Beginner’s Guide to Machine Embroidered Landscapes by Alison Holt, softback published by Search Press. ISBN 978-0-85532-917-4, price 8.95 from www.searchpress.com
The world of machine embroidery is bewildering. Where do you begin? I would personally reach out for Alison Holt’s books (see other reviews for all three and the DVD). Why Alison? Not only does she have a thorough grounding of sewing machines and how to use them for painting with thread, but she also has a love and knowledge of flowers and plants that comes through in her exquisite work.
Alison’s work is quite detailed and she is an enthusiastic teacher. In this book she gives a basic introduction to equipment for machine embroidery including choosing threads and for silk painting. She also discusses design and using photographs, colour and painting a background fabric.
This fabulous book encourages the machine embroiderer to experiment with different stitches to achieve the effect they want. There are three complete step-by-step embroideries to complete. This 80-page book is a tremendous beginner’s guide to its subject. With lots of practice, you should be able to complete the projects.