Mar 13
This book is for creative dressmakers and needlecrafters. The book is split into four chapters: Stitching Essentials by Lorna Knight; Functional Stitches; Decorative Stitches and Directory of Motifs. All the chapters are very useful. Chapter one deals with materials, tools, preparing fabric, taking measurements, using a hoop, threading a needle, reading patterns or charts and much more. Chapter two is a stitch directory of functional stitches such as tacking, hemming, backstitch, stab stitch and some I had not heard of before. It includes how to stitch fastenings. A few stitches used in joining knitted pieces are included here too. Chapter three is wonderful for embroiderers with stitches such as sheaf stitch, chain, stem, fishbone, French knots and much more. It includes stitches for quilters and canvas workers too and how to embellish with beads and sequins. Chapter four has a wonderful selection of motifs of all kinds including floral, animal, teatime and more. They have a contemporary feel. This book is very well produced. It has full colour pages throughout with excellent how to photographs. Each stitch has a full page with an introduction and written instructions on how to make the stitch accompanied by four clear photographs showing you how it is done. In the top corner is another image of the completed stitch, showing how it looks when repeated. The stitches have been graded for skill level. A panel down the side shows the tools and materials you need. There are also notes on how to use each stitch and suggestions for variations. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in any kind of needlecraft, stitching, embroidery, quilting or sewing by hand. It's hard to think how it could be improved upon, it's just perfect.
* Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts *
Apr/May 13
We all need at least one good reference book and this is a must have of hand finishing techniques, which will lift your sewing project from good to outstanding! The book contains heritage hand sewing techniques that will add beautiful or couture-like finishing touches to your projects and become a testament to your style, skill and creativity. In addition to the stitch directory, a section at the beginning of the book covers supplies, tips and tricks and how to troubleshoot mistakes. The photographs make the explanations of the various methods very simple indeed and this is a well balanced reference book, which will certainly give clarity to whatever project you are undertaking.
* Fabrications *
Aug/Sep 13
Many stitching projects include a number of different skills, from transferring a pattern onto fabric to making the embroidery up as a finished item. Some of the techniques in this book introduce dressmaking techniques, but most of them are transferable and you will find them useful in all sorts of ways. Broken down into skill levels, the simplest functional stitches include overcasting, white fly stitch, daisy stitch and feather stitch as some of the easy decorative stitches. Moving up to the second level, you'll find ladder stitch, eyelet holes, rolled hems and bullion knots; with techniques such as smocking, drawn thread work and Hardanger at level three. If you're new to sewing, you'll find the chapter about reading patterns and charts very useful and, because everything doesn't always turn out perfectly, the instructions for correcting mistakes are also helpful. This isn't a project book, but there's a lovely directory of motifs that could be stitched onto virtually anything - and the motifs can be worked in any way you wish, so that you can put some of the ideas from the book into practice.
* Stitch *
September 2014
Since its publication last year, this weighty tome has become an essential guide and a much-loved reference for anyone and everyone with an interest in needle crafts, embroidery and quilting, or any kind of sewing by hand. I'm sure most of us are aware of how the addition of small, intricate details to quilts and other projects can make a huge difference, and also how tremendously rewarding and enjoyable they can be to create. This exhaustive but approachable reference could very well be the only book you'll ever need on the subject. Extremely practical advice and superb step-by-step photographic instructions are scattered liberally throughout the book, and are cleanly and efficiently categorised. Types of stitching, knots, quilting, hemming and most other types of needlework you could think of (and perhaps some you haven't) are all covered; the book also provides a wide range of motifs. It's guaranteed that after a couple of minutes poring over this book you'll be raring to get stitching. If you enjoy needle work, and we imagine that if you're reading this magazine then you do, then you really should treat yourself to this title.
* Popular Patchwork *
September 2014
This book reflects the resurgence in sewing and embroidery. It takes the reader from choosing the right tools and fabrics to reading a dressmaking pattern. The level of detail is simply fantastic. Close up photography of step by step instructions for each stitch. From types of thread to use and where to use them,to how to much fabric do I need for a dress this book has it all. It has been written by someone who knows their craft and wants to share their knowledge and skills in as much detail as possible.
* Young Embroiderers *
