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Embellish, Felt, Stitch
Using the Embellisher Machine and Needle-Punch Techniques
071349008X | Hardback | £18.99 | October 2006 (Batsford)
Inner sleeve summary from the book cover:
Inner cover: Sheila Smith’s latest book covers the new dry felting techniques using hand-held needles and the hugely popular new embellisher machines. These mess free techniques open up a range of felt ideas for textile artists. The book includes commercial ready-made needle felt for fashion and design work. And of course, it provides a range of decorative stitching and dyeing methods that can be used to embellish the felt. Colourfully illustrated with inspirational textiles, plus clear step-by-step instructions.
- Laying the foundations: use a variety of fibres and fabrics to create exciting cloths that are both beautiful and versatile. These can then be layered further – experiment with Bondaweb, Pelmet Vilene and Lutrador – or developed into bags, book covers and other stunning items.
- Building Texture: Use fast and simple techniques to create impressive effects with the needle felt, from incorporating tucks, folds and tubes to three dimensional bowls and vessels.
- Colour and Dyeing: Step-by-step instructions on rapid and space dyeing make it easy to create and assemble beautiful colours to use in your own work.
- An overview of all the equipment and materials needed, plus an appendix explaining traditional wet-felting techniques.
Above: a typical double page spread (pp106-7) from 'Embellish, Felt, Stitch'. Click on the image to see an enlarged version.
Readers' Comments
- In this book, Sheila Smith explores the new dry-felting techniques by hand and by machine using an embellisher. Precise instructions are given for both methods and Sheila explores the pros and cons of buying an embellishing machine or using an attachment for an existing sewing machine. She shows how to combine needle punching with traditional wet felting techniques and also how to embellish by using embroidery stitches. She gives a range of fabrics, explaining their qualities and encourages experimentation with a variety of fabrics, not just wool. She demonstrates materials, equipment, colour and dyeing to good effect. She shows how to make felt fabrics from scratch, how to build texture, how to incorporate tucks and tubes and work in 3-D. Learn the secrets of rapid dyeing and special effects. The projects include step-by-step instructions for beginners and there are innovative ideas for experienced felters. I personally felt that the first project needed a traceable design or an easier method of transfer or perhaps a simpler project altogether. Some of the projects recycle old sweaters. The finished pieces are inspirational and will encourage you to further explore felt making to make unique items. I particularly like the felt vessels. The book covers could easily be transformed into bags or purses. This is a practical and useful book with beautiful illustrations of finished work. There is a list of suppliers for materials used in the book.
- I already knew it was a good book hence the purchase. It did not disappoint!
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