Machine Embroidered Art

Issue March/April Alison Holt has been working with creative machine embroidery since the 1970s, 'painting' with thread in her unique style. Her forte is capturing natural landscapes in stitch - from coast to countryside - in realistic detail. Using two simple stitches (straight, zig-zag), Holt explains how to stitch portraits of your surroundings using free-motion embroidery, drawing on other techniques such as silk painting, colour mixing and working with photographs. She breaks the process down into clear stages, illustrated with helpful photographs and examples. An excellent investment for those interested in mastering pictorial machine embroidery. * Embroidery * With two simple stitches, a straight stitch and a zig zag, the author Alison Holt demonstrates her talents beautifully. This book is just amazing and very pleasing to the eye. As a creative person, but not a good one I might add, I envy her talent. The projects in this book can not only be sewn, but also painted, so depending on your own preference, you can have a go at creating and even designing something with a stunning effect. You can also add organza, beads and ribbon to give definition to your chosen piece. The landscapes and seascapes are full of life, the colours vibrant and the subject is beautiful. The 10 projects are accompanied with instructions, techniques and ideas how to create the perfect picture. Of course for most of us this will take some practice, but I love this book, and even if I can achieve just one beautiful flower or a frothy wave then I would be happy. -- Tracy Shephard * Amazon * This exciting title showcases textile artist Alison Holt's exquisite machine embroideries, whilst teaching the reader to 'paint' their surroundings using two simple stitches. It is a must-have instructional and inspirational book for anyone interested in free-motion embroidery. In this new book, crafters can learn how to create beautiful machine-embroidered pictures of all aspects of the landscape, from formal gardens and flowers to woodlands using various combinations of just two simple machine stitches. Information on silk painting and colour mixing is also included. All the techniques are broken down into clear, step-by-step instructions' with numerous helpful photographs and a great range of inspirational pieces. Alison 'paints' her threads onto hand coloured backgrounds, blending her stitches and achieving stunning results. This book covers everything that is needed to complete each project, including the materials required; how to compose a picture from photographs that have inspired you; achieving perspective; light and shade; painting backgrounds; and all the basic stitch techniques you need to know. There are stunning step-by-step projects so that the reader can put into practise their newly-acquire skills. * Craft Business *