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All about Machine Arts;
Decorative Techniques from A to Z
edited by Lynn Koolish, Linda Turner Griepentrog and Annete
Gentry Bailey What a bargain! All About Machine Arts is composed of the offerings of the world’s best known experts on decorative stitching, machine embroidery and embellishment. It is a compilation of articles from Sew News and Creative Machine Embroidery magazines, as well as articles from the authors and editors of C&T Publishing. They set out to create one book to answer all of your decorative stitching questions and succeeded beautifully. Divided into six sections, the book begins with the Glorious Gallery. Wall hangings, wearable art, holiday cards, accessories, dye painting and unusual candle holders with embroidered tin punching are beautifully photographed and inspiring. Next Successful Studios is very interesting and chocked full of ideas on how to make the best use of available space for a work area. Nine notable quilt designers opened their work spaces to be photographed. They range from spacious to cozy and picture perfect organization to creative chaos. What fun to see where they work. Mastering Machines is the next section and contains a wealth of information pertaining to all sewing machines. A glossary of terms and a stitch dictionary are very helpful. The variety of presser feet is covered, as well as topics of universal concern, such as understanding machine tension. Overviews of the functions of computerized machines and sergers are included. The explanation of differential feed is the first that has ever made sense to me. Everything Essential covers thread, needles, thread, lubricants, fabrics, stabilizers and toppers. There is also a basic discussion of color. I found this section to be very informative. Many times I could have used this reference book to find my way out of difficulties with an embellishment project due to needles, threads, fabric or an undesirable interaction between all three. For a “gadget queen” like me, the section titled Terrific Tools is quite exciting. There are actually a few tools that I do not have….yet. The discussion covers any tools or supplies that you may encounter when working with fabric, i.e.; hoops, marking tools, rotary cutters, stilettos, basting sprays, and glues, to name a few. An excellent overview of the many kinds of specialized scissors is included. This is a good guide that could save money and frustration when confronted with the plethora of sewing accessories available today. Now, we get to the part that really attracts us to this book. Two thirds of the book is devoted to Machine Arts From A to Z. The authors start with appliqué instructions and progress through approximately 60 more topics, such as beading, bobbin work, couching, cut work, embroidery, entredeux, free-motion stitching, metal work, paper, sequins, trapunto, and tucks. Each topic is covered thoroughly. The drawings and photos are excellent and add a great deal to the understanding of each technique. Throughout this section are Quick Tricks and Tips. The sections are nicely cross referenced for ease in using this book. Also scattered throughout are boxes containing additional ideas and labeled “more ideas” or “Tips for creating.” I found the highlighted “Tips” to contain a wealth of information that is usually acquired through years of experience. Last, but not least, is included a list of suggested reading, resource list for materials and information and sources for embroidery designs. Reading the contributors list is reading a list of “Who’s Who” in the sewing world. What a wonderful resource to have all these articles compiled and organized in one book. I like this book a lot. The editors did a wonderful job of gathering a great deal of information and presenting it in a clear and attractive format. All about Machine Arts, Decorative Techniques from A to Z has a place in the library of any enthusiastic sewer. Review by Diana Norris |
