Description
Book SynopsisJane Nicholas is one of the world's leading embroiderers, specializing in stumpwork. Her exquisite embroideries in goldwork and stumpwork are inspired by Japanese family crests, a subject that has fascinated her for many years.
In this book, Jane has selected 12 designs and interpreted them in a variety of ways using combinations of goldwork, and raised and surface stitching. The projects feature a charming array of motifs including butterflies and other insects, Japanese plants and flowers. Measuring just 10cm (4in) square, each is worked on an assortment of silk Japanese kimono fabrics, and is accompanied by detailed instructions, a stitch diagram and the outline for the design.
At the start of the book there is a fascinating history of Japanese family crests, followed by a stitch directory and a techniques section covering how to prepare your background fabric, how to transfer the design and how to work with wire. Illustrated throughout with sumptuous photography and informative diagrams, this is a treasure trove of ideas and inspiration for embroiderers and lovers of Japanese culture alike.
Trade ReviewJane Nicholas presents 12 designs created with various combinations of goldwork, plus raised and surface stitching. With motifs ranging from butterflies and insects, to Japanese plants and flowers, the designs are stunning, while measuring just 10cm square. Pieces are worked on Japanese kimono fabrics and the book includes a history of Japanese family crests, a stitch dictionary and techniques section.
* Stitch Magazine *
Jane Nicholas is one of the world's leading embroiderers. Her exquisite embroideries in goldwork and stumpwork are inspired by Japanese family crests, a subject that has fascinated her for many years. In her forthcoming book, Jane introduces 12 designs interpreting them thorugh goldwork and raised surface stitching. The projects feature an array of motifs, from butterflies and other insects to Japanese plants and flowers. Measuring just 10 cm square, each is works on an assortment of silk Japanese kimono fabrics and accompanied by details instructions, a stitch diagram and the outline for the design.
-- Embroidery Magazine * Embroidery Magazine *
This book, which features gorgeous projects, comes across as much more detailed in instruction, with visuals that make the book very accessible, even if you have not had experience with either goldwork or stumpwork. The projects in the book are beautiful. Each one reflects Jane’s touch and style (yes, we do get the whimsical bug here and there!).
.... We move into techniques that include the preliminaries, like preparing your ground fabric, transferring your design, working with wire, various goldwork and stumpwork techniques, and all the foundational instruction you need in order to complete any of the projects. This section is a goldmine, whether you’re working the projects in the book or not. They’re full of useful tips on setting up any kind of similar project. You’ll learn a lot here, whether you plan to embroidery one of the designs or you just plan to soak up some inspiration from them.
The instruction is delivered via lots of diagrams (and text), with close-up photos of the embroidered section that’s being covered, so that you can see the method and techniques in the diagram, along with the desired outcome in the photo.
-- Mary Corbet * Needle 'n' Thread *
Table of ContentsThe history of Japanese family crests 6
Tools and equipment 12
Stitch directory 14
Techniques 22
THE PROJECTS 28
Slate Butterfly 30
Copper Butterfly 40
Amethyst Butterfly 52
Gold Butterflies 64
Pink Plum Blossom 74
Green Japanese Ginger Plant 82
Orange Chrysanthemums 90
Cherry Blossom and Ladybird 98
Iris and Mayfly 108
Peony and Bumblebee 122
Lotus and Praying Mantis 136
Morning Glory and Grasshopper 156
Templates 170
Bibliography and further reading 182
Credits 183
Index 184
