Embroidery Techniques from East and West

This lavishly illustrated book includes a large range of Indian and European hand embroidery techniques, combined with free-motion machine embroidery, quilting and beading. Munni Srivastava frequently uses patchwork as a 'canvas' on which to project her embroidery, her aim being to achieve a richly textured surface that ripples under the light.

This book provides a wealth of information, practical guidance, and inspiration for those embroiderers and quilters who want to extend their repertoire of techniques and bring originality to their work. By combining Indian and western hand embroidery, free-motion machine embroidery, quilting, beading and found objects, Munni Srivastava produces unique pieces, inspired by a wide range of cultural influences and shaped by her fascination with colour and texture. The text combines solid practical guidance with insights into the social and artistic background of Indian textiles.

The book is also designed to encourage experimentation and the development of a personal style. Some of the embroidery techniques may already be familiar to embroiderers and, similarly, the patchwork techniques to quilters, but the fascination lies in the fusion of these disciplines and in the exciting and challenging results it produces. Munni Srivastava also gives invaluable advice on the presentation, hanging or framing of embroidered textiles and on their conservation.