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Stitch, Fabric & Thread: An inspirational guide for creative stitchers Spiral-Bound | January 24, 2017

Elizabeth Healey

★★★★☆+ from 31 to 100 ratings

$24.18 - Free Shipping
Experiment with stitch, fabric and thread to create your own unique textiles.

This inventive book is a treasure trove of over 40 inspiring practical exercises, a rich and creative exploration of fabric and stitch, and a fascinating all-round read. Elizabeth Healey's approach to sewing is that it should be fun, and not like a chore or an exam we need to excel in. Her aim is to simply encourage you to pick up a needle and thread and get sewing!

The exercises draw inspiration from around the world: create corded works of art inspired by Milton Glaser's iconic Bob Dylan poster; create bold embroidered African masks; layer up and cut away to create Mola applique; use bleach and fabric paint to create Aboriginal dreamtime lizards; create knotted works of art inspired by ancient Mayan counting systems; embroider varsity cross-stitch letters or try out decorative Japanese book binding. Alternatively, try a host of other techniques such as quilting, printing, dyeing, couching tumbled crockery, creating pleats and puckers and needlelace.

Packed with stitch galleries and bursting with slow sewing ideas, the book also contains 'behind the stitches' features: illuminating insights into sewing movements such as Boro textiles, Gee's Bend quilting and Dorset buttons.
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Original Binding: Trade Paperback
Pages: 160 pages
ISBN-10: 178221285X
Item Weight: 1.3 lbs
Dimensions: 8.1 x 0.5 x 10.3 inches
Customer Reviews: 4 out of 5 stars 31 to 100 ratings
Library Journal 2017

In this guide, crafter Healey explores embroidery supplies and techniques, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, including vintage textiles, street art, textile arts from around the world, nature, and modern art. A variety of stitches and fabrics are used, and her exploration of non-Western embroidery, such as Japanese boro textiles, Indian shisha, and South Asian kantha, will introduce these traditional techniques to a broader audience. The projects serve as an excellent jumping-off point for creative stitchers; Healey’s willingness to stitch with just about anything will inspire embroiderers to see the potential in everyday materials. VERDICT Embroiderers are a natural audience for this guide; however, crafters interested in crazy quilting will also find some interesting ideas.
Elizabeth Healey originally trained as a graphic designer at the London College of Printing, after which she worked in various design groups before defecting to the world of illustrated books. For as long as she can remember she has made things – usually with yarn or cloth, but sometimes with paper and clay. She is particularly interested in utility stitching and tries to use recycled textiles wherever possible, in a way that looks fresh, modern and urban rather than old and fusty. Elizabeth has contributed articles to the following magazines:
Knitting, Making, Crafty, Felt Matters and Pretty Patches.
You can see examples of her work on her blog:
www.elizabethsquarters.blogspot.co.uk