4 comments about Art Cloth: A Guide to Surface Design for Fabric.

1. This book is my new "go to" book when I want to be creative with a fabric surface. Jane covers many techniques on surface design, uses many great products...even some you find in your kitchen. Lots of visual inspiration included within the pages.



2. At the high end of the market for a paperback but worth every penny. I also have Complex Cloth by this author and suggested an update for it in my review. This is that update and a very desirable book it is. This has to be the finest guide to printing on cloth. Beautifully produced and illustrated and easy to follow. From making samples to complete art cloths, this book will guide you through the processes involved from preparing cloth, dyeing, over-dyeing, writing on cloth, embellishing and so much more. A firm favourite. This review first appeared on Karen Platt's book review website.



3. If you were faced with the dreaded "only one" question for a comprehensive book on mastering the processes of making complex cloth, this would be IT.(See Su Bleiweiss' review for a description of what "art cloth" or "complex cloth" is.)
   
   This is a truly marvelous book. It is gorgeous,of course, with just enough beautifully-done photos of Jane Dunnewold's and others' pieces of complex art fabric to inspire but not so many as to overwhelm or intimidate It is well-written, and extensive beyond anything else available. Each process (dyeing,discharging,stamping & stenciling,resists (both water-based and bound), and screenprinting - plus metallic foiling & leafing)) is laid out, in an extremely clearly-written text. It is written so that you could start at the beginning and work through all the processes in order - and if you did all that, I imagine you would end up very highly-skilled indeed!
   
   Probably most fabric artists have some level of mastery of most of the processes in the new Art Cloth: A Guide to Surface Design for Fabric, and have dozens of books covering the various techniques. I know I certainly do - and Jane Dunnewold's earlier book, Complex Cloth, has previously been my best guide. It looks to me that with the publication of this new book, Art Cloth is now THE book to have, if you could only have one - it's certainly the one I will keep closest at hand.
   
   In addition to the various techniques, Jane talks about the process of creating meaningful layered cloth, and about the profound importance of "making" itself It's not just a "step 1, step 2" process (although the steps are all there, very clearly put forth), but a very personal & soulful journey. One of the things I love about Jane's work is the way she layers into her cloth words, phrases, and symbols that are meaningful to her - but these phrases are obscured, like the scenery in a deep fog: you may catch only a whisper or a hint of them, or maybe none at all beyond the impression of a letter or two, but the meaning is a deep part of the piece, the part that gives it life and soul. I think of these mostly-secret messages as prayers laid into each layer of the work. More importantly, though, it remains very clear that this book will be about YOUR work, YOUR journey, YOUR mastery and application of the outlined techniques - Jane's work is about Jane's vision, and YOUR work will be about your own.
   
   If you haven't already ordered it, you should do so immediately (no affiliation, just a grateful learner!). Whether you are a total beginner or an advanced fiber artist, this book will inspire and support your journey of exploration. It would be worth the price even if you only wanted to look at the pictures - but there is so much more in these pages!



4. Few artists have had the far reaching and influential impact on the fiber art world as Jane Dunnewold. Her book "Complex Cloth" is considered the must have bible for fiber artists. Since the release of that book, the art of surface design has exploded with new products, techniques and fabrics to work with and combine to create what Jane calls "art cloth". Cloth with layers of color, texture, imagery rich with the imagination of the fiber artist who creates it.
   
   The book opens with the fundamentals reviewing the work space, materials and an overview of the layer building process and then moves into the actual techniques and processes for creating a piece of art cloth. Techniques covered include starting with adding color and covers fiber-reactive dyes and textile paints which is followed by discharge methods. Learn how to create your own stamps and stencils, work with water based resists, methods for screenprinting and how to use foiling and leafing to add depth, brilliance and textural interest to your cloth. Novices to surface design will find it easy to achieve success with each technique with Jane's clearly written and easy to understand directions of each technique and process. Experienced fiber artists may not find anything new to them in this book but will surely benefit from being able to learn how a master surface designer uses them. This new book by Jane will most assuredly follow in the footsteps of Complex Cloth as the surface design bible for any artist working with cloth and belongs on every surface design artists and enthusiasts book shelf no matter what their experience level is.

5 comments about Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts: Basic Techniques for Sewing, Applique, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, and Printing, plus 150 Inspired Projects from A to Z.

1. I HAVE MARTHAS CRAFT BOOK. THIS BOOK IS GOOD,BUT NOT AS GOOD AS HER CRAFT BOOK. MOST OF THE PATTERNS I WON' USE.



2. I have long enjoyed Martha Stewart's cookbooks so I was thrilled when I saw she was releasing a book on sewing and fabric crafts. I have been sewing on and off for 14 years, but in no way consider myself an expert and always find there is more to learn. As such, I love books that share tips and give me project ideas.
   
   This book definitely fits the bill. Even after 14 years of sewing it still had great tips and ideas I could benefit from as well as a wealth of information that I imagine I would have found valuable when I was just startng out. I appreciated that it was approachably written and had easy to understand content.
   
   My only regret is that I received an advanced copy that did not include the accompanying CD so I cannot speak of the usefulness of that material, but can say I really enjoyed what was in the book and can see myself turning to it when I need an answer to one of my sewing questions.



3. I first learned about the simply singer sewing machine from the
   Martha Stewart show. I purchased one for myself and one for my
   daughter in law. When I heard about the book I just had to buy us
   each one as well. I'm very happy with my purchases and watch Martha
   daily.
   Thank You for making it so easy for me to order and receive the wonderful
   books!
   Janice Maughan



4. This book gives some interesting ideas from simple aprons and pillowcases to duvets, dolls and quilts. Pick your project from among these great ideas, visit your local fabric store and begin! It's incredibly easy.



5. I really didn't need the encyclopedia part of this because I hae sewn for a long time. But the templates are excellent for the project I have sewed so far. Just need a computer and a printer to run them off.

5 comments about How to Use, Adapt, and Design Sewing Patterns: From store-bought patterns to drafting your own: a complete guide to fashion sewing with confidence.

1. Good pictures. Good explanations. Step-by-step instructions are very helpful. One of the best over-all books on the subject that I have seen.



2. whether you are just learning to sew or are looking to take your skills to the next level this book will be helpful for you. The book gives you a lot of great basic information and goes on further into more advanced concepts. I think this would be a great book for anyone who is interested in garment sewing.



3. I like the colorful visual presentation of the book. It's loaded with just about everything you need to learn how to sew garments, I would consider this a good reference book for alteration techniques, and for those who already have experience sewing but are new to making clothes, even if they prefer to stick with store-bought patterns forever. Even a veteran seamstress (or seamster) may pick up something new. Like many others, I bought this book primarily for design, so that's what I will review here. The design part of the book covers elementary techniques, such as shaping with darts, converting darts to seams, and using slash and spread. Besides the positives the other reviews already described, I do have a few complaints about this book though. First, the alteration techniques basically destroy your pattern and seems sort of wasteful to me - I hate to have to buy the same pattern again if my measurements change, especially since I prefer classic styles with a twist. (Nancy Zieman has a book that demonstrates an alternate method that doesn't render your pattern obsolete after one use). Second, there is no instruction on drafting your own blocks directly from your own measurements; instead it contains several pages of various sized sets of standard pattern blocks that I would still have to alter anyway before I could design with them. Third, even though the author included pattern blocks, there are no blocks for pants, which is annoying because I find pants need to be altered more often than anything else, plus, they are a staple in my wardrobe.



4. How to Use, Adapt, and Design Sewing Patterns: From Store-Bought Patterns to Drafting Your Own: A Complete Guide offers keys to finding patterns that fit right and are easily adjustable, showing how to get the most from patterns and how to understand all their markings and how to translate them into shape and length suitable for body and individual style. Any general interest library or needlework collection will find this a popular pick!



5. Easy to use book for beginners and those getting back into sewing. Nice illustrations. Easy to read.

5 comments about Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac.

1. This is one of my favorite knitting books. The first copy I bought, because it had refootable socks in it. I hadnt knitted much of anything but socks at that point. I got intrigued by the pi shawl and knit one, which actually ended up an afghan. EZ knitted the way my grandmother did, a few measurments then went at it and made us all sweaters that fit. It was the first EZ book I read, I then bought a couple more of her books, and found them usefull. Knitting without Tears taught me a lot as I ws learning to knit something other than socks. I let someone else borrow my Knitters Almanac, never got it back, and just re ordered it because I miss it. Its small enough to go in my purse, and I enjoy re reading it. I recomend this book to anyone who likes to knit and has an open mind about not following patterns exactly.The patterns in the book work well, and she encourages experamentation.



2. This is a lovely read and has lots of interesting patterns. A quirky perspective shines from the text.



3. Elizabeth Zimmerman's recipes for her knitting are a little vague, but that is so you can make them the way you want them, not the way you think she meant the pattern to be. Typical EZ. Great techniques, great projects, just great!



4. The book is great any-book service was HORRENDOUS . I purchased on May 6 and just received it today June 8. They provided NO TRACKING info on the first attempt and then reshipped and SWEVERAL back and forth emails. Would definitely not use them ever again!!!!



5. This book is small, but full of much info. that even the novice knitter (like me) would need to know. I can't wait to start using it and showing off what I learn.

5 comments about Simply Sublime Gifts: High-Style, Low-Sew Projects to Make in a Snap.

1. Jodi Kahn has written another fun book for everyone! I gave many copies of her last book as presents to friends who would be so inclined and this one's even better as she opens up the landscape to include so many fun things.
   
   I don't know where she comes up with her ideas but they're presented in such fun ways and they make great projects -- for friends, family, anyone, really.
   
   Order this one up and enjoy! You'll want to give them as gifts, too.



2. I am one of those people who LOVE homemade gifts--and I always mean well and want to make some,too--but the truth is, I'm a little bit IMPAIRED when it comes to thinking up how to do things like this. Luckily for me, Jodi Kahn has spelled out exactly what needs to be done. She has not only great projects but great instructions, too. And the projects are ranked so I will know when I deserve a special high five for creating one of the harder ones. I love the fabric note cards (that's where I'm going to start) but I also have my eye on the dishtowel quilt as my ultimate goal.



3. I went looking for this book when it came out after having read the author's "Simply Sublime Bags." This book has many different projects, and the instructions are clear. Having not been a "crafty" person until the last few years, I've never heard of "Shrinky Dinks" and printing computer designs with an ink jet printer so as to tranfer it to fabric and tons of other ideas. I plan to make most of the projects just to learn. I have a very creative friend who was not as impressed with the book and recognized the techniques, but I'm blown away. So much in one book. I recommend it.



4. I received this as a gift and immediately decided that I needed to log on and buy a couple more to give as gifts myself. Simply Sublime Gifts makes you feel good from the moment you lay eyes on it. It excudes warmth, whimsy and style in a very non-threatening away. Initially I thought a few of the projects were a little intimidating because I don't really sew. In fact, I've been known to ask my husband to sew on the random lost button :). However, I was quickly taken in by all the projects I knew I could do with ease! The projects are the perfect level of challenge without being overwhelming. The author makes you feel like you're hanging out with her in a cozy retro kitchen with your craft supplies strewn over the kitchen table as she warmly takes you step by step through these awesome crafty adventures with a heavy dose of humor and fun! My first project was the duct tape belt that I made with my 12 year old daughter...in fact we made 3 different ones while we were at it! My 75 year old mother glanced at the book (pretty enough for the coffee table by the way)and said she wanted to make the handtowels to make as a hostess gift for an upcoming dinner party she was going to. My younger daughter chose the shrinky dink type necklaces to make as favors for her upcoming 11 birthday. Although i received this as a gift, it is clear to me that it is a purchse that would quickly pay for itself. Let's face it, times are still a little tough..if I can purchase a gorgeous book that allows me to make quick, classy gifts for $10 or less (over and over again)its money very well spent! Have fun!!!



5. I loved Simply Sublime Bags, but this book is even more up my alley, since I'm not a big sewer (though there are plenty of sewing projects if you are). I like that every project is rated for difficulty/time, and many rely on cleverness as much as craftiness--eg, nothing could be easier than the baby onesie personalized with a "Hello My Name Is" transfer--but how adorable a baby gift is that?! There are easy but elegant hand towels, fabric note cards, the adorable chamois Jammies and that amazing Wonder Bread apron on the cover--lots of great ideas for me to make for Christmas gifts that look sophisticated or adorable, but don't scream "handmade" or "cutesy-crafty." Fun things for crafty tweens and teens to do, too.

2 comments about Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and Fun.

1. I bought this book after reading the review and article in the spring 2010 Stitch magazine. They included the Magic Apron pattern. Based on the review, I expected a lot more in the way of sewing techniques and patterns. This book is really just a reprint of Inspirations, a booklet put out by the Women's Institute and Mary Picken. The information is fun to read and much of it still applies today. However, the patterns are not as numerous as I expected, nor are they varied. 5 of the patterns are for aprons. Others aren't even patterns, just directions for monogramming or an article about cross stitch. The author could have deleted the 2-3 essays at the beginning of each chapter and added more crafting/sewing articles, which is what I purchased the book for. Including some of the lessons so often mentioned in the book would have added to it enormously.
   
   If you're looking for more of a historic peek into the time period, this is a great book. If you're looking for a vintage pattern/techniques book, this is not the book for you.



2. Amy Barickman's Vintage Notions is a joy to read, and I'm going to have fun trying the recipes, advice and patterns written for the women of our grandmother's (or great-grandmother's) youth. Barickman has created a beautiful book; inspiring and in some cases, as relevant today as it was in the 1920s and 30s. If this seems unlikely, just look at the women embracing the personal satisfaction of learning to cook, create, gain independence, and make the best of themselves, whatever that may mean to them. Read the book and you will understand what I mean.

1 comments about The Found Object in Textile Art.

1. In her introduction the artist writes " The ideas, processes and methods contained in this book are intended to
   act as a stimulus for the textile artists who like to use found materials as part of their experimental working
   practice". Indeed, once you start flipping through the pages of this book you'll find it hard not to look at everything from the contents of the recycle bins to old textiles, coffee filters and other seemingly mundane every day objects as a potential art supply.
   
   The book opens with an overview of processes and methods using paint, ink and dye along with found natural and man made objects to create marks on the surface of paper and fabric. This chapter gives the reader a library of
   potential techniques and ideas to refer to when considering how to alter the surface that they're working with.
   The second chapter gives advice on where to search for found objects, how to recycle previous materials and
   gives the reader a guide on sorting found textiles and papers . You'll also find ideas for presenting work with a section on creating unusual frames for displaying the finished art work. The author also discusses working with found containers and boxes, altered books and provides directions on creating simple journals from folded paper.
   
   The "Magpie of the Mind" chapter talks about observation and recording as a way to inspire your creative muse.
   Using the camera, keeping a sketchbook, elements of design and a discussion on Notan are followed by some
   helpful advice on what to do if you feel stuck or uninspired. Finally the book closes with a chapter on Sharing and how teaching and working with the community can help enrich the artistic process.
   
   This book does not contain any step by step projects. You won't find directions for recreating any of the beautiful pieces showcased in this book. It is meant to be a guide and source of inspiration for those who want to incorporate found or recycled materials into their artwork and stretch their mixed media wings.

5 comments about It's a Wrap: Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets, And Bowls.

1. This book was great to explain all the fine details to you. It was an exceptional how to book.



2. The reviews of this book are almost all good to great. That is because the book is well done and illustrated.
   
   Whether you will absolutely love this book like a lot of the reviewers did depends on how much you like to sew on a sewing machine. The process is simple and stress free, but also time consuming and involves a lot of strip cutting and clothes line wrapping with 1 inch wide strips of fabric. I mean 100 feet or more of clothesline. I mean yards of fabric strips. And you cannot wrap endlessly, after a few yards of wrapping, it is time to sew what you wrapped up before it gets too loose or gets tiny pleats in it.
   
   You need a decent sewing machine with a good zigzag capability, (three step zig zag a plus) ability to sew through thick fabrics without constant needle breakage is definitely essential. You need sewing machine needles for denim sewing. And patience to guide this under the machine and shape it into various bowls, purses, lidded containers and whatever else you like.
   
   Washing the items is iffy, because of the cotton cord, it may shrink, and it will be hard to dry so you probably would not make place mats although the technique is really good for place mats.
   
   Although I like to sew with a machine, and make things, after a while it got tedious on my first item. I rate the book highly, but probably I will not be making many items from it due to boredom factor.



3. It's exactly what I needed to get started and I received it in good condition and in a short amount of time!!!



4. I'd bought this book because of reviews I'd read on the sewing forums. It was more difficult than I thought to find the cotton clothesline than I expected, but once I found some, I haven't stopped. It's really addictive - wrapping scrap fabric around the clothesline, then sewing the coil to form baskets of differing shapes. The book is well-written, with lots of illustrations, to make it easy for sewers. Even beginning sewists can be successful - essentially you only need to be able zig-zag to construct your baskets. These baskets make really neat gifts as well - much better than "Amish Friendship Bread"!



5. This is a beautiful book with lots of color pictures of many samples to give you many ideas. The diagrams are clear and the text is well written. Two of our local quilting groups are having fun making these. Now if Accuquilt GO would only make a cutting tool for the 3/4" strips, this would be a fairly fast technique.

5 comments about The New Handmade: Simple Sewing for Contemporary Style (That Patchwork Place).

1. I know I shouldn't, but as a graphic designer, I always judge a book by its cover. When I got this book, I glanced at the cover and wondered why I ordered it- not very 'pretty' at first glance. Then I started thumbing through the pages. The instructions are, quite simply, amazing.
   
   Barden is thorough yet concise. No detail is overlooked with the clearest illustrations I have ever seen in a sewing book at every critical juncture. As a visual learner, I cannot overemphasize the value of these illustrations. The projects are explained in detail for the basic size or model with fun sidebars for modifications and instructions for different sizes. She also explains why she choose certain materials like velcro vs. snaps and the weight of batting, enabling the sewer to modify the project however she would like. As an advanced beginner sewer (yes, I made that classification up), I am confident that I can complete every project in the book with reasonable success. I will be looking into more books by Cassie Barden!



2. This book is FABULOUS! Each project is so enticing, I can't wait to try them all! They are all so practical and useful, and the book is visually stunning- perfect fabric choices and photos of each project. Best of all, she offers plenty of room for customization, and gives tips for how to customize projects to your personal likings and specifications. Love this book!!!



3. This book is simple like the title says. It is easy to understand the instructions. Great for the beginner.



4. I adore the projects listed in this book. A notebook cover with a place to put all of my pens and scrap pieces of paper? I'm sold! Only... this and Barden's other projects are at their best after a bit of tweaking. Her ideas are fabulous, but (like many craft books, I suppose) I've found that the projects really do take a bit of re-designing to make practical.
   
   Take the composition notebook cover I mentioned before (and pictured above): great idea and a fantastic way to make use of lots of different pieces of fabric, but have you ever tried to close a notebook with pens tucked inside? Yeah, not so great. Re-design and put the pens and pockets on the outside cover and.. voila! Truly useful.
   
   The bird-watcher messenger bag was another project that inspired this purchase. I love messenger bags and have always wanted to make one. But in reality? EVERYTHING falls out of the enormous main pocket! I'm not exactly swinging this around my head either. I was horrified to find that on a typical day out-and-about, my wallet fell out twice. And the strap is ridiculously long, but doesn't call for a notion to correct this.
   
   Now, I'm being a bit harsh, especially having rated the book four stars, but I mention these things because I wasn't an experienced sewer when I bought the book so re-designing a project was a bit intimidating for me. That said, her reading list tote and grocery bag are fabulous. I've made several. The zippered kit bags.. I've made dozens as gifts of all sizes. I've made the iPod case and pretty crafty apron as gifts as well. As the sewing has proven, the projects are incredibly useful and invite your good taste in fabrics to help them shine. I could make her projects over and over again and, unlike other craft books, I've made nearly all of the projects in this book. (How many craft books can you say that about?) The book is well worth the price in terms of usability and lasting appeal. I've returned to it many many times over. From beginner to intermediate sewer, this book should satisfy!



5. This book is a very close second to "Sew What! Bags" for me. This one is a bit more involved and complex, but NOT overly so. I have not made any of the projects yet, nor purchased the book (having checked it out from the library first), but am anxious to do so very soon. I'd totally reccommend this one to beginners and more experienced sewers alike. It's been very inspirational and motivational to me, a "rusty" seamstress. :-)

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. This is a great book. Excellent instructions, fabulous photos. A must have for your studio library!



2. This is a great book, especially for a beginner. It is very clear and wonderfully illustrated. This book focuses on dying protein only. If you want to dye any cellulose this book will not be of much help but it is a great book for protein dyers. It really takes the mystery out of dyeing.



3. This is a fun book, good for beginners and lots of information & tips for those with some dyeing experience



4. This is the book that finally transformed me from a collector of dying supplies to an actual dyer of wool!



5. I'm an avid knitter who is frequently frustrated that the colors I envision for a project are not available in the gauge or type of yarn I seek. Compromising the vision is almost always a necessity. People suggested I learn to dye, and I acquired six dyeing books over the years. Each of them intimidated me. This one encourages the dyeing neophyte to try it by making the process easy, clear, and fun! I can do this - at home, without a lot of expensive equipment. The chapter on color is especially helpful in developing color-choosing confidence. I'm delighted to have this book because I am already on my way to realizing my project visions!