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#11
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That book (Marion Nichols) is marvelous, and I love her style of
writing. Our local library has it, and I've often been tempted to get it for myself. Unfortunately, books with just "stitches" leave you wanting because you often don't know how to use them or combine them. I once had the Reader's Digest book of embroidery stitches (Melinda Coss) which I gave away to a "newbie" because it didn't offer me any information I didn't already have, and she was so eager - it contained samples to try and showed some "combinations". I have since - for the sake of reference - wished I still had that book grin, but I know who has it has appreciated it. The reason I listed "technique" books is because they are really "stitch" books, but limited. They help you to understand how to use the different stitches. I wish someone would redo Dillmont's work with modern photography. Some of those plates make it difficult to understand the workings. I have the most up-to-date edition, which claims better graphics, but, in my opinion, still is a problem area. Dianne Marie C wrote: "Linn Skinner" wrote in message ... All great books and most of them in my "General Collection" Do you have any books dedicated to just stitches? I'm always looking for moreG Linn Hi Lynn: Looks like we both have quite the library LOL. One book of stitches that I have, that I didn't see in your list is: Marion Nichols - Encyclopedia of Embroidery Stitches, including Crewel. Marie C. |
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#12
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Dianne, I know what you mean about "just" stitch books lacking in design
reference.......illustrations and information helps that much more as a point of reference. As you or someone noted earlier about the books Linn listed being slanted towards her primary stitching interest........even though I primarily focus on needlepoint, also have many of the previous books listed that I also use for reference. Overall, in my opinion, many stitches can be used for any type of stitching...... if a particular stitch works for a design, use it! No need to worry if the stitch was supposed to be originally for counted thread or crewel embroidery......it's from this type of experimentation that "new" techniques and designs come about. I have many stitch books based on world stitching as compared to western needlework because of my great curiosity and love of color and pattern. Some favorite stitching books have to do with embroideries from India and other areas of the east as I love the color and details of these farway places, different from the usual western stitching.....here are some books that haven't been mentioned so far....... The Techniques of Indian Embroidery - Anne Morrel pub: Interweave Press Shisha Embroidery - Traditional Indian Mirror Work - Nancy D Gross & Frank Fontana.......Pub: Dover Books The Art of Kantha Embroidery - Niaz Zama Pub: University Press Limited There is also a Japanese Embroidery Technique book with history and techniques shown but don't have the book next to me at the moment. --------------------------------------------------- I've read many books about Indian and other countries to see and learn about the application of stitching and needlework embellishment techniques in costumes, textiles of daily life and festive occasions. A list of some favorite books about needlework & embellished textiles, many with wonderful photos and background info: Mud, Mirror and Thread - Nora Fisher Editor Pub: Grantha Corporation, Santa Fe, New Mexico Afghan Embroidery - Roland Paiva & Bernard Dupaigne Pub: Ferozons (Pvt.) Ltd. Jan Messent's World of Embroidery Pub: B.T. Batsford Ltd. The Bayeux Tapestry Embroiderers' Story - Jan Messent Pub: Madeira Threads (U.K) Ltd Chinese Embroidery - Wang Yarong Pub: Kodansha International New York & Tokyo The Chinese Purse - Loretta S. Wang Pub: Hilit Publishing Co., Ltd. World Embroidery - Caroline Crabtree Pub: David & Charles Embroidered Textiles - Sheila Paine Pub: Thames & Hudson --------------------------------------------------- Following the exotic needlework techniques leads to metallic stitching.... Metallic Thread Embroidery - Jacqueline Kreinik Pub: David & Charles Metal Thread Embroidery - Edna Wark Pub: Kangaroo Press These following are stitch books slanted towards needlepoint techniques and the use of the many wonderful threads and yarns available.......these books are excellent stitching guides with their clear stitch diagrams and suggestions on what threads will look good with what stitches along with info about thread thickness and number of plies to use for the best effects. I like to compare stitch versions by different instructors / designers / authors and read about their approaches towards using stitches........a partial list of some of my favorites: Brenda Hart's series of needlepoint stitch books.......such as Favorite Stitches, book 1 and 2......think she has written another such book since Then there are these two well known stitch books to needlepointers by Suzanne Howren and Beth Robertson.....Stitches for Effect & More Stitches for Effect Bargello Stars, Shells and Borders - Josephine Ruth Paine Pub: The University of Georgia Similar to the above specialty stitching books I use for reference are technique books by Jean Taggart and Ann Strite-Kurz Caroline Ambuter's Complete Needlepoint & Caroline Ambuter's Even More Complete Book of Needlepoint The Liberated Canvas - Penny Cornell Pub: Triple T Publishing c.c Capetown Design Your Own Needlepoint - Ann Gittins & Jennie Petersen Pub: Batesford June McKnight's series of needlepoint books......wonderful small sized books packed with specialty stitch diagrams, how-to-use, lots of info. Each book focuses on a specific use, such as Architectural Stitches, Shading and Thread Blending Techniques, Plants & Animals in Needlepoint, Holiday Stitches and many more such technique books. Three years ago, I finally broke down and splurged ($135) on an old copy of A Pageant of Needlepoint by Sherle Lantz - very nice diagrams and interesting to read her philosophy on stitching. My other interest is surface embroidery......the closest thing to traditional drawing techniques: Exploring Elzabethan Embroidery - Dorthy Clarke - designs by Stephanie Pwell Pub: Georgeson Publishing Ltd Royal School of Needlework- Embroidery Techniques - text by Sally Saunders - designs by Anne Butcher & Debra Barrett Pub: Brassey's Washington, D.C. Traditional Embroidered Animals - Sarah Don Pub: David & Charles Lalla Ward's Countryside Embroidery Book Pub: Pelham Books Embroidered Pictures - Dorothy Tucker Pub: A&C Black - London Color and Design for Embroidery - Richard Box Pub: Brassey's Inc., Washington, D.C. Beginner's Guide to Crewel Embroidery - Jane Rainbow Pub: Search Press - wonderful how-to pictures and beautiful finished color samples - inspires one to do crewel now..... The Judith Montano series about silk ribbon is great one to learn silk ribbon techniques......I love the color pictures in her books. There's a series of stitch books beginning with A-Z about various embroidery stitches from Australia are great for the step-by-step pictures......really like these books. The above are a sampling of mostly stitch technique reference books I like using.....then there are the numerous wonderful needlework and needlepoint books full of wonderful designs I love to look through for inspiration......also have a great interest in samplers and have many books about samplers and how to design them. I have a huge library of needlework books that I enjoy for many reasons. It would be extremely difficult to have to choose just one book........but I'd grab my stitching suitcase filled with threads, fabrics including canvas and a few needles if I ever got stuck on a desert isle.....I'd then stitch an illustrated journal of new adventure and thoughts! --- Lula http://www.woolydream.com Needlework Adventures Dianne Lewandowski wrote: That book (Marion Nichols) is marvelous, and I love her style of writing. Our local library has it, and I've often been tempted to get it for myself. Unfortunately, books with just "stitches" leave you wanting because you often don't know how to use them or combine them. I once had the Reader's Digest book of embroidery stitches (Melinda Coss) which I gave away to a "newbie" because it didn't offer me any information I didn't already have, and she was so eager - it contained samples to try and showed some "combinations". I have since - for the sake of reference - wished I still had that book grin, but I know who has it has appreciated it. The reason I listed "technique" books is because they are really "stitch" books, but limited. They help you to understand how to use the different stitches. I wish someone would redo Dillmont's work with modern photography. Some of those plates make it difficult to understand the workings. I have the most up-to-date edition, which claims better graphics, but, in my opinion, still is a problem area. Dianne |
#13
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Ooooh, there's a few on this list I would like to add . . . but only a
few. You're a counted stitcher, and your list exemplifies it. huge grin Diane - Whilst sorting the bookshelves, I ran across a book you might enjoy - "Embroidered Flowers" by Pamela Watts ISBN 0 7134 7056 9 Heaps of innovative surface stuff. Pushes the envelope with lots of inspiration for projects. Linn Skinner Skinner Sisters www.skinnersisters.com |
#14
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Dianne wrote:
You're a counted stitcher, and your list exemplifies it. huge grin Ah, yes. But a lot of free embroidery stitches have been metamorphosed to counted thread. Except for Pageant of Pattern, no canvas work stitch books have been mentioned: Jo Ippolito Christesen - The Needlepoint Book - Generally considered the canvas worker's Bible Mary Rhodes - Dictionary of Canvas Work Stitches Hope Hanley - 101 Needlepoint Stitches & how to use them. Still in print from Dover - The needlework photographed for the cover is in the Smithsonian. Mindy English - the Canvas Embroidery Notebook: Stitches - I've heard that Mindy's daughters are keeping all of her books in print Mindy English - the Canvas Embroidery Notebook: Filling Stitches - Crosses & Eyelets Mindy English - the Canvas Embroidery Notebook: Filling Stitches - Tied Variations Mindy English - the Canvas Embroidery Notebook: More Filling Stitches Mindy English - the Canvas Embroidery Notebook: Borders I - This book is so good, I bought it twice. Mindy English - the Canvas Embroidery Notebook: Backgrounds Jean Hilton - Needlepoint Stitches Jean Hilton - Stimulating Stitches Other interesting books include: Linda Driskell - Favorite Stitches for Linen & Canvas - Volumes 1,2 & 3 Jane Zimmerman - The Art of Elizabethan Embroidery - Many variations of detached buttonhole Jane Zimmerman - Pulled Thread Embroidery Stitches If you are interested in stitch combinations, there is no better book (IMO) than Treasury of Crazy Quilt Stitches by Carole Samples. When I first saw this book, I didn't even open it. I'm a counted person who doesn't care for the overall look of crazy quilts. The second time I saw it, I casually flipped through it. Then I picked it up & really looked through it and had to purchase it immediately. So many of the combinations are adaptable to counted work. Free embroidery people will love it, and not just crazy quilters! Nancy Sue, Professional Project Starter P.S. Don't you just love MS Word's thesaurus? Metamorphosed indeed! |
#15
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Linn Skinner wrote:
One of the books I crave is Mrs. Christie's Medieval Embroidery (seldom on the market at going at $2,000 or so a copy) Oh, I've not heard of that one. I crave Let Virtue be a Guide to Thee by Betty Ring, and an original edition of American Samplers by Bolton & Coe. I love to look at the pictures! Nancy Sue, Professional Project Starter |
#16
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Susie Jordan wrote:
I have just ordered Darlene O'Steen's book "The Proper Stitch." I paid an arm and a leg for it. PLEASE tell me if it is going to be worth it. It is worth it, IMO. She doesn't just tell you how to do the stitch, but gives details about compensating at the beginning & end. She also explains ending off your threads and turning corners. Plus, you get 2 sampler patterns. Such a deal! BTW, when you get it, take a close look (with magnifier, if necessary) at the alternating backstitch on the cover (in white). You will see the horizontal compensating stitch I talked about last week in the Lost Stitches thread. In the book, that stitch is charted with a diagonal compensating stitch. HTH Nancy Sue, Professional Project Starter |
#17
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Dear Lula, I'm not Dianne, but since I have a collection of Dillmont's books
(she published lots as companion pieces to the Encyclopedia of Needlework), I have some answers to your questions: .a few questions come to mind, were these graphics done at the same time and did Dillmont personally proof them? Yes and yes. How much editorial control did she have over the contents of her book? Virtually total. In the preface to the original edition, published in the 1860s, she writes "in the figures which illustrate the text, the work which served as model, the drawing, and the plates are all entirely new, nothing having been borrowed from pervious publications. Further, if only by the particular care bestowed on these illustrations, we have succeeded in obtaining perfect drawings which, faithfully reproduced, contribute all that can be desired towards making the explanations clear and easy to follow." In the revised edition, which is what most of us have, first issued by DMC around 1910 and reprinted constantly for at least the next 50 years, more black and white figures in the original style -- drawings so detailed that they look at first glance like photographs -- as well as 16 color plates were added. Both versions were state of the publishers' art for their time. The whole thing was printed to the highest standard and sturdily bound, obviously very expensive to produce, but DMC sold it quite cheaply, figuring, I guess, like today's manufacturers of computer printers, that what they might lose on the hardware, they would more than make up in the sale of supplies. The main problem I have with the illustrations is that they tend to be a little small and there just are not enough patterns. Dillmont and DMC addressed this difficulty by issuing numerous companion volumes on particular techniques, with larger diagrams, more use of color and more extensive directions. The earliest ones were done as portfolios, and these too, were expensively produced and sold at reasonable prices. The pride of my collection is a set of the first three cross stitch portfolios -- oversized embossed heavy cardboard folders tied with patterned silk ribbons enclosing a bound instruction manual and DMC catalog. The design plates are unbound for ease of use in actually stitching. It's an elegant presentation and one that I wish modern book needlecraft publishers would revive as it eliminates the urge to make a working copy when trying to actually stitch a design from a large format book. Annie, who has probably told you more now than you ever wanted to know about the subject |
#18
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The pride of my collection is a set of the first three
cross stitch portfolios -- oversized embossed heavy cardboard folders tied with patterned silk ribbons enclosing a bound instruction manual and DMC catalog. The design plates are unbound for ease of use in actually stitching. It's an elegant presentation and one that I wish modern book needlecraft publishers would revive as it eliminates the urge to make a working copy when trying to actually stitch a design from a large format book. That was wonderful information about DMC Annie, some of it new to me. I can think of one modern publication that was published in portfolio style with large charts that can be removed for use when stitching. It also has a ribbon to close it but it's not silk. The book is well worth having. OLD ITALIAN PATTERNS FOR LINEN EMBROIDERY Collectied and Analyzed by Frieda Lipperheide Translated and edited by Kathleen Epstein Published by her own press, Curious Works press http://www.curiousworks.com/Old_Italian.html MaryR |
#19
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#20
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Annie, thank you so much for the background facts about the Dillmont
book I had asked about. It was very interesting to learn more about the publishing history of the Dillmont book.......now I have an even greater respect for the enormous amount of research and work involved in the writing of this book under the manufacturing and publishing restrictions of her era. Lucky you to have those stitch portfolios! They sound beautifully done as well as instructive.......I agree with you, it would be lovely to have such an elegant stitch publication available today. It would give needlework that much more of a "romantic" artistic touch. --- Lula http://www.woolydream.com Needlework Adventures FKBABB wrote: Dear Lula, I'm not Dianne, but since I have a collection of Dillmont's books (she published lots as companion pieces to the Encyclopedia of Needlework), I have some answers to your questions: .a few questions come to mind, were these graphics done at the same time and did Dillmont personally proof them? Yes and yes. How much editorial control did she have over the contents of her book? Virtually total. In the preface to the original edition, published in the 1860s, she writes "in the figures which illustrate the text, the work which served as model, the drawing, and the plates are all entirely new, nothing having been borrowed from pervious publications. Further, if only by the particular care bestowed on these illustrations, we have succeeded in obtaining perfect drawings which, faithfully reproduced, contribute all that can be desired towards making the explanations clear and easy to follow." In the revised edition, which is what most of us have, first issued by DMC around 1910 and reprinted constantly for at least the next 50 years, more black and white figures in the original style -- drawings so detailed that they look at first glance like photographs -- as well as 16 color plates were added. Both versions were state of the publishers' art for their time. The whole thing was printed to the highest standard and sturdily bound, obviously very expensive to produce, but DMC sold it quite cheaply, figuring, I guess, like today's manufacturers of computer printers, that what they might lose on the hardware, they would more than make up in the sale of supplies. The main problem I have with the illustrations is that they tend to be a little small and there just are not enough patterns. Dillmont and DMC addressed this difficulty by issuing numerous companion volumes on particular techniques, with larger diagrams, more use of color and more extensive directions. The earliest ones were done as portfolios, and these too, were expensively produced and sold at reasonable prices. The pride of my collection is a set of the first three cross stitch portfolios -- oversized embossed heavy cardboard folders tied with patterned silk ribbons enclosing a bound instruction manual and DMC catalog. The design plates are unbound for ease of use in actually stitching. It's an elegant presentation and one that I wish modern book needlecraft publishers would revive as it eliminates the urge to make a working copy when trying to actually stitch a design from a large format book. Annie, who has probably told you more now than you ever wanted to know about the subject |
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