Machine embroidery - Moyra McNeill

A recent development in machine embroidery techniques has been a move towards techniques which produce lacy and transparent effects. Moyra McNeill describes in planned stages a variety of experimental techniques which can be developed on the domestic sewing machine and shows how these techniques can be applied to both decorative and utilitarian items.;The first chapters give advice on choosing a machine and explain the basic techniques of machine embroidery. The author goes on to describe the various chemical laces - vanishing muslins, acetate and water-soluble fabric - explaining the method of dissolving the background material and suggesting items to make for practice.;A chapter on working on net shows how to make a variety of light, lacy articles including a wedding veil, a curtain and a parasol. There are also sections on pulled work muslin and scrim, cutwork, layering see-through fabrics, tape lace and working on plastic. A final chapter about design gives some suggestions for design starting points and their possible interpretations. Throughout the book, instructions are illustrated with diagrams, sketches and photographs.;The book is aimed at both beginners and those with some experience. Moyra McNeill is also the author of "Pulled Thread" and "Quilting for Today".