Popular Patchwork
March 17
Through Instagram and Pinterest, I am seeing more and more makers taking ownership of their fabric by designing and printing it themselves. Transfer Embellish Stitch is a book that will very much appeal to these designers as it shares a wide variety of techniques to create usable finished items. The book is packed with ideas, and within the first 40 pages has an overview of transfer printing using materials such as freezer paper, stencils, fusible web and embroidery tracing paper and then continues onto instructions for embellishing cloth using hand embroidery, applique, reverse applique, de-colourant, fabric paint and cut outs. These techniques are well written, with clear photographs, ad so easy to follow even if you have never tried these methods before. The 16 projects follow, which are divided into the three sections; Wear, Live and Give. There is a diverse selection of things to make, including a skirt and a mobile, as well as cushions and a beautiful quilt. My favourite project is the True North Tote which combines a graphic printed flower with Kantha style stitching and looks roomy enoug to fit my diary and iPad. The book includes a full size pattern sheet which is always a plus, and I feel that many patterns could be adapted to use shop bought fabric if you wanted to make something quickly. I particularly loved the retro mid-century feel to the print designs and it has encouraged me to think about printing onto materials such as felt and to consider how I can enhanced print with stitch.
YarnsandFabrics.co.uk
Transfer your design to fabric using one of 4 easy ways, then embellish with 6 surface design techniques. There are 16 contemporary projects to sew with full-size motifs. The ideas can be mixed and matched and the gallery shows you how. The contents include Design Basics, Toolbox, Transfer, Embellish, Express Yourself and Projects. Learn the basics of transfer using stencils, fusible web and tracing. Discover surface embellishment with hand embroidery, applique, discharge, cutout or paint. Projects include accessories such as bags and scarves and jewellery to wall art and clothes. A handsome quilt and table runner are included too. Bold patterns are used throughout. A great introduction to fabric printing for beginners. Very well designed.
Crochet Addict UK
Wow this book is full of ideas that I had never thought of using whilst I am quilting. You will be amazed how much you can embellish and how effective it can be. Not only will this book take you through step-by-step how to create the embellishments. It will also give you loads of amazing projects to use these skills on. The instructions are really clear and easy to understand and follow. There are pictures throughout and they really help you to follow the processes. It's an amazing mix of projects. They would make brilliant gifts for family and friends.
