[.ca] Machine Embroidery Wild & Wacky: Stitch on Any and Every ... (ISBN 0896892778)

Innovative ideas, clear instructions, beautiful pictures:
Love this book! The techniques are well-illustrated with photos and the text gives clear how-to's for getting the best results. I particularly liked the info about embroidering on balsa wood. The book tells exactly what width of balsa is needed, which needle to use, and how to set up the machine. I found the recommended balsa wood at the local crafts store, and easily cut it using an old pair of scissors. (It's used for things like making toy airplanes, so it's quite thin). My first project with the balsa wood was a densely stitched bird design, which I used to make a wooden postcard. Stitching out was no problem at all---no thread or needle breakage. I sewed bias tape onto each edge of the wood, glued the loose edges of the bias onto the back of the wood, and covered the back of the postcard (covering the back of the embroidery and the bias tape edges) with plain white stick-on paper. It would never have occurred to me to stitch on wood if it hadn't been for this book. Kudos to the authors! And by the way, the included CD includes some terrific designs for dog and cat owners, plus other cute designs using clear vinyl and other materials.