1 comments about Secrets of Digital Quilting--From Camera to Quilt: 8 Projects; 25 Techniques; Embellish with Paints, Inks & More.

1. This book is an excellent buy for anyone wishing to work with digital pictures and quilting. I commend the writers and publisher. Directions/instructions are easy to read and understand. I could never figure out the difference between software products, inks, fabric to use, etc and you told us what you use and what you recommend which is what I wish other book writers would do. They tend to stay generic and I want to know what "you" use and why. One of the best books I have bought in a long time.

5 comments about Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece: Custom-Color Your Favorite Fibers with Dip-Dyeing, Hand-Painting, Tie-Dyeing, and Other Creative Techniques.

1. All kinds of fun and creative ways to break into dyeing are presented in this amazingly comprehensive and easy to read book. I love the logical layout of the book as it has chapters on equipment (readily available in most homes), fibers, types of dye, colors, huge section of techniques (my favorite section) and some lovely patterns for small items on which to practice. I would say the focus is on dyeing animal fibers and yarn, especially wool although others are discussed as well. Numerous full color pictures throughout reinforce the directions and text. The book has a nice enclosed spiral binding so it lays flat and the text, headings, highlights are printed in such a readable font with nice contrast to the background--so eye friendly! Most importantly, the author encourages fearless creativity and very practical, hands-on methods with readily available supplies. A novice would feel comfortable getting started, but I also think there is much to be explored by a more experienced person. I can't wait to dive in!



2. I have been dyeing yarn and fiber for a few years and have many books about dyeing. I just received this book and was VERY surprised! It have become my favorite dyeing book. The book has excellent step-by-step directions for many methods of dyeing. The photography is great. There is a small section on color theory that is excellent. The spiral binding allows the book to be open flat allowing you to refer to the directions as you are dyeing. I have never reviewed a book before, but had to make a review for this one. If you can only buy one book about dyeing, buy this book!



3. I have been curious about dyeing yarn in the past. Since I picked up this book, I am now dying to try it! The colors and pictures are absolutely beautiful and make me want to start right NOW. It's one of those books that you loose time looking and rereading through it...it draws you in and you just want to keep turning the pages. And when people are visiting and they see the book, THEY have to look through it too! I did not anticipate it also being a great coffee table book. I couldn't be happier.



4. Gail's book is a treasure and is written for the timid adventurer. It inspired me to try my own hand at something that has seemed so technical and picky. She writes in a very matter of fact way, taking into account all of our fears and talks more about the wonders of the process than about achieving some specific end. She makes the journey into color and all the joy that can bring into something magical and fun.



5. I bought this book out of curiousity and absolutely loved it. The ideas were easy and fun to do and I continue to enjoy it very much. I was so impressed with the material that I bought a copy for a friend of mine who's an artist as well as a knitting teacher. I am certain it will make a wonderful addition to her knitting library. Thanks Ms. Callahan for this wonderful work!

No comments about Jane Davila's Surface Design Essentials: Explore Paints, Mediums, Inks and Pencils, 15 Techniques for Fabric and More.

5 comments about Shibori Designs & Techniques.

1. Instructions are very easy to follow and well illustrated with full color photographs. The book covers a wide range of techniques and explains them all in detail.



2. Not a book of "patterns" for you to follow...but lots of detailed instructions for many types of shibori. Beautiful photography. This book is a great reference/resource.



3. I wanted a book which would help me begin to learn shibori binding
   techniques and this book had me gathering materials and preparing
   cloth for dyeing in one day. Almost every page has color photographs
   of techniques and preparations. The supplies are items you can find
   at home or at the dollar store (with the exception of the dyes). She
   demos commercial dyes but these same techniques could be used with some
   natural dyes. I was delighted to find this book!



4. I was first drawn to Shibori from a book that jumped off the shelf at me in an art supply store a few years ago. I didn't know how I could actually learn to do them and circumstances were such that I didn't follow up on beginning, but deep down I knew I would eventually begin working with these techniques. This book has offered that opening - pictures aplenty with instructions under each. I'm visually oriented, and this helped alot! Her directions are primarily for the beginner, and have me wanting to advance. I'm glad I bought the book.



5. I just opened the book for the first time and WOW what a special book this is -- I collect and learn a lot from books but this one is at the top of my favorite list for lovely detailed pictures with clear technical instructions for those who want to learn more about this ancient textile art. Well done!

5 comments about Teach Yourself VISUALLY Hand-Dyeing (Teach Yourself VISUALLY Consumer).

1. Very informative beginning primer for the newbie sticking their fingers into the world of fiber dyeing. Barbara Perry is well respected in the knitting world as fiber artist and "indie dyer" of hand dyed yarns. I learned a lot about dyeing yarn, and was able to follow her instructions easily. I started first with KoolAid, and decided that after I could not reach the type of colors I really wanted to dye, I will move on to the acid dyes. Barbara's instructions will prepare me well for taking those steps. Between her book, and the volumes of theory that is out there on the web, its all just messing around and experimenting. Her saftey instructions are very clear, and important to follow.



2. This book is fantastic for both the beginner and advanced. It goes through the basics of dyeing, equipment, and procedures as well as gives examples of different techniques to produce different results. The striped sock technique is highly informative.
   
   The only thing I wish it had was a knit sample of the different final yarns for their recommended needle size to show how they knit up.
   
   A+



3. It was super easy to learn from this book how to dye wool. If you are a visual person, I highly recommend any of the teach yourself visually books.



4. I'm extremely new to dyeing and to be honest I haven't actually dyed anything yet. I've been collecting the supplies and dragging my feet on how to begin because I was having a hard time getting a clear picture in my mind of all the steps. That changed when I picked up this book. It lays out in very simple and clear terms all the steps I need to take with a large amount of useful pictures as well. In fact today is the day that I'm going to finally take action and dye some wool. I'd recommend this book to any beginner that is having trouble sifting through all the information out there and looking for clear concise instructions to guide them into the world of dyeing.



5. Teach Yourself Visually Hand Dyeing is a great basic book. It covers both acid dyes (for protein/animal fibers) and fiber reactive dyes (for cellulose/plant fibers). All safety issues are detailed, including safe dye mixing, storing and disposal.
   
   One lovely thing about this book is that Barbara Perry addresses dyeing both roving (spinning fiber) and already spun yarn. There are several dyeing books out there that cover one or the other, but generally not both. So this book will be helpful to spinners as well as knitters and crocheters.
   
   The book covers a large range of dye techniques - from basic to more advanced. Included techniques:
   Immersion Dyeing
   - Solid Shades
   - Semi Solid Shands
   - Cold pour variegated dyeing
   - Rainbow dyed wool locks
   Hand Painting (with variations)
   - Painting with foam brushes
   - Painted Semi Solid yarns
   - Dip Dyed
   - Variegated Roving
   - Self Striping Sock skeins
   Free Style
   - Kool Aid in the Slow Cooker
   - Direct Pour - Low water
   - Spray Paint Fiber
   - Microwave Method
   - Sun Soaked Skeins
   - Freckled Roving
   Cellulose Fibers
   - Immersion
   - Hand Painting
   - Direct Pour
   Over Dyeing
   - Natural Colored Fibers
   - Commercial Yarns
   - Heather Yarns
   - Atmospheric Effects
   
   What I did find a bit lacking in this book are pictures of the final product. Usually one is shown, in a single colorway. It would have been very helpful to see more than one colorway, as the colors in this book tend to be dark.
   
   Be aware that the focus of this book is technique, and it lacks the gorgeous project photography of many current knitting books. But if you'd like to know the basics of hand dyeing, this book is a good reference.

5 comments about Bend the Rules with Fabric: Fun Sewing Projects with Stencils, Stamps, Dye, Photo Transfers, Silk Screening, and More.

1. The content of the book had it's highs and lows. Some projects were so simple they were boring and others were interesting to try new techniques. But don't dare use the patterns provided by this author. I created one of the projects from the book and downloaded the pattern from Amy Karol's website [...] . The resolution on the PDF pattern was so poor that I had to redraw everything in Photoshop. I then began having fun drawing and adapting the project to my own creativity. The biggest reason why you buy a book; right.? I then decided to offer the product that I made with my own two hands on my website to sell. I offered a variety of different designs. Well the author, Amy Karol, contacted me and said that I was in copyright violation for using her pattern. My product was too similar to her project. I NEVER offered to sell her pattern; I was just creating products from the base idea of her project. Why would you write a book, offer a pattern, and then contact your fans who create projects from your book and make them remove from their shop. Bogus! I WON'T BE PURCHASING ANY MORE BOOKS FROM THIS AUTHOR.



2. I must confess that I am no beginner when it comes to fabric screen printing and painting ,and so in buying this book I was looking for lots of lush styling , a visual sweetshop of ideas. I am not perhaps whom this book was intended for.I found the projects in the most part dull. The projects that were interesting are impossible to achieve as much of the needed equipment is not readily available in The UK. The clothing projects were the worst.Its hard to write a book , and to Amy Karol I would say sorry, but your book lacked a good editor and frankly any originality. On a plus side the actual instructions for the technical side of the projects were clear and instructive.Better to buy [[ASIN:1584796723 Printing by Hand: A Modern Guide to Printing with Handmade Stamps, Stencils, and Silk Screens]



3. I love the Asian chick in your book! What's her name? Do you have another book with her?



4. BEND THE RULES WITH FABRIC: FUN SEWING PROJECTS WITH STENCILS, STAMPS, DYE, PHOTO TRANSFERS, SILK SCREENING AND MORE comes from the blogger who produced Angry Chicken, a top crafting blog, and accompanies her first BEND-THE-RULES SEWING guide to blend humor with tips on trendy, fun new approaches to sewing. Integrating styles, methods, and crafting techniques, Amy Karol shows how to produce an exceptional, unique product from a range of integrated techniques. A 'must' for quilters and crafters seeking something different.



5. I love Amy's blog and her funny wit. She's real and writes in simple, understandable form. I do like the projects better in her first book, Bend the Rules Sewing, but this is a good companion book.

5 comments about Fabric to Dye For: Create 72 Hand-Dyed Colors for Your Stash; 5 Fused Quilt Projects.

1. I am an experienced fabric dyer and own most of the books published on this topic. "Fabric to Dye For" has 32 pages of basic dyeing information however the print is large and there are lots of pictures which take up space but add little to the understanding of the topic. Supplies and tools are lightly covered and color mixing formulas are absent. The remaining pages of the book present fused quilt projects. There is a lot of important information on fabric dyeing that could be presented in this book but isn't. If you are looking for a basic fabric dyeing book, check out Fast, Fun and Easy Fabric Dyeing by Lynn Koolish. The information in this book is comprehensive, clearly presented and is supported by attractive pictures. If you have an opportunity to compare these two books side by side, you will immediately see the difference. Lynn Koolish is also coming out with a book on color mixing in April. If you would like a more advanced book on fabric dyeing, check out Color by Accident by Ann Johnston. Both of these books (plus the color mixing book) would provide you with enough information to obtain successful results dyeing all sorts of fabric and fibers.



2. What a wonderful book. I would have loved a book like this when I first learned to dye fabric. The material is well thought out and the book is packed with excellent tips. I would recommend this book to fabric dyers of all skill levels. The fused fabric projects and instructions are a wonderful bonus.



3. This book is a great example of making the process of fabric dyeing easy and economical enough for everyone. No special equipment or fabrics are needed and only four basic colors of dye. Frieda makes it perfectly acceptable to use inexpensive utensils and fabrics which makes it fun and affordable for first time dyers to experiment and end up with great results. The extra helpful tips in the book, designed to make it easier to get profesional results, are great as well.
   I love the variety of colors achievable with the die recipes in this book. The gradations are especially beautiful. The progression of dyeing presented in the book, offers a painless way to learn about color theory while having fun creating beautiful fabric examples.
   Frieda's choices for the works in the gallery section are a joy to behold and showcase her awesome designs and quilting, as well as those of some of her artist friends.
   The patterns are great because Frieda supplies you with a visual of which of your luscious fabrics to use for each pattern. This section of the book also privides great instructions for the transferring of the pattern, fusing, quilting and finishing of the pieces.
   This is not my first book on fabric dyeing but I sure wish it had been.



4. Frieda has done it again. This is her second book, her first book, Fun, Fast Fusies takes you step by step through her steps of creating award winning art quilts. Her approach is simple with each step explained. She numbers her steps, and she answers all your questions as you go. Simply the best. Now, she takes you into her world of dying fabric. She uses basic tools and steps we all have in our home and walks you through each step. She is detailed with pictures and word to create the confidence to dye fabric. She shares her knowledge with you and encourages you each step of the way. She is truly a wonderful teacher and her books are an asset to any quilter's library. A MUST HAVE!!!!!



5. I absolutely love this book! The pictures and instructions are crystal clear, and Frieda makes everything look achievable by a novice such as myself. Her colors are so inspirational -- you can't help but be drawn into her world of hand dyed fabric. A must for any quilter who wants to create her own collection of lush, colorful fabrics!

5 comments about A Dyer's Garden: From Plant to Pot: Growing Dyes for Natural Fibers.

1. This little book is a "huge" gem of information. First of all the format is perfect, small, note-book size and fits your hands well.It also is well designed and very info accesible
   It has everything from plants history, growing and harvesting procedure to dying techniques with materials and illustrations. I have several other dyeing books and this one is superior and attractive. I bought this one and also received one as a christmas gift// I shall keep them both. with one for me and one to share with other fiber artists....thank you !!!!!!



2. This book is amazing. It covers everthing you need to know about dye plants and how to grow and use them. The book has a whole section of full color examples of the different plant based dyes used on different fibers with different mordants, clearly showing the differences in color between the mordants and the fibers. For that alone I would consider the book worth twice the price. Combined with the cultivation information, and the detailed information about each plant, the book is indispensible to those interested in natural dyes.
   
   I highly recommend both this book and her other book "The Weavers Garden" to anyone interested in spinning, weaving, dyeing, plants, historic re-enactors, or costume or textile historians.



3. This was my first introduction to the world of dyeing with plants. The photography is terrific and gives you a good idea of what you'll get from each plant. Mordants are discussed, and the plants that are included are covered thoroughly for both cultivation and dye recipes. My only regret? That I can't find the seeds for the Japanese Indigo! I recommended this book to several people when we attended our local fiber festival.



4. This book focuses mainly on the home growing and use of dye plants. There is even a section devoted to the layout of the home dye garden. General mordanting and dye bath info is given at the beginning of the book. In the "Portfolio of Dye Plants" which follows, two pages are devoted to each dye plant. For each plant, 4-10 color photos illustrate the results obtained with various mordants on different fibers. The instructions for using different plants are not in traditional recipe form. Instead, Buchanan indicates how much plant material is generally required for a given amount of fiber ("flowers from 8 plants," etc). This fits in with Buchanan's emphasis on diversity of color over reproducibility, but it could be troublesome for users of purchased dyestuffs. In short, this book is nice to look at, easy to use, and appears to contain highly useful information for dyer/gardeners.



5. the recipient was very happy, & is busy putting in beds of plants to do home dyeing of medieval faire clothing.

5 comments about The Surface Designer's Handbook: Dyeing, Printing, Painting, and Creating Resists on Fabric.

1. Purchased this book in hopes that it would stir ones imagination. Guess what? It did and so much more. I now use this as a mini bible for reference. As a once traditional artist now turned textile artist I see no limits to what I can imagine.
   
   
   Thanks Holly, this book rocks.
   Alan
   SOCAL



2. I'm just learning how much can be done with dyes and fabrics. This book gives a thorough overview with enough detail so that I can go to the next level with it.



3. Ms. Brackmann's years of experience as a working artist and teacher provide a bounty of tips for even the most seasoned surface designer. Clear, concise instruction for those trying a new technique. Insights from years of experimentation for those wishing to push boundaries in their own work. The wire bound handbook makes a great studio companion. The extensive photographs are informative and inspiring. Nice to see the work for lesser known but important northern California artists like Lolli Jacobsen included here. It's a great book.



4. Just could not imagine a more comprehensive handbook - I learned so much and developed a great appreciation for our fabric artists and a strong desire to try many of these techniques myself.



5. While this book is technically excellent, I found the majority of the visuals so-so leaving me wondering why to bother learning this!

1 comments about The Complete Guide to Natural Dyeing: Fabric, Yarn, and Fiber.

1. Before there were aniline dyes, there was logwood, indigo, cutch, weld and walnut hulls. Nowadays, you can dye your yarn or quilt fabric with commercial dyes or you can gather natural materials such as onion skins (yellow), cochineal insects (reds and maroons) and a number of flowers such as safflower and make colored yarns and fabrics.
   
   Not only that, but using techniques such as shibori and tie-dying, you can make patterned yarns and fabrics for knitting, weaving and quilting.
   
   This book goes over each color by material such as weld or indigo, shows you how to make the dyebath, mordant the material (a process of salting that allows the dye particles to adhere to the yarn or fabric.) Overdyeing effects, tie-dying, shading, and blends are covered.
   
   While this is not the most complete book I've seen on natural dyes, it is comprehensive and the best part is that either knitters, weavers or quilters (or other fabric artists) will find instructions here that are useful. I've done both indigo and onion-skin dyeing of handspun yarn and it's well worth it for the fiber artist to try this at least once, as it gives great insight into the history and difficulty of obtaining beautifully colored materials. You never quite look at a dyed fabric the same way again, knowing how difficult obtaining certain colors can be. For example, greys are covered as well as beige and while we don't think of these as "colors" per se, they are something that unless you are using naturally colored sheep wool, you won't find in nature. There is a certain subtle nature to natural dyes, colors muted that are somehow more evocative than bright artificial dyes. The greens you get from elder, the golden yellows from onion, and the incredible greenish blue of indigo are amazing to behold.
   
   If you are interesting in dyeing for either spinning, weaving, knitting or quilting, there is a lot in this book to try out.