Customer Reviews

Jazz It Up!: 101 Stitching & Embellishing Techniques

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This is the book we have been waiting for from Judy. She mentioned it was in the works two years ago and I have been eagerly looking forward to it. As with all of Judy's books, the directions are clear and there are marvelous graphics for all of the techniques she presents. You are given lots of ideas with photos of finished goods. This book will give you the confidence to make that one of a kind vest or jacket. The hardest part is deciding what techniques to start with on your creation!

If you are thinking of just trimming the edge of a jacket or making a whole wardrobe this is the how-to idea book for you.

Judy has written many "Jazz" books that you can now find on the Internet auctions going for big bucks because they are out of print. I happen to have all her books, thanks to a good friend, and feel this one sums up all her shared knowledge of wearable art stitching and embellishing. The first wearable project I made was adapted from one of Judy's' first books. I consider her work as laying the foundation for all wearable artists out in the world today. These 101 techniques can be used on a simple cuff or on your whole project.

Judy Murrah is a very talented lady. Her book received great reviews which is why I purchased it. However, her personal style is not what I look for in design and embellishing. Her work is very contemporary, and I tend to be much more of a traditionist in design and embellishment. I prefer needlework designs that date as far back as Medieval times. I like order, and I love needle-art to be so beautifully done that one may even frame it as a piece of art.

J. Marsha Michler wrote "The Magic of Crazy Quilting: A Complete Resource for Embellished Quilting." Her approach to design and embellishment is much closer to what I prefer in my own work, and her designs can be nicely applied to clothing and other projects as well--not crazy quilting alone. She very clearly illustrates stitching and embellishing techniques, including high quality photo close-ups, making it very easy even for the novice.

Another wonderful book that I have found both exciting and artistic is "The Art of Manipulating Fabric" by Colette Wolff. Using your own artistic imagination, both these books can offer any design or look you desire, and both have a much more "serious" presentation of design.

If you like a contemporary look to design, then Judy Murrah's "Jazz it Up..." is for you. She gives clear illustrations and close-up high quality photos for examples to follow. Her ideas and designs can be done by even the novice.

Happy sewing!

I was a little disappointed in this book since I was searching for ways to jazz up an outfit like adding beads and other accessories. If you have access to machine embroidery, then this book is more for you.