Silk Ribbon Embroidery

An old-fashioned art is brought up to date in this exciting step-by-step guide to decorating clothing, household linens, picture frames, and more.Standing out against the flat background material, thicker and richer than ordinary embroidery threads, silk ribbons literally bring a new dimension to hand-stitched works. Introduced in the 18th-century to enhance elegant ball gowns and widely used during the Victorian era, silk ribbon embroidery offers contemporary needleworkers the opportunity to fashion unusual pieces for special occasions, gifts, or as treasured family heirlooms.Silk Ribbon Embroidery presents 23 projects, ranging from a laurel wreath cushion to a padded picture frame, to an exquisite evening wrap. Some, like the delicate Christening gown, evoke the traditions of the past; others, like a bright tablecloth and napkin set, feature bold modern designs. Clear instructions and diagrams take readers smoothly through each project and full-color photographs display just how satisfying the results of their efforts will be. Once the basics are mastered, embroiderers can expand their repertoires by exploring the wonderful library of garden flower motifs at the end of the book.To help beginners, Silk Ribbon Embroidery includes a review of basic embroidery stitches, a thorough discussion of the different types of ribbon and fabrics -- from plain calico to luscious silk -- that lend themselves to embroidery work, information on transferring patterns (including the many full-size diagrams found throughout the book), finishing a work with beading or tassels, and even tips on safe laundering.