5 comments about Machine Embroidery Wild & Wacky: Stitch on Any and Every Surface.

1. I am new at machine embroidery and found this book great for ideas and easy to understand instructions to make some fun gifts.



2. This book has some adorable projects. It also has projects for all skill levels and something new to try for everyone interested in machine embroidery. Also comes with free machine embroidery designs to expand your library. Fun book.



3. I haven't stitched out anything, but have enjoyed the Wild and Wacky for reading and the pictures..



4. I bought this book on a whim. I embroidered toilet paper & soap (from the book) for my sister in Germany. I added an embroidered wash cloth & hand towel, and basketed it all up. She was stunned to see embroidered toilet paper. There are lots of fun projects in this book.



5. Love this book! The techniques are well-illustrated with photos and the text gives clear how-to's for getting the best results. I particularly liked the info about embroidering on balsa wood. The book tells exactly what width of balsa is needed, which needle to use, and how to set up the machine. I found the recommended balsa wood at the local crafts store, and easily cut it using an old pair of scissors. (It's used for things like making toy airplanes, so it's quite thin). My first project with the balsa wood was a densely stitched bird design, which I used to make a wooden postcard. Stitching out was no problem at all---no thread or needle breakage. I sewed bias tape onto each edge of the wood, glued the loose edges of the bias onto the back of the wood, and covered the back of the postcard (covering the back of the embroidery and the bias tape edges) with plain white stick-on paper. It would never have occurred to me to stitch on wood if it hadn't been for this book. Kudos to the authors! And by the way, the included CD includes some terrific designs for dog and cat owners, plus other cute designs using clear vinyl and other materials.

5 comments about Elegant Ribbonwork: 24 Heirloom Projects for Special Occasions.

1. This is another excellent book on ribbonwork by Helen Gibb. This book is a great resource for anyone who like to do ribbonwork. It is easy to understand and follow her instructions.



2. I am an accomplished ribbon artist for several years now. I have books by several artists and my very favorite artist is Helen Gibb. I have learned so much from her. This bookElegant Ribbonwork is
   absolutely luscious, with loads of new projects.. I can't wait to read it through and then start playing with my ribbons (I've already flipped through all the pictures - Hope I didn't drool on any of the pages).
   
   Bravo, Helen!



3. This book is terrific. It gives you very clear instructions on how to make gorgeous flowers. I saw Ms. Gibb on Carol Duval's show and wanted to learn the technique and I am so glad that I ordered her books.



4. This little book holds many, many instructions and pictures to show you how to make a wide variety of ribbons. It covers miniature ribbons, full size ribbons and a large offering of uses. The photos inside the book are informative and beautiful. There are many photos of historical uses of ribbon.



5. I always read the reviews before buying and almost didn't purchase this book because of the one bad review. I am so glad that I got this book. It is fabulous from beginning to end. The pictures and projects are virtually stunning. I already have Helen's book: Ribbonwork, the Complete Guide. It has a lot of illustrations while this book opens up your mind to vast possibilities. It is worth the purchase if not just to gaze in wonderment.

5 comments about Coloring With Thread: A No-Drawing Approach To Free-Motion Embroidery.

1. I bought this because I became interested in thread embroidery. Its a truely goregeous book with easy to follow instructions and wonderful photos. Her work really looks like 3D photography. I learned a lot just by reading it. A true enjoyment.



2. We just cannot get enough time to try everything in this book It is absolutely inspiring. It is exciting just reading it and makes one long to get to the sewing machine. Why do we have to do housework, cooking and cleaning when there are such exciting things to create. Thanks to Ann Fahl for the work she has put into this book.I will always treasure it as I learn the art of Thread Painting.



3. This book presents good technical information on handling thread, etc. for free-motion techniques. I find the examples quite uninspiring artistically, though.



4. As a freehand embroiderer for more than a couple of decades, I purchased this book a few years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I must admit that I buy books like this as much to enjoy reading as to learn from. Unlike a prior reviewer, I won't criticize Ms. Fahl for having a different artistic vision that I might have--and my work is quite different from hers. So what? This book is presented as a jumping-off point for the buyer's creativity. This book is a great companion to Ms. Fahl's DVD presentation on working with thread; I have reviewed it separately. For a beginner, this can be a very good first resource.



5. I have tried several of the techniques and the author has made learning free motion very understandable and attainable. It is my favorite new quilting book!

3 comments about A Perfect World in Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork.

1. This is by far the best book on this subject I have seen. Great instruction and it is beautifully illustrated.



2. 1. This book is definitely intermediate level or above. Having learned some stumpwork and ribbon embroidery myself, I think of my skills as intermediate and I would never give this to a beginner as a learning tool. Although the author does explain the stitches and techniques, it is done in a very condensed way that could be confusing for first-timers. There are few how-to illustrations here compared to beginner's books.
   
   2. In order to complete the embroidery sampler as pictured (the whole book is a panel-by-panel sampler project, by the way), you need to go on the author's Web site and order her pre-printed cotton fabric to embroider and stump on top of. In theory one could trace the design in the book, but that would leave out the subtle colors and shading that give this piece its extraordinary colorful, dimensional quality. Apparently, all of Di van Niekerk's books need their accompanying printed fabrics, and this one is about 16 American dollars. Why this is never mentioned either on the online page or on the book's cover is a mystery to me.
   
   3. The threads and silk ribbons that you will need for Di's projects are brand names that can not easily be found outside of South Africa (the author lives in Cape Town). You can order these from her Web site as well. Of course you could use YLI or other brands more available in America, but you'd have to guess to match the colors. I'd feel more comfortable using the author's recommended brands and colors.
   
   A Perfect World in Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork is simply exquisite. It features high-quality, lovely, original designs. The finished effect of combining ribbon embroidery and stumpwork takes my breath away, and Di van Niekerk deserves credit as a pioneer of sorts in the world of embroidery. She does indeed show a few techniques that I have never seen before.
   
   Be prepared to do some online shopping first, and you will be able to make a sampler project that will be the envy of all your embroidering friends.
   -Andrea, aka Merribelle



3. I purchased this book for a present for a friend, who is a vastly more experienced embroiderer, than myself.But first, I had the delight of looking at the book myself,I was bowled over by the delightful mixter of animals and plants,and only wish I could be that skilled. When I gave it to my friend she was equally delighted so you have 2 satisfied custumers.Jillian

No comments about Piecing With Pixels.

3 comments about Needle Felting: Simple Techniques, Beautiful Projects (That Patchwork Place).

1. This book was a slight disappointment, as it was rather like so many on themarket, although not a brand new publication, it left new designs alone. however, for a beginner to Felted fabrics, it would be good for the very beginner.
   It was colorful and as stated simpple techniques. Basic information.



2. This book helped me when I was just starting out -I had never needle felted before and I picked up this book and one other one. Since then, I've really picked up the craft. This book really appealed to me in part because of the look of it, and the insides are just as cute. The authors have made an excellent book to introduce novices to needle felting, and in a way that makes you feel like you could come up with your own ideas and implement them, at least to play around and improve your skills.
   
   As the last reviewer said, this book does exactly what it says it will - offers simple techniques and beautiful projects. If that's what you're looking for, this does the trick. Loved it!



3. I purchased this book after receiving (and loving!) the other book by the same authors. The first book helped me get a handle on the skill of needle felting and now I'm seeking out new projects. This book has some of the cutest, hippest ideas! I've been using it to make gifts for friends, and no one can believe I made them myself. I would say this book has inspired creativity in me, as I've even made some changes to things after mastering them. If you knew me you'd understand, that's really something! Great for anyone interested in needle felting.

5 comments about White Work: Techniques and 188 Designs (Dover Needlework Series).

1. The introduction consist of the history of white work, materials for white work, and transferring the designs. Intructions for white work stitches includes stem, chain, lazy daisy, running, backstitch, straight stitch, seeding, satin, padded satin, long-and-short, french knots, overcast, buttonhole, feather, herringbone, chevon, star, shadow, couching, and lattice filling. The designs are beautiful. The only thing I find wrong is it's paperback. With use though the years it will fall apart. Get your stapler ready!



2. I had never tried whitework before buying this book, but I am glad to own it. It contains a good introduction to the stitches involved in whitework. I found I couldn't put it away - I actually wound up embroidering quilt squares so that I could try as many of the stitches as possible. It helps to have a previous background in sewing and embroidery, but this is a good way to branch out.



3. I am disappointed by this book. There are no real life pictures of what can be done with this technique - only the cover. It does provide the history, how to do the stitches and a lot of patterns that can be transferred as the "Techniques and 188 Designs" in the title promises. However there is no challenge or inspiration to apply this art.



4. I love this book for the designs! If you are looking for White Work eye candy you will be disappointed it has no photographs of white work other than the front cover. This is a simple book and if you look at the price it reflects that as well. Still it is a wonderful book just for the designs alone, which can be used with any embroidery not just in white work. I enjoyed reading about the history and how stitches are used for white work. The only thing that really makes white work any different is that it is done in all white thread on white fabric and when you work in 1 color you need to use different stitches to create texture and make your embroidery interesting.
   The author suggests stitches for use with the patterns but they are only recommendations. I do wish there was a few examples to "see" what has been explained but that is not needed in order to use the patterns or to try creating your own white work.
   Overall for the price this book is worth it for the patterns and a little bit of white work history and ideas.



5. This books has good illustrations of the stitches used, and many good designs, though I was hoping to find more information about the history of the designs. I'm using them predominantly for Civil War reenacting, and wanted my embroidery to be authentic. The price was good -- as is true of most Dover publications, so I think this was well worth the price I paid, if not more so.
   
   This would be a good book for beginners, especially if one looks at it as an open-ended guide that allows for individual creativity and use of colored threads.

5 comments about Donna Dewberry's Machine Embroidery Flowers.

1. This is a lovely book both for the beginner as well as the experienced machine embroiderer. It is not a large book, but nevertheless is chock full of information. There are great ideas for using the embroideries on the enclosed cd, as well as providing inspiration for substituting one's own favorite designs. I used the "Pansies" design in creating an envelope pillow for a friend, coordinating the thread colors with the pansy tapestry fabric used in the pillow body. It turned out absolutely beautiful - the design stitched out gorgeous - much nicer even than the illustration in the book. I would recommend this book to anyone.



2. I was well pleased with not only the content of the book, the shape the book was in when received. I see great potential for utilization of these designs. Would recommend to any machine embroiderer that this type design appeals too.



3. I love this book and have truly enjoyed using the embroidery designs. They sew up beautifully and will be a wonderful addition to my embroidery library.



4. As expected the Donna Dewberry designs embroidered as well as your painted designs - I am very pleased with this first set of designs and look forward to more from her in the future.



5. I am so happy with this selection. The designs stitch out very nicely. I am glad I saw someone with this and ordered it for myself.

5 comments about Beginner's Guide to Goldwork (Beginner's Guide to).

1. I am new to goldwork. I became interested in goldwork for a living history project. After numerous searches on the topic, I found Benton and Johnson. Producers of some fantastic bullion embroidery. They offered samplers of threads and beginners kits. I figured that I could buy one of the kits and it would help me get started on my project. When I received the kit and opened the directions, I ended up scratching my head. The text assumed I had some experience with embroidery and it no diagrams; I realized I was in a bit over my head.
   
   What to do?
   
   Previously, I had seen "Beginner's Guide to Goldwork" on another web site and figured I'd check it out.
   
   This book is a real gem (and a life saver). It answered many of my questions and demonstrated not only goldwork, but how it was used with other embroidery techniques to create real works of art. It is a short book, but no space is wasted.
   
   The books style is very conversational and easy to understand. Some texts for beginners assume a lot about a person's knowledge about a given subject, not so in this book. Everything is explained clearly to help beginner's build their embroidery and goldwork lexicon. It is filled with lavish illustrations and detailed photos of Mrs. Chamberlin's sampler to help readers visualize the techniques employed. She explains patterns, tools, and how to layout your design on the fabric so that your design is in the center and doesn't run off the edge.
   
   I think that if you own one book on the topic of goldwork, this should be your first choice. It is a beautiful little book and I feel that anyone reading it will be able to produce a goldwork piece after reading it.



2. I never received the book I ordered - somebody else did and returned it and I was credited for the cost - still don't know where my book is, so I decided to forget it.



3. I have several books on Goldwork in my embroidery collection, but this is by far my favourite. Part of the reason that I will always recommend it is the incredible section on how to mount your work into a slate frame, which unless you have had someone show you how to do it, can be a tricky bit of work. In addition to all of first rate instructions for the actual gold work as well as the silk embroidery stitches used alongside to create the completed pieces, Ms. Chamberlin shows how to actually put the linen into the slate frames, and I found this very helpful indeed. I think that anyone who is seriously interested in historical embroidery would benefit from the book just from the framing section alone.



4. Excellently illustrated book providing adequate instructions to enable an experienced needleworker to take up goldwork. The goldwork examples are refreshingly creative combining gold thread with conventional thread. This opens up a lot more applications than plain goldwork which can be a somewhat tedious except for the dedicated. In summary a worthwhile acquisition given the limitations of what can be contained in 80 pages of heavily illustrated text.



5. Just the picures in this book are so beautiful and inspiring that it's worth it just to peruse often. It's a very useable book as well although it's not for the faint-at-heart. To me, it's a little more advanced than the "Beginner's Guide" that its title claims but I don't care. It's useful to me and I just want to get the materials and get started. What a creative and fresh approach!

2 comments about More Embroidery Machine Essentials: How to Customize, Edit and Create Decorative Designs.

1. This book cleared up some of the questions and problems I was having.



2. It gives the basics that new machine embroiderers need and the explanations are good. For the price I think it gives good info. The included CD rom is nice to have.