Machine Embroidered Woodlands [Paperback]

Alison Holt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2009

Learn how to create beautiful woodland pictures using various combinations of two simple machine stitches. Broken down into clear, concise techniques, each project is accompanied by many helpful photographs for each inspirational piece—whether threading on to hand-colored backgrounds, or blending stitches, stunning results are easily attained. The raised effects are derived from a clever use of perspective—with muted, soft tones in the background and strong, vibrant colors in the foreground—producing a beautiful three dimensional finished look. Divided into three essential sections, the four detailed step-by-step projects cover a wide range of subjects—from the materials required and painting backgrounds to mastering thread-painting skills and creating realistic trees, foliage, flowers, and woodland paths.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The exquisite detail in Alison's embroideries makes them look as realistic as a photograph, and this latest title featuring woodland scenes is no exception."  —Sewing World Magazine

About the Author

Alison Holt teaches machine embroidery, silk painting, and surface decoration at her private studio. She is the author of Machine Embroidered Flowers and Machine Embroidered Landscapes.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Search Press (June 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1844482731
• ISBN-13: 978-1844482733
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #429,847 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Artist Shares. . ., October 7, 2009

By 

J Keistler "[e-mail]" (Lake Jackson, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Machine Embroidered Woodlands (Paperback)

I've been doing freehand machine embroidery for 30 years, and no, I'm not in Alison Holt's class! It is incredibly sad that the artistry practiced for 100 years on conventional sewing machines has been eclipsed by passive/computer generated embroidery by specialized machines. The difference between true freehand and passive machine embroidery is the difference between painting on canvas freehand and painting by numbers. They are two completely different beasts.

I already own, and highly recommend, Ms. Holt's DVD on freehand embroidery. It's miles ahead of what I've seen put out by others.

Ms. Holt is, first and foremost, a gifted artist. She simply chose machine embroidery as her medium when in college in the 70's. Her basic technique involves taking a photograph and adapting it to work on fabric. There are many, many different avenues to achieving the desired product. Ms. Holt combines her freehand embroidery with background painting on silk, then a cover with thread. Other artists may use various fabrics only combined with thread. Still others only use thread. What can be gained with this book is a close look at her thread technique. Unlike passive/computer embroidery, freehand can and does involve possibly dozens of different colors, grouped by colors. For example, a simple field of grass could take a dozen different colors--greens, browns, yellows, and even whites or reds. My thread library is over 1000 different colors. Unlike some other embroiderers, who are very dogmatic about using a specific thread, Ms. Holt (like me) is open to using all types of thread to achieve different effects. For example, using only cotton embroidery thread can lead to a rather flat appearance; different threads and give variety.

Though the illustrations are beautiful and worth having on their own, this book will be primarily of interest to those, like me, who have an interest in freehand embroidery. Or, those who are trapped in the constraints of the computer-generated machines who want to expand their artistry. The book itself is a high-quality paperback with lush coloring and thick, glossy pages. It will become a treasured part of my embroidery reference library.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous tutorial, fantastic illustrations, August 1, 2009

By 

J. M. Arden (NZ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Machine Embroidered Woodlands (Paperback)

Alison shows us how to re-create her wonderful woodland scenes using just straight stitch and zigzag. Every step is clearly illustrated, and every thread colour change is charted, teaching us how to make a whole variety of textures, different leaves, bark, drifts of flowers, paths and rocks. In addition to techniques, she also shows how to combine elements from different photos, or crop, to make an interesting subject have the maximum impact. Excellent in every way.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Machine Embroidered Woodlands, March 30, 2010

By 

Pamela V. Stinson - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Machine Embroidered Woodlands (Paperback)

Absolutely beautiful book. Well written, clear, concise instructions that are easy to follow. Allison Holt is a master at machine embroidery. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in doing this kind of work. Once you master her techniques you will look at pre-programed machine embroidery in a different light.