From Image to Stitch
Maggie's new book, From Image to Stitch, is due to be launched in mid June. Here is an extract from Carolyn Sinclair's review in Workshop on the Web.
'There are not many books that I would recommend as being an essential addition to the bookshelf of a contemporary embroiderer/textile artist, be they a beginner or very experienced, but this is one. Many people have digital cameras, scanners and computers now and this book uses simple methods and materials that we all have in the house to transfer our images to paper or fabric. However, this is the first book I have seen that then takes the next step of using these images on paper or fabric to create a stitched design using hand or machine embroidery. As we have come to expect from the author, there are plenty of innovative ideas to create an exciting stitched design, from simple ideas which will appeal to those with little experience or limited time, to more challenging ideas for those experienced artists. Each technique is clearly and simply explained step-by-step with excellent photographs illustrating the methods and finished pieces. This is a book that we will all refer to for many years to come.'
Have a look at the website From Image to Stitch for some images.
Embellish & Stitch
The Embellisher machine has been used by felters for some time but it has recently exploded into the world of creative stitchers. Lots of wonderful work has been produced but there are very few books on the subject. In response to this, Maggie and Val wrote 'Embellish and Stitch', a 60-page softback book containing a wide variety of exciting techniques. The book not only covers the embellisher machine but has lots of ideas for using felting needles by hand. It is sumptuously illustrated with wonderful photographs by Michael Wicks. The book covers the basics of using machine and hand techniques, applying fabrics and fibres, texturing and trapping, pattern making
the vital use of stitch, couching, manipulating and weaving. Exciting ideas are brought into play - using computer printouts and papers, making wire grids, distressing and burning - it's all such fun. Click the pic (left) or click here to go to the special Embellish and Stitch web site. Embellish and Stitch can be ordered using the Order Form.
Stitch Dissolve Distort
Stitch Dissolve Distort arrived on the scene in August 2006 and provoked major interest at the Festival of Quilts and the then new Knitting & Stitching Show in Birmingham. It features dissolvable materials such as water-soluble film, paper etc. with some new ideas for their use. It also examines the role of stitch from basic to pattern and has an exciting section on distortions. Sadly, this is Maggie and Val's last book written as a collaboration for Batsford. Click on the pic to see some pics from the book and a review written by Sue Miles for Workshop on the Web. Stitch Dissolve Distort can be ordered using the Order Form.
Paper, Metal & Stitch
Paper, Metal & Stitch was reprinted three times in 2005 - eight times overall - so Maggie and Jane are understandably delighted. It covers all sorts of paper techniques using both hand-made and commercial papers. Jane writes about exciting ways to mould and manipulate the papers, together with wonderful colouring techniques. Maggie's half of the book - on stitchable metal - covers manipulating, embossing and colouring, plus some great ideas for using wires and copper blanks. Both paper and metal are taken into stitch with stunning effects for both hand and machine stitchers. Click the pic (left) to see some pages from the book, which can be ordered using the Order Form.
Raising the Surface with Machine Embroidery
Raising the Surface with Machine Embroidery has been Maggie's best seller yet and she sends her deepest thanks to all of you who bought the book. It made the work of producing it worthwhile.
Those of you who have seen it will know that it covers a wide range of subjects from crocheted cords, stitched to a background, through the use of Fimo clay with embroidery, to framing techniques and three-dimensional objects. Click the pic for an example of the layout. The book had to go for a reprint but it is now back in the shops. Or you can order a copy from us - details on the Order Form.
Paper & Beyond
Paper & Beyond, by Maggie and Jane Wild, is an entire book, in PDF format, on CD ROM. This format enables us to have lots more pics than would have been possible in a conventional book. With loads of new ideas on everything from using polymer clay and embossing powder to making books, the CD ROM has some great ideas for both traditional and 'off the wall' methods. Jane, especially, has some inspiring ideas for folded books and paint techniques. You can find a web site about Paper & Beyond on Workshop on the Web/Paper. Paper & Beyond costs just 14.00 British pounds including postage anywhere in the world.
Using Paint Shop Pro in Textile Design
Our books on Using Paint Shop Pro in Textile Design have been very popular over several years. We produced the first when version 5 was launched in 1998 and followed with further editions for versions 6, 7, 8 and 9. The original manufacturers, JASC, were taken over by Corel two years ago and, since then, there have been three additional versions. Nobody has the time to keep up with this race so, reluctantly, we decided to produce no further versions. However, a lot of people out there still have versions 7, 8 and 9 and we keep being asked for our books although they have been out of print for some time. The good news is that we still have the source material for these versions and can therefore now offer them on CD ROM in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format at £10 per version, including p&p. Its content is exactly the same as the printed book. To order, just email Maggie (see below).
