by Andrew Allen Moore (Editor), Margo Price (Author)

"How to Get Started in Free-Machine Embroidery" provides the ideal jargon-free beginners guide for those who want to explore free-machine embroidery. With a collection of creative sewing projects and individual sections for mastering basic techniques, this book guides you, step-by-step, through the basics of free-machine embroidery.In this book, Margo Price shares her tried-and-tested techniques and sewing projects, perfected over ten-year's experience of running her own sewing business "Time4me Workshops". The practical ideas presented in this book make essential reading for anyone wanting an easy-to-understand introduction to the fascinating world of free-machine embroidery.Find out if your sewing machine is capable of machine embroideryCheap budget machines that claim to do it all may disappoint. A basic machine with a few basic functions, if it is sturdy, may be all you need to get started.Get familiar with your sewing machine and how it worksBecoming confident with a sewing machine takes time and practice. You won't need to know it all to begin with but keep striving to make regular progress and acquire new skills and techniques.Discover the essential threads, needles and fabrics you will need for free-machine embroideryUsing quality tools and materials will ensure you are not disappointed. Poor, cheap or inappropriate threads, needles and fabrics will undermine all your hard work.Learn by doingMany sewing books start with lots of information and theory which can be overwhelming. In this book you will begin working on projects straight away. In this way you will learn and improve in manageable chunks, and will not be put off by too much information.Discover how to embellish your appliqu designsGet creative and turn simple appliqu designs into custom designs or personalised gifts for your friends and family by using free-machine embroidery.Discover how to write with a needleAdd words, names or other text to your sewing creations by using free-machine embroidery techniques. Even without a programmable machine you can learn to embroider your sewing projects with confidence.Learn how to do free-motion quiltingFinish off your quilting projects in style by learning how to do free-motion quilting. Create formal or informal designs or take your inspiration from nature.Learn how to draw pictures with your sewing machineFree-machine embroidery can be used to create wonderful freehand sketches or line drawings. The possibilities are endless when you bring your own distinctive flair to your sewing.Learn how to use dissolvable fabricsDissolvable fabrics can be used to make your own machine-stitched lace or to add lacy borders to any sewn item by trapping pieces of fabric between two layers of film.Other books by this author include: "How to Make a Living from Crafts", "How to Sew with Confidence", "How to Dye Your Own Fabrics" and "How to Design & Make Fabulous Cushions".

Author Biography

Margo Price has run sewing (and other craft) classes for many years, under the name of "Time4me Workshops", from her home in Hampshire on the South coast of England. Margo now writes craft books and publishes articles and patterns in national magazines in response to the many requests she receives for advice on sewing and how to run a successful craft business. A former career as a technical writer enables Margo to explain in concise, clear and compelling terms, how to achieve professional results with your craft projects.