Freestyle Machine Embroidery [Paperback]

Carol Shinn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2009

Explore the possibilities of freestyle machine embroidery and its applications for quilting and fiber art with this inspirational guidebook for all skill levels. This overview of all the basic methods and stitches for each technique includes step-by-step photographs and illustrations, diagrams, close-ups of sample swatches, troubleshooting tips, and design guidance, altogether elevating crafters’ skills to an artistic level. Beginning with an introduction that includes a list of necessary supplies, chapters cover adjusting thread tension, understanding fabric distortion as it relates to stitching direction, and caring for a sewing machine. This comprehensive guide is sure to move crafters beyond the basics of the stitching process to using color and texture creatively in unique designs and professional-grade finishes.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"All I can say about Freestyle Machine Embroidery is WOW, it's amazing what you can do with a sewing machine besides quilting or sewing garments! I am convinced that Carol Shinn is the sewing machine equivalent to Jenny Hart." — StacySews.com

"Explore the possibilities of freestyle machine embroidery and its application for quilting and fiber art with this technique and inspiration guide for all skill levels." — Needle Magazine

About the Author

Carol Shinn has taught many embroidery classes and workshops across the country and her work can be found in numerous public and private collections. She has been featured in such publications as American Craft, Embroidery, Fiberarts, Georgia Review, and Surface Design Journal. She lives in Tempe, Arizona.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (May 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596680423
• ISBN-13: 978-1596680425
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #465,445 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars outstanding!, May 17, 2009

By 

Susan Bleiweiss "Sue b" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Freestyle Machine Embroidery (Paperback)

Carol Shinn is a master at freestyle machine embroidery and shares her techniques and methods for creating beautiful works of art with thread. Beginning with an overview to help the reader understand the process she moves into color mixing and how layering threads and understanding gradation can add depth, interest and complexity to your finished pieces. Then she takes you step by step through her process for creating a piece starting with choosing a subject right through to presenting and framing the finished piece. Clear close up photos of the steps make it easy to understand and follow the written directions and makes this book an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to explore or expand their knowledge of the techniques in this book. You'll find it hard not to be inspired by the wonderful clear color photos of Carol's work that appear throughout the book. This book is an outstanding guide to the art of freestyle machine embroidery. Highly recommended.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the best there is, June 10, 2009

By 

kargelhoe "kargelhoe" (Grand Rapids, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Freestyle Machine Embroidery (Paperback)

Very inspirational - Great examples of the author but also wonderful nice wide variety of work by other excellent fiber artists. Examples are clear, lots of detail photos that actual show the fine detail. Instructional sketches are also very clear. Lots of specific problem solving technique

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Freestyle Machine Embroidery: Techniques and Inspiration for Fiber Art, October 19, 2009

By 

corvus corax "Corvus corax" (Boise) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Freestyle Machine Embroidery (Paperback)

I have long admired Carol Shinn's work and was excited to find such a clear and informative book showing her work and methods. The book is all that was promised and more. The photographs are very good and clearly show how Ms Shinn accompishes her wonderful thread paintings. There are excellent examples of other artists' work in this medium and the instructions are concise and thorough. It was also helpful to find that Ms Shinn's methods do not require any high tech sewing machines or specialized equipment. She also gives very good instructions about correcting the problems that might arise while working on fabric. I appreciate good books that deliver what is promised and this one certainly does.