Creating Couture Embellishment offers a step-by-step guide to manipulating fabric and making and applying a rich variety of embellishments. Chapters cover fabric-manipulation techniques of pleating, quilting, tucking, ruffling, shirring and smocking, as well as the fabrication and application of feathers, beading, embroidery, flowers, decorative ribbons and bows, bias bindings and piping, fringe, braids and passementerie. The heirloom quality created by the insertion or application of lace is also explored. A comprehensive sourcebook of ideas for the student, professional and home sewer alike.

When sewers and crafters are looking for creative embellishment ideas, Embellishments A to Z will be the first book they turn to. Whether they sew garments, quilts, or pillows, they'll find exactly the right technique here. More than 17 major embellishment techniques are covered in this quick reference, including applique, couching, devore, laminating, piping, stenciling, stitch and slash, and much more. Many techniques include new variations for even more looks. In convenient alphabetical order, each technique is easy to find. Illustrated with full-color photos and drawings, the step-by-step instructions for each technique make the information accessible to readers of all skill levels. Even the advanced sewer will find plenty of inspirational ideas.

Experience the thrill of creating a unique garment using embellishments!

A complete collection of borders, bands, dimensional flowers, tassels, beads, fringes, cords, braids, ruffles and curls, and more.

This book of full-color photographs and how-to guide highlights ten of the dresses from the Embellishments exhibit and analyzes their design elements in depth. Each item has been closely examined, taking advantage of places where threads have loosened over time to peer at the back side of trims, searching garment interiors, and studying fabric grain lines and seams for clues on construction. Lush photography of full-length gowns and close-up views of construction details are paired with descriptions, clear diagrams, and instructions for a book you can enjoy on many levels. "Embellishments is a must have for fashion do-it-yourselfers, but this publication also belongs on bookshelves of serious fashionistas and Victorian enthusiasts." -Lynne Francis-Lunn, Director of Merchandising, Peabody Essex Museum "In an era in which our closets are full of mass-produced clothing, Embellishments offers us a rich and lushly illustrated book that combines an obvious love of handcraft with intimate knowledge of Victorian garment construction." -Michelle Tolini Finamore, Curator of Fashion Arts, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston