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This book is a real treasure trove It is a packed with beautiful, inspiring images from both ancient sources and from Jan Messent herself. She describes her work as 'sheer self indulgence' as it is a personal reflection her own interests. Her use of mixed media captures the powerful spirit of the ancient work and she presents her responses as a series of beautifully crafted creations. It is not a teaching manual, but an inspiration to anyone with an interest in historical sources and a love of stitching. Different chapters range from Celtic influences through to the Bayeux tapestry, the 'Dressing Up' book and the book of 'Ancient Accessories'. It is a joy to read and every page is a delight with excellent illustrations. Jan Messent was one of my heroes when I did City and Guilds and she is still inspiring me today. Published by SEARCH PRESS ISBN 978-1-84448-409-6 £25.00
This book fills a need, of which most right handed stitchers are not aware. Learning to sew is difficult enough, but to have to do it back to front is even more of a challenge. The author gives advice about methods of stitching a large number of stitches roughly in order of complexity. Each stitch has step-by-step instructions and diagrams showing how to tackle the range available. There are also pictures and comparisons of left and right handed methods. The range of different stitches covers a wide spectrum from, for example, chain stitch, hedebo and canvas stitches and all are well illustrated. If you need to teach people, or yourself to sew, and are struggling with normal stitch books, this is an excellent aid to learning, clear, easy to follow and well laid out. Published by SEARCH PRESS ISBN978-0-9757677-3-3
Everything you ever wanted to know about sewing is enclosed in this excellent technique book. It is an ideal reference book for anyone who needs to pick up needle and thread. It contains well illustrated pages on all aspects of sewing, ranging from essential equipment to fabric properties and techniques. Each page is packed with interesting facts, tips and illustrations covering basics and there is also a section on decorative methods. It is aimed at improving skills so the techniques are arranged in order, but it is also possible to search for specific problems with troubleshooting ideas throught the book. This is a very good clear guide to sewing for any age group or ability. Published by SEARCH PRESS £12.99 ISBN 978-1-84448-525-3
by Eve Lambert & Tracy Kendall
This beautiful and very useful book is a treasure trove of information about dyeing with natural products. The authors explain clearly the techniques involved and even how to collect your own raw materials. There are recipes for a large number of natural dyestuffs with good photographs and explanations. My favourite section is called the 'Recipe Selector' which shows the different shades of colour possible with specific ingredients. These are a feast of colour and should inspire anyone with an interest in using colour in their textile work. A really useful book for dyers, or potential dyers. Published by SEARCH PRESS @£12.99 ISBN 978-1-8444-527-7
Jane Hall talks about Nature as she experienced it as a child: magical, all absorbing and totally real. The interest in all things natural developed in her childhood, have exerted a great influence on her creative output. Her use of fibres and silk have allowed her to create images in three dimensions which lift off the surface and bring into being the plants and insects she so adores. This book is full of inspiring ideas and Jane explains her working methods and how the final pieces are evolved. There are lots of photographs, both of her work and her inspiration which are helpful to embroiderers or even people who like to paint nature. A very interesting take on Natural Forms. Published by SEARCH PRESS @ £12.99 ISBN 978-1-84448-483-3
This neat little paperback will give any knitter the confidence to attempt cable stitching. It starts with an introduction on yarns, needles and knitting kits and leads onto the practical side of knitting with advice about casting on, stitches and charts. All these are explained very clearly and simply with excellent photographs and easy to follow written instructions. There are many projects decorated with a wide range of textured cables, some simple and some more complex, but all easy to understand. There is also a comprehensive section on finishing techniques which make an interesting addition to completed projects. Published by SEARCH PRESS @ £12.99 ISBN 978-1-8444-531-4
by Joke and Adriaan de Vette
This neat little book is a great source of ideas applicable to personalised greetings cards. The authors have taken traditional stitch techniques and applied them to stitching on paper with delightful results. General instructions include pricking out the design, working a variety of stitches ideal for decoration, and finishing touches. There is also a complete alphabet of generously curved letters decorated with flowers. There is a good selection of designs for Christmas and a section on borders. There is scope for developing personal greeting cards to suit lots of different occasions. Published by SEARCH PRESS @ £6.99 ISBN 978-1-84448-461-4
Flower designs apply to many different areas of Craft and Design and this source book is aimed at Craftspeople and Artists, all of whom could find inspiration here. There is a small colour section at the front showing how floral forms can be adapted to many different techniques including polymer clay, silk painting, decoupage and embossing foil. This is followed by nearly 100 pages of black and white floral illustrations, any of which could be the basis for design work. They range from full page drawings to small motifs, easily traceable and adaptable to craftwork. An added bonus is the CD included which allows the designs to be downloaded onto the computer and further manipulated. A very useful tool for a creative mind. Published by SEARCH PRESS @ £9.99 ISBN 978-1-84448-440-9
This excellent instruction book is packed with beautifully stitched and embellished letters enabling both beginners and acomplished stitchers to create letters, monograms or even words, with flowing lines of stitching and textured ribbon additions. The author has included information on creating and transferring designs using the computer for scanning, copying and printing onto fabric. Useful hints on choosing fabrics and ribbons and stitch techniques are also included. A complete alphabet is illustrated with instructions and at the end of the book there are more ideas for cards and borders. This would be a valuable reference book for anyone interested in embellished ribbon embroidery. Published by SEARCH PRESS ISBN978-1-84448-446-1 @ £12.99
This inspiring book is full of exquisite flowers created by the inventive use silk ribbon. There are 32 different varieties of flowers, all varied and beautifully stitched, giving an exciting three dimensional quality to the embroidery. The author explains the technique very fully at the start of the book, including both ribbon stitching techniques, and thread work. Following on from this, the actual flowers are illustrated one by one with clear photographs and diagrams. Each one is a joy to see and the templates make it possible for anyone to follow the instructions and make their own flower bouquet. A beautiful book to look at and develop stitching skills. Published by SEARCH PRESS ISBN 978-1-84448-199-6 @19.99
Carol Shinn has produced a beautiful, lavishly illustrated book on techniques and inspiration for Fibre Art. Her explanations about technique and use of the sewing machine are clear and easy to follow, but the outstanding feature for me was the excellence and quality of her own stitching. She blends colour superbly with machine threads and uses this method to produce exquisite, densely stitched masterpieces. She shows the research behind the finished pieces which I found very interesting. There is also an inspirational Gallery of work by other well known textile artists at the end of the book. This is a superb book for anyone interested in freestyle Machine Embroidery. Published by SEARCH PRESS ISBN 978-1-59668-042-5
The sub-title for this beautifully Illustrated book is 'Creative Experiments in Quilt Imagery' and it really is full of inspiration. The author says 'ease in the use of media is the goal' and uses this book to facilitate this idea. The text is broken down into chapters which include technique application, embellishment and creating quilts inspired by personal journals. There are lavish colour illustrations throughout which show step by step instructions and valuable hints about developing both ideas and practical sewing techniques. She uses mixed media to convey her ideas and encourages experimental techniques. This is a creative approach to a very traditional method of working with fabric. Published by SEARCH PRESS ISBN978-1-59668-096-8
This excellent little book took me back to happy days at Art College experimenting with Fustic chips, Logwood, Madder and mordants until my fingers and clothing changed into rainbows. Jenny Dean has written a very comprehensive dyers handbook. She explains very clearly health and safety, the selection and preparation of materials and lots of information on the technical side of dyeing. The use of colour illustrations makes the explanations very easy to follow. Her checklist of 'Important Reminders' is something I would have loved as a student. Dyeing from natural materials is a fascinating process and Jenny Dean has written a wonderful and inspiring book which would encourage anyone to start experimenting. Published by SEARCH PRESS ISBN 978-1-84448-468-3 @ £9.99
Embroidery on Paper, Alphabets & Festive Motifs by Joke & Adriaan Vette
Inspiring ideas by the authors for cardmakers and papercrafters, price £6.99
Embroidered Pansies by Diana Lampe
Instructions for more than 100 of these pretty flowers, price £15.00 (hardback)
Japanese Flowers in Applique by Eileen Campbell.
The story of a quilt made for an exhibition in Japan, plus instructions for creating your own quilt, or maybe just one panel. £18.99 (paperback)
Sunbonnet Sue 'Once upon a Posy' by Pearl Louise Krush
Quilt blocks and applique designs based on a familiar favourite, price £8.99 (paperback)
THESE BOOKS ARE PUBLISHED BY SEARCH PRESS. THEY ARE AVAILABLE IN BOOKSHOPS OR ONLINE AT www.searchpress.com
