Machine Embroidery Books and Magazines
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Welcome back to All About Machine Embroidery. If you are here for the first time, catch up on the series here.
Today’s topic is about books and magazines centered around machine embroidery.
While I have tried to be thorough in this series, there are some who have really tackled this well.
1. Machine Embroidery with Confidence: A Beginner’s Guide by Nancy Zieman (affiliate)
This books fills in the details that I could never cover in this series. More on hooping, stabilizers, etc.
My only complaint ~ and one I have with machine embroidery overall ~ the projects are either ridiculous (I’m NEVER embroidering fall leaves on a denim shirt) or just plain ugly (a dresser scarf ~ really). Keep in mind that this book was last updated in 2005. Machines have continued to advance since then. Overall, I think it is an excellent resource that can usually be purchased used.
One thing to remember, Nancy’s Notions is a retail business. Not everything suggested is absolutely necessary.
2. Embroidery Machine Essentials: How to Stabilize, Hoop and Stitch Decorative Designs by Jeanine Twigg (affiliate)
People love this book, even though it was printed in 2001 {I think it might be getting updated???} Again, birds and butterfly designs abound. So, don’t look for inspiration here unless that’s your thing. Outdated information aside, I think that this book is a good resource for understanding machine embroidery basics.
Look for a used copy.
3. The Sewing Machine Embroiderer’s Bible by Liz Keegan (affiliate)
This is a newer book (2014) that helps you get the most out of your machine. The book is non-brand specific making it easy to follow along no matter what machine you own. I consider this a great book once you own an embroidery machine.
It’s possible to find a used copy but they cost about the same as a new one.
4. Designs in Machine Embroidery
This is a bi-monthly magazine by embroidery expert Eileen Roche.
There are a lot of projects in the magazine that I would never use; however, they do occasionally surprise me with something innovative like this.
The magazine also highlights the latest products for machine embroidery and has resources for machine embroidery-related items.
Eileen Roche also sells many of the items highlighted in the magazine, so keep that in mind when you are reading it for free at Barnes and Noble pick up your copy.
5. Creative Machine Embroidery
Another bi-monthly machine embroidery magazine. A lot of focus on seasonal projects and a reasonable amount of great ideas.
Sometimes, they surprise me with projects like this. Fresh, stylish, and beautiful.
It’s great ideas like this that make the magazine worth the price.
This magazine is also a great source for the latest machine embroidery-related products.
Because CME is put out by the same folks who publish Sew News, they will tap you to buy videos and other related books. However, they are less focused on selling gizmos and gadgets.
And that takes us to tomorrow’s topic: Gizmos and Gadgets
