Machine Embroidery Books

There is nothing quite like owning a stylish, unique handmade bag that you have created yourself. Jenny Rolfe has used quilting and free machine embroidery techniques to create a stunning collection of bags for all occasions.

All the techniques are explained fully, including how to make your own fabrics and cords to give your bags that really personal touch. The fabrics used include cottons, silks and felts, as well as the more exotic metallic organza, chiffon, velvet and netting. Variegated and metallic machine threads add texture, and the bags are further embellished with beads, sequins, shisha mirrors and wire in various colours.

Detailed step-by-step photographs accompany easy-to-follow text, and a sequence of projects illustrate how to construct, decorate and complete a range of different-shaped bags—one for every style and occasion.

See Also:

• Never Too Many Handbags - A Guide to Creating Your Own Original Handbag Using Freeform Knitting & Crochet
• Quilted Bags & Purses

Stunning machine embroidery from two of the most accomplished writers on the subject. The variety of materials used brings a mixed media element to the book and encourages readers to find new ways of stitching to create rich embroidered surfaces.

Lavishly illustrated with clear step-by-step instructions, the book is divided into four parts:

• Backgrounds: paint and texture, applique for backgrounds and stitched backgrounds.
• Slips and patches: designing and stitching, sewing machine scanners and software and cutting out the patch.
• Putting it all together: applying motifs to the background, painting after stitching, and making three dimensional pieces.
• Edges: tassels and trimmings, edges, cords and braids.

This book stretches the reader's imagination and offers new avenues for exploration.

Exciting, innovative and state-of-the-art machine embroidery from one of the most accomplished writers on the subject.

This is a book for everyone who is interested in texture in embroidery. Beautifully illustrated, it is structured in six chapters, covering:

1. Backgrounds, often using experimental or unusual materials.
2. Raising the surface a little to produce highly-textured, low-relief embroideries.
3. The next step - raising the surface even more.
4. Using applied motifs for high-relief textiles.
5. Frames, masks and high-relief panels.
6. Three-dimensional constructions, bowls, vessels and towers.

From acrylic felt to zip foot, this great book provides an invaluable reference guide to the latest machine embroidery techniques, materials and equipment all in a handy A-Z format.

Some of the finest contemporary examples of the machine embroiderer's art, including helpful diagrams, illustrate the easy-to-read text.

Val Holmes presents a practical, easy-to-follow machine embroidery course which clearly demonstrates each technique. She suggests experiments and projects which are designed to improve skills and build up confidence, showing how to use the sewing machine in new and innovative ways.

Contents:

• Decorative Work with Set Stitches
• Working with a Darning Foot
• Free Machine Embroidery
• Tension techniques
• Insertions, Openwork and Edges
• Lacy Effects with Vanishing Fabrics
• Textural Techniques and Unusual Surfaces