needlenthread.com
January 2015
You see, its a gorgeous book. Its the kind of book that inspires thoroughly. The kind of book that makes you say, Wow! I want to do that! And its unique in many aspects, which makes it doubly desirable. The book Im talking about A-Z of Silk Ribbon Flowers by Ann Cox, published by Search Press. The cover caught me. I know, I know. Dont judge a book by its cover. But sometimes especially with needlework books Im not familiar with the cover is what sells the book to me. And this can be a good thing or a bad thing. Ive bought books with stunning covers that have stellar content and Ive never regretted the purchase. Ive bought books with hideous covers with stunning content and Ive never regretted the purchase (though I have wondered about the cover. Why?). But you know those books with the gorgeous covers that promise so much but dont deliver? They just make me sad. This is not such a book! This book seduces with an eye-catching, vibrant cover, and then goes on to deliver all its promises, and then some. What I like especially about A-Z of Silk Ribbon Flowers is that the author goes beyond silk ribbon. This is a multi-media approach to silk ribbon embroidery. Within, youll find explained and illustrated several unique techniques that will take your silk ribbon embroidery well into the realm of art.
This is only a snapshot of this review, to read the whole review from Mary Corbet got to http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/01/a-z-of-silk-ribbon-flowers-book-review.html
Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts
Oct 13
I love this book full of gorgeous flowers in sumptuous coloured silks. This A-Z is just fantastic. I love the Zantedeschias, Violas, poppies and more. Theres a how-to, guide to materials and painting your own ribbons, transferring designs and techniques. Stitches are clearly shown. Each design has a template you need to enlarge, good photographs and clear instructions. The instructions are written rather than shown in step by step photographs. Very realistic looking flowers and a book to treasure for many years.
Fabrications
Feb/Mar 10
Ann Cox is a silk ribbon embroidery designer who runs her own company selling silk ribbons and kits. She teaches at colleges of further education, takes classes in her own studio and gives talks to clubs and guilds. This book combines the author's love of gardening with her expertise in silk ribbon embroidery. This collection includes thirty-two different flower designs which are brought to life with ribbon painting, fabric painting and minute attention to detail. All her techniques are carefully explained with step-by-step photographs and each project has clear instructions. This book is just brimming with ideas and even if you are not an embroiderer at heart, there is plenty here to inspire you.
West Country Embroiderers
Winter 09
I am sure no-one could open this book without delight. The illustrations are exquisite, so detailed and wonderfully executed. All the techniques are carefully explained and all stages from choosing materials to tips for finishing off are covered. Particularly useful was the section showing how to encourage the petals into just the right shape and it was the attention to detail in every aspect, throughout the book, which was so impressive...nothing was left to chance. There are thirty-two different flowers to choose from...the only problem would be which to do first. It truly takes silk ribbon embroidery to another level and is certainly one I will be putting on my list of books I would like for Christmas.
Stitch
Dec 09/Jan 10
Flowers are a perennial favourite for embroiderers, and it's easy to see why. From Aquilegia to Zantedeschia, Ann Cox uses silk ribbon to create a wide range of blooms. The general instructions describe all of the techniques that you'll need to create the amazingly realistic flowers. A variety of ribbon stitches and painting ribbons and backgrounds are all used to great effect and, by following the step-by-step instructions and beautiful photographs for the 32 different flower designs, it's possible to achieve stunning results. The detailed instructions for each flower, how to add silk paint to enhance a flower, how to place a leaf in just the right place and little tips along the way all ensure that you'll be delighted with the results.
Flair
Issue 13
This fabulous book showcases Ann Cox's exquisite renditions of flowers using silk ribbon embroidery. The book begins with a comprehensive techniques section that includes all the basic methods you need to know to make all the flowers in the book, including materials; how to handle and work with ribbon; transferring a design to the fabric using a template; the various ribbon stitches and gathering techniques used; and painting ribbons and backgrounds to achieve different effects. The main body of the book then describes clearly how to create thirty-two different flowers, including leaves, stems and buds, using detailed step-by-step instructions and stunning close-up photography. Each design has a template, and diagrams and ideas for variations on the main design are included where necessary. A fantastic book for flower lovers and silk ribbon embroiderers.
Myshelf.com
Nov 09
Embroidering with ribbonsespecially silk ribbonsis like no other form of embroidery, and is particularly effective when working images of flowers. There are thirty-two garden favourites in here, from Aquilegias to Zantedeschias, and they are all stunning. They all come with instructions too, as well as a thorough introduction to working with ribbon. This deals with topics from hand-coloring it with silk and fabric paints, through to the stitches themselves and how to best work them. If you or the person you are buying it for is a total beginner at working with ribbon then this book more than covers the basics, but also goes straight from this to some fairly demanding projects. Ann Cox has written three other books about this subject, and you can read reviews of them in the archives right here. One of them is for beginners and is the best place to start with some easy pieces as well as all the other basics. For those more used to this style of work there are some truly gorgeous projects in here, helpfully graded with one to three flower heads for level of skill. There are lots of photo shots of the basic techniques, and when you have mastered these the projects themselves have a large photo in lush colorthis is one of Search Press rare hard covers and a good size. There are smaller shots too of details, the ribbons themselves you need to obtain and the pattern, which invariably needs to be enlarged by 200%. All aspects of working the piece are covered, and as well as being a useful primer this will look great on any coffee table. My only moan was the lack of Christmas flowers, which are represented solely by the poinsettia but maybe after working a few of the projects you might feel advanced enough to design your own. A truly lovely and useful addition to any crafters bookshelf (or coffee table).
NEW STITCHES
Oct 09
Shows in detail how to make 32 different flowers from aquilegia to zantedeschia as well as leaves and foliage. The step-by-step instructions accompanied by clear, close-up photography will guide you through each stage of the process. There is a comprehensive introduction to the stitches, equipment, materials and transferring designs onto the fabric as well as painting ribbon and backgrounds. It is an ideal introduction to the technique as well as being an essential reference for those who already enjoy the craft.
