Textile Artist: Expressive Stitches: A no-rules guide to creating original textile art (The Textile Artist)

So many books out today cover the same topics or rehash what has been written about much better by others. I was hesitant to purchase this book as I was unfamiliar with the author's work and with no preview pages, it was a gamble. I am so glad I did add this to my library. Perhaps it is the way the author presents the topics, but the whole book is full of inspiration and eye candy. I found her approach to embroidery accessible to many different levels of readers. It really is a fresh look at embroidery.

This is a lovely book. If you are interested in slow stitching, hand work with lots of photos of how the artist works, her inspirations, you won't be disappointed.My headline is a reference to a reviewer who stated you had to have an Embellisher machine which is just not truthful. While the artist does use the machine it's not a necessary tool. The machine is only mentioned on 9 pages, mostly just an example of a project. She briefly describes the machine on 2 pages.If you're interested in trying the technique you can purchase inexpensive barbed needles and do it by hand, you don't need the machine. I've been needle felting for years and don't have an Embellisher.The only advantage of using the special machine is speed much in the same way a sewing machine is faster than hand sewing.The artist clearly states that she uses the Embellisher mostly for securing applique/patches on her base cloth.Alternatives to using the machine would be hand basting, pin basting, using a small dab of fabric glue or basting spray.The book is mostly about handwork so please don't be disillusioned that a special machine is a requirement.

As soon as I saw this book I know I had to have it. I ordered it 3 months before it was even released! The day finally came when I was able to find it in my mailbox. I was and am not disappointed! Tons of inspirational color photos and ideas for pushing your creative style. I am an emerging textile artist and this book is right up my alley!!

If you love textured quilting, creative stitching, slow stitching, this book is really wonderful. The illustrations of the author's creations are very beautiful and her description of how she made them is informative for those who would like to make some of their own fabric art.

I loved the step by step instructions, and all the options and detailed information. Pictures are excellent as well. It is a really good book for followers of the Slow Stitch movement.

This is a new favorite in my extensive textile art library.

This book is full of ideas including fabric sculptures. There are many approaches to slow stitching or if you want combining slow and machine stitching. The choice is yours. Her sketchbook ideas are fun and if you use those ideas, you won't be faced with fear of a blank white page. She encourages you to develop your own approach but does provide projects if you need a jumping off point. A fun book!

Beautiful book filled with inviting pictures

A bit disappointed, if I had known that a key piece of equipment needed was an embellisher, as no other option was offered, I wouldn’t have bothered buying the book. The book looks lovely but nothing new.

This has to be the most enjoyable book on textile art that I have read in a long time.I love Jan's way of working and the fact that it gives full reign to anything you want to do.You do not as some people seem to be suggesting need any expensive equipment, not even a sewing machine, let alone an embellisher. Nor do you need a whole studio.Jan does dye a lot of her fabrics herself, something i don't have space to do. However you can get some great transfer dyes and paints which are fun to use and take up no space and you don't have to worry about chemicals. Colour Craft do a great range of both. If you've never tried them before the paints are lees faff than the dyes. Just remember if using on natural fibres you will need a bottle of transfix.One last thing - Jan's stitch work is just wow!!!

This is a wonderful book, full of ideas and inspiration... Something for the novice and for those of us who love our stitching and art.... recommend this book..buy it!

The book is brilliant, but the pages hadn't been cut properly so I messed the book up by trying to open the pages. The book is SO good I won't ask for a refund and I will keep it, cos it's a great read! But if you buy this book just be prepared for uncut pages maybe. I won't add photos of my messed up pages as I don't want to put anyone off the book, cos it's a lovely book.

This is an author I have not come across before and the book is thoroughly enjoyable. I'm an experienced embroiderer and found plenty of new ideas. There are also clear instructions so would suit someone with less experience as well.Great book with lots of lovely photographs.