The Constance Howard Book of Stitches (Batsford Classic Embroidery) - Softcover

Howard, Constance

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0713489383 ISBN 13: 9780713489385

Publisher: Batsford Ltd, 2005

Synopsis

Embroidery legend Constance Howard brings her formidable knowledge of embroidery together with a creative and innovative approach to stitch. Demonstrating how spectacular textures, patterns and effects can be achieved in a few simple steps, this comprehensive guide encourages embroiderers to use stitch to its full potential, experiment with their own ideas and, above all, enjoy using stitch. The versatility and scope of stitching is fully explored here. Working stitch in different threads, changing the scale and pacing, working carefully and freely, combining stitches to make new ones and altering the angle of the stitch are all considered. Each technique is easy-to-follow, with simple instructions and clear diagrams.

About this title

Synopsis

New stitches continue to be invented and these pages contain a number of new ones worked out by Constance Howard who has been asked by so many of her students to prepare such a book so that they, and a much wider audience, may be able to enjoy further experiments on their own. The book aims to show the enormous scope of stitches, their versatility, the fascinating textures and patterns obtainable with them, and the variety that is possible in working a stich in different threads, changing its scale and spacing, working carefully, working freely, combining stiches to make new ones or altering the angle of the stitch. With the aid of the Tunbridge Wells and District Branch Embroiderers' Guild a large number of experiments have been carried out, many of which are used here to illustrate some of the versatility of even the simplest of stitches. It is hoed that from these results the reader will be inspired to try out more ideas for themselves and to enjoy using stitches.

About the Author

During her lifetime, Constance Howard was single-handedly responsible for bringing embroidery into the world of art and fashion. In 1948 she established the department of Embroidery in the Art School at Goldsmith's College, London. From running a part-time course, she became principal lecturer in charge of textiles and fashion - with embroidery as a main subject for Diploma in Art and Design. This course would later become the BA Honours degree course. Constance Howard was a member of the British Craft Centre, of the Society of Designer Craftsmen, the Embroiderers' Guild and the Art Workers' Guild, as well as of the World Crafts Council. Her work has been exhibited widely in Great Britain as well as in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA where she has held many workshops. In recognition of her services to art education, Constance Howard was awarded the MBE in 1975.

About this edition

• Publisher: Batsford Ltd
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0713489383
• ISBN 13: 9780713489385
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144