Freestyle Machine Embroidery

By Carol Shinn
Published by Interweave Press
ISBN: 978-1-59668-042-5
Price: £19.99
Reviewed by Jenny Lewis

Machine embroidery is an exciting medium that enables the crafter to ‘paint’ in stitches what the eye perceives in reality. It is a form of communication being a dialogue between hands and mind. The possibilities of machine embroidery are endless, finishing only when the heart runs out of ideas.

This superb book takes the reader into the age of digital photography and computer imagery. Many sewing machines contain computer technology adapted for embroidery design, which allow photographs to be translated into fine art stitched pictures. However, don’t be discouraged as the book covers many other free-style embroidery techniques.

The book begins by describing machines, threads, materials, stitches, transferring photographic images, troubleshooting and presenting the finished work. The main part of the book is a fascinating in-depth look at how to add variety to one’s work. It is rich in detail and highly illustrated with over 250 photographs, plus a text which is crammed full of useful information, hints and tips.

The book concludes with a gallery of diverse, unusual and beautiful projects by various well-known textile artists from around the world.