This book starts with the basics of free-machine embroidery and leads on to advanced techniques. Heavily illustrated with colour photographs, it includes many of the author's own ideas to make embroidered pictures stand out sculpturally. Building up techniques with textures and applique are explored, together with the use of thick threads, both wrapped and applied, stumpwork and fabric sculpting. The use of painted backgrounds and layers of semi-transparent fabrics add to depth and mood. This book can be a stepping stone to the development of readers' own ideas in this growing art, which is not tied to traditional ways. Two very helpful charts allow you to tell at a glance how the basic stitches are achieved, and how they can be used creatively.