Customer Reviews

African Inspirations in Embroidery

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It is surprising that Mary Sleigh's "African Inspirations in Embroidery" has not been extensively reviewed on Amazon. Perhaps this is because of the book's misleading title; it is more focused on fibre and mixed media art than limited to conventional embroidery techniques. Mary Sleigh takes the reader through the entire design process, from concept through drawing, colour studies, collage and the use of sketch books, to developing the final product in unique ways. For this reason alone, abstract and mixed media artists could also benefit from this book.

The author encourages us to look at our own environment with a new eye, gleaning creative ideas from everyday objects, not just from exotic environments like an African landscape (although this is certainly resplendent with colour and texture.) Most indigenous cultures express themselves richly through art, so it is possible to apply Mary Sleigh's artistic exploration of African jewellery and textiles to our own cultural traditions. Sleigh also gives ideas on research, including how to use museums.

Clear instruction is provided in a number of techniques including dyeing with potassium permanganate, unusual use of printing blocks and paint scrapers and the extraordinary technique of chalk lifting. Fabric, paper, shells and plant materials are combined in new and interesting ways.

Unfortunately no search facility here, but it is possible to look inside this book elsewhere on the Net. The basic headings are: 1-LOOKING AND RECORDING; 2 - COLOUR (including sources and starting points, design techniques, using colour and paper, colouring and treating fabric) 3 - PATTERN (including developing your design ideas and textile techniques) 4 - TEXTURE AND SURFACE; 5 - XHOSA BAG PROJECT. There is a glossary, a list of suppliers and recommendations of further reading. The works of several accomplished fibre artists are also included.

Richly illustrated, this is a great reference that provides creative stimulation for new ideas in any medium. It is a book I will come back to time and time again. Well worth the price.

I weave, sew, quilt and dabble in surface design. (Notice the absence of embroidery.) And I find inspiration on most every page of this beautifully illustrated book. In short, there are many fiber arts techniques touched on, from printing to felting, with enough instruction to get you started on any particular one.

The artwork pictured throughout, by both African and western fiber artists, is alone worth the cover price, in my opinion, for its inspirational value. The quilt pictured on the cover is stunning.

If fiber is your medium and you are inspired by African textile art or beadwork, you will probably be very pleased with this book. Those who are into creative journaling with appreciate the author's tips and guidance; she talks about keeping a sketchbook and illustrates with pages from her and others' art journals.

I'll be spending a lot of time with this book.

Striking images of African art become textile art using embroidery, dyeing and mixed media in a fine illustrated book covering color and the design process from African cultures and traditions. From techniques for dyeing and Seminole patchwork to stitching, embellishment and mixed media applications, this comes from a textile artist who provides a blend of patchwork and embroidery techniques. Any needlework library will find this a popular and unique pick.