Dec 10
This book looks at the use of printing in creating a background for stitch. It is divided into three sections - the introduction, printing and stitching. The introduction takes you through the usual things that you need to know before starting out (materials and tools) but also spends quite a lot of time looking at concepts of design. It is clearly set out into five examples of how a design aesthetic can be achieved; I found it really useful, especially as the rest of the book was taking you through more practical aspects of creating. This gives you a good grounding for getting to the point where you can start working (especially if the thought of being creative is daunting). There are suggestions and examples of how to make a motif from things around you (such as crockery on a shelf) to things you might have seen when out and about (inspiring photographs that we all have would come in useful here). Each example that Janet gives takes a different approach and is a good foundation for the work that follows.
The book gets very interesting once we get to the Printing section. We are taken through nearly all of the methods of printing that you could think of, from blocks through monoprints to collographs, and there are fully illustrated instructions on how to make and use each one. What I particularly liked here was the volume of designs that are illustrated. You get a good idea of designs that suit each form of printing and in how many ways you can create a good pattern. Also explored in this section are ways of creating line, texture, mixing colour and using resists, so it's all here, and presented in a very user friendly manner.
The section on Stitching is covered mainly by illustration. It isn't a manual of stitches, though there are some descriptions of the stitches used. There are galleries of stitches as examples interspersed with stitching shown on finished printed pieces, both two- and three-dimensional. It is particularly useful to see how your printed piece can be enhanced and finished with stitch. The book fits together very well, and you can see the progression from start to finish as a good way of incorporating the printed surface into textile work.
* Workshop On The Web *
Dec 10
From Print To Stitch by Janet Edmonds, published by Search Press - is one of those books that you know you will be returning to time and time again. If you love cloth and love to print and stitch (as the title says) then this is a book that should be in your library.
Ms. Edmonds previously published book was called was called Beginners Guide to Embroidered Boxes and now I am afraid that I have to get this one too - her work is so exciting.
The contents page of From Print To Stitch is a good introduction to fabulous techniques that lurk within the book's pages. She thoroughly covers materials and tools, how to develop a theme in your work and a short but very well done lesson on color and color theory. The next section is on printing and the topics include: block printing, lino cuts, mono printing and how to make great impressions from found objects. Naturally the next section is about stitching. Hand stitching and machine stitching. One of my favorite sections in this part of the book is her gallery of hand stitches. Lots of grist for the artistic mill in here.
The techniques for working with lino, sponges and a host of other easily found printing methods are thoroughly explained and photographed with step-by-step instructions. In this section of the book I am especially fond her use of collagraph prints and I am eager to give this a try. The author describes collagraph as made from a block that is created from low tech collaged material. Can you spell play day?! This book is just chock full of really fun techniques that are bound to spark your creativity and give your many hours of fun - you may not look at plain cloth in the same way again. Yes. I am really enjoying this excellent book!
This book is one of those must have addition to your library if you are a textile enthusiast of any sort!
* booksbythewillowtree.blogspot.com *
Dec 10
Janet's inspirational how-to-do-it book, with sumptuous colour photography and detailed step-by-step instructions covers every aspect of the subject. Chapters on materials, tools, colour and design are followed by a comprehensive section on several different types of printing, concluding with a stitch glossary for both hand and machine. Packed with information this is highly recommended as a must-have volume for all textile students; the more experienced crafter will be inspired to experiment and push the boundaries to bring a new dimension to their work.
* East Kent Embroiderers' Guild *
Dec 10
Make your mark in your own inimitable way on fabric with the aid of this book. Then, when you have done so adorn your work with stitches and make it into a one-of-a-kind top fashion item.
If there is one thing better than a good paperback it is surely a good hardback and this is one of Search Press' rare examples. It shows the reader that print making is not just for professionals with an array of expensive equipment but can easily be attempted with excellent results at home. Make lino cuts, monoprints, carve erasers, texturize foam and all other kinds of comparatively ordinary things (including the humble potato) and use them to make your prints. Discover where to get ideas from and how to adapt them (often the hardest part of all) and what types of paint or ink to use for best results. Then embellish the printed fabric with all kinds of fairly easy stitches (this is not a book on fancy embroidery, just stitchery) by hand or machine. There are lots of examples of work, including those taken from an idea and seen through from sketch to finished item which is sure to inspire. Those more taken with the abstract than the representational will particularly be impressed as most of the examples are more in that style. If this is not your taste at least this is a good way to learn how to make prints inexpensively and often fairly quickly then have more fun with them later. A very useful book for anybody interested in the fiber arts.
* Myshelf.com *
Oct 10
Janet's inspirational how-to-do-it book, with sumptuous colour photography and detailed step-by-step instructions covers every aspect of the subject. Chapters on materials, tools, colour and design are followed by a comprehensive section on several different types of printing, concluding with a stitch glossary for both hand and machine. Packed with information this is highly recommended as a must-have volume for all textile students; the more experienced crafter will be inspired to experiment and push the boundaries to bring a new dimension to their work.
* East Kent Embroiderers' Guild *
