Embroidery Techniques Using Space-dyed Threads

Embroidery Techniques Using Space-dyed Threads

by ViaLaurie (Author)

Synopsis

Space-dyed threads offer exciting design possibilities with their beautiful, subtle colour changes. This lavishly illustrated book contains a selection of stunning projects and ten traditional embroidery techniques, including goldwork, stumpwork, ribbon embroidery and Canvas work. Also includes templates and diagrams for each project and a comprehensive stitch gallery.
Embroidery has been part of mankind in some form or other almost since recorded history and remains ever popular. New ways are always found to enhance age-old techniques, and the use of space-dyed threads is one of these. For this book the author chose those embroidery styles that work particularly well with these exquisite threads. The original designs and projects have been tailor-made to showcase both the threads and the embroidery styles, from the opulence of goldwork to the simplicity of ribbon embroidery.
An introductory section on the specific uses of space-dyed threads and techniques is followed by chapters dedicated to embroidery styles including:
Blackwork; Casalguidi; Canvas work; Crazy patchwork; Freestyle; Goldwork; Stumpwork; Ribbon embroidery; Jacobean embroidery; Hardanger.
Lavishly illustrated with full-page pictures of every completed project, the chapters also include several alternatives and additional stitched pieces to inspire the reader to create original works. Clear, detailed step by step instructions and photographs complete a book that will have universal appeal among embroiderers of all ages and skill levels.
There are templates, graphs and diagrams for every graded design, as well as a fully illustrated stitch gallery.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 128
Publisher: Search Press
Published: 05 Sep 2008

ISBN 10: 1844483401
ISBN 13: 9781844483402

Media Reviews

Issue 61

This is one for the embroiderers amongst you. Fabulous photographs and good, clear instructions, this book is packed full of different stitches and methods for using them. Via started her business dyeing and selling threads in 2001 and now they are sold all over the world. Space dyed threads offer exciting design possibilities with their subtle colour changes and sheen. There is a selection of projects together with templates, diagrams and a comprehensive stitch gallery.

* Fabrications *

Aug/Sep 08

Space-dyed threads are very tempting - but using them effectively can be a challenge. Unlike variegated threads, which are machine dyed and have definite blocks of colour, space-dyed threads (machine or hand-dyed) are more subtle as the colours bleed into each other - and where they meet, a new colour is formed.

The projects in this book really make use of the properties of space-dyed threads. On canvaswork, a single stitch such as cushion stitch is used to great effect, and the nuances of colour found in a single skein work beautifully in blackwork. Hardanger, Casalguidi, crewelwork, stumpwork and ribbon embroidery all benefit from the gentle hues, and the spectacle case and evening bag by Gay Booysen are quite delightful.

This gorgeous book will encourage you to use some of those mouth-watering threads you've been hoarding...or even give you an excuse to buy some more!

* Stitch *

Summer 09

What a useful book, informative about how threads are dyed, well illustrated with beautiful examples of embroidery to motivate you to have a go. A good style of writing that made it easy to follow the techniques. Such good value too, ten different ways of embroidering to utilise your threads. A must for any stitchers bookshelf. Sue Hollingsworth, Wadebridge

* West Country Embroiderers *

Jan 09

There are lots of beautiful single color yarns around, but why stick to these when variegated yarns offer even more possibilities? Whatever your chosen embroidery style you can find inspiration in this book for augmenting your work using these lovely yarns.

This really is a stunning book that I have spent many happy hours poring over. The projects are gorgeous, showing how versatile and attractive these yarns really are. Don't expect just the usual freestyle and counted thread styles to be represented either, as here you can find such delights as Casalguidi, goldwork, crazy patchwork and Jacobean to name a few. Picking a favorite made me ponder between my own inevitable choice of goldwork and the crazy patchwork. This shows how you can join together oddments of pretty patterned cloth with fancy stitches and adorn it even further. Was recycling ever more pleasing to the eye or fun to do? If you were a beginner I would not tend to recommend this book, but anybody who is reasonably au fait with at least three or four of the styles will find plenty of food for thought. Instructions are clear and show photographs of stitches or techniques being done, so although it is not exactly a step-by-step process, with every tiny thing shown large and in full color, most pieces are well within the ability of many embroiderers. Buy it and see-a book to grow into, and use to inspire many masterpieces.

* Myshelf.com *
Author Bio
Via Laurie has been involved in the embroidery world for the past 15 years and has taught cross stitch, ribbon embroidery, canvas work, goldwork and crewel embroidery. Specializing in various forms of embroidery, she is currently busy with a Master Craftsman Course in canvas work through the American Embroiderers' Guild. She started the Helderberg Embroiderers' Guild seven years ago and chaired it for five years. She is current chair of the Cape Embroiderers' Guild and regularly gives talks on canvas work, goldwork, crewel work and 17th century samplers at several guilds in the Cape Province. Via runs her own business hand-dyeing embroidery thread under the label Chameleon Threads, distributing to shops all over South Africa as well as Australia, New Zealand, Norway, France and the UK. This is her fourth book.