Machine Embroidery – Wild and Wacky is not a normal machine embroidery book. The authors take the theme of finding new things to do with machine embroidery and develope it to its limit. This is certainly not a book to appeal to every machine embroiderer, however it is well suited to those who are looking for more ideas or challenges.
The book was published in 2006, meaning that much of the information is still current. This is important in the fast moving world of machine embroidery where technology is moving forward all the time. Color photographs of finished projects are liberally scattered throughout the 128 pages, ensuring that there is plenty to inspire.
The Projects and Techniques
There are 20 projects illustrated within the book, along with lots of ideas for variations and further projects. There is also a free accompanying CD (PC only) which contains the designs used within each project and instructions. This is compatible with all major embroidery machines.
The projects and techniques are laid out in an a – z format. This is a good idea in principle, however the lack of an index means that it can be difficult to find reference to a particular technique.
The ideas are extensive and prove that there is much more to machine embroidery than meets the eye. Embroidering onto soap and toilet paper, for instance, makes an unusual complement to embroidering onto towels and bath robes.
Some of the surfaces that are tackled within the book are wood, metal, soap and zippers. These are used to make a variety of household items, accessories, jewelry, scrapbooking and much more.
In addition to the projects, the reader will find hints and tips scattered throughout. These are extremely useful and help the reader understand some of the more unusual aspects of the projects or techniques.
Conclusion
This is definitely recommended for machine embroiderers who are looking for new inspiration. There are many positive aspects of the book:
- Very Inspiring – even though there are likely to be projects that don’t appeal, the chances are that it will sow the seeds of other ideas.
- Unusual Ideas – the authors have explored working on difference surfaces and this gives embroiderers the confidence to try new things knowing that others have put their machine through it first!
- Lots of Variations – there is much discussion throughout the book about how to develop techniques and projects, customizing them as required.
- Design CD – the CD with all the designs means that all the projects can be replicated at home.
- Supplier List – there is a comprehensive list of suppliers including website addresses.
As with any books there are some drawbacks
- Lack of index- it would be useful to have an index. With so much covered it can be difficult to find specific points.
- Project Instructions are on the CD - although this leaves more room in the book for illustrations and technique ideas, it would be better if this was made clear in the marketing details.
- CD is compatible with PCs only - however new Mac users will be able to use this with Windows XP using either Bootcamp (tm) or Parallels(tm).
This is an ideal book for someone with a lot of imagination and enthusiasm for trying new things.
Details
Title: Machine Embroidery Wild & Wacky
ISBN: 978-0896892774
Authors: Linda Turner Griepentrog, Rebecca Kemp Brent
Publisher: Krause Publications
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