Stitch, Fabric & Thread: An Inspirational Guide for Creative Stitchers

by Elizabeth Healey

Experiment with stitch, fabric and thread to create your own unique textiles.

This inventive book is a treasure trove of over 40 inspiring practical exercises, a rich and creative exploration of fabric and stitch, and a fascinating all-round read. Elizabeth Healey's approach to sewing is that it should be fun, and not like a chore or an exam we need to excel in. Her aim is to simply encourage you to pick up a needle and thread and get sewing!

The exercises draw inspiration from around the create corded works of art inspired by Milton Glaser's iconic Bob Dylan poster; create bold embroidered African masks; layer up and cut away to create Mola applique; use bleach and fabric paint to create Aboriginal dreamtime lizards; create knotted works of art inspired by ancient Mayan counting systems; embroider varsity cross-stitch letters or try out decorative Japanese book binding. Alternatively, try a host of other techniques such as quilting, printing, dyeing, couching tumbled crockery, creating pleats and puckers and needlelace.

Packed with stitch galleries and bursting with slow sewing ideas, the book also contains 'behind the stitches' illuminating insights into sewing movements such as Boro textiles, Gee's Bend quilting and Dorset buttons.

Genres: Crafts, Sewing, Art, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published January 24, 2017

Reviews

[Tammy V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been hand stitching since I was 8 years old (that would be 63 years if you want to know) and there are methods in here that I wasn't aware of/had never heard of.

There is a glossary of stitches that is very comprehensive, templates for suggested projects and measured templates for stitches which require measurement.

My favorite chapter is on rag books - because it blends several things I'm doing now and somehow I hadn't thought of it.

sections include running stitches, chain and blanket stitches, raised stitches and more than stitches (which is where you'll find the book).

A good book for my reference library. I am delighted.

[Sarah Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for both beginners and those with some experience with sewing that want to dive into mixed media art with their sewing but don't know where to start. At the very back it has the explanation on how to make the various stitches. Throughout the book is various types of artwork that was created using different sewing techniques, both by hand and using a sewing machine. This book isn't for everyone, but if you really have a passion for sewing or textile mixed media to give it a look over!

[Daria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh take on decorative needlework

I've been in the market for a different take on hand sewing and embroidery, not so much as a how to buy as more of a source of inspiration. I'm delighted with the book, it covers not only materials and tools but addresses a variety of things including fabric manipulation and Japanese bookbinding. If you're new to creative needlework this will definitely get you started on the right foot. If you're more experienced you'll likely appreciate the imagination and creativity of Ms Healey's work and and the projects in offer.

[Mimi V · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subtitle of the book is "An Inspirational Guide for Creative Stitchers." And it is -- there are a lot of good ideas and I've ear marked a bunch of things to go back to soon. The drawback is that the photos (and there are lots and lots of great photos) do not always include the finished pieces. Or only a small bit so it's difficult to see the full effect.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am looking for 'slow stitching' material and while this book doesn't address exactly what I was after, there is a wealth of information within these pages - lightening or muting fabric, types of thread, stitches galore, techniques, great examples, a glossary, an index for easy reference, a list of suggested books. I checked it out from the library and made lots of notes in my idea book.

[Vernon · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the impossibility of my my becoming

I raTed iT 5🌟 because of the originality, it is genuine ,mad
heads in to creative ways off the beaten path w/o abandoning you I have been blessed by this time I've s spent

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a lot of books about slow stitching and embellishing fabric. This is one of the better books. With 40 projects and lots of instructions and photos, it is a great resource for all things embellished creatively, not just fabric, but also paper. Its a great resource.

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ideas and pictures to jump start stitching creativity.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle price is a bit much

Nice pics but short. Especially for the price on Kindle. Some projects/instructions but nothing I'm really interested in making. 3.5/5

[karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Súper recomendado

Imperdible para los que disfrutamos del arte textil y sus posibilidades. Para conservarlo y verlo una y otra vez, repasa técnicas y es una fuente de ideas.

[Jaime Lyerly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is inspiring and I loved it. Makes me want to pick up a needle and thread.

[merlin513 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nicely produced helpful design book

One of the nicest books on stitchery I’ve came across. Well laid out, with excellent photography, interesting projects and an excellent history of each technique. I’ll most definitely be getting myself a printed copy to add to my burgeoning craft library.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspiration!

I loved the varied ways to use textiles to create beautiful things. Other than a few supplies, you could make endless things and only reuse on hand materials. What a wonderful way to upcycle!

[Irene Adler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book, a feast for the eyes and full of inspirational ideas.

[Sally]

Lovely book with stich guides.
It is availble as in print.

Might want to put on my Christmas list.

[Robin Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book but I might need to own it.