Jennifer Ashley Taylor/Taylored Needle Art
JAT28: Novel Effects Instructions For All Embroidery,
Especially Japanese Embroidery

As you complete some of the beginning phases of Japanese embroidery and have a good foundation in the basic Kurenai-Kai techniques, it is important to begin to think about stitching designs that are important to you. Several pieces are designed to start you on this path (Gold 'n Robes, Petite Pansies, and the Creative Stitching phase). You choose a basic outline for a design and, in partnership with us at Callaway and at the Retreats, formulate the color palette and patterns/stitches you would like to use. The Novel Effects give Japanese embroidery designs a spark of ingenuity and make each one unique.

There aren’t any books that we are aware today that go beyond the basic techniques. Often the Novel Effects techniques provide interest and sometimes a focal point for a design. Without images and instructions, it’s difficult to envision how the patterns look and more importantly the steps to execute them. Since 2004 Rena Gordan and I have been developing stitched samples (Rena) and instructions (Jennifer) for Novel Effects. These techniques are based on Japanese embroidery books that we are unable to purchase in this country. Even if the books were available and in print, everything is written in Japanese and the steps shown as line drawings. Therefore, It is rather difficult to visualize what a pattern will look like placed in the design you are stitching.

This first set of instructions includes the 9 designs shown above. However, often there are several variations of the same Novel Effects. The 20 pages of instructions, illustrations and images are extremely easy to read and understand. View 216K PDF Page of Instructions

Upon receiving the instructions, Althea DeBrule wrote : The Novel Effects tutorials are great!!!!  I've already used one design and plan to use at least one more in my Moon Princess.  Roy (Althea's husband) was quite impressed at the thoroughness of your instructions and Rena's gorgeous stitching.