Textile arts and artworks Books

Book SynopsisA mind-bending archive of Collina Strada, the downtown New York brand that puts self-expression and honest sustainability first.Launched in 2008 by Hillary Taymour, Collina Strada has spent the last decade successfully injecting the generally colorless style of downtown New York with acid-colored dye jobs, off-kilter dresses, sparkling hair pins, and fearlessly fluid ensembles. Rooted in interconnectedness, self-expression, and thoughtful production, the brand screams nonconformity: cosmically dyed dresses, rhinestone-studded water bottles, and wildly graphic bodysuits serve as representations of the cacophony of sounds, symbols, and spirit that imbue the Collina Strada world.All of the brand’s pieces are produced in the USA using mostly reinterpreted deadstock materials: recycled t-shirts from Kantamanto Market in Accra, Ghana, and Rose Sylk, an organic cellulose fiber derived from rose bushes and their stems. Taymour has also shown an unwavering commiTrade Review"Can responsible fashion be fun? Collina Strada, the colorful, conscious, and always-creative New York-based brand from designer Hillary Taymour, proves the answer is a resounding yes. Fifteen years after its launch, Collina Strada has won over innumerable devotees with its vibrant, kitschy designs and demonstrated commitment to promoting social and environmental change—from using deadstock fabric to upcycling unsold items. I Care a Lotta, I Wear Collina Strada captures the spirit of the brand perfectly with a delightful compilation of inspiring imagery and unexpected artistic collaborations— such as David Mattingly of Animorphs fame. A dazzling celebration of one of New York’s most beloved sustainable brands, this book will inspire readers to be just as bright and bold." — V MAGAZINE"If you’re a fan of Hillary Taymour’s Collina Strada then it’s safe to say that you are a fan of Charlie Engman, the artist and photographer who is Taymour’s stalwart collaborator. The pair’s latest project is "I Care A Lotta, I Wear Collina Strada," a monograph published by Rizzoli that brings together a decade of the New York label’s history in their signature maximalist aesthetic." — VOGUE"Embark on a decade-spanning journey of audacious fashion and eco-consciousness with NYC brand Collina Strada in this visually captivating compendium directed by Charlie Engman and showcasing vibrant designs by founder Hilary Taymour." — VOGUE Singapore"One part photo collage, one part manifesto, New York designer Hillary Taymour's new book explores her use of rainbow dresses made of rosebushes and rhinestone-studded water bottles as vehicles for environmental advocacy." — Harper's Bazaar"Collina Strada’s environmentally-conscious absurdism is on display in a book that intersperses collages of aliens with advice on composting." — NY TIMES

Read more less

Book SynopsisBy teaching you the foundations of natural dyeing, and guiding you through the simple stitch techniques, this book will allow you to dip in and out of projects while learning how to forage for and grow your own dye plants. In The Wild Dyer, Abigail Booth demystifies the `magic'' of natural dyeing and shows how to use the results to stunning effect in 15 exquisite patchwork and stitch projects, including a drawstring forager''s bag, an apron, samplers, cushions and a reversible patchwork blanket. Focusing on how to grow or gather your own dyeing materials - from onion and avocado skins to chamomile and comfrey, nettles and acorns - as well as scouring, mordanting (using fixative) and setting up a dye vat, Abigail explains how to create effective dyes. And once you have them, how you can produce beautiful, contemporary textiles that can then be used to create projects that build on your skills.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPick up your pencils and make each of these famed William Morris patterns your own. Taking nature as his inspiration, William Morris created over a hundred intricate and iconic wallpaper, textile and embroidery designs. As much a poet and activist as a designer, today he is considered one of the most outstanding and influential designers of the Arts and Crafts movement of the late nineteenth century. His patterns continue to be made and sold today and can be found all over the country, including at the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow, London. Relax and unwind with these beautiful, decorative patterns - and marvel at their timeless appeal.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book Synopsis''I have never read such a stimulating short guide to art'' Lynn Barber, Sunday Times Now Grayson Perry is a fully paid-up member of the art establishment, he wants to show that any of us can appreciate art (after all, there is a reason he''s called this book Playing to the Gallery and not ''Sucking up to an Academic Elite''). Based on his hugely popular BBC Radio 4 Reith Lectures and full of pictures, this funny, personal journey through the art world answers the basic questions that might occur to us in an art gallery but seem too embarrassing to ask.Trade ReviewThis book is full of good jokes, full of cartoons, full of memorable epigrams, but above all full of thought-provoking ideas that make you want to pause on every page and say: "Discuss." I have never read such a stimulating short guide to art. It should be issued as a set text in every school -- Lynn Barber * Sunday Times *A visual and intellectual delight * Time Out *Punchy, mischievous ... Hugely entertaining. You could, genuinely, take an aphorism or a quote from every second page ... This is splendid, transgressive stuff ... a love letter to art ... a thing of pleasure: petite, luxuriously printed, a mischievous little hymn to 21st-century inclusivity -- Melanie Reid * The Times *It reveals Perry to be not just an artist but a wordsmith, too... It is acute and funny at the same time. This, I think, is why people love Perry so much. * Daily Telegraph *A joy to read * New Statesman *A polemic for inclusivity... The great thing about Perry's statement of it here is that you are always convinced that he believes it and lives by it * Observer *It's unputdownable! It's really relevant to anyone who does anything ... A great book ... Grayson is brilliant -- Stewart Lee

Read more less

Book SynopsisLucy Innes Williams Set of 3 Mini Notebooks features a collection of three mini, foiled notebooks with alternating lined and blank pages. Each notebook has a different beautiful design: Pink Garden House, Viridian Garden House and Blue Garden House. With a sturdy cover and rounded corners, they are perfect to be carried everywhere! Lucy Innes Williams is a painter and illustrator with an artistic interest in highly ornate textiles, patterns, and the decorative arts of the early-mid twentieth century. She uses a combination of gouache, watercolour and printmaking.

Read more less

Book SynopsisCraft adorable, trendy felt miniatures with this book of step-by-step tutorials and projects, featuring beautiful photos that illustrate easy felting techniques.From self-taught artist Delilah Iris, Sew Cute!: Tiny Felt Cuties & Creatures includes more than a dozen patterns for making tiny animals, dolls, dollhouses, props, adorable gifts, and miniature play sets. The projects can be created as stand-alone finished works, but they can also be used to complement each other in a complete set for use in a tiny miniature world!If you have been looking for new crafting techniques to learn at home and don’t want to buy a lot of tools and materials, creating felt miniatures is the perfect choice. Felting does not require a sewing machine and can be done using simple hand stitches and embroidery, all of which are demonstrated in the book along with stylized photo tutorials. Also included are detailed doll patterns, suggestions for Trade Review“Delilah Iris proves that good things come in small packages with her winning debut…The cute designs are hard to resist.” * Publishers Weekly *"A master class in the machine free art of crafting animals, dolls, fairy houses, and so much more." * Midwest Book Review *"Full of adorable projects that are perfect for gifts." * Library Journal *Table of ContentsTable of Contents Introduction CHAPTER 1: Tools & Materials CHAPTER 2: Basics of Hand Sewing CHAPTER 3: Teeny-Tiny Critters & Their Accessories Fox Cat Dog Doghouse Pet Bed Skunk Frog Mushroom Mushroom Frog CHAPTER 4: Tiny Dolls & Dollhouses Doll Teddy Bear Mushroom Dollhouse Tree Stump House CHAPTER 5: Patterns About the Author

Read more less

Book SynopsisPopular author Corinne Lapierre creates a charming range of 20 exquisite folk embroidered felt birds, including a swan, a hen, a goose, a partridge, an owl, a dove, a peacock and a flamingo. Beautifully made in lovely, soft colours, the birds are filled with toy stuffing and embellished with folk-style surface embroidery in different-coloured threads. The stitches include chain, feather, fly running, blanket, French knots and satin stitch. There are also bead and sequin embellishments on some birds. The book includes pretty hand-drawn step-by-step illustrations and there are same-size templates at the back of the book for all the designs. The birds all have optional ribbon hangers for display.Trade ReviewWhether or not you make your own felt or just enjoy stitching, the twenty different birds featured in this book might appeal as characters with a folksy feel. In designing the projects the author, Corinne Lapierre, has combined her love of felt, folk embroidery and birds. The first part of the book lists the necessary materials, tools and equipment required before moving on to the basic techniques for making the birds.This is followed by instructions for the embroidery stitches used in each project. Throughout this section the author adds a series of tips to help the maker work through the different techniques smoothly. The second part of the book concentrates on the different bird projects. For each bird there is a list of the materials and equipment required followed by step-by-step instructions for making. Cutting templates are also provided at the end of the book. The author points out that the birds themselves are relatively easy to make, but their characters are defined by the colours and embroidery stitches used. The information provided throughout the book is clearly presented and well illustrated. Each fun project should be achievable for anyone with a basic knowledge of stitch and embroidery. * Journal of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers *This book is a delight from cover to cover. It starts by explaining what items are needed to complete the projects and then goes on, in simple terms, to talk about techniques from drawing templates to cutting out the felt, to embellishing with hand sewn embroidery. These stitches are clearly explained at the beginning of the book in easy to follow instructions and photos. There are even simple instructions for making birds feet. Once this has all be laid out for you, there follows 20 easy to make colourful birds which are so pleasing to the eye! I particularly like the use of sequins on the pigeon to add texture and shimmer. All of the templates needed to complete the projects are at the back of the book, these can easily be copied or traced as they are so simple. All in all, a lovely book! -- Shirley Marriott * Customer review *A great little book. Every process is clearly described, with beautiful photos and diagrams. Perfect for experienced and beginners alike. The patterns are clear and easy to follow. The birds are beautiful - I love the robin - that will be the one I will make first. All of the templates to make each bird, are at the back of the book, and they can be easily traced, or scanned so that you don't need to damage such a lovely book. -- Sue Rowland * Customer review *What a superb book, the techniques section is very informative and will certainly be a great help for me, a novice embroiderer. The illustrations are bright and clear, fantastic photography. At the back of the book you will find the templates for each of the projects. I can’t wait to make my first bird, which I think will be the peacock. -- Sandra Dennis * Customer review *Folk Embroidered Felt Birds is a beautiful book full of lovely birds to create. The techniques are clear with lots of pictures and step-by-step instructions to follow for the basic creating, then each bird has its own instructions that are easy to follow. I would recommend to anyone who wanted to have a go. Hooray - all patterns are full scale and easy to copy from the book, no upscaling, popping to the library, or giving up and leaving on the shelf. -- Helen Harries * Customer review *If you want a book to help you sew felt into beautiful birds... look no further!! The clear photographs and instructions are just so easy to follow. This book would be a lovely present and you could give the person a few felt squares, some thread and let them start creating right away!! Love it!! -- Moyra Blayney * Customer review *Received my book today the projects are lovely and more importantly achievable. I love the fact that the project is all hand stitched. My nieces and I have already picked which ones we are going to do and are off out to get our materials this afternoon. These projects are going to provide many happy sewing hours for us and some great little gifts which we plan to give away as random acts of kindness. Search Press have produced yet another fab book. -- Wendy Burt * Customer review *The square format of this beautiful book makes it feel different and inside it is filled with the enthusiasm of the author for her felt birds. There are twenty very attractive birds to make. Each of them a pleasing mix of well chosen felt colours and embroidery stitches. Techniques and stitches used are illustrated with excellent photographs and easy to follow instructions. The hand drawn illustrations add a personal touch to the book. Full size templates are included for each project. This is a book to make you smile. A clever use of simple embroidery stitches such as fly, seed, chain and French knots are used effectively to give each of the birds their individual characters. I very much liked the proud peacock, a pheasant with attitude and the trendy flamingo. Making felt birds is not my usual thing but I could be tempted by my favourite, the hen, whose comforting shape and embroidery really epitomises 'folk art'. -- Carol Winter * SEW Region Magazine (June 2019) * Time for a book review! And today’s book review is all about fun! Folk Embroidered Felt Birds is a new book packed full of – you guessed it! – folk embroidered felt birds! And they’re delightful! If you love birds (I love birds) and you like the look of folk embroidery, and you like working with felt to make three dimensional objects, then you need to add this book to your library. It’s one of those books that just makes me happy when I flip through it. Folk Embroidered Felt Birds is a project book. The projects are small, three-dimensional birds made from felt, stuffed and embroidered. The cover is the seller for me. I know, I know! Don’t judge a book by its cover and all that. But really – a flamingo AND a puffin? With those legs? And those feet? I see this book being perfect for those who like to make. The birds are perfect for whimsical ornaments and delightful gifts. What a great way to pass on a bit of cheer to a friend on a birthday – or out of the blue for no reason at all! The book features a fairly vast array of projects focusing on twenty different types of birds, which are all recognizable. From the humble robin, to the pheasant and flamingo, the parrot, the toucan, the gentle dove and the flamboyant peacock, the gangly stork, the majestic swan, the hen, the goose, the owl, the gull and goldfinch – they’re all there, waiting for you to bring them to life! Like any good project book, Folk Embroidered Felt Birds begins with a section on materials. There’s nothing too out of the ordinary here – felt (the author recommends a wool / viscose blend); embroidery floss; wire (for legs), filling, ribbon, sequins, wire tape, and other very regular stuff. From materials and tools, we move into techniques: transferring the template designs to felt, to sewing, filling, stuffing, making legs and feet, appliqué, and all the techniques necessary for creating a three dimensional bird. Every aspect of instruction is presented in very clear, step-by-step photos with text. The text is succinct quite minimal; it’s very precise and easy to follow. And of course, there’s a selection of embroidery stitch instructions with step-by-step photos as well. And then – the projects! For each project, you’ll find a list of tools and supplies required to make the bird, along with a list of the templates to use from the back of the book. The templates in the back of the book are clean line drawings of the different bird parts, that you trace and cut out for patterns. Along with the materials and templates lists, you’ll find a page of instructions that take you through constructing the bird, referring to the techniques covered at the beginning of the book. The projects in the book are all darling! And the instructions are excellent and very accessible. If you enjoy making things and you like birds, folk art, and felt, this book would be right up your alley! I’m pretty sure it will put a smile on your face! See the full review here. -- Mary Corbet * Mary Corbet's Needle n Thread *Anybody who cut their sewing teeth on felt will enjoy this book; inside it are twenty folk art style birds to make up and display. If, like me you have loved working with felt since early childhood you will probably want to dive in but if you are new to it read the first section of the book before picking up a needle. This will tell you what type of felt to use (a mix of viscose and wool sold on the author’s website) and how to work with it, do several embroidery stitches, sew up the patterns and make the wire legs and feet. When you have the basics sorted you can progress to the patterns. Each one features a page-sized photograph of the bird in a suitable setting, a list of materials, tools and templates and written instructions. These usually come with a simple diagram or two, but unless you are a total beginner you won’t have problems making them up. The first section lays it all out very clearly with staged photographs, including some excellent ones for the embroidery stitches which are so good I wish there was a whole book of them! I think the family pet could learn how to embroider with these…the birds themselves are mostly those familiar to UK residents including robin, blue tit, heron, swan, peacock, hen, goose, herring gull and owl. A few exotics are included such as a flamingo, toucan and parrot, and many are suitable for certain occasions such as Christmas (robin and dove) Easter (hen and goose) and new baby (stork). At the front is a handy double page spread showing all the birds for easy choice, and at the back are all the templates life size. No sewing machine is required for these projects, and all are ideal quick makes for somebody who knows a few basics but is not confident enough for larger projects including older children (be careful with that wire though). Anybody in more need of something easier can go to the author’s website and buy kits of some of these birds as well as lots of other creatures and Christmas decorations. Bundles of wool/viscose felt and kits are available from www.corinnelapierre.com -- Rachel Hyde * myshelf.com *Tweet, Tweet You're guranteed to love Corinne Lapierre's latest book, Folk Embroidered Felt Birds! This read contains 20 flighty friends which you can whip up an afternoon, including swans, hens, flamingos, peacocks and many more. This book also has hand-drawn step-by-step illustrations and traceable templates to make embroidering these pretty birdies fuss-free. * Sew *Corinne Lapierre's easy-to-stitch folk birds include templates for a swan, a hen, a goose, a partridge, an owl, a dove, a peacock and a flamingo among others, making this book ideal for beginners or youngsters. * The Textile Art Magazine - Embroidery *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials & tools 8 Techniques 10 Embroidery stitches 17 Projects 24 Robin 26 Blue Tit 30 Goldfinch 34 Chaffinch 36 Swan 38 Hen 42 Pigeon 46 Goose 48 Flamingo 50 Peacock 54 Owl 58 Pheasant 60 Thrush 64 Dove 66 Stork 68 Parrot 72 Heron 76 Toucan 78 Puffin 80 Seagull 84 Templates 88

Read more less

Book SynopsisComprises more than 1,000 images that highlight the beauty, subtlety, simplicity or complexity of textiles created around the world. This title illuminates the ways in which structure or surface decoration or embellishment enhance this most tactile of arts.Trade Review'As good as it gets … a wonderful resource and reference book … this wonderfully illustrated book is a rich visual feast … clear and thought-provoking' - Selvedge'Can be picked up often as a reference, an inspiration, or for personal refreshment … an extraordinary accomplishment that pays tribute to this field and its practitioners' - Surface Design Journal'The writer’s knowledge of the field and her practical experience of making are evident throughout … a sumptuous - and well-writtendesign resource aimed at inspiring textile art and design of the future' - Textile History'With its sumptuous cloth cover and more than 1,000 colour images of historical and contemporary textiles, this fascinating journey through the history and meanings of textiles cannot fail to impress' - EmbroideryTable of ContentsI. Impact • II. Ingredients • III. Structure: Non-tensioned Techniques; Looping & Twisting; Weaving • IV. Surface: Insertions; Embroidery; Painting & Printing • V. Added Dimensions: Pleating & Folding; Cutting & Stitching; Elaborations • VI. Imagery: Content; Identity; Narrative • Resources • Further Reading

Read more less

Book SynopsisCelebrates the earliest history of the Islamic world's great textile traditions through fifty beautiful carpets and fragments. A wave of these beautiful textiles has reached the West since the turn of the 21st century, and here they are divided into variants featuring birds, mammals, and mythological creatures, which retain their glowing colors and lively charm.Trade Review'The long awaited work is finally here ... fills substantial gaps in the early history of knotted rugs' - Carpet Collector

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisRepeating patterns can soothe or energize us, bringing joy and harmony to everyday life. Repeat Printed Pattern for Interiors explores the power repeat patterns hold over us and what goes into creating original, effective printed designs. Beginning with the history of patterns in interior design, Kate Farley uncovers lessons from the work of Owen Jones, William Morris, Collier Campbell and Josef Frank.There are also interviews with some of the best contemporary pattern designers working today: Angie Lewin, Deborah Bowness, Eley Kishimoto, Emma J. Shipley, Galbraith & Paul, Neisha Crosland, Orla Kiely OBE, Sarah Campbell and Timorous Beasties. Each interview covers the designer''s practice and ethos and includes a deconstruction of one design, with discussion of initial sketches, details of design development, manufacturing insights and images of final products.Covering hand-drawn techniques through to digital manipulation, you'll also be guided through the implications of visualTrade ReviewExtremely well researched… The designer interviews are excellent. -- Shirley Mclauchlan, Edinburgh University, UKThis book offers so much across its 232 pages - insights into the author’s creative process and design inspirations which reveal an inspirational eye for pattern and colour. The case studies of designers working across the past 50 years in the interior textile industry detail the recipes for their success and emphasise the need for budding designers to develop their own aesthetic and authentic vision. The rest of the book offers design context and some history alongside tools and tips on how to develop your design ideas - giving you the visual and verbal language to develop and articulate your design ideas. A valuable publication for anyone with an interest in pattern. - Amanda Briggs-Goode, Nottingham Trent University, UKTable of ContentsAbout the Author Introduction 1. Patterns in History Baroque Bold Neoclassical formality Trading with pattern (Chintz & Paisley) Arts and Crafts and the Aesthetic agenda 1860s–1890s Art Nouveau and the Decorative style 1890–1930s ARTISAN APPROACH 1900 – 1930s Modern mode 1920s–1940s Post-war 1945–1960s Upbeat Escapism and Calm retreats late 1960s–1980s Post-modern magic and digital design 1980–2020 2. The Basics – making patterns Introduction Pattern language and process Choosing the look, making motifs Repeat and rhythm Colour in design Digital design: an introduction Printing: traditionally or digitally? Application and context 3. Design Process: Interviews Emma J. Shipley Angie Lewin Orla Kiely OBE Sarah Campbell Neisha Crosland Timorous Beasties Galbraith and Paul Deborah Bowness Eley Kishimoto Conclusion

Read more less

Book SynopsisLearn how to create exquisite, delicately embroidered silk ribbon flowers, including foxgloves, roses, hydrangeas, delphiniums, primroses, geraniums, irises, poppies... and much more. A small selection of stitches are used to create a wide variety of flowers. All the techniques are explained in detailed step-by-step sequences.Trade ReviewOctober 2014 I learned ribbon embroidery with this book and went on to teach classes and make various embroidered items using this lovely method. First published in 1998 this is one of the Classics range of stand out titles that belong firmly on every crafter’s keeper shelf. This is a user-friendly primer that gets you started right away before pictures of advanced work and worse still, what you might have to buy can frighten you. Fortunately that mostly means ribbons, embroidery floss, a hoop and if you want to stencil or paint backgrounds materials for this, otherwise there is no large outlay before you can start. Learn how to anchor ribbon and the special stitch unique to ribbon embroidery plus a few other adaptations of freestyle stitches and before long you will be working on your first picture, a study of spring flowers. If you have done some embroidery before you will find it easier as you have already learned much of what you need to know, but even if you haven’t expect clear photographs and captions guide you through the process. Why is this book a classic? I have several other books on the subject but none is so obviously aimed at the beginner, and with a subject that has not had a lot of coverage (especially back in 1998) this is essential. It literally takes you from choosing the ribbon through practising the stitches to making several small, simple but beautiful pieces. If you are at all interested in having a go and don’t already own this book do buy it. Very highly recommended. * Myshelf.com *October 2014 This was first published in 1998 and even looks dated for then, it has been re-published but not re-designed. However the information given is still relevant and useful and at this price, you cannot expect more. This book includes all the information you need to create stunning silk flowers, including framing your work. The Bouquet of Roses is my favourite. * Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts *September/October 2014 Over one hundred step-by-step photographs show how to create exquisite, delicately embroidered silk ribbon flowers, using a surprisingly small number of stitches. Learn how to create exquisite, delicately embroidered silk ribbon flowers, including foxgloves, roses, hydrangeas, delphiniums, ,primroses, geraniums, irises, poppies... and much more. A small selection of stitches are used to create a wide variety of flowers. All the techniques are explained in detailed step-by-step sequences. With clear, step-by-step instruction and beautiful designs, this book is a best-selling, timeless classic redesigned for modern embroiderers which is suitable for beginners and more experienced embroiderers alike. First an foremost, Ann Cox is a silk ribbon embroidery designer who runs her own company selling silk ribbons and kits. She teaches at colleges of further education, takes classes in her own studio and gives talks to clubs and guilds., She is also a professional cake decorator, a very keen gardener and is interested in many other crafts, especially those relating to flowers. Ann lives with her husband, Ashley, in a small village near Southampton in Hampshire. * Workbox *Table of ContentsIntroduction 4 Tools and materials 8 Embroidering with silk ribbons 12 Spring flowers 26 Bouquet of roses 32 Country garden 36 Poppies and wheat 38 Blackberries 41 Stencilling a background 42 Painting a background 44 Mounting and framing 46 Index 48

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis beautifully concise guide tells the story of the couturier Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel and the luxury fashion brand she founded.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBethan Ash's rich, colourful quilts are created using improvisational collage techniques. Working instinctively, she simply layers fabric shapes onto a prepared background and fuses them down, then adds stitching later. Each quilt is cut freehand, without the use of rulers or templates. In this groundbreaking book, she reveals the secrets of how she works, from basic dyeing and fusing techniques to design- and colour-awareness exercises and mixed-media experiments. In clear, easy-to-follow text, she gives the reader invaluable information on method, materials, technique and composition, and shows that improvisational quiltmaking is not merely 'messing about with fabric', but instead can form the basis of working freely and is the optimal way of broadening the reader's artistic talent. Illustrated with the best examples of fused quilts from around the world, this book is a visual feast of colour and pattern, and allows the reader to discover how the boundaries of traditional quiltmaking can be expanded through the use of imagination, inspiration and fusion.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA leading embroiderer with a lifelong love and understanding of African culture and landscape translates the many striking images of Africa into textile art, using embroidery, dyeing and quilting. From the dusky colours of the savannah to the traditional beadwork and pottery of African tribes, the author has used a variety of sources and techniques to produce stunning textiles. The book covers the original source material, the design process and the various techniques necessary to produce stunning final pieces, including dyeing with flour paste resist, seminole patchwork, piecing, patching, stitching, applique, roulleaux, drawn thread surface embellishment and mixed media. Beautifully illustrated with over 90 colour images, the book covers: • The design process • Colour, from natural earth colours to the bright colours of African jewellery and body paint • Pattern, from stripes and zigzags to circles and triangles • Texture and surface, including ridges, raised surface, edges and surface additions • An exercise project to get you startedTable of ContentsInspirational pieces demonstrate how to translate African motifs into stunning textiles Guides you through every aspect of the design process from page to product Expert advice on all arts and skills makes even advanced techniques easy Illustrations and case studies by leading artists both instruct and inspire

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Red Dress: 380 Embroiderers, 51 countries, 1 dressConceived by British artist Kirstie Macleod,TheRed Dressoffers a platform for people, mostly women, who are vulnerable and live in poverty to share their stories through embroidery.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWritten by expert shibori teacher Jane Callender, this beautiful, practical book is packed with both traditional and inventive stitch-resist techniques, a complete dyeing guide and an inspirational gallery of Jane’s work. This book contains all the information a beginner will need to get started - including tips on dyeing in small spaces and a guide to all the necessary health and safety considerations - but is also packed with innovative techniques and inspiring designs that will appeal to the experienced textile artist. The book is broken into three sections. The first shows you all the key stitch-resist techniques you need - from the basics right through to creating intricate designs – and all are clearly explained with photography and illustrations. Learn how to create a range of different shibori styles, oversew, make circles and other shapes, use grids, double needles, stencils and caps, bind fabrics, work with machine stitch, use fabric buffers and incorporate appliqué. The second section shows you how to use motifs to create pattern: learn how to create and position designs, including traditional arrangements such as Karamatsu and Tatewaku, create composite designs and get tips on how to plan your own patterns. Finally, the book contains a complete guide to dyeing – it contains recipes, tips and advice so that you can get the very best from every dye bath you make. Learn how to dye with both natural and synthetic indigo, in organic and synthetic vats. Also choose from a wide range of natural dyes, iron rust and dazzling Procion dyes, which can be used in combination or alone for amazing effects. Trade ReviewJane Callender is possessed of a unique talent. Since she was a student at West Surrey College of Art and Design, she has dedicated herself to the subtle arts of shibori and indigo dyeing. She is an acknowledged master of her craft. Her innovative award-winning work, admired both for its artistry and high level of technique, has been widely exhibited. A patient and accomplished teacher with all the necessary technical skills at her fingertips, she lectures and conducts workshops across the globe and through her website ‘Callishibori’ supplies shibori materials and tools to a worldwide audience. Well known as the author of the seminal 2000 Pattern Combinations, she has now written this superlative book. Clear, concise, instructive and inspiring, it is destined to be an essential manual and classic work of reference for both beginners and advanced practitioners for many years to come. -- John Gillow * Customer Review *For anyone who has ever pulled up and dyed a simple stitched resist, the beauty and complexity of Jane Callender's work is awe-inspiring. In this generous book, she shares, with great detail, her mastery of shibori techniques and dyeing. Attention to detail makes this an excellent guide for all levels. An introduction explains shibori as the interaction between compressed cloth and dye. The section entitled "Shibori Tradition", along with additional pages throughout the book, reveal the history of shibori worldwide and how politics, economics, and fashion affected design, including particular techniques developed by significant Japanese masters in modern times. The "Techniques" section proceeds from the simplest to more complex stitched patterns and shows the power of simple motifs in repeat. Even complex techniques are made clear with step-by-step photos and illustrations. Only a few indigo photos are perhaps too dark to be easily discernible. Some 100 pages are devoted to cloth preparation and process for specific techniques. Even the most experienced practitioner will learn something new about stitching on a single layer, on folded or pleated cloth, or combined methods such as capping and oversewing. Developing a motif by filling in larger shapes encourages creativity. Techniques not usually associated with stitch resist, such as clamp resist and binding or capping to a core, increase our understanding of the possibilities. Suggestions on dip dyeing for variety in some patterns and buffers for clean edges and to prevent knots from pulling through are invaluable. Degumming silk and even working on synthetic fabrics for interesting dimensional results without dyeing is explained. Japanese stitch names are used throughout. The sections on "Pattern" and "Dyes" will set the novice on the right path. Although many examples are dyed in traditional indigo, which is particularly well suited to resist dyeing, mordanted natural dyes, tannins and fiber reactive dyes enliven the book. There are excellent didactic chapters at the end of the book on these dyes. Indigo in particular is well explained. Callender acknowledges the dye experts she has learned from: Michelle Kwon of maiwa, french dye chemist Michel Garcia, and her compatriot author Jenny Balford Paul. The chapters devoted to discharge and dyeing whet the appetite for further exploration. The reader is encouraged to innovate and adapt traditional patterns according to her own artistic creativity. The author provides excellent sections on working with a grid and planning ahead for complex interactions between small pattern motifs. Other valuable tips are highlighted throughout. Callender's book should be read through with care and referred back to often when planning a new project. In this age of searchable documents on line, references to useful pages on particular techniques are appreciated. Finally, the gallery of Callender's own inspiring artwork shows what true mastery of craft can produce. This is an excellent companion to Yoshiko Iwamoto Wada's two earlier seminal books on shibori. Callender's book is a must have for all textile schools, shibori dyers and surface design artists. -- Barbara Shapiro * Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot *Autumn 2017 The author is very well known as both a tutor and textile artist, and this book certianly met my high expectations. Starting with an explanation of the process and an overview of worldwide shibori traditions, the text moves seamlessly through a full description of procedures, starting with methods of scouring fabrics for dyeing, knots and stiching variations. The very clearly illustrated and numerous step-by-step methods, generally referred to by their traditional terminology, are illustrated with photographs of the results. Design advice is provided throughout, so that you don't just master techniques, but learn to use them as effectively as possible. Chapters towards the end of the book are devoted to dyeing firstly, with indigo (including the natural organic vat), then -more unusually for shibori using natural dyes, iron and finally cold water fibre reactive dyes. Unusually this book is very suitable for both beginners and more advanced dyers. For the former, the text is logically organised and clear enough to be viewed as a complete self-teaching guide, but even for those with some experience there are likely to be some new ideas to try. If you have never tried shibori before, the stunning photographs will inevitably tempt you in. Highly recommended. * Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers *A comprehensive resource for shibori. The book is divided into three sections: Techniques, Pattern and Dyeing with how-to instructions and photographs. To my knowledge this is the most comprehensive book on shibori. Develop motifs for unique textiles. Indigo recipes and ones for other dyes too, ensure a range a colours. Suitable for the beginner with challenges for every level. Illustrated throughout with some of the most remarkable examples of shibori outside Japan. Learn about shibori tradition, preparation, process, pattern, folds and more. Mogume is my favourite technique. I found Jane's work years ago, and my jaw still drops at her amazing achievements. I just want to work through this book from beginning to end and over and over again. Absolutely essential for anyone interested in dyeing, stitching and shibori. Simply wonderful, demonstrating the true art of shibori. * Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *Jane Callender has written the most marvellous book, 'Stitched Shibori', in encyclopaedic detail. Exploring the art of Shibori, in particular reference to stitched pieces and the pattern they create, this book exhaustively covers everything. It consists of three sections – Technique, Pattern and Dyeing. In Technique, there are 35 different approaches to stitching fabric. Many different stitches and patterns are explored, whether stitching on a single or double layer, how space between stitches can change a pattern, curve, pleat or binding. There are variations within each choice, producing multitudes of photographs of all the different effects achieved by changing the smallest detail. It is quite mind-boggling! If you want to work on stitched Shibori techniques, there can’t be many places where you can find all the answers. Pattern is a short section but teaches how to create the different patterns and stencils. You can see how combining techniques creates an infinite number of patterns – if you thought the first section was overwhelming, suddenly the world of Shibori opens up more widely. The Dyes section is extensively recipe-laden with many different Shibori dyes and how to create them. * Workshop on the web *May 2017 Shibori is a technique with its roots in Africa, China, and Japan. I’ve seen some pieces that are as intricate and delicate as a snowflake and as such I’ve rather filed this technique in the box marked ‘advanced’ i.e. not for me. Jane is a highly respected Shibori artist, teacher and speaker and so used to breaking down the technicalities of this centuries-old tradition into practical steps. The book is laid out intelligently, starting with the process of sewing in a single line of straight stitch with clear illustrations and photos showing the results that can be achieved. You can progress quite quickly by introducing more lines and layers or with folds and curves. Finished patterns can quickly become quite kaleidoscopic and for anyone interested in designing their own fabrics this could possibly get quite addictive. I was particularly drawn to the chapter on Wrapped Pattern, which combines stitching on the fold with binding the cloth around a cylinder for its more unpredictable results (but that’s me all over: living on the edge!). As with any technique involving dyes, you’ve got to have a certain amount of space to experiment and be comfortable handling chemicals. There are safety guidelines and recipes for all manner of dyes, both natural and synthetic, at the back of the book and some amazing colour combinations can be achieved with practice. Marigolds at the ready! * Popular Patchwork *Issue 40 Stitched Shibori is the Japanese art of immersing textiles in a dye bath and creating pattern using a range of stitched resist techniques (think tye-dyeing but on another level!). In this practical and beautiful guide , renowned expert Jane Callender showcases techniques, patterns and dyes in three comprehensive sections. Complete with full instructions, illustrations, photographs, designs, tips and advice, her guide features ideas for using grids, folding, pleating, motifs and stencils (plus other techniques) to create beautiful designs. It includes due recipes and useful advice on which fabrics to use. We believe it is a wonderful handbook for beginners and experienced textile artists alike. * Reloved *Shibori is a resist dye technique often associated with indigo. In its most basic form, stitches and/or pleats are applied to cloth before dyeing to create undyed, neutral marks or areas of pattern. Jane Callender, as Jenny Balfour-Paul explains in her foreward, is one of the few British shibori practitioners whose work can be considered a match to the foremost Japanese artists and in this book, the author brings to bear more than three decades of expert knowledge in this ancient craft. Callender wastes no time delving into every aspect of creating patterns using stitch resist. She begins with a brief introduction to shibori, before explaining the basics of preparation, tying knots, pulling threads and simple stitch arrangements. In pages 22-122 she explains all the key stitch-resist techniques needed – how various lengths, directions and rhythms of hand and machine stitch produce different marks. When combined with folds, pleats, binding, capping, wrapping, appliqué or multiple layers, the possibilities are endless. A second chapter reveals how to create intricate patterns. Finally she provides tuition and recipes for natural and synthetic indigo dyeing, as well as natural dyes and throughout, the instructions are explained clearly with helpful diagrams and photographs. Jane Callender has condensed a lifetime of practical expertise to create what can be best described as the shibori’s artist’s ‘best friend’, packed with both traditional and inventive stitch-resist techniques, designs and inspiration, including examples of her own work. Readers of this book will not be disappointed – both beginners and experienced makers will benefit from this guide, which at this price provides incredible value for a reference book you will return to again and again. * Embroidery Magazine *This is a lovely book, with a new technique I haven't tried before. I must admit I am more of a knitter and crocheter than stithcer, but the running stitch technique is easy to master, and the effects are amazing! What interested me most about the book was the section on natural dyeing (with yarn in mind!), and I found the step by step instructions really interesting and easy to follow. I have already ordered some indigo and alum, and intend to go foraging for some other natural products to continue this experiment! I honestly don't know how much shibori stitching I can see in my future, but I can see this book being pored over with regards to the fantastic dye section -- Natasha Field * Customer Review *At its simplest, shibori is the art of folding and pleating fabric, so distorting it before immersion in the dyebath. But it is so much more than that and eminent artist Jane Callender, who has devoted her working life to the art of shibori and indigo dyeing, presents, what will surely become, without doubt, a reference work for future generations of devotees of the craft. The book is divided into three sections – technique, pattern and dyeing, each meticulously explored with both lavish photography and highly detailed diagrams and explanations. A huge range of different stitch techniques are illustrated, used to create a myriad of specific designs and effects, together with the recipes for indigo and fibre-reactive dyes. This is an invaluable and inspiring resource book for both the beginner and the more experienced – highly recommended. * East Kent Embroiderers Guild *A beautifully presented book, with lots of information on the history of Shibori.Lovely projects, though not for the complete beginner to embroidery. The techniques are very clearly explained and illustrated , with step by step instruction,Definately a book i will use and reuse multiple times -- Jane Johnson * Customer Review *At first glance I thought this was going to be a little too technical and difficult for a beginner but I was so wrong. There is a section on the fascinating history of the craft, lots of different stitches to try and also details on how to make your own dye recipes. You are guided through each step with diagrams and photos which makes it very easy to follow. Its a very comprehensive book on this subject and I would recommend it to an enthusiastic beginner right through to the more accomplished crafter. -- Karen Painter * Customer Review *March 17 Master the art of Japanese stitch-resist dyeing through both traditional and more innovative techniques of stitching and staining fabric. This book guides you through the process starting with detailed explainations of how to create patterns with stitches and offering helpful photos of each finished effect. It contains all the information you need to get started, while its inspiring content ensures that it will remain a fruitful resource as you become an experiened textile artist. * Sew *A very technical book, which is also very informative. I would recommend it to students genuinely interested in Shibori and dyeing techniques. There is lots of imagery to inspire and whet the appetite. Written in a somewhat prescriptive manner which helps students to learn the techniques precisely and leaving room for further exploration. As always, excellent photography by Paul Bricknell adds value. Jane Callender brings her many years experience with this technique to bear in a way that will enable much learning to take place, for students of little or no experience and also for those in the know! I love the recipe charts, these make it all much easier to digest. -- Valerie Hughes * Customer Review *This book is a very informative & inspiring guide to the Japanese art of Shibori. It is well illustrated both with photos & diagrams. The results are stunning but the book guides you through the processes so that you feel good results are achievable even for a beginner. Shibori does not need a lot of specialist equipment & I think anyone with an interest in textiles would find this a very useful addition to their bookshelf -- Nicola Urmenyi * Customer Review *Although on first look the book looks very complicated however after reading the book the instructions are very clear and precise with handy little tips -- Jennifer Brain * Customer Review *Very informative book with lots of photos to guide you through this embroidery craft, I'm looking forward to trying this out for the first time! -- Donna Hall * Customer Review *Very comprehensive book on many aspects of this craft. At first look the book seemed quite complicated but once I started reading about this fascinating craft I now can't wait to get started. There are chapters on the history of Shibori. Plenty on the different types of stitching and dye patterns and a lovely section about natural dyes and how to recipes for them I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in this craft or anyone looking for a different craft to try -- Sharon Raglan * Customer Review *Table of ContentsWhat is shibori? 6 About this book 8 Shibori tradition 10 Stitch-resist techniques 14 Fabric preparation 15 The stitch-resist process 18 Stitching on a single layer 18 Mokume shibori 20 Blocks and stripes 24 Creating simple pattern 26 Double needles 31 Stitching with binding and capping 32 Capping 34 Oversewing 35 Oversewn shapes 37 Introducing the fold 39 Curves on the fold 40 One fold seam 43 Double fold 44 Shapes on the fold 46 Motif development 48 The versatile grid 55 The stitch grid 58 Folding on the grid 62 Two for the effort of one 65 Machined resist folds 66 Machined resists: dots, stripes and shapes 72 Machined resists using concertina folds 75 Wrapped pattern 82 Itajime shibori 86 Binding and capping to a core 92 Capping with plastic 94 Cores and reserved grounds 95 Chikuwa shibori 98 Dip-dyeing 100 Applying indigo with a pipette 103 Shirokage shibori 104 Appliqué shibori 108 Hotaru shibori 113 Degumming 116 Knots 118 Buffers 120 Pulling up 122 Creating pattern 124 Pattern in form 125 Traditional karamatsu 126 Takewaku 128 Traditional linked flower 130 Hemp leaf pattern 133 Planning pattern 136 Composite design for pattern 140 Dyes 142 Dipping into magical water: indigo 143 Natural chemical vat 144 Synthetic indigo vat 145 Natural organic vats 146 Indigo dyeing procedure 148 Indigo vat considerations 149 Indigo recipe charts 150 Other useful recipes 151 Indigo dyeing tips 152 Natural dyes 153 Iron rust 158 Cold water fibre-reactive dyes 161 Shibori equipment 166 Health and safety 168 Glossary 169 Gallery 170 Index 175 Biography 176

Read more less

Book SynopsisGet your crochet off to a flying start with 8 simple projects and multiple techniques to master. A must-have guide for those new to crochet stitches, techniques and projects, or those wanting a recap. In this complete course, crochet expert Claire Montgomerie covers all the basics from selecting the right tools and materials to holding your hook, making those crucial first stitches, fastening off, and reading a pattern. Clear step-by-step photographs and a handy fold-out flap with crochet abbreviations make it accessible for all, whether you are hooking your first stitch or revisiting the basics. Claire's approachable and friendly guidance is complemented by a delightful array of modern projects that will leave you inspired. As you build your skills, you'll be amazed at the progress you make while creating 8 stunning designs, each one teaching and reinforcing a new technique- from increasing and decreasing to changing color and joining seams. Choose from a diverse range of projects that will captivate your imagination:Craft eco-friendly washcloths and makeup pads, perfect for pampering yourself or gifting to loved ones or knit a ribbed beanie with a whimsical pompom, keeping you cozy and stylish in colder months. Or even unlesh your creativity and crochet a lovable cuddly toy that will bring joy to children and adults alike. Once you've gained confidence in your crochet skills, it's time to have some fun! Explore a world of eye-catching yarns and vibrant hooks as you embark on inspiring projects that showcase your newfound expertise. Start stitching today and unlock a world of endless possibilities.Trade ReviewIf 2024 is the year you plan to get started on crochet, or you'd like to inspire a friend to take up this craft, Claire Montgomerie's brilliant new guide for beginners provides a complete short course. Claire is an experienced textiles designer, author and teacher and provides friendly, expert guidance throughout, using clear step-by-step photography. [...] This well-crafted, useful and inspiring book is perfect for those looking to refresh their crochet skills or learn ones from scratch, with projects that are gorgeous to make and use. -- Inside Crochet * Issue 165 *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Tools and materials 8 Getting started 16 Techniques and projects 34 Washcloths 40 Make-up Pads 56 Scarf 64 Beanie 74 Chevron Blanket 82 Mesh Bag 88 Flowers 98 Granny Square coasters, Blanket and Pillow 108 Teddy 120 Moving on 125 Index 128

Read more less

Book Synopsis A guide to finding, researching and using historical textiles in your stitched work, to bring layers of meaning and a rich sense of emotional connection through place and time. Renowned textile artist and tutor Hannah Lamb frequently uses and is inspired by old fabrics in her work, from age-worn cotton and linen sheets to delicate lace collars, vintage patchwork to snippets of colourful printed silk. In this book she explores many creative ways to incorporate historical textiles into your own work, from first conception and initial research to the finished piece. Chapters cover: Unfolding: how to track down historical textiles in shops, markets, antiques fairs, museum collections and online, or in your own family scrap bag, and how to conduct thorough and meaningful research into them. Connecting: how to design and plan your work with historical textiles, starting with mood boards and sketchbooks and progressing to practical creative experimentation, including old-fashioned techniques such as the prick and pounce' method of pattern transfer, popular in Tudor times. Making: the practicalities of using old and fragile materials in your work, and how to combine them with newer fabrics to make cohesive and beautiful pieces that tell powerful stories. This chapter also explores alternative ideas, such as digital printing, that allow you to import the fabric's essence but leave the original piece intact. Gathering: this chapter considers examples of contemporary artworks that respond to textile heritage and place, and studies how we tell histories and whose perspective we tell them from. This thoughtful, imaginative book is illustrated with inspirational examples of the author's own work and that of other textile artists from around the world, and provides a valuable introduction to working with historical textiles to enhance your own pieces of textile art.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn exploration of fashion designer Gaby Aghion’s life, career, and legacy at the French fashion house Chloé

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe vivid scenes on the Bayeux Tapestry depict the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Hicks shows us this world and the miracle of the tapestry's making: the stitches, dyes and strange details in the margins.Trade ReviewHick's enchantment with the tapestry is compelling, and her style confident and writerly -- Kate Colquhoun * Daily Telegraph *Hicks tells her fascinating tale with the deftest of touches -- Helen Castor * Guardian *I was bowled over... it is a book full of page-turning vignettes -- Simon Young * Sunday Telegraph *A fittingly meticulous tribute to the world's fiddliest masterpiece -- Ned Denny * Daily Mail *Well written, well documented, quite often serious but not too grave, allergic to over -imaginative fantasy but not immune to romantic pull of those colourful worsted threads on plain linen. Carola Hicks's book weaves its own spell -- Peter Mandler * Times Literary Supplement *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA celebration of art traditionally devalued as too domestic or feminine to be taken seriously and the innovative, brilliant artists reclaiming the idea of ‘women’s work’. Table of ContentsGee’s Bend Quilters Maria Martinez Elsa Schiaparelli Anni Albers Lucie Rie Lenore Tawney Dorothea Tanning Louise Bourgeois Rut Bryk Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian Miriam Schapiro Yayoi Kusama Faith Ringgold Magdalena Abakanowicz Olga de Amaral Sheila Hicks Eva Hesse Marva Lee Pitchford-Jolly Judy Chicago Judith Scott Annette Messager Isabelle de Borchgrave Dindga McCannon Cecilia Vicuña Mrinalini Mukherjee Polly Apfelbaum Sarah Lucas Yin Xiuzhen Simone Leigh Billie Zangewa Otobong Nkanga Alexandra Kehayoglou Sarah Zapata Tschabalala Self Hannah Hill More artists to explore Bibliography Index Picture credits Acknowledgements

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis classic book has been the go-to embroidery reference work since it was first published in 1934, owing to its clear instructions and huge library of stitches. It includes full illustrated instructions for over 400 embroidery stitches, ranging from simple border and outline stitches, to filling stitches, canvas stitches and pulled fabric stitches. Scattered throughout are dozens of inspirational embroideries to show the stitches in use. This detailed guide is ideal for those starting out with needlework as well as more accomplished embroiderers looking for inspiration for different stitches and techniques. This new, redesigned edition includes the internationally renowned embroiderer Jan Eaton’s revisions to the original text, and includes a preface by famed embroiderer Mary Corbet.Trade ReviewI loved this little book from the minute I opened to the first page. From the introduction to all your sewing needs to simplicity of the cross stitch, from the filling stitches to the cut and drawn - a fabulous introduction and detailed explanation of how to achieve. For those starting out with needlework I think this book would serve as a wonderful guide and to those more accomplished a nice reminder. My daughter is studying for a degree in product design and textiles a subject she has no real familiarity with but using this as a guide she has wowed her tutor with an amazingly diverse sampler far more complex than was expected so 10/10 for beginners. Now where's my hoop...? -- Samantha Bolter * Customer review *A beautifully produced book with lovely illustrations and clear instructions, and nice to have stitches sorted into categories. A very useful book for any embroiderer. -- Wendy Harvey * Customer review *I love the detailed information about all the different stitches. So easy to follow and learn. Certainly worth the price to broaden my embroidery skills. Highly recommended. -- Sue Mary Moore * Customer review *This is a beautiful book with lots of photos and illustrations clearly showing the stitches. I really like the presentation and colours used and feel inspired to start my first embroidery project! -- Christy Chapman * Customer review *The new edition of Mary Thomas's classic stitch reference library; the first and last word in embroidery. This classic reference book has achieved near-legendary status since it was first published in 1934, owing to its clear instructions and huge library of stitches. It includes fully illustrated instructions for over 400 embroidery stitches, ranging from simple border and outline stitches, to filling stitches, canvas stitches and pulled fabric stitches. Scattered throughout are dozens of inspirational embroideries to show the stitches in action. Ideal for both those starting out with needlework and those more accomplished embroiderers who need inspiration for different stitches and techniques, this new, redesigned edition includes the internationally-renowned embroiderer Jan Eaton's revisions to the original text, and includes a preface by famed embroiderer Mary Corbet. * Stitch Magazine, Feb/March 2019 *This is a book that fulfils every need for embroiderers. It includes stitch techniques, both written and visual, which makes it a brilliant teaching guide for beginners as well as acting as a reminder for those more advanced. Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches was first published in 1934, and Jan Eaton has revised and updated it perfectly. It is fabulous that Search Press has republished this book, as it gives us the opportunity to learn from a classic embroiderer such as Mary Thomas as well as gaining more modern skills from Jan Eaton. I love the abundance of colour, beads and decorative stitches that fill the pages. It is both artistic and inspirational. -- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *This is a revised and updated (by Jan Eaton) edition of the classic guide, originally published in 1934. Mary’s book was the original embroidery dictionary, the one that inspired the many to follow. How does it stand up today? Like every book that is deservedly called a “classic” it stands up very well. There are over 400 stitches in here, all with clear, easy to follow diagrams and in many cases, photographs of a worked sample. Each stitch also has a short description which contains information about its origin if known, use, tips for working and anything else of note. Stitches are grouped according to their use in a design, so there are chapters for isolated stitches, borders, outlines, various types of fillings, different types of stitch for canvas, pulled fabric, cut-work and more. This is how I always look for stitches when I am designing a project so appreciate this way of organising. At the beginning there is a very short section showing types of thread and fabric available for hand embroidery plus a few tips for beginners. At the back is an index, and throughout the book quite a few examples of finished work. It does not matter what level embroiderer you are, a book like this is invaluable and I wouldn’t be without a stitch dictionary. I have quite a few, but this is probably the best and also inspired most of the others. Recommended for anybody who wants to learn (or is already adept at) embroidery. -- Rachel Hyde * myshelf.com *This is a must have book whether you are new to embroidery or an experienced embroidery. It has dedicated chapters on types of Stitches: filling Stitches, pulled thread Stitches etc. Many stitches will be familiar to an embroiderer but alongside that this book is filled with little known Stitches with excellent illustrations and instructions opening up new possibilities for creativity. Beside each stitch is the type of thread and fabric to use for the best results and in some cases offer alternative suggestions. Simple easy to follow diagrams for each stitch. Images are clear and a good size. Alternative names for Stitches are also included. This is much more than a stitch dictionary it is also full of interesting snippets about the Stitches. Beautiful practical and a joy to read. * Embroiderers Guild *Even if you own a stitch guide, this clearly illustrated dictionary is a welcome addition, either as a foundation for the novice or as a handy reference for the experienced embroiderer. * Embroidery, The Textile Art Magazine (March/April 2019) *Any stitcher, whether beginner or advanced, can confidently consult this book assured of its accurate and comprehensive content and it will surely be the future classic; a must-have that every embroiderer should own. * East Kent Embroiderers’ Guild *A must have for all new embroiderers. * SEW Region Magazine (December 2019) *Review of previous edition (1934) The very best book on embroidery stitches I have ever seen. -- Jennifer * Daily Mirror *Review of previous edition (1934) A perpetual joy to possess, to study, and to treasure. * Woman's Magazine *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Outline Stitches 10 Border Stitches 24 Composite Band Stitches 52 Isolated Stitches 66 Open Filling Stitches 80 Solid Filling Stitches 96 Detached Filling Stitches 108 Straight and Slanted Canvas Stitches 118 Crossed Canvas Stitches 132 Composite Canvas Stitches 150 Insertion Stitches 164 Edging Stitches 170 Cut and Drawn Stitches 178 Pulled Fabric Stitches 186 Index 208

Read more less

Book Synopsis Join Stuart Hillard as he expands his expertise from quilt-making to bag-making. Not just a sewing book, Bags for Life teaches you the diversity of bags that you can create once you have learnt the basics. With projects for all levels of crafter, you can work your way up from the simpler tote bag to various, more complicated, projects – such as a toiletry bag or overnight bag With 21 stylish projects for every occasion Stuart provides achievable patterns, fast makes for all abilities and professional looking results. Delving into the anatomy of the bag, take a visual tour of the various parts of different bags, before moving onto the specific details of pockets, zips, piping, binding, straps and handles and even metalwork. Divided into 5 chapters, there is much to choose from – whether you want to make re-usable shopping bags or a crafters bag that holds your yarn, there is something for every crafter out there. Chapters include:A Trip to the Market: trolley bags to shop and go; simple drawstring produce bags; expanding market tote; and a wallet.A Day at the Beach: Convertible tote 'n' towel; splash proof sling and book bag; and multi-purpose hobo perfect for carrying food, blankets and even baby essentials.A Picnic by the Lake: Picnic bag with insulated interior; bottle carrier; and drawstring games and play mat.A Meeting in the City: The ultimate workbag with room for a laptop or tables; the overnight attaché; and a don't shoot the messenger bag, an everyday essential.A Weekend in the Country: The ultimate weekend bag with plenty of pockets; an absolute essentials roll-up pouch; and a multi-pocketed zippered toiletry bag.A Great Afternoon In (for every crafter!): Knitting bag to store your current project in style; a sewing machine bag; a project pouch; and a drawstring project bag. With 2 pattern sheets, step-by-step illustrations and lifestyle photography, there really is nothing stopping you from creating a whole host of homemade bags in a fun and sustainable way.Trade Review‘Stuart provides achievable patterns, fast makes for all abilities and professional looking results’ -- Craft Focus'Impressive' -- Simply Sewing

Read more less

Book SynopsisMartina Mondadori is the founder and editor of limited-edition design magazine Cabana. She grew up in Milan, where her father was chairman of one of Italy's biggest publishing houses. After an early career in publishing and luxury branding, she launched Cabana in 2014 to great acclaim. She lives in Milan. Aerin Lauder is the style and image director for Estee Lauder Companies and founder of the global luxury lifestyle brand Aerin, which develops curated collections in the worlds of beauty, fashion accessories, and home decor.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe transformative power of contemporary textiles is the subject of this exhibition catalog that examines how and why textile has been a fertile medium for artists to question regimes of power and hierarchies of value.Bringing together more than 100 works by a diverse range of international practitioners, this eye-opening volume explores how textile art can be as discomforting as it is beautiful, and how age-old materials and processes are being reimagined with boundary-smashing innovations. From intimate hand-crafted works to large-scale sculptural installations, this book celebrates the legacies of artists such as Pacita Abad, the arpilleristas, and José Leonilson. Also featured here are works by living artists such as Igshaan Adams, Tracey Emin, and Cecilia Vicuña.Featuring new essays by Julia Bryan-Wilson, Miguel A. Lopez and Denise Ferriera da Silva, and texts by Michelle Adler, Diego Chocano, Wells Fray-Smith, Lotte Johnson and Amanda Pinatih, this

Read more less

Book SynopsisReading the Thread brings together artists, theorists and designers to explore the nature and use of cloth as a means of record and communication. Cloth is constructed from threads and, in acknowledging its qualities of recording or communicating a story, we are reading the threads the read thread. There is also, however, an East Asian myth that when you are born you are linked by an invisible red thread to your soul mate; no matter what you do, this red thread connects you to your fate and, although the thread may become tangled or infinitely long, it will never break. Exploring histories of making and cultural practices, a multidisciplinary team of international scholars use the metaphorical thread to link the experiences of cloth production, lineage practices, contemporary challenges and sustainable futures, and to explore, through imagery and ideas, the agency of cloth to shape and communicate the sensations and emotions connected with human experience.Divided into f

Read more less

Book SynopsisCreate your own one-of-a-kind kicks with painting, drawing, stenciling, and marbleizing techniques from celebrated sneaker customizer Xavier Kickz (aka Xavier Crews).*Winner of the 2023 Silver Foreword INDIE Book Award*In Art of Custom Sneakers, Xavier shares his innovative ideas and techniques for prepping, designing, and finishing custom sneakers for everyone.The book begins with the basics—including tools and materials, workspace setup, prep, finishing, and design planning—then moves on to dozens of incredible customizing projects. Whatever your level of artistic experience, Xavier’s in-depth, step-by-step instructions ensure your success as you start making your own custom kicks. Twenty-eight QR codes to supplemental video instruction offer additional step-by-step guidance.As you go, gather inspiration from amazing custom sneakers throughout history.Start with any cleaTrade Review"[Xavier Kickz] encourages readers by telling them that they don’t have to be an artist or student of the craft to create a pair of sneakers or two (or several); all one needs is the desire and willingness to learn and to practice different techniques. ... A sure hit." * Library Journal STARRED Review *"[A] vibrant debut...The creative designs wow, especially the “cut paper collage” made by gluing on cutout comic book panels, as well as the marbled effect achieved by dipping shoes in a mixture of leather dye and shaving cream." * Publishers Weekly *Table of ContentsIntroduction SNEAKERS IN HISTORY: Definitive Moments in Sneaker Style Q&A: Xavier’s Frequently Answered Questions Workspace, Materials, and Tools: Workspace, Materials Prep and Finishing Basics: Laces, Surface Cleaning, Taping, Finishing Planning Your Design: Designing, Practicing Your Brushwork and Pen Work 1 Customizing with Paint Sprinkle Drip Kicks Cartoon Kicks Tiger Stripes Dragon Kicks Painted Plaid Freestyle High-Tops Toothpick Painting 2 Paint Pen Color Paint Pen Camo Fine-Line Quickie Paint Pen Doodling Paint Pen on Dark Color SNEAKERS IN CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: Sneakers, Sports, and Getting That Look 3 Crazy Color Shaving Cream Color Sharpie Tie-Dye Cool Color Drip Hydro-Dipped Marbelizing Galactic Splatter 4 Airbrush and Stencil Airbrushing Basics Airbrushing Black Leather Mix It Up Handmade Stencil Hot Stuff Color Waves Team Spirit 5 Paper, Cloth, Glitter, and Shine Fabrication Transformation Bedazzled Flash Brushed-on Glitter Cut-Paper Collage SNEAKERS IN POP CULTURE: A Timeline of Kicks in Music and Movies About Xavier Acknowledgments Index

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisBeginner's guide featuring exclusive modern macram projects.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWho gets pockets, and why?It's a subject that stirs up plenty of passion: Why do men's clothes have so many pockets and women's so few? And why are the pockets on women's clothes often too small to fit phones, if they even open at all? In her captivating book, Hannah Carlson, a lecturer in dress history at the Rhode Island School of Design, reveals the issues of gender politics, security, sexuality, power, and privilege tucked inside our pockets.Throughout the medieval era in Europe, the purse was an almost universal dress feature. But when tailors stitched the first pockets into men's trousers five hundred years ago, it ignited controversy and introduced a range of social issues that we continue to wrestle with today, from concealed pistols to gender inequality. See: #GiveMePocketsOrGiveMeDeath.Filled with incredible images, this microhistory of the humble pocket uncovers what pockets tell us about ourselves: How is it that putting your hands in your pockets can be seen as a sign of laziness, arrogance, confidence, or perversion? Walt Whitman's author photograph, hand in pocket, for Leaves of Grass seemed like an affront to middle-class respectability. When W.E.B. Du Bois posed for a portrait, his pocketed hands signalled defiant coolness.And what else might be hiding in the history of our pockets? (There's a reason that the contents of Abraham Lincoln's pockets are the most popular exhibit at the Library of Congress.) Thinking about the future, Carlson asks whether we will still want pockets when our clothes contain "smart" textiles that incorporate our IDs and credit cards.Pockets is for the legions of people obsessed with pockets and their absence, and for anyone interested in how our clothes influence the way we navigate the world.Trade Review“Who knew the humble pocket could hold so much history? In this enthralling and always surprising account, Hannah Carlson turns the pocket inside out and out tumble pocket watches, coins, pistols, and a riveting centuries-long social and political history.” —Jill Lepore, author of These Truths: A History of the United State“Who knew the humble pocket could hold so much history? In this enthralling and always surprising account, Hannah Carlson turns the pocket inside out and out tumble pocket watches, coins, pistols, and a riveting centuries-long social and political history.” —Jill Lepore, author of These Truths: A History of the United StatesIn her nifty “Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close,” Hannah Carlson unbuttons the politics behind who gets to hide their belongings, and where.—New York Times Book Review“If you’re a man, you might wonder why someone would write an entire book about pockets…if you’re a woman, the story of Pockets pretty much illuminates all of human history. Either way, once you pick up Pockets, you’ll never forget its weird and wonderful lessons of power and possession.” —Faith Salie, contributor to CBS News Sunday Morning and regular panelist on NPR’s Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!“Rarely is such a feat of scholarship also such a delight. Carlson’s comprehensive history is among the best fashion books I’ve ever read. This deceptively simple premise contains surprising stories of the ways that politics, law, and technology manifest themselves in the clothes we wear. But the best part is that this book is full of so much assorted delightful useful miscellany—just like the pocket itself.” —Avery Trufelman, host and creator of “Articles of Interest” podcast"Delightfully wide-ranging."—The New Yorker“Delightfully wide-ranging... Carlson’s winning book depicts the range and relevance of the pocket, which can be a metaphor for abundance or perversion, possession or secrecy—and a way of managing the efficiencies of life.”—The New Yorker“From feminine codes of secrecy to the fascinating culture of smart textiles, Carlson’s book is that rare thing: an exhaustive social history that’s also un-put-downable. Pockets reminds us that what we hold close says everything about who we are, what we value, and why it matters.” —Jessica Helfand, Design Observer“Pockets is absolutely fascinating and beautifully written.” —Dr. Valerie Steele, director and chief curator, The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology“Fascinating. Drawing from literary and artistic sources; media commentary; behavioral studies; and object histories, Carlson offers an enlightening and engaging account of the sexual politics underlying the uneven use of pockets in the design of men’s and women’s dress.”——Andrew Bolton, the Wendy Yu Curator in Charge, The Costume Institute, The Metropolitan Museum of Art“Witty, wise, and totally mind-bending, this deeply researched, beautifully written book not only recovers the hidden history of pockets, but also reveals the ways those familiar but often ignored pouches reflected (and sometimes reshaped) cultural understandings of objects and the persons that carry them.” —Bruce J. Schulman, William E. Huntington Professor of History, Boston University, and author of Making the American Century“Carlson’s fascinating book—a historical who, what, where, why and when with the pocket as its central character—is as delightfully gripping as a spy novel.”—Linda O’Keeffe, author Shoes: A Celebration of Pumps, Sandals, Slippers More“Stuffed with illuminating illustrations and fresh insights, Pockets will make you reconsider an overlooked but indispensable manifestation of our designed lives. Carlson keeps ferreting out discoveries we didn’t even know we were looking for." —Rob Walker, The Art of Noticing“Sweeping gracefully over half a millennium of Western culture... Carlson’s study showcases the best features of cultural history… As sumptuously illustrated as it is learned… this highly inventive and original book demands a pocket sequel.”—Wall Street Journal"Fascinating insight as to how something as simple as a pocket can influence culture, gender, and society as a whole. Full color images and photos are abundant throughout the text, wonderfully illustrating that which is being discussed. Perfect for readers interested in history and textiles as well as culture, sociology, and gender."—Booklist"An entertaining, slightly academic look at how attitudes toward pockets have changed over the course of the past several centuries... juicy anecdotes."—Minneapolis Star-Tribune"Carlson’s detailed and roving examination of the pocket, a substantial and fascinating book filled with lavish color illustrations, is definitely worth a read — even if it likely won’t fit in anyone’s, well, you know."—Washington Independent Review of BooksNamed a Best/Most Recommended Book by The New Yorker and Publishers Weekly"Fascinating first book… richly illustrated… This erudite, enjoyable book about pockets delivers."—Library Journal“[A] colorful look at an everyday piece of fashion that has been routinely underappreciated but never deeply explored.”—Inc., "The 15 Best Business Books of 2023"

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book explains the fundamentals of printed textile design, from design brief through to the completed collection, and introduces the basics of color, drawing, composition, and repeat with a series of step-by-step exercises and examples.Printed Textile Design helps to demystify the design process and provides an invaluable guide to the study and practice of textile design.The book includes case studies of designers working in both the fashion and interiors sectors. It covers hand and traditional print techniques and the latest digital print technologies, with specially commissioned photographs of the processes. All aspects of textile design are covered, from sustainability to manufacturing and marketing the finished product.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA charming and witty history of the quirky - but surprisingly widespread - craft of embroidering kneeler cushions. The perfect gift book this Christmas, for those who love kneelers and those who don't!'A lovely look at a not-quite-vanishing craft that lies, literally, below our knees ... Inventive and interesting' The Oldie, 'Best Reads for All Ages This Christmas''A treasure of a collection' Amber Butchart, of BBC's The Great British Sewing Bee'I think I may already have discovered the best non fiction book of 2023' Reverend Richard Coles, author of A Murder Before EvensongKneelers is a celebration of the most widely practised - but often overlooked - folk art in England and Wales over the past ninety years: the design and craft of church kneelers. Featuring charming stories and enchanting designs from churches across the country, the book traces the history of kneelers; from their spectacular beginnings at Winchester in the 1930s to their booming popularity after Queen Elizabeth II's coronation and the present-day congregations who are keeping the tradition alive.In their range and diversity, the kneelers collected here form a fascinating social record of the concerns and interests that occupied their makers - including local fauna and flora, cricket, dragons, post-war tributes and the thrills of high-speed travel.Filled to the brim with beautiful full-colour images, Kneelers displays the quirky artistry and widely varied (and often surprising) motifs which have characterised church kneelers in the twentieth century. It rejoices in the personal stories of some of the people who have practised and advanced the art form, and is a wonderful commemoration of what happens when communities come together to celebrate their history and their environment.'A glorious and delightful salute' Tracy Chevalier, author of A Single Thread'This book is a Godsend!' Alan Titchmarsh, author of The Gardener's AlmanacTrade Review'I think I may already have discovered the best non fiction book of 2023' * Reverend Richard Coles, author of A Murder Before Evensong *'A glorious and delightful salute to some of the UK's most neglected folk art and its makers' * Tracy Chevalier, author of A Single Thread *'For anyone who has been grateful for a kneeler, and found solace in them during a challenging sermon, this book is a Godsend!' * Alan Titchmarsh, author of The Gardener's Almanac *'A treasure of a collection' * Amber Butchart, of BBC's The Great British Sewing Bee *Gives praise at last to an overlooked form of British folk art * Sunday Times *

Read more less

Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED in The Creative Book Awards 2024.A creative and beautiful book packed with inspiring ideas to help you capture likenesses and explore personalities in stitch, from a well-loved textile artist. Anne Kelly's evocative and nostalgic work often incorporates portraits – of friends, family, historical figures and even pets. Within these pages she shares her approach to textile portraiture, bringing in a wealth of different embroidery techniques, including hand and machine embroidery, quilting and appliqué, to render in cloth the nuances of facial expressions and the personalities of her subjects. The book covers: • Selfies at Home: making the perfect self-portrait in cloth. • Representation and Culture: how portraits have been used in textile art for cultural expression around the world. • Stylized Imagery: going beyond the traditional portrait into abstraction. • Place and Time: creating a sense of place with portraiture, sometimes incorporating photographs. • Narratives: how to create a fuller story using deeply personal ephemera and related imagery. • Pet Projects: immortalising your pets in your textile work. Beautifully illustrated with stunning examples of her own work and that of intriguing textile artists who specialise in portraiture from around the world, this is the ideal book for embroiderers and textile artists who want to introduce this often tricky subject area into their work.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis glorious book is a modern guide to weaving, an ancient craft that is reaching new heights of popularity, from acclaimed contemporary weaver and textile artist Rachna Garodia. It contains a wealth of practical advice and tons of inspiration for every aspect of this endlessly adaptable craft, from gathering materials to making and exhibiting ambitious woven masterpieces, bringing in a wide selection of mixed media. Meditative and calming, a session at the loom is a great way to relax, and create something beautiful in the process. And you don’t need expensive equipment: you can start your weaving journey on a small wooden frame or even a piece of cardboard, and it’s now easy to book time on larger looms outside the home. The book includes: • Setting up and using your loom, from the simplest small frames to sophisticated table and floor looms. • Design and planning: taking inspiration from the natural world, sketching, photographing, making moodboards and exploring colour. • Gathering materials: from natural straw, grass, flowers, feathers, bark and seedpods to more traditional yarns and threads and even paper and photographs. • Personalising your work by incorporating well-loved old fabrics and precious sentimental items. • Unusual techniques: weaving with photographs or directly onto handmade paper, three-dimensional sculptural weaving, non-loom techniques such as looping and netting. • Gorgeously illustrated with work from the author and other artists from around the world, this book is an engaging and beautiful introduction to weaving for established textile artists or those coming to the craft for the first time.Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Woodland Walk 8 River Walk 28 Walk Through the Seasons 50 Daily Commute 70 A Walk Down Memory Lane 88 Walk With a Poem in Your Heart 106 Weaving Basics 122 Resources 126 Acknowledgements 127 Index 128

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review“One of the strengths is the inclusion of academic theory, briefly outlined, to explain how developments with fashion occurred…a useful reference, perhaps something of a fashion history primer.”—Dr. Benjamin Linley Wild, The Journal of Dress History

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less