I have combined quilting with embroidery to create I Will Life My Voice Like A Trumpet which features embroidered images and words of female abolitionists and Civil Rights leaders and to make Remember the Ladies featuring the First Ladies.
The employment of women's work as political and social commentary can be traced back centuries, as shown in Threads of Life by Claire Hunter.
Amy L. Frazer book Empowered Embroidery leads artists through her process of turning sketches into embroidered art that celebrates courageous women like Frida Kahlo (seen on the cover), Eleanor Roosevelt, and Harriet Tubman.
I have only used the basic stem stitch for my quilts. I was excited to learn how to incorporate more intricate embroidery into a design.
After reviewing the necessary tools and how-to of embroidery, and showing how she develops her sketches, Frazer uses her included projects to illustrate the process.
Specific stitches and how to employ them is detailed in ample photographs.Empowered Embroidery is a fantastic resource for artists. It does assume an ability to sketch portraits to make original art. (I have also used copyright free images and photographs for some of my quilts.)
You do not need to be an experienced embroiderer. Frazer covers everything you need to know.
The stitches and techniques are transferable to any embroidered project. For instance, the step-by-step process of creating the multitude of flowers in the Frida Kahlo portrait are basic skills easily transferable to other projects. Frazer shows how to built layers of embroidery floss to create the dimensional feel of the flowers. The way Frazer creates eyes is also impressive, easily accomplished.
The portraits differ in style so each teaches new techniques. The Eleanor Roosevelt portrait uses running stitches. Maya Angelou is on a colored linen background. Harriet Tubman includes fused applique. Ruth Bader Ginsberg is thread painted. Michelle Obama includes favorite quotes.
This book will inspire you to celebrate your personal heroines and heroes through embroidery.
I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.
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| I Will Lift My Voice Like a Trumpet by Nancy A. Bekofske |
Empowered Embroidery: Transform sketches into embroidery patterns and stitch strong, iconic women from the past and present
by Amy L. Frazer
Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster
Pub Date March 2, 2021
$21.99
From the publisher
With Art Makers: Empowered Embroidery, learn to sketch and stitch strong, recognizable women from all walks of life.
Featuring sketching and illustration instructions, basic stitches, embroidery techniques, and 6 projects with portraits of famous women, this book is a must-have tool for hands-on artists and crafters.
If you’re a beginning embroiderer, start with the basic stitches and embroidery instructions at the beginning of the book. Essential tools, warm-up exercises, tips for embroidering facial features and hair, and general information on embroidery will give you the know-how you need to get started.
Then dive into sketching your favorite female cultural and historical icons:
- Frida Kahlo
- Eleanor Roosevelt
- Maya Angelou
- Harriet Tubman
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- Michelle Obama
Once you’ve sketched your figures, follow along with the step-by-step embroidery projects as you learn to stitch the women featured in the book—and anyone else you admire! All of the projects are beautifully paired with large photos so that you can easily mimic the techniques at home while relaxing with your embroidery.
The author is a professional illustrator, designer, and embroiderer uniquely suited to give instruction on this fun, trending embroidery technique. With her expert tips, you’re sure to enjoy learning a new hobby, or advancing your skills if you’re already familiar with embroidery.
Art Makers: Empowered Embroidery makes it easy to sketch, stitch, and create your favorite female icons, from empowering women of today to icons of the past.
The Art Makers series is designed for beginning artists and arts-and-crafts enthusiasts who are interested in experiencing fun hands-on mediums, including polymer clay and papier-mache.
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