For the embroiderer who appreciates the value of beautiful stitches but also likes to break a few rules along the way, Rebecca Ringquist’s Embroidery Workshops is a refreshing new resource for both standard and out-of-the-box techniques.
Based on the popular classes Ringquist leads across the country, Rebecca Ringquist’s Embroidery Workshops teaches everything from the “proper” way to form a French knot and transfer a design to a canvas to new ways to stitch three-dimensionally, work with nontraditional threads and fabrics, draw with thread free form, and mix and match machine- and hand-stitching. Also featured are instructions for 20 innovative projects, including a cloth sampler designed especially for the book (and packaged in an envelope at the back), table linens, wall art, and clothing embellishments. Includes a real cloth sampler to stitch.
Renowned textile artist Meredith Woolnough creates replicas of nature using a delicate system of tiny stitches. Her artwork is breathtaking, and now for the first time Woolnough offers crafters and fiber artists a lesson in how to use the organic embroidery technique. Look behind the scenes of her art process, from the initial fieldwork sketching and research that inspires her designs, to the production of her ethereal embroidered sculptures. She guides you through 12 creativity-prompting activities to help you begin your own mastery of this method. As you learn to find your desired shape or pattern in nature, from sources like leaves, shells, or coral, then use your sewing machine to turn it into openwork art, you'll also enjoy dozens of inspirational photos of Woolnough's own art pieces. Woolnough's instructions offer simple but highly versatile techniques, and allow you space for your own creative approach.
Embroidery artist Yumiko Higuchi offers modern makers a fresh new spin on her beloved designs by combining embroidery stitches with hand applique. Learn how to use felt, cotton, and linen to create beautifully layered designs full of texture and contrast, then embellish with just a handful of basic embroidery stitches. With over 30 motifs inspired by nature, you will find designs for hydrangeas, sunflowers, lilacs, tulips, poppies, birds, bees, strawberries, and more. Use these motifs to create any of the sophisticated bags, pincushions, coasters, tea towels, and wall art projects included in the book, or be inspired to design your own.
In Garden Stitch Life, embroidery artist Kazuko Aoki invites you into her enchanting world of garden-themed embroidery. You’ll get a glimpse into her creative process, from sketching and selecting thread colors to stitching tips and techniques, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at her atelier, garden, and other inspiring locales. In addition to dozens of botanical motifs, you’ll also find designs based on the author’s favorite things in life: food, travel, and design. Projects include samplers, collages, patches, bags, table linens, and more!
In her first two Doodle Stitching books, Aimee Ray proved that doodling isn't just for paper anymore! Now she brings her irresistible art to a variety of embroidery techniques in a timeless resource for anyone with a needle and thread. Appealing to stitchers of all levels, the beautiful decorative stitches and techniques here include stump work, applique, Shisha, cutwork, and Sashiko. They're all presented in Ray's fresh, accessible, and whimsical style, with more than 20 fun projects and extra motifs so readers can personalize their creations.
Zakka Embroidery presents designs that are an elegant blend of Japanese and Scandinavian style. The motifs and patterns are spare and graphic, yet softened with organic shapes and imagery drawn from nature. The result is embroidery that evokes a personal feel and conjures a sense of nostalgia.
The task of picking just the right palette for an embroidery project can be overwhelming to beginners and experienced stitchers alike. But when you take away that challenge, a whole world of texture and style becomes available. Here Japanese designer Yumiko Higuchi presents embroidery motifs to be stitched using just one or two colors—creating patterns and designs that are more evocative for their form than for a play of colors. Each embroidery design is paired with a simple craft project, transforming the stitched fabric into a functional object, including pouches, pillows, aprons, and more.
With beautiful photographs, clear step-by-step instructions, and detailed diagrams, Zakka Embroidery will be an inspiring guide for those new to embroidery and a delightful experience for those experienced with needle and thread.
Feminist Cross Stitch by Stephanie Rohr. Crafty activists will love this snarky book with its 40 irreverent, vintage-inspired cross-stitch patterns. Whether you want to proudly announce to the world that you're a nasty woman or remind others that a woman's place is in the revolution, you’ll find edgy slogans, sharp one-liners, and cheeky images that make fabulous wall art or wonderful handmade gifts. An illustrated basics section will get you started, with information on materials, tools, techniques, and framing your finished pieces.
Finished Size: 25cm 10in tall / 38cm 15in long Mickey Moose may not be as famous as his rodent namesake but he’s just as cute! It took a while to work out how to design his antlers so they didn’t flop but I am pleased to say Mickey is a fine, upstanding member of the moose community! This pattern is suitable for an intermediate or adventurous beginner sewist.
Finished Size: 30 cm / 12 inches
This sweet little squirrel is named after ‘Sue’ a.k.a Suraliyama - one of the lovely sewists I met in India when I visited Bluemango. There I saw the cutest Indian squirrel which the locals call ‘aneel’ and thought it was a toy design just begging to be made! This toy pattern has some small pieces so I wouldn’t recommend it for a beginner toy maker who should start with one of my easy patterns.
Recommended fabrics:
I sewed my squirrel with quilting cottons. You could use minky, cuddle and even fake fur especially for the tail to give your squirrel a fun fluffy look.
Finished Size: 41cm (16 inches)
Whip up a cute Valentines toy as a surprise gift for a loved one, family member or special friend this Valentine's Day. Everyone needs a LOVE MONSTER! Great for using up your from your fabric stash - any red, white or pink fabric will look great! This easy to follow pattern would make for a cute kids DIY craft project too.
Finished Size: 18in Monty is a fun-loving, playful Manatee (or Dugong to us Australians!) who loves lolling around munching away on sea grass. There’s something adorable about these “sea cows” but personally I don’t think they’re pretty enough to be mistaken for mermaids! Monty is a is a quick and easy pattern which will look great in all sorts of colors, not just manatee-grey!
Finished Size: 17in /43cm
Steve is a really cuddly crocodile, grinning from ear to ear all day long! I'm sure there are lots of little boys (and girls!) who'd love to snuggle up to him.
RECOMMENDED FABRICS:
The Crocodile can made from both NON-stretch fabrics (eg. patchwork and quilting cottons and corduroy)as well as stretchy fabrics (eg. fleece, stretch velour, chenille and flannelette.)
