Celebrating the Stitch: Contemporary Embroidery of North America

by Barbara Lee Smith

This text presents an embroiderer's workshop full of inspiration, tips and techniques, and includes a series of designs to encourage creativity. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 094239139X
• ISBN13: 9780942391398
• Release Date: August 1991
• Publisher: Taunton Press
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 2.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.8" x 11.4"

Customer Reviews

fabulous

This is one of my favorite books, I reread it constantly to be inspired. The title is a bit misleading in that it's not solely about embroidery, but encompasses a wide range of fiber art. All the works are original, with several showing an off-beat sense of humor, such as the cat pushing the toaster into the tub while the owner is showering. The artists generously discuss their materials, techniques, and idea sources. Loads of photos and (almost) anyone is sure to find something they love in the book.

Inspiring!

It is extremely refreshing to see a volume that showcases serious fiber artists' work - NOT someone who is doing "crafts" (i.e., Sunbonnet Sue or Quilt-in-a-Day). Perhaps that is why the previous reviewer was so disillusioned. I really am stumped by her view that it was "horrible". She claims to be open-minded and liking modern art, but but I'm not sure I would call someone with that attitude "open-minded".This book shows a broad range of work from nearly 100 artists from the US and Canada. There are profiles of each one, explaining their technique and motives behind the work. The amazing array of images brings traditional needlework to new levels of interest. I find it to be extremely inspiring.

Excellent source for design and method

Barbara Lee Smith does a wonderful job weaving art and technique. The book highlights the work of about a dozen needlework artists. In each highlight is a discussion of the art itself, a review of special techniques used, and collection of tips from the artists on a number of topics (e.g., where they get design ideas, how they proceed from paper to canvas). The book is a wonderful introduction to needlework "art" for needleworkers who know the basics and are just beginning to design their own "serious" work. The best methods book I own.