Sew Embellished!: Artistic Little Quilts, Personalized with Easy Techniques
We just love this book because it introduces a whole new way of playing with the fabric in our stashes to make unique and personalised mini-quilts. At about 8 x 10in or so, they make perfect wallhangings, keepsakes, mementos, gifts--even special-occasion cards. Cheryl explains how to create the focus for your fabric art using photos, embroidery, applique, novelty print fabrics or found objects. She then provides ideas for adding wording to your piece before embellishing it with charms, buttons, beads, trims, sequins, folded fabric--you name it. The results are simply delightful and will be much cherished. The first 32 pages provide generic instructions and ideas; then there are guidelines for eight specific projects, followed by a gallery of more of Cheryl's finished pieces. This book will be a delight for people who want to experiment with their own designs but perhaps aren't quite sure how to start; those who might like some smaller projects on hand as a break from bed-size quilts; and those who have a stash of haberdashery and gorgeous bits and pieces in addition to their pile of fabric. --Australian HomespunMagazineIt seems with every book on adding embellishing to my quilt I learn something new. Cheryl Lynch's bookSew Embellished!is no exception. This book is full of creative ideas and techniques on using buttons, beads, thread, polymer-clay and words. The photos found throughout the book will inspire you to work up one of the eight projects included. Cheryl encourages you to create your own embellishments by using parts from the hardware store and designing your own button and bob using polymerclay. The Polymer-clay section is excellent as it covers the basics in working with clay including how to condition the clay, make your own buttons and beads and, most importantly, how to maintain a consistent size. Thread is also a vital embellishment to any project and Cheryl has eight go to stitches she uses. These stitches are illustrated in easy to understand illustrations. I also like the way the author has added trim to the edges using rick rack, ribbon, beaded trim and decorative threads. A discussion on what sort of fabrics work best with what you would like to do follows and that leads you right to the projects. The projects are designed to help you use some of the methods and techniques you have learned while reading the book. I am sure you will be anxious to start creating your own embellished designs and this book is definitely a great way to boost your confidence. --The Applique SocietyNewsletter