Celtic Inspirations For Machine Embroiderers

Leading embroidery authors Valerie Campbell-Harding and Maggie Grey translate the richness of Celtic imagery into fabric, textiles and stitched work using machine embroidery. The visual Celtic elements from fine manuscripts, metalwork and stone sculpture – spirals, knots, plaits, lettering, interlacings and meanders – are brought to life through designs that start simply and build up to more complex pieces. The book gives detailed information on the design process, then progresses to stitch, with plenty of original ideas as well as new slants on old favourites. A final chapter shows you how to put together finished pieces and – should it all go wrong – how to redeem an uninteresting piece. The authors encourage readers not just to copy existing designs but, through experimentation and stitch samples, to make the work their own.

This source book explores simple design techniques and methods of stitching Celtic imagery, taking as its inspiration illuminated manuscripts, metalwork, and stone sculpture with spirals, knots and interlacings. It includes computer-aided design and new materials such as thermoplastics.

Presents a collection of Celtic designs, along with a CD-ROM which contains each image to use in a variety of machine embroidery projects.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow School of 1880–1920 produced some of the most enduring and inspiring decorative designs, which still influence designers in the 21st century. Here the timeless classic motifs of Mackintosh and the Glasgow School are transferred to embroidered items for the home by leading embroiderer Dorothy Wood. Some 20 projects are covered, complete with detailed instructions, step-by-step photography of key techniques, and over 80 photographs of the finished items. The book covers the history of the movement and the various crafts that it was applied to, including enamel work, stained glass, bookbinding and metal work. It also examines the motifs most often associated with this style, including elongated organic forms, plant forms based on early herbals and attenuated, stylized female figures. The projects include wall hangings, cushions, throws, screens, table linen, scarves, bags and bed linen, using natural materials in the soft pastel colours of the period. Techniques covered include machine embroidery, appliqué, stained glass appliqué, reverse appliqué, black binding, braid work, couching, satin stitch, drawn thread work and stencilling.

This book combines everything held dear to the author's heart in a single volume - embroidery, writing, artwork, history and books. Her beautifully executed creations combine myriad materials, including hand-stitched threads, glued papers, fabrics, fibres, paints and beads, and are presented here as a series of 'altered books', each representing a chapter that follows on from the last, and each exploring one of the major themes of the book, including textiles, stitches, clothing and accessories. Historical facts are ingeniously interwoven with contemporary renditions of ancient artworks, bringing to life the ancient skills of Celtic, Viking and Anglo-Saxon women, and celebrating the centuries-old tradition of embroidery in England that has served as a foundation for present-day excellence.

A fantastic source or reference book for anyone seeking inspiration for Celtic projects or ideas. These clearly drawn illustrations include flowing knotwork images, stylised frames and borders, decorative motifs, beautifully woven crosses and much more. A colourful gallery of finished pieces is included to show how the designs, which can be reproduced to any scale, can be applied to finished pieces of work. This book uses material from the Design Source Book series, Celtic Glass Painting and Classic Glass Painting by Judy Balchin.