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Bead
Embroidery, The Complete Guide by Jane Davis Jane Davis, well known for her multiple talents in fiberarts, has authored many publications. I have a collection of her books in my library, and consider myself lucky I got them before they were all sold and out-of-print. Bead Embroidery is a delicious little morsel of information not to be missed. You not only learn bead embroidery, you also learn the basics of embroidery using thread. Learning first with thread is the best way to begin, and it will make bead embroidery that much easier to master. She has sample instructions to make in thread, then repeat in part thread and part beads and then with only the beads showing. Jane’s approach will make it very easy to learn the stitches and digest the information. There are 20 projects for you to make with your newly acquired skills. You can embellish and make a pincushion, pillow, petit container, pin, box, glass case, ornament, gobs of bags and several samplers. You will be adding beads to fabric, canvas, ribbon and counted cloth. The techniques include samples that have open areas of the fiber and areas of complete bead coverage, bead edging on ribbons and fringes for scarves and other wearables. You will learn how to work Bargello; pulled thread, drawn work and insertions; beadwork stitches; hardanger; smocking; ribbon work; needlepoint; crazy quilt stitches and freeform embroidery. You will not believe how many stitches are included until you see for yourself. The spiral inside the book makes it easy to lay the pages flat so you can easily read and follow the instructions without having to hold the book open. The samples are easy to find, for example, crazy quilt stitches, page 24, has 8 different stitch samples and a page number is listed by each sample to easily flip to the instructions. Each of these samples includes beads and all the samples are in color, in fact the whole book is in full color. There is an Artist Gallery at the back of the book with crazy quilt, floral, southwest and many other subject motifs worked into a variety of items such as purses, bolos, needle cases and jewelry. A supply source list, glossary, stitch index follows and there is a table of contents at the front. There are hundreds and hundreds of stitches and samples in this little book; perfect as a teaching tool for instructors and for anyone who wants to embroidery with beads. I set Bead Embroidery right next to Embeadery, another favorite reference bead embroidery book. You are going to love this book! |
