This richly illustrated reference guide from embroidery expert Christen Brown covers everything you need to make beautiful magic with needle and thread. Learn to sew traditional and silk ribbon embroidery, make raised stitches, and embellish with beads, charms, buttons, and mirrors. Christen shows you how to combine and place stitches to enhance a finished piece and how to work with embroidery threads, ribbons, fabrics, laces, beads, buttons, and other embellishments. Also included are 9 complete embroidery projects to stitch and embellish, and step-by-step instructions that show exactly how to sew 85 different stitches.

“A spectacular encyclopedia of embroidery, sharing valuable techniques passed down through the generations . . . you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it.” —Sew Magazine Enjoy the tranquility of slow stitching with this step-by-step, visual guide to 149 embroidery stitches, motifs, and extras. Go beyond basic color theory–robust color charts take the guesswork out of choosing thread, silk ribbon, buttons, beads, and trims. Then take your embroidery to the next level with luxurious seam treatments and stunning stand-alone designs. Bestselling author Christen Brown’s traditional and contemporary techniques are showcased in a colorful gallery of crazy-quilted projects. “An overview of embroidery stitches and techniques as well as inspiration for embroidery projects . . . She dissects several of her pieces, summarizing the color palette, decorative elements, and stitches used.” —Library Journal

Celebrated fashion designer Naeem Khan unveils a world of chic opulence and modern glamour in this illustrated volume featuring his sought-after red-carpet dresses, elegant bridal gowns, and beautifully beaded and embroidered statement pieces. Naeem Khan grew up immersed in the lavish world of Indian textiles, with both his father and grandfather creating intricate wares worn by Indian royal families. After moving to the United States as a teenager and landing an apprenticeship with the legendary designer Halston, Khan perfected his expert mastery of draping and cutting fabric. In 2003, he launched his eponymous label in the heart of New York's fashion district and immediately began selling his finely crafted designs at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. This debut monograph is an ode to Khan's dazzling ready-to-wear and bridal designs, highlighting intricate embroidery, refined drapery, rich colors, and lush couture fabrics. Marrying the rich traditions and handmade textiles of his Indian roots as well as design inspirations from his travels to Peru, Japan, Russia, and Spain with modern techniques, the gowns, dresses, and separates presented here capture Khan's innovative vision and expert artistry. Dramatic red-carpet gowns are studies in volume, while bejeweled frocks sparkle with sequins and crystals. Elsewhere, modern renditions of suits and pajama sets embody Khan's romanticism, with delicate hand embroidery. Given Khan's penchant for ornate eveningwear, it's no wonder that luminaries such as Michelle Obama, Queen Noor, Beyoncé, and the Duchess of Cambridge have worn his creations. Brimming with glossy color photographs of Khan's endlessly chic designs, this new title is an enthralling look at one of America's most exciting designers.

Add dimension and luster to your projects—from sewing to jewelry making to mixed-media art—with tiny, shiny treasures. Inspired by the magic of beads, buttons, and charms, experienced teacher Christen Brown shares eight stunning beadwork projects including brooches, bracelets, and wall hangings. This helpful visual guide to 125 bead-embroidered and bead-woven stitches categorizes each stitch by style, with a second alphabetical index included—and the robust project gallery will inspire crafters of all skill levels, from embroiderers and sewists to crazy quilters, mixed-media artists, and jewelry makers.

Eye-catching beads of all types, lovely fabric that’s stitched and embroidered, and stupendous projects: this collection combines all three, and will charm needleworkers looking for something new. All the basics are splendidly covered and illustrated here, from beading supplies to the necessary stitches to the care and cleaning of the finished item. What will really dazzle sewers and beaders are the quality and variety of the items they can make: a spectacular gift bag festooned with pearls, seed beads, and bugle beads; a range of pillows and place mats in a rainbow of colors; a quilted throw, customized with velveteen appliqu�s; and much more. A Selection of the Crafters Choice Book Club.

Embellished is a visual feast of a journey through the process of inspiration and creativity, illustrating the way in which pieces and processes influence new work and ideas. Combining elements as diverse as exotic feathers, plastic jewellry, buttons, and vintage millinery straw, Karen Nicol will inspire you to come up with lavish creations beyond your wildest dreams.

• 22 small embroidered projects with simple step-by-step instructions—ideal for beginner and intermediate sewists • Learn 26 basic embroidery stitches and how to transfer embroidery patterns to fabric • Full-size embroidery designs with instructions for color and stitch placement Today’s coolest crafters use beautiful COSMO embroidery thread to bring a fresh perspective to the centuries-old technique of embroidery in this charming collection. Featuring 22 projects with a contemporary flair, you’ll find embroidery patterns for an iPad sleeve, e-reader holder, pillow, tote, baby bib, softies, and so much more. Each project is fully explained with simple instructions, helpful hints, color photographs, and plenty of creative inspiration.