New book includes professional finishing techniques.[/caption]
Marcia S. Brown, ISBN 978-1493597512, 2014 $55
While there are several books out there on finishing, few are as in-depth as this new book from Marcia Brown, the owner of The Binding Stitch.
Previously many of her techniques were only available on DVDs. I like that they now are in book form.
There are many things to like about this book. First it has step-by-step illustrated instructions for making different types of pillows. If you are a seamstress, this is nothing special but many folks who stitch haven’t done this before so having these basic instructions there is fantastic!
Second it has finishing techniques for both stitching on linen (i.e. cross stitch) and needlepoint. While many of the techniques are the same I like that each is treated separately and that the differences and extra steps are included.
Third it covers in separate chapters many aspects of finishing I have wondered about. There are chapters on making fringe, on different kinds of weights, on making tassels and several kinds of cords, and one on blocking.
A particularly useful chapter is the one of finishing rugs, which describes several ways to join pieces of canvas. If you are considering making a rug, look at this before you finish your project.
Even so, the book has some defects, mostly small. Tips, highlighted information, and some captions are in white type on colored boxes and photos. Often this is too low-contrast to be read. While pretty when done in large type on the first page of each chapter, the rest of the time it ends up hiding useful information.
While the book is extremely detailed, I wish it had more up-to-date ideas for finishing. Most notably needlepoint purses or totes were not included. But bell pulls and brick covers were, even though these are less popular than purses these days.
This book is very rigorous and easy to follow. You’ll learn techniques used by professionals for finishing. If you want to finish your own projects, I recommend it.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
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