The Art of Stitching on Metal

Dec 08

As Ann Parr points out in her introduction, a wide range of metal forms are available for the textile artist and seemingly no end to the ways they can be heated and manipulated to produce spectacular results. Thank goodness that she has written this book to explain it all to us. We have an introductory section, which shows the metal used in the book, and also shows a variety of fabrics (decorative and backing), wires and threads and particular effects which sets the tone of the book. After decorative effects have been studied, you are moved on to a section on stitching, where there are 12 projects. Anyone looking through the first pages of the book to see Ann's beautiful piece 'Chatelaine' will be delighted to be able to experiment with stitching on pewter, which can give a wonderful filigree effect. So many techniques on metalare included. For anyone who has seen pictures of metalwork and have thought it was beyond their capability, you find find out just how user-friendly and versatile this material is in textile art. For those with a bit more experience, there will be inspiration on how to move one step ahead.

Samantha Packer

* Workshop On The Web *

Dec 08/Jan 09

Wire mesh, tubular knitted wire, pewter, copper shim, woven mesh in stainless steel, copper or brass – they can all be stitched on. But stitching alone is not enough and Ann explores ways of adding colour to metals, from paints, foiling and heating to using corrosive substances such as bleach, lemon juice, salt and balsamic vinegar. Texture comes next and the metal is crimped, pleated, embossed, wrapped, rolled and treated with Xpandaprint.

The metals are used to make three-dimensional statement pieces and embellished strips and pieces of metal are also incorporated into mixed media work. Projects range from a simple straight-stitch brooch to a free-machine stitched pewter box.

Packed with inspiration – you won't be able to wait to get started!

* Stitch *

Jan 09

A beautiful book, it includes advice on materials, fabrics and finishes, wires and threads, adding texture and colour, decorative stitching, free machining and embellishments. We know that very many of you use embroidery machines and love the creativity it brings. If you're one of these readers, you simply must beg, borrow or buy Ann's book. The projects range from jewellery to richly decorated boxes and panels and combine traditional and contemporary methods and design to excite and inspire. The book is a treasure trove of ideas and inspiration with stunning photographs of Ann's own pieces. A thorough exploration of machine-stitching on metal covers everything from free-machining to decorative stitching and the sections on woven metal strips, edgings, braids, beads, tassels, cords and a wide range of decorative finishes will not fail to fuel your enthusiasm and creativity. It's a 'must have' for everyone who enjoys machine embroidery.

* Machine Knitting Monthly *

Jan 09

At first glance metal might seem to be an odd choice for sewing on, but given the vast number of soft metals and metallic materials on offer it adds a whole new dimension to your mixed media craftwork.

This is surely a good book for anybody who wants to break away from the tramlines of more usual crafts, and come up with some interesting combinations. The eleven projects teach you as you go many of the skills used, and at the beginning are many pages devoted to getting to know some unfamiliar materials, as well as how to use more familiar ones in new and innovative ways. Much is made of the wonderful shades copper foil goes when heated, and how to hammer, handsew, machine stitch, burnish, perforate, weave and paint various types of metal. I particularly liked some of the brief but illuminating asides, such as how to make your own textured hammer, and the lush inviting photographs of finished projects, projects on the go and raw materials in their full colorful glory. This is a book aimed more at those who are already familiar with a sewing machine, and possess a stash of craft materials but are looking to broaden their horizons with something entirely new. All rather unique and inspiring.

* Myshelf.com *

Feb 09

This is an amazing book full of ideas for creative textile artists looking to stitch something just a little different. Using a wide variety of base metals, author Ann Parr shows how to produce a stunning range of items including jewellery, containers, boxes, book covers and decorative pieces that are richly coloured and highly textured. Beautifully photographed in close detail, the book guides the reader through every step from start to finish including selecting materials, treating them with heat and substances to achieve a variety of finishes, adding colour with various processes and embellishing with free machine stitching. Finishing processes include foiling, stamping, stencilling and embossing whilst stitching techniques include decorative hand and machine methods plus beading and trimming. Tassels and cords can also be made to provide the perfect finishing touch. An inspiring title for multi-media stitchers.

* SEWING WORLD *

Feb/Mar 09

If you have ever thought about including metal in your art, [this book] will convince you to do it. The book begins with a detailed discussion of materials. From there, Parr talks about coloring metal with heat, chamicals, paints, inks and polishes; moves on to embossing, with helpful tips on using household items; and then on to stitching, from straight stitching to free-motion to using pre-programmed machine stitches...all on metal! Her explanations are thorough and her process shots are well-placed and helpful. So as not to leave any process unvisited, the end of the book explains weaving, embellishment, edging, punching metals, and making beads, tassels and cords. I don't think she's missed a thing. With the vast collection of colorful photos of both materials and processes, you're sure to be successful...and have a lot of fun along the way.

* Quilting Arts *

Summer 09

The first part of the book covers the types of metal that are suitable for sewing using a normal sewing machine. These can be foils of aluminium, copper, brass or pewter or fine metal meshes. It even includes utilising the metal from tomato paste tubes. The first 60 pages describe how to treat the metal in different ways to produce decorative finishes. These techniques range from heating, treating with everyday household chemicals, adding texture by tooling and adding colour. The remainder of the book describes how to machine sew your treated metals. The techniques include free machining as well as conventional straight stitching. The book has clear instructions accompanied by good colour photos with plenty of ideas on types of work that could be embellished in this way. It would have been helpful to include a page on suppliers. Sandra Woods, Wadebridge

* West Country Embroiderers *

June/July 09

If you ever thought stitching on metal was difficult and challenging, this book will have you thinking otherwise. Parr makes it look so doable that you'll wonder why you haven't tried it before. She has divided the book into three sections: Materials, Decorating the Metal, and Stitching. The photos are plentiful, varied and stunning. Readers are presented with 11 beautiful projects with easy to follow instructions, everything from small boxes to bookmarks, vessels, and cuffs. How about a quirky metal doll or some wonderful tassels or beads? Parr has chosen inspiring examples that are well-photographed and strategically placed. The process shots in the decorating and stitching sections are close-up and very helpful. This book is a gift; it is not only an inspiring source of information, it is a visual feast.

* Quilting Arts *

Sept 09

I used to claim that I included glitzy, glittery items in my quilts because my kids liked them, but I've been forced to admit that they're there because I like them. This book is filled with ideas of additional items that can be added to my collection – types of metal that can be stitched through and added as an embellishment to textiles, and metals used as decoration that can be embellished by using stitches to create patterns on the metal. Parr gives descriptions of the types of metals that work best: copper, aluminium, brass, stainless steel, pewter, as well as wires and threads. She then shows how to manipulate the surfaces with heat, chemical treatments and paints, as well as various textural additions. And finally she shows how to attach the metals to your projects. She also covers the use of foils and embossing powders. Parr gives step-by-step instructions for 11 projects. One of the most beautiful is the lid for an oval box made of pewter where the surface of the metal has been decorated with machine stitching. I can't wait to start playing...

* Fiber Art News *

September 2015

Twelve projects include a beautiful pewter pendant, a colourful brooch, decorative panels to adorn your home and a fabulous metal woven doll. Ann Parr's awe-inspiring art of stitching on metal is showcased here in her first book. Her work ranges from jewellery to richly decorated boxes and panels and represents a rare fusion of traditional and contemporary methods and design which cannot fail to excite and inspire. Appealing to multi-media artists, textile artists, embroiderers and indeed anyone with a love of beautiful innovative works of art, this book is a treasure trove of ideas and inspiration. It provides not only a wealth of information on materials and methods, but also twelve step-by-step projects and numerous stunning photographs of Ann's own pieces and so contains everything you need to explore this fascinating art. Discover how to create fantastic effects on metal by heating it, treating it with bleach, vinegar and other corrosive household substances, and adding texture and colour through foiling stamping, stencilling, embossing and more. A thorough exploration of machine-stitching on metal cover everything from free machining to decorative stitching and sections on woven metal strips, edgings, braids, beads, tassels, cords and a wide range of decorative finishes will not fail to fuel your enthusiasm and creativity, Finally the twelve projects featured throughout the book will allow you to make some gorgeous items of your own, including a beautiful pewter pendant , a colourful brooch, decorative panels to adorn your home and a fabulous woven metal doll.

* Workb