Goldwork Embroidery: Designs and Projects

By Mary Brown

Book Overview

Ancient European tradition lives on in goldwork, an art form encompassing embroidery with all types of metal threads, not only gold. Once reserved for royalty and other aristocrats, goldwork is now available to all through this fully illustrated guide. Part historical reference, part project plan book, and fully stuffed with pattern templates, it is an authoritative sourcebook on the history, materials, and techniques of goldwork embroidery. There are 15 projects for readers to complete, such as the Ornamental Fan, Portrait of a Woman, a lush Cornucopia, and an arresting Byzantine Angel. Color photographs show examples of medieval designs, and provide visual guideposts through each new project, while a section on metal thread manufacturing delivers a rich historical perspective.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1863513663
• ISBN13: 9781863513661
• Release Date: August 2007
• Publisher: Sally Milner Publishing
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 1.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.4" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

Goldwork Embroidery

I am totally new to goldwork embroidery, but this book gave me the fever. Ms Brown was concise with her explanations to the point I didn't get "lost" in her section on tecniques (like I often do). All pictures were clear and gave great detail of each project. I actually went out and bought a selection of gold threads and braids to try a small project using some of her "how to" pages as a guide. You will not waste a penny on buying this book - it is a keeper!

Inspiration

This book is wonderful. It is full of fascinating information, beautiful pictures and truly inspiring projectsIt's a needed addition to any needleworker's library.

excellent

Meticulously detailed book. First chapter which is a history of goldwork embroidery mainly in England reads a bit like a thesis with details of important goldwork pieces the author viewed. She then goes into the history and construction of metal threads followed by materials, equipment and preparation techniques. Then a chapter specific to goldwork techniques. The main part of the book is the 15 projects going from easiest to most difficult. Many have lots of padding throughout the pieces. In her list of materials, she is very thorough giving also what is needed for preparation in addition to the various goldwork threads. This is followed by very detailed material on working each project plus each has actual size drawings (also for the padding) and color photos. Bibliography and suppliers list complete the book. In addition the author has kits for each project. Medallion is the cover photo and is the second project in the book.There are also two projects of figures. No or nue though. I find all my goldwork books useful, but if you're only buying one this would be an excellent choice even though the author has included some difficult pieces.