Sarah Homfray demonstrates the Royal School of Needlework's approach to the ancient craft of Silk Shading. Learn everything you need about the techniques needed, history of the craft and be inspired by work of the highest standards.
The Royal School of Needlework teaches hand embroidery to the highest standard, developing techniques in new and innovative ways. This book includes an extensive stitch guide, covering all the techniques necessary for silk shading, a design section, and a history of the Royal School itself.
April 2013
Another title in the Royal School of Needlework series that gives detailed instructions on how to achieve beautiful stitching! After a brief history of this style there is a section on materials before moving onto design and using colour. Inspiration is next then composition, planning and transferring the design. Experienced sewers may find the section on stitches unnecessary. The second half of the book gives instruction on beginning simple projects, from fruit, marbles and autumn leaves. More advanced pieces incorporate different threads, materials and painted backgrounds. Following more ideas there is a final section on mounting a piece. All pages lie flat due to the ring binding and most pages have a tip or note to extend the reader's knowledge. This is a really useful addition to any sewer's bookcase; there are 7 titles in the series, all written by experienced students of the Royal School and well worth close study.
* Merseyside Embroiderer's Guild (megonline.co.uk) *Sarah Homfray came to silk shading relatively late in life, after careers led as a mechanical engineer and a croupier. After enrolling on a textile home study course and wanting to learn more, she applied for and was awarded a place on The Royal School of Needlework Apprenticeship programme. She graduated in 2006 and currently teaches there on certificated, diploma and seasonal courses.
Sarah went on to gain a Certificate in Education from Greenwich University and a Diploma in Fine Art from the Cyprus College of Art. She has won a number of awards for her embroidery work.
The Royal School of Needlework 6
Introduction 8
The history of silk shading 10
Materials 12
Design and using colour 20
Framing up 32
STITCHES 38
Stab stitch 38
Split stitch 39
Long and short stitch 40
Running stitch 42
Stem stitch 43
Eyelet stitch 44
Adding beads and sequins 44
Padding 46
French knots 48
Bullion knots 49
Getting started 54
Projects to stitch 62
Taking your work further 74
Further ideas for your own designs 86
Finishing your work 90
Troubleshooting 94
Index 96