Machine Stitch ─ Perspectives

This unique book collection culls the expertise of academics and the actual embroidery machines archives of Manchester Metropolitan University in Great Britain whose specialist embroidery department has been instrumental in artistic and educational innovations in textiles since the 1960s. This book is the definitive record of the vast number of machines from the traditional Irish Embroidery machines to the latest generation of computerized sewing machines and features a rich and fascinating record of the machines themselves and the samples and artwork that were produced on them. Each contributor gives their own individual perspective on machine stitch and the book illustrates how key machines can be applied to the artistic, industrial and domestic practice and shows how to combine techniques and develop new ideas in machine embroidery, a creative medium that is flourishing in both design and production.

Alice Kettle is Research Associate at MMU, and an established practitioner and artist with recognized status within the field of textile art, especially machine embroidery. Jane McKeating was Embroidery Programme Leader at MMU and is currently the Principal Lecturer, and she is a key figure in the embroidery and textiles field, and a major prize winner in the 2008 'Art of the Stitch' International Open Exhibition. Other contributors include: Michael Brennand-Wood, Dr Nigel Hurlestone, Dr Melanie Miller, Judy Barry, Lynn Setterington, Isabel Dibden Wright, Sue Prestbury, Jill Boyes, Ann Gibson, Prof Anne Morrell and Dr Jennifer Harris.