Explore the possibilities of freestyle machine embroidery and its application for quilting and fiber art with this technique and inspiration guide for all skill levels. Freestyle Machine Embroidery reviews all the basic methods and stitches for each technique, with step-by-step photographs and illustrations from start to finish. Expand your knowledge with diagrams, close-ups of sample swatches, troubleshooting tips and design guidance for taking your machine embroidery to an artistic level. Begin with an introduction to the process of freestyle machine embroidery, including supplies needed, thread tension adjustment, understanding fabric distortion as it relates to stitching direction, and how to care for a sewing machine. Then learn color mixing with thread to create visual interest in artwork, plus the author's thought process behind image choice and design, the details of stitching imagery, presentation, and problem solving. Readers will learn to add variety to their work with various machine-stitched textures and combining freestyle stitching with different materials and techniques. And finally, a gallery of artists' work using freestyle machine embroidery is featured. This comprehensive guide takes you from the basics of the stitching process to using color and texture creatively in your design to professionally finishing a project. An appendix includes a useful chapter on setting up your workspace and caring for your machine. Regardless of skill level, Freestyle Machine Embroidery is an indispensable guide for every textile artist's personal library.

Author Biography

Carol Shinn is a studio artist from Tempe, Arizona, known internationally for photo-realistic machine-stitched images. She holds a BFA from the University of Colorado and a MFA from Arizona State University. She has taught many classes and workshops across the country, including at schools such as Arrowmont, Penland, and Haystack, and her work can be found in numerous public and private collections. Her work has been featured in such publications as American Craft, Embroidery, Fiberarts, Georgia Review, and Surface Design Journal and in books such as The Nature of Craft and the Penland Experience, Discovery: 50 Years of Craft Experience at Haystack Mtn. School of Craft, Celebrating the Stitch, Fiberarts Design Book Six, and Fiberarts Design Book Seven.