Feb 14
This book is worth the price for the beautiful colour photography alone! The author obviously loves metallic surfaces and produces some incredible pieces, using a wide variety of materials. The chapter on materials is very detailed and extensive; such can be new or re-cycled items ie sweet wrappers, coverings from champagne bottles ( of course, why did I throw away the last batch), drink cans and take-away food containers. Some metals are also woven which are very useful in designs. The Key Points section is a lesson in itself, with the warning of having a practise before starting a project. Once familiar with materials you just need to be inspired and sew! The first project is based on pomanders. There is a comprehensive equipment list then clear, step by step instructions with enhancing pictures. The original design is extended, showing how one basic idea can grow. The author finds inspiration from nature and historical embroideries held by our Guild. To all those who wish to extend their range and let loose their creative side this book is a must.
* Merseyside Embroiderer's Guild (megonline.co.uk) *
Feb/Mar 14
This is an exciting new book from Alysn which takes embroidery with metals to a higher level. The first chapter deals comprehensively with suggested materials and then seven separate and varied projects follow, each covering different methods and techniques. The book is fully illustrated in colour and each project has detailed step-by-step instructions, with suggestions from Alysn on expanding the theme further. An experienced textile artist would enjoy the challenge of developing their work using the ideas and inspiration presented.
* East Kent Embroiderer's Guild *
Mar 14
Alysn Midgelow-Marsden explores a variety of mixed media techniques with metal backgrounds and uses stitch to embellish and decorate. There are seven projects adopting a variety of techniques, from dry needle-felting to stencilling and stitching and all are united in some way by the use of metal in the pieces. It is a good way of showing how to use this material in stitched mixed media, particularly where thin metal shim, metal fabric or knitted mesh are able to be manipulated in a way that easily incorporates them into textile work. Many influences from the past are referred to, such as a Japanese nuihaku kimono, an Elizabethan panel held by the Embroiderers' Guild, or 19th Century metalwork, which are all photographed and referenced. Using these as a springboard, it leads to projects with wonderful names such as Samurai Romance or Vain Devices. In addition to the projects, there are a large number of samples which demonstrate some of the techniques covered and these showcase some fabulous work. Some of the finished articles look a little too assembled, rather than all the elements coming together naturally to create a cohesive piece. I felt that the range of additional work reflected the techniques better and created more visually appealing work. Some of the techniques are not new and a seasoned textile enthusiast may have come across them in other books, but Alysn Midgelow-Marsden's work in combining techniques reflects how work can be moved in a new direction. Projects are always a good way of tackling new approaches and the variety here gives a good starting point for expanding your repertoire. Samantha Packer
* Workshop On The Web *
May 14
In this book Alysn shows us how metal can be used in textiles and mixed media to create a variety of imaginative effects. She describes metal as being like a fabric, stiffer than calico but thinner and easier to work with than leather and demonstrates a variety of ways in which it can be used to create stunning textile art. The seven inspiring projects show techniques from free machine stitching to gilding, embossing, needle felting, beading and making stitched foil fabric and artists can take ideas and skills from these projects to create their own individual work. Each project has easy to follow instructions and there are lots of unusual and interesting materials used. A fantastic book for textile artists looking for innovative ideas and new directions for their work.
* SEWING WORLD *
June 14
This book is part of the Textile Artist series. Inside you'll find out how to use mixed media textile techniques to create stunning work. There are seven projects which demonstrate the techniques in a how-to style with equipment lists and clear instructions. I like the fact that the author gives the reader a challenge for extending the original idea and to move off at a tangent. She talks about her approach to developing work. The materials used are metal, fabric, fibre and thread, paper and card as well as digital printing processes. Discover how to create unique surfaces. Lots of new ideas here and easy to use techniques. Excellent photography throughout with many close-up images.
* Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts *
Jun/Jul 14
No longer are heavy metals the preserve of hard rockers and welders. Many of today's embroiderers are as familiar with a soldering iron as they are with an embroidery hoop. A diversity of methods is covered in Alysn's guide, which add a mercurial quality to textiles. Alysn shares her experience of working with metals of every kind with the sort of practical detail that will save stitchers time, money and patience. For example, when describing the creation of needle-punched pieces, whether by hand or machine, Alysn gives advice on how particular fibres behave, and how to sidestep common pitfalls, such as your fabric disintegrating and felting needles breaking. Advice is given on everything, from what threads to use and which to avoid, to which needles to use on your sewing machine when stitching through metal - in short, everything you need to know but didn't even know you needed to ask. The projects demonstrate a wide range of the methods described, helpfully divided up into 'surfaces' for stitchers who are keen to use a method for a different application. Memory Lampshade, for example, features eight different surface methods, including monoprinted brass fabric, dry decal transfer images, and scrunched, painted and embossed heat-darkened brass.
* Stitch *
