Lil Flo
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LA USA
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Date: 1/4/10 2:20 PM I have recently become interested in freehand embroidery and would like to know more. I've heard johnr55 talk about this alot so hope he will chime in. I would like to know the best thread to use (both top and bobbin), type of needle, how to set my sm, what to use to stabilize my fabric and what hoop size is best, also if there is a book that might help me. I hope I've covered everything, but any suggestions would be helpful. OH and I almost forgot a very important part, could I use a straight stitch only machine or would I need to use a machine with a zigzag stitch. I have both. Thanks, Flo
-- Edited on 1/4/10 2:21 PM -- |
NM gal
 
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Date: 1/4/10 2:49 PM Me too! On the cover of a sewing mag (forget which) was a freehand embroidery of seals in their environment. Amazing |
Elona
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CA USA
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In reply to Lil Flo
Date: 1/4/10 8:52 PM This is a fun craft and can be quite beautiful. It is not difficult, though practice is necessary. There are quite a few videos on youtube showing the technique, and you can find more info by googling "free motion embroidery." |
johnr55
Intermediate
TX USA
Member since 3/22/08
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Date: 1/4/10 8:56 PM If you give yourself a chance at free machine embroidery, you will be stupified at all the hoopla over the passive computer machines. In a week you can easily be matching what the best of those will do, and not be restricted to some silly computer design.
Best place to start is go on EBay. The 'bible' resource is Robbie Fanning's book, 'The Complete Book of Machine Embroidery'. I have reviewed it on here. She put out the first edition in the 70's and then two later, more complete ones. Mrs. Fanning is retired from writing and teaching now, but her comprehensive book is still completely up-to-date and usable. Lucille Merrill Graham's 3-volume softback set is also readily available, and good, but can be expensive to purchase. Joy Clucas's books are great. For less than $20 you can have everything you need to get started. Compare that to hundreds if not thousands of Dollars for these passive machines! You are best off with a machine that will do straight and zigzag stitch, though amazing artwork has been donne with just a straight stitch machine. Go to www.alisonholt.com and look at her work. Go to www.carolshinn.com and look at hers. One look at what is possible and you'll see why I get so frustrated at these women who really think they're embroidering when all they are doing is watching a machine!
We are living in an age when computers still fascinate people. This will indeed pass some time in the future. Being an avid photographer, I am seeing the same frenzy in Photoshop, etc., as opposed to traditional photographic techniques. All of a sudden people can get rid of wrinkles, pimples, hair and moles. Trouble is, when they're through their subjects look like wax corpses! Just take a look at the work of the two women I suggested above. Do you think any computer generated program can do that? Of course not. As I've stated before, it's the difference between paint by numbers and true artistic painting. Oh, yes, I'm always delighted when my company manages to furnish me with some article of clothing with a machine-stitched embroidered piece on it. Passive embroidery does have its place. It's just no substitute for true creative work.
I notice you can't receive pm's, but I can. Keep in touch with me. |
Lil Flo
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LA USA
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In reply to Elona
Date: 1/4/10 9:12 PM Thanks, I will check into that. |
Lil Flo
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LA USA
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In reply to johnr55
Date: 1/4/10 9:17 PM Hi johnr55. I was hoping you would chime in. I will look into all of this. I know if anyone is familiar with this subject it is you. OH and I can receive PM's and if a paying member sends me one, I can reply. I have a 30 per month limit.
I had actually bought a Embroidery Machine and felt that I was just sitting there to change the thread, no real art, so ended up returning it. think I would like to learn this. I know it will take practice, but anything worth learning usually does. Thanks so much, I'll keep in touch.
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kkkkaty
Intermediate
UT USA
Member since 12/7/05
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Date: 1/4/10 9:32 PM Maybe this all explains why, although I have a so-called (sew-called?) embroidery machine, I haven't used it very much. It seems a bit lifeless and dull. Do these artists work from photographs or other images? Do they actually print on fabric? One work I did once that I really love was a fabirc collage of a trip to Machu Picchu; if I could do things like that and incorporate machine embroidery (freehand) I would love it.... ------
Viking Lily 545
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Date: 1/4/10 9:39 PM Are you selling your embroidery machine flo?? |
Lil Flo
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LA USA
Member since 4/17/09
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Date: 1/4/10 11:30 PM No, I'm returning it. |
Member since 12/31/69 |
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Date: 1/4/10 11:36 PM Sorry to hear that. I havent used mine either in a while. Not sure if I will. Seems like its good for around the holidays.
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