The Handbook of Silk Ribbon Embroidery

Nov 09

This useful handbook provides all the techniques and contains everything we need to know to create beautiful silk ribbon embroideries. Based on just three basic stitches and gathering techniques, we learn how to stitch over 35 different flowers. There are over 15 more detailed projects to take our skills even further, all with templates and full instructions provided. As well as stitching, the book covers painting and stencilling backgrounds on to fabric; painting ribbons, and shows how to mount and frame finished pieces. It's a beautifully presented, highly comprehensive and inspiring book, with a practical wire-bound format so each page lies completely flat.

Issue 61

Ann is a silk ribbon embroidery designer who also teaches. This well illustrated book offers a vast array of floral stitches which can be used to make individual pictures or combined to make realistic scenes. Based on just three basic stitches and gathering techniques, you can learn how to stitch over thirty-five different flowers. With fifteen detailed projects this book will keep the embroiderer happy for hours.

Oct 09

A practical spiral bound book, based on a combination of material from two of Ann's previously published books, which provides all the techniques required to create stunning embroideries. Based on just three basic stitches and gathering techniques, it shows how to stitch over thirty-five different flowers including roses, geraniums, pansies and sweet peas plus over fifteen more detailed projects, helpting to develop skills even further. All templates are supplied along with colourful photographs, detailed line drawings and clear step-by-step instructions. In addition the book also covers painting and stenciling backgrounds on to fabric; painting the ribbons themselves and mounting and framing the finished piece.

July 09

Ribbon embroidery is so pretty and delicate as well as having a three-dimensional quality that its appeal is instant. It does look rather difficult to do however and perhaps better left to the advanced embroiderer - or not, as this useful primer proves. Even if you want to paint your own backgrounds for your work you still won't need to buy much in order to take up this hobby. Mostly you will need the right sort of ribbons, needles and fabric. If you have done any freestyle embroidery you will already know most of the stitches, so what remains is to get to grips with what you don't know. Find out how to prepare the ribbon and learn one stitch unique to this style of embroidery then you are off with your first simple project, a wild rose. The subjects portrayed in this book are flowers, a wide range of favorites found in English gardens as well as vessels and backgrounds to set them off. This book is filled with projects suitable for all types of applications and many are small enough to enable you to practice by making some greetings cards. As well as the embroidery stitches there is also advice on the painting aspect, for which you do not need to be proficient in art, merely capable of some simple techniques such as making a simple flower pot stencil with a piece of card. Add to this the fairly small format and helpful spiral bound spine enabling the book to stay open, and you have a book that is going to stay on my keeper shelf. Most of the material in this book was previously published in two books, Beginner's Guide to Silk Ribbon Embroidery (1998) and Silk Ribbon Embroidery Designs and Techniques (2002).

Aug/Sep 09

Author Ann Cox has long been known for her skills in silk ribbon embroidery and she shares her knowledge with readers in this handbook which is perfect for anyone who wants to learn the technique. The book is written in step-by-step format with Ann taking you through all the stages required. Learn how to work more than thirty-five flowers with foliage, how to paint a background, how to get the best out of your materials and how to display your work. There are only three basic stitches and a selection of gathering techniques required. The book has clear photography accompanying all the text and it comes spiral bound which makes it easy to use as a handbook, especially when you need to flip over the pages.