Embroidered Birds and their Habitats

A stunning, high-level embroidery book on birds, by Judy Wilford, one the world’s leading embroiderers.

Embroidered Birds and their Habitats explores the author’s fascination with birds and the ways they interact with their surroundings.

The book is divided into three parts:

Part 1 covers the basic requirements of what the reader needs, including design requirements, embroidery materials and additional equipment. It also includes a section on research and choosing a suitable bird and its habitat, and information on drawing up a design related to the bird and its placement in the wider landscape. 

Part 2 explores processes and techniques used in designing and working more complicated elements through two projects. These guide the reader through the entire process, from inspiration through to working design. The reader learns techniques for layering the background and stitching; picking up all the skills and techniques needed to complete a hand-stitched, low-relief panel. This includes elements embroidered both on- and off-frame.

Part 3 includes further examples of the author’s embroideries, and drawn designs that could be used in future works. This section also includes information on finishing the work (mounting and framing), a stitch glossary, reference section and acknowledgements.

Table of Contents

PART I - Overview of embroidery
Introduction 6
Equipment and materials10
Resource and research20
Design28
The order of work50

PART II - Projects and techniques
A Brief Flash of Red Red-browed firetail finch56
The Nestlings Rose Robin 100
Natural elements of a landscape118

PART III - Inspiration and reference
Studio folios 128
Finishing the work 142
Master works 148
Stitch glossary 154
Bibliography 159
Index 160