Helen M. Stevens' Embroidered Butterflies (Helen Stevens' Masterclass Embroidery) [Paperback]

Helen M. Stevens (Author)

Book Description

Series: Helen Stevens' Masterclass Embroidery | Publication Date: September 2004

In Embroidered Butterflies, the second title in the Masterclass Embroidery Series, Helen shares her secrets of how to achieve incredible effects in pure silk thread. In five fascinating chapters she explores a variety of butterflies united by a shared habitat from country gardens and hedgerows to woods and copses. Each chapter culminates in a masterclass project: a colour template is provided for five original designs from a simple study of brimstone and orange butterflies to capturing the more elaborate wing pattern of tortoiseshells, Easy to follow step-by-step photographs illustrate the working, in progress, of the designs to ensure that perfect results are achievable. Finally, a basic technique section gives valuable advice on choosing threads and fabrics, the transfer of templates, guidance on silk shading and the working of all of Helen's most popular stitches, to guarantee that this becomes the essential guide to creating embroidered butterfly studies.

Editorial Reviews

Review

³An impressive teacher.² -- BOOKLIST --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

Butterflies are among nature¹s most exquisite creatures, and there is no finer medium in which to record their enchanting qualities than pure silk embroidery. Now textile artist Helen M. Stevens shows you how capture their luminescent colors, diverse markings, and shimmering surfaces in thread. In five chapters, she explores a variety of butterflies, each ending with a project: a color template is provided for five original designs ‹ from a simple study of an orange-tip butterfly to the more detailed wing patterning of a group of tortoiseshells ‹ and clear, step-by-step photos illustrate the progress of the work to ensure perfect results. This glorious guide is complete with a basic techniques section, which offers helpful advice on threads and fabrics, the transfer of templates, silk shading, and the working of stitches. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: David & Charles Publishers (September 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0715319019
• ISBN-13: 978-0715319017
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 9.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,708,287 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The beauty of a butterfly's wing, February 1, 2010

By 

E. A. Lovitt "starmoth" (Gladwin, MI USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Helen M. Stevens' Embroidered Butterflies (Helen Stevens' Masterclass Embroidery) (Paperback)

I want to collect all of Helen M. Stevens' books on embroidery because (1) I've been embroidering for many years, but I can still learn so much from her; (2) Her books are beautiful works of art.

I already owned two of her Masterclass Embroidery books: Helen M. Stevens' Embroiderer's Year: Exquisite Embroideries Celebrating the Ever-Changing Seasons and "Helen M. Stevens' Embroidered Gardens (Masterclass Embroidery)" when I bought "Embroidered Butterflies" and now I realize that I should have started with this book--it is the second book in the series (after Helen M. Stevens Embroidered Flowers (The Masterclass Embroidery Series)), and it contains simpler subject material than my first two books. It also shows the embroidery-in-progress, so I know where to start.

Stevens reminds me of my favorite watercolorist, Charles Burchfield in her use of natural themes that are suffused with inner light. Her silken leaves, butterflies, and flowers spin a fantasy of a perfect garden, even though some of her leaves have been munched by caterpillars. If you look closely at her flowers and butterflies in this book, you can see the core of each, spun with different shades of silk as a musician spins variations of sound from an original theme.

The color plates are profuse and gorgeous. Her directions are very detailed, and there are appendices at the back of the book listing "Materials," "Basic Techniques," and "Stitch Variations."

This author has a website at helenmstevens.co.uk where you can view more samples of her work, and buy embroidery supplies or sign up for classes. I've ordered one of her basic butterfly/flower kits for my birthday, and I can't wait to get started on it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Embroidered Butterflies., February 4, 2011

By 

jean - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Embroidered Butterflies (Hardcover)

This is a beautifully illustrated book with instructions that are easily understood. Makes you want to start embroidering right away. A very creative book that makes one more observant of your surroundings and possible subjects to embroider.