A stunning, high-level embroidery book on birds, by Judy Wilford, one the world’s leading embroiderers.
Embroidered Birds and their Habitats explores the author’s fascination with birds and the ways they interact with their surroundings.
The book is divided into three parts:
Part 1 covers the basic requirements of what the reader needs, including design requirements, embroidery materials and additional equipment. It also includes a section on research and choosing a suitable bird and its habitat, and information on drawing up a design related to the bird and its placement in the wider landscape.
Part 2 explores processes and techniques used in designing and working more complicated elements through two projects. These guide the reader through the entire process, from inspiration through to working design. The reader learns techniques for layering the background and stitching; picking up all the skills and techniques needed to complete a hand-stitched, low-relief panel. This includes elements embroidered both on- and off-frame.
Part 3 includes further examples of the author’s embroideries, and drawn designs that could be used in future works. This section also includes information on finishing the work (mounting and framing), a stitch glossary, reference section and acknowledgements.
Table of Contents
PART I - Overview of embroidery
Introduction 6
Equipment and materials10
Resource and research20
Design28
The order of work50
PART II - Projects and techniques
A Brief Flash of Red Red-browed firetail finch56
The Nestlings Rose Robin 100
Natural elements of a landscape118
PART III - Inspiration and reference
Studio folios 128
Finishing the work 142
Master works 148
Stitch glossary 154
Bibliography 159
Index 160
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Extra Information
Click here to view the errata slip for this title.
About Judy Wilford
Judy Wilford worked with the mediums of fabric and thread and the many and varied techniques of hand embroidery. Her unique embroideries draw on years of personal study and practice in design, drawing, painting, print-making, clay and object making but it is the flexibility and technical variety inherent in textiles, in particular hand embroidery, that always fascinated her.
Judy sadly died in 2022, after a lifetime as a well-regarded tutor throughout Australia and New Zealand at Textile Forums and McGregor Schools (University of Southern Queensland), where she taught techniques she had developed revolving around birds and their habitats, the wider landscape and narrative works.
She won the 2013 National Australian Society of Miniature Arts Awards for Mixed Media and the 2012 Yvonne Perring Memorial Award for best use of Traditional Techniques.
She has written articles for various magazines and books, such as Masterworks and Inspirations, as well as having her book Embroidered Landscapes published by Sally Milner.
Judy lived in Armidale, NSW, Australia.
Stitch
Embroidered Birds and their Habitats is divided into three parts, Part one covers the basics for getting started, from choosing a suitable bird to how to draw up the design. Part two takes a look at the processes and techniques involved in creating your own designs. Part three showcases examples of the author's own work. Plus there's info on finishing and framing, a stitch glossary and a handy reference section.
