will enjoy the attractive projects. The 10 basic stitches are carefully spelled out in detail, and then the "Stitch Library" presents how-tos for more than 100 stitch variations in the six stitch families (straight, satin, crossed, knotted, looped, and laced). "Special Skills" offers opportunity for further embellishment and expansion of the stitcher's talent, with crewelwork, couching, ribbon embroidery, beading, and monogramming. Each of the 20 good-looking projects (including bags, tablecloths, cushions, a shawl, and even monogrammed espadrilles), contains full step-by-step instructions, a materials list, a stitch and color chart, and color photos of the finished piece. Read more

Reviews (2)

Readers Digest Complete Book of Embroidery
I have embroidered all my life and this book is the one that I keep with my embroidery as a reference. No matter how long you have done embroidery you can not remember all the stitches. The stitch diagrams are easily understood and can be followed with ease. I also use it for inspiration when I am designing a piece> I have actually done the samplers shown in the book and use them when I am teaching to show how a stitch would look. I would recomend this book to a beginning stitcher as well as an experienced one.

Excellent reference for any skill level!
This is a great book for a beginner - I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to learn the embroidery stitches - from basic to complex.It will also be a handy reference in the future when I am more accomplished at embroidery because it includes a history of the stitch and what it is used for typically.It has lots of pictures and guides to how the stitch should look - as well as getting started tips.Wonderful, colorful book.Even has projects! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Embroidery    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Patterns   

Reviews (6)

A dazzling desplay of the very best.
This dazzling display of some of the very best in international embroidery demonstrates convincingly that this form of needlework is capable of taking its place among the fine arts. Depicting the work of 38 artists from Britain, the European continent, North America, and Australia, the photographs in this book will open minds to the creative possibilities of embroidery and provide endless inspiration for all enthusiasts. The range of work covers abstract, realistic and geometric modes of expression. Accompanied by statements by each of the artists about their influences, personal approaches and techniques, the vivid illustrations reflect a broad and colourful diversity in their international flavour and in the individual motivations and personal strengths that lie behind these glorious creations. The works display a variety of techniques, from hand stitching to machine embroidery, quilting, appliqu�, canvas work (needlepoint), assemblage, dye and paint techniques and printing, in the service of an equally wide range of decorative and expressive purposes. For example, in the abstract linear structures of Emilia Bohdziewicz or the illustrative hand-stitched pieces of Helen Daniel, in Tom Lundberg's use of symbolism and dream imagery as well as Tilleke Schwarz's affinity for simple, strong folk art, the embroidery works shown here represent, collectively, the most exciting and innovative ideas in the field today - seasoned by a willingness to incorporate in new ways some of the methods and media of other crafts and disciplines. This exquisite volume will delight and absorb all lovers of form and colour and those who revel in the possibilities of stitch and fabric manipulation, and will serve as a guide to some of the newest and freshest embroidery art from around the world. Anne Morrell is a Professor of Textiles and former Head of Embroidery at the Manchester Metropolitan University. In addition to her research interests in historic and ethnic textiles, particularly of the Indian sub-continent, she has taught for more than thirty years and has published extensively in the field of embroidery and craft textiles. Her own embroidery work has been exhibited in various museums and in touring shows on four continents.

Creative possibilities and endless inspiration!
The photographs in this book will open minds to the creative possibilities of embroidery & provide endless inspiration for all enthusiasts.

From a collection of international textile artists.
A showcase of contemporary embroidery , with a wide representation of styles, some artists preferring to work within established embroidery traditions, others going beyond the standard definition of their craft. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Embroidery    4. History    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Textile crafts   

Reviews (16)

Beaded Embellishment
This book is one of the most exciting beading books I have read.Not only does it have beautiful projects with a variety of techniques, but the gallery of pieces made is out of this world.I would recommend it strongly for any serious or even beginning beader.Beading rocks!!!

Very comprehensive - Excellent!
I am just beginning with fabric arts and this book was just what I was looking for.I had never done beading on fabric before.This book gave a little history, talked about supplies and showed several basic steps. It had several nice projects to work on as well as several lovely pictures of other artists' work.It also goes into color theory and talk about design which I only skimmed over, but that's just me.Overall, very, very helpful for someone starting out in this area.

Super Book Nice color pictures
This is a must have if you do spirit dolls or any beading at all..The color pictures threwout the book alone make it all worthwhile but the lesson plans are very detialed and easy to follow.Im really really glad I finally bought this book..I only wish I had before now..B.W. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Needlework - General    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    9. Embroidery    10. Handicrafts    11. Textile arts   

Reviews (3)

Best Starter's Guide
This book is excellent for beginners.There are no projects to "do" and therefore, it allows the beginner to really challenge their creativity and imagination.It gives all the steps and stitches one needs to get started.I chose this book because I needed to know how to make basic flower stitches without the pressure of trying to duplicate someone else's creations and because there was no pressure to finish a project.This book is a must for the beginner.It was all I really needed to get a clear understanding of how to learn to create my own projects.I always refer to it when I feel I need a "push".

A great book if you are just starting Ribbon Embroidery
I found this book very easy to work with; the text is easy to read and the illustrations show how the stitches should be placed. I have created a few unique pieces using this book :O)

Excellent book with great instructions and good graphics.
I have found this as well as other books by Deanna Hall West to be very well written, very well graphed out with a lot of ideas for how one would use the design.I would not hesitate to recommend this book as I feel I ama professional designer with silk ribbon and love it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Needlework - Embroidery    4. Ribbon flowers    5. Silk ribbon embroidery    6. Embroidery   

Reviews (3)

Textile Treasures - a review by Jocelyn Chatterton.
This comprehensive account of East Asian embroidery is a must for any textile collector.Beautifully illustrated throughout and wonderfully informative it educates and feasts the eye. The photographic details are very clear and provide a good indication of the different textures.There is also a useful, fully comprehensive bibliography encouraging further exploration of this fascinating subject.

Silken Threads reviewed by Judith Rutherford
Silken Threads leads the reader through a wonderful journey charting the evolution of the embroidery of the East Asian region.
Silken Threads reviewedby MarilynGardnerHamburger
Silken Threads is real winner ! Collectors, Asian Art scholars ,and Costume designers ,both fashion and theater,will find this book anindispensable reference work in the field of East Asian embroidered textile and costume. What this book is NOT is a"how-to" on embroidery.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Asian    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Design - Decorative    5. Design - Textile & Costume    6. Dress And Costume    7. East Asia    8. Embroidery    9. History - General    10. Needlework - Embroidery    11. Silk    12. Textile Arts    13. Art / History / Asian    14. China    15. Japan    16. Korea    17. Oriental art    18. Vietnam   

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Embroidery, Machine    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Embroidery   

Reviews (2)

Emphasis on the "creative"
I love this book. This is the book my Grandma had on her shelf when she taught me to embroider as a little girl. When I went back to embroidery recently this is the book I bought. Unlike many modern embroidery books, Enthoven's work proceeds from the premise that everyone can produce their own designs using embroidery. Rather than giving you a series of projects to copy, she teaches an abundance of stitches, and lots of encouragement to explore them. She emphasizes the practice of "doodling" with stitches as a way of coming up with your own designs - something I've found really helpful.I've actually found that I am able to come up with more lively designs with my needle than with pencil and paper.
Wonderful and unusual...
This is a fantastic book for anyone looking to branch out with embroidery. It includes detailed instructions for creating hundreds of unusual stitches from around the world, along with interesting commentary on the history of and uses for the stitches, ideas for design, and many (mostly black and white) pictures. Enthoven also provides valuable instructional information for both new and experienced embroiderers, and her enthusiasm for the subject is inspirational. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Embroidery    4. Needlework - Embroidery   

Reviews (1)

Gorgeous Photos
This isn't a how-to book; it's a photographic tour of breathtaking historical embroidery pieces. Many pieces are featured in close up so you can really see the technique. It's a wonderful source of inspiration. Many photos are full-page and most are in color. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Embroidery    3. England    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. London    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Textile Arts    8. Textile fabrics    9. Themes, motives   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Needlework - Embroidery   

Features

• Illustrated

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Needlepoint    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlepoint    7. Embroidery   

Reviews (2)

Color, design and symbolism beautifully defined
As a textile collector and as an individual interested in anthropology I found this book full of invaluable insights.A good, clear read, excellent pictures and wonderful research makes this book an excellent reference. If you aren't intensely interested in the history of cultures and their expression in textiles this is not the book for you.If you are interested in such things: I highly reccomend this book.

Excellent Book on World History of Embroidery
This is a good historical reference that ties in the symbolism and religious influences on embroidery.The pictures are wonderful! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Art    3. Art Needlework    4. Embroidery    5. General    6. Needlework - Embroidery    7. Textile fabrics    8. Themes, motives    9. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (1)

An average book
This book came free with my embroidery machine. The companion cd has some cute shapes that I plan to use, but the projects are pretty lame. I would not have bought the book given a choice. But since it is the only one of its kind that I have, I'm using it and am about to finish a quilt with a shape from the cd. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Embroidery    6. Quilts & Quilting    7. Sewing    8. Embroidery   

Reviews (1)

Necessary Book for learning landscapes
This is a clear and concise book.A good choice if you ever wanted to learn to do landscape quilts. The instructions and pictures make it very easy to understand. Her method for making and attaching bindings is worth having the book besides all the other useful information. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applique    2. Appliquâe    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Fabric pictures    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework - Embroidery    8. Patchwork    9. Patterns    10. Quilting    11. Quilts & Quilting