Modern Embroidery
A Book of Stitches to Unleash Creativity
Written by Rachel Dobbins
Published by Yellow Pear Press
As a regular reviewer, I have page turned my way through so many books on Embroidery. Let’s face it, there are so many released every year with the title in place - that word which requires us to learn or have learned, the wondrous power of a stitch. How can one in a sea of many stand out as different? The pre word of Modern, sparked my interest. Embroidery is traditional in its historical context. It is not a new technique, its length of service to the world however, evidences that it won’t be going anywhere. Modern - in what way?
Personally, I felt that the Introduction she proffers tells the story. This artist was not an embroiderer to begin with; she came to her art through painting, in a free manner. She too to her needle and thread in the same flow - using it as a tool for self expression over pattern walking. Anyone who is aware of the people she quotes even on this first pace (such as the painter Bob Ross) will realise that we are not going to simply come accross a how to stitch guide.
Highlights?
I loved the fact she dedicates the book to her little child Dana and the angles she takes Embroidery into; namely Dolls, Lettering, Thread Painting and Hair Embroidery.
I loved the Doll ideas, these are projects I would actually work with, not just think about. They are adaptable, they make us think about what we could do with the idea not just the pattern and image she tells her own story with.
With advice on how to use our personal photographs and turn them into embroideries as well as so many other ideas…