The Stitching Book: A Step-by-Step Guide to Surface Stitching Techniques

(Paperback)

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Description

Drawing on work previously published in the Search Press Beginners Guide series of needlecraft books, this definitive guide to stitching provides a must-have reference for anyone interested in stitching and embroidery. Aimed at both absolute beginners as well as those wishing to explore new areas or to develop their existing skills, this book provides a complete, step-by-step guide to traditional stitching techniques, including drawn thread work, hardanger, goldwork, stumpwork, silk shading, crewel work, mountmellick and blackwork. Each section is written by an expert in that particular field, and leads the reader carefully through the history of the technique; the materials and equipment required; and the most popular stitches used. Each section includes hands-on projects, and are beautifully illustrated with examples of the authors work as well as step-by-step photographs and diagrams of the methods used. This timely book is the perfect choice for anyone whose interest in stitching has been re-awakened by the current trends in home sewing, and who wishes to make beautiful, hand-embroidered items for their home.

Reviews

An unusual guide to traditional and historical stitching techniques which you may not have heard of. It's an exhaustive encylopedia of surface stitching techniques. I loved reading through this book. The introductions to the history of each technique is fascinating.Blackwork is thought to have been brought to England by Moors and Arabs in the thirteenth century with soliders returning from the Crusades in the Holy Lands. Later on the Spanish Princess, Katharine of Aragon, brought the technique to England in 1501, and after marrying Henry VIII, heavily influenced the English court with her passion for embroidery. I felt excited after reading this when I stitched one of the patterns from the book above. The book covers eight major sewing techniques. Silk shading, Crewel Embroidery, Mountmellick, Stumpwork, Hardanger, Blackwork, Drawn Thread Embroidery and Goldwork. Within each section there is advice on materials, fabric, the basics and then some patterns to get you going. The step-by-step instructions are very slow and clear. It's so accessible and gives you that itch to stitch. Personally I cling to aida and cross stitch when I sew by hand as if for safety! So this book was a breath of fresh air which may shake my addiction to aida. I'm attracted to satin stitch and padded satin stitch in particular looks very clever. The basic advice in here means any questions you have had like how to frame or transferring a design onto the fabric is outlined in full. This book is well worth the money and you will refer to it time and time again.-sewingisforgirls.blogspot.com This definitive guide to stitching is a great reference tool for anyone interested in stitching and embroidery. The book provides expert insights into traditional stitching techniques such as drawn thread work, hardanger, goldwork, stumpwork, silk shading, crewel work, mountmellick and blackwork, running through its history and materials used as well as detailing some lovely projects to try. Both experienced stitchers and needlework novices can benefit from this comprehensive resource with each section written by an expert.-Craft Focus

Author Bio

Patricia Bagehas loved art and needlecraftfrom an early age. She exhibits her drawn thread embroideries in the UK and the USA and her designs are available worldwide.

Jill Carter learnt Hardanger embroidery while living in Norway and since then has used her expertise and creative talents to take this traditional technique in new and exciting directions. Jill exhibits her work widely.

Ruth Chamberlin gained her love of goldwork while studying ecclesiastical embroidery at the School of Embroidery, London. She now works on commissions and has taught in adult education for over forty years.

Kay Dennis has taught needlelace and stumpwork for many years and is a life members of the Embroiderers' Guild and The Guild of Needle Laces. Supported by her husband Mike, she lectures and demonstrates widely.

Clare Hanham is a skilled needlecrafter, and has a particular love of silk shading. She runs embroidery classes and designs projects for well-known needlework magazines, as well as restoring antique embroideries.

Jane Rainbow has been a professional embroiderer, designer, teacher and consultant for many years. She now teaches courses in crewel embroidery and designs canvas and crewel embroidery kits.

Pat Trott was initially attracted to Mountmellick because of the numerous different stitches involved, and she went on to become an expert in this unique craft. Pat is a life member of the Embroiderers' Guild.

Lesley Wilkins discovered blackwork samplers on a school visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum, and her fascination with the craft has led her to become not only an embroiderer of extraordinary skill but also an expert in the history of blackwork.