about my books

Back cover blurbs for my books are included below. To find a book at Barnes & Noble, click on the large cover image. Links to Amazon include book reviews.

The Art of Wire

Learn how to turn wire working into an art! Wire working only requires a few simple tools, but it provides endless opportunities to create artful jewelry. Whether you are new to jewelry making or a seasoned artist, wire is a medium rich in possibility. J. Marsha Michler, the author of Bead & Wire Art Jewelry, takes wire working to a new level inside these pages. Open The Art of Wire and discover:

An extensive technique section that introduces you to wire working through step-by-step instructions. Learn the ins and outs of working with wire, and create your own unique and beautiful findings to personalize your jewelry.
Five chapters, each focusing on a different wire working technique. Transform your jewelry with hammering, wrapping, filigree, crochet and dowel knitting.
Over 30 beautiful jewelry projects including necklaces, bracelets, rings and brooches.

Wrap, hammer, coil, curl, twist, dowel knit and crochet your way through the pages of The Art of Wire to make your own fabulous, one-of-a-kind creations. Full color, 144 pages, 8-1/4" x 11". Krause Publications, an imprint of F+W Media, Inc. ISBN-13: 978-1-4402-1406-6. ISBN-10: 1-4402-1406-9 Click on the cover image to find at Barnes & Noble:

The Yarn Garden

Pick a bouquet of beautiful projects from The Yarn Garden. Discover the joys of working with plant-based yarns! From traditional favorites like cotton and linen to more exotic choices such as nettle and hemp, plant-based yarns are a joy to knit with and offer many unique benefits. If you want to knit sweaters (and wear sweaters!) year-round, plant-based yarns are perfect for warm-weather knitting. Plant-based yarns also boast a wide range of weights and textures, so it's easy to bring a new twist to your knits. If you want to make projects that are eco-friendly and animal-product free, you'll find what you're looking for here. The Yarn Garden includes:

More than 30 beautiful patterns for garments and accessories for knitters and crocheters of all skill levels.
Helpful information about plant-based yarns, including how they are manufactured and their characteristics.
Everything you'll need to know to create and care for projects made with plant-based yarns and enjoy them throughout every season.

Pick up some needles and some plant-based yarns and find out how beautifully your yarn garden can grow. Full color, 144 pages, 8-1/4" x 11". Krause Publications, an imprint of F+W Media, Inc. ISBN13: 978-0-89689-827-1. ISBN10: 0-89689-827-X. Click on the cover image to find at Barnes & Noble:

Crazy Quilting: The Complete Guide

Your One-Stop Source for Crazy Quilting Know-How. From Victorian quilts to contemporary works of art, crazy quilting has evolved into a beautiful mixture of piecing, embroidery, and fabric techniques. Whether you are just getting started or have been quilting for years, Crazy Quilting The Complete Guide is guaranteed to be the crazy quilting resource you turn to the most. Crazy Quilting The Complete Guide tells you everything you need to know to create your own beautiful heirloom crazy quilts, including:

10 different methods for piecing
More than 100 embroidery stitches for ribbons, flosses and threads
Techniques for dyeing, painting, stamping, printing, and embroidering on silk, cotton, rayon, wool and linen
Instructions for adding buttons, beads, tassels, cording and other dimensional embellishments
Tips for finishing your quilts

Full color, hardcover with concealed spiral, 6-1/2 x 8". Krause Publications. ISBN: 978-0-89689-520-1 Click on the cover image to find at Barnes & Noble:

The Magic of Crazy Quilting, 2nd Edition
A Complete Resource for Embellished Quilting

The illustrious craft of crazy quilting yields magical works of art. In this second edition of The Magic of Crazy Quilting, J. Marsha Michler goes beyond providing guidance on how to create a crazy quilt from start to finish, and presents six new, smaller projects such as purses, pillows and needlebook covers! Inside you'll find an outstanding collection of more than 15 embellishment techniques, four piecing methods, and 1,000 embroidery stitch variations. Marsha Michler creates wonderfully pleasing works of art with fabrics, threads, and ribbons.

Twenty magnificent antique crazy quilts will enthrall quilt lovers, embroidery enthusiasts, and ribbon artists of all levels.
Quilt types include: themes, country-style wool, silk, miniature, kids, memory, art, and fund-raiser quilts.
Embellishment techniques include: ribbon-work, silk ribbon embroidery, wool embroidery, applique, monogramming, dyeing, and fabric painting.

Full color, 160 pgs, 8-1/4" x 10-3/4". Krause Books. ISBN: 0-87349-724-4

Bead & Wire Art Jewelry

Fashion beads and wire into stunning jewelry! Jewelry artists, look no further. Bead & Wire Art Jewelry is THE resource you need to bring together two of your favorite mediums- bead and wire. From simple stringing to extensive wirework, author J. Marsha Michler's detailed, step-by-step instructions will show you how to create over 50 stunning pieces of jewelry. Learn techniques including stringing, stitching, jigwork and loomwork, and even learn to make your own findings. From easy to advanced, you will find a project to suit your skill level and tastes. This inspirational book features:

50+ easy, intermediate and advanced jewelry projects
A variety of rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces
Variations to inspire your creativity

Full color, 128 pgs, 8-1/4" x 10-3/4". Krause Books. ISBN: 0-87349-976-X Click on the cover image to find at Barnes & Noble:

Motifs for Crazy Quilting

Handworked motifs and patterns of patch interiors are at the heart of a beautiful crazy quilt, and here's the first definitive book on these surface embellishments. Let author J. Marsha Michler show you all her secrets... everything you need to know about creating your own designs. Inside you'll learn how to transfer the original designs given, from flowers and animals to the alphabet and beyond - with techniques such as silk ribbon embroidery, punch needle, tambour work, beading, and cross stitch. Included are a review of crazy quilting basics, embroidery stitches, and surface design techniques covered in her previous books.

Full color, 144 pgs, 8-1/4" x 10-3/4". Krause Books. ISBN: 0-87349-427-X

Crazy Quilt Decor

Crazy quilt your home! Crazy quilting expert, J. Marsha Michler gives you the tools to crazy quilt every room in your home. Her easy-to-follow iinstructions and illustrations guide you through seven techniques and over 50 projects.

Choose from five decor themes: Far East, Western, Victorian, Country and Whimsy.
Create works of art with quilts, wallhangings, pillows and the unexpected tin can vase, bath mat and lace curtains.
The glossary includes the techniques, fabrications and embroidery stitches that will help you quilt successfully and with style.

Full color, 144 pgs, 8-1/4" x 10-3/4". Krause Books. ISBN: 0-87349-765-1 Click on the cover image to find at Barnes & Noble. Search for this title at Book Closeouts.

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Crazy Quilted Heirlooms & Gifts

In Crazy Quilted Heirlooms and Gifts, J. Marsha Michler translates this extraordinary Victorian art into tomorrow's heirlooms. Create a breathtaking window-treatment, sumptuous pieces for your living and dining rooms, gifts to shower upon the newest baby in the family, or a steal-the-show evening scarf that your granddaughter will be proud to pass down to her granddaughter.

Crazy Quilted Heirlooms and Gifts showcases 30 compelling projects that you'll be inspired to craft for your home and garden including: Showpiece Wall Quilt, Festive Gift Bags, Pendant Purses, Tea Set, Garden Notebook Cover.
Each chapter of the book features needlearts such as Battenberg lace-making, Shadow Work, Silk Ribbon and Wool Embroidery, and much more.
Step-by-step instructions include photographs and easy-to-follow diagrams, along with suggestions for fabrics and colors, and complete materials listings.
Photograped in a quaint 1850's New England home and garden.

144 pgs, 8-1/4" x 10-3/4". Krause Publications. ISBN: 0-87341-959-6

Crazy Quilts by Machine

Create a breathtaking heirloom! Known for their lavish embellishment, bold colors, and refined composition, crazy quilts are Victoriana at its best. Crazy quilts are traditionally pieced and embellished with hand methods, but now you - regardless of your skill level - have an all-in-one resource for creating crazy quilts solely by machine or by combining piecing and patching methods. This lavishly illustrated volume includes:

An encyclopedia of machine embellishments suitable for any machine that will do straight and zigzag stitches
Complete instructions for 20 original, unique crazy quilted projects
Designs for bed, wall, and children's quilts, throws, table covers, and pillows
Full-size templates

Full color, 144 pgs, 8-1/4" x 10-3/4". Krause Books. ISBN: 0-87341-827-1

Ribbon Embroidery

The Victorian-era trend of silk ribbon embroidery is back, and this comprehensive guide offers both easy-to-follow instructions for the delicate art and dozens of iron-on transfer pattern designs. Needleworkers will love the wealth of winsome patterns- floral sprays, topiaries, bouquets, flower baskets, and miniature nosegays; hats, fans, and heart motifs, as well as dainty "alphabet flowers," with each letter of the alphabet represented by a flower or plant. Original Dover (1997) publication. 178 black-and-white iron-on transfer patterns, instructions and 30 stitch diagrams. 56 pages, 8-1/4" x 11". Dover Publications. ISBN: 0-486-29818-3 Click on the cover image to find at Barnes & Noble:

Shadow Work Embroidery

A simple technique that lends itself to the creation of lovely designs with graceful, flowing lines, shadow work takes its name from the distinctive silhouette effect produced by the close herringbone stitches on the reverse of the embroidered item. Frequently used for decorating curtain panels, tablecloths, towels, and lampshades, shadow work is perfect for adding an heirloom quality to garments by embellishing insets, yokes, collars, pockets, and scarves with ornamental stitching. This helpful guide features over 100 iron-on transfer patterns of wreaths and bouquets, baskets, angels, birds and butterflies, monograms, and many other charming images. Designs range in size from dainty motifs to full-page illustrations, and include corner motifs, borders, medallions, sprays, and garlands. Original Dover (1999) publication. 108 black-and-white iron-on transfer patterns, instructions and 14 stitch diagrams. 52 pages, 8-1/4" x 11". Dover Publications. ISBN: 0-486-40289-4 Click on the cover image to find at Barnes & Noble:

Design & Knit the Sweater of Your Dreams

So you've bought the yarn and the needles to design a sweater... now what? Join the ranks of new knitters across the country who seek easy-to-follow, step-by-step directions to design one-of-a-kind, gorgeous, and comfy sweaters! Let J. Marsha Michler take you on a smooth journey starting with choosing the yarn, knitting gauge swatches, taking the right measurments, and putting all the steps together for fashions that reflect the real you. Inside you'll find:

Over 20 designs you can tailor to your size and figure
Expert advice on how to make your sweater fit and flatter you
Hundreds of illustrations and beautiful photographs
Clear, easy step-by-step directions

Full color, 144 pgs, 8-1/4" x 10-3/4". Krause Books. ISBN: 0-87349-329-X Click on the cover image to find at Barnes & Noble. Search for this title at Book Closeouts.