Embellish and Stitch by Valerie Campbell-Harding and Maggie Grey, softback published by d4daisy. ISBN 978-0-9555371-03, price 14.00 from www.d4daisy.com
The embellishing machine was the prerogative of felters, but now these two innovative authors expose its virtues in the world of creative stitching. Both authors are renowned for their work and you will learn far more from one of their books (see other reviews on Maggie Grey books) than many other authors.
All d4daisy books are top quality and Michael Wicks’ photographs bring the textiles to life. These books are produced on heavyweight paper and are lavish. A comprehensive getting started chapter leads into creative stitching with textured surfaces. Techniques are explored by hand and machine. Learn how to apply different fabrics for texture, how to create pattern and how to add stitches. Discover the art of distortion, felting and couching. Find out how to tuck, gather and weave. Finally there are useful notes on taking the ideas further.
The examples of work are superb and as such provide so much inspiration, but this is a practical book too, that will teach you how to achieve stunning effects with an embellishing machine or hand tools. Highly recommended.