Beginner's Guide to Machine Embroidered Landscapes (Beginner's Guide to Needlecraft)
The world of machine embroidery is bewildering. Where do you begin? I would personally reach out for Alison Holt's books (see other reviews for all three and the DVD). Why Alison? Not only does she have a thorough grounding of sewing machines and how to use them for painting with thread, but she also has a love and knowledge of flowers and plants that comes through in her exquisite work. Alison's work is quite detailed and she is an enthusiastic teacher. In this book she gives a basic introduction to equipment for machine embroidery including choosing threads and for silk painting. She also discusses design and using photographs, colour and painting a background fabric. This fabulous book encourages the machine embroiderer to experiment with different stitches to achieve the effect they want. There are three complete step-by-step embroideries to complete. This 80-page book is a tremendous beginner's guide to its subject. With lots of practice, you should be able to complete the projects.-KarenPlatt.co.uk When I saw the works of Alison Holt for the first time, I thought these are beautiful landscape photographs. But as I  looked more closely, I could hardly believe it that  these were actually embroidered pictures. The light and shade are fantastic, the natural colours and the  perspective. In her embroideries  not only the colors succeed in representing forms and structures, but she also tries to catch the moment where she meets the light. She is a painter on the sewing machine for me.-Patchwork Professional