The Art of Manipulating Fabric [Paperback] Review

In the author's words, "this is a book of ideas about sewing cloth" but what it really is, is an awesome collection of information from a thousand different sources on the techniques sewers have used sincefabric was invented, to change the surface of an initially flat textile.Wolff brings little techniques of fabric manipulation from the backgroundto the spotlight by isolating each technique, cataloging its uniquefeatures, separating the technique from end product associations, andexploring the sculptural possibilities without regard to where applicationwill be. For any home or professional sewers who currently (orhypothetically) maintain folders of "pleating ideas,""interesting darts," or "photos of ruffles" get thisbook, and fast. Save yourself the chore of assimilating all the diagramsand photos and captions because Wolff has done it so thoroughly you willfind yourself engrossed just reading about the humble little fabric tuck.Granted, no technique by itself makes wearable art or couture clothing, butthese are the manipulations that make up the experimental stuff on therunways and in the exclusive boutiques. Learn what they do to a plaintextile and you're primed to exploit fabric, for whatever purposes yourlittle heart desires. Wolff's chapters cover: controlled crushing(gathering, shirring), supplementary fullness (making ruffles, makingflounces, making godets), systematic folding (pleating, smocking, tucking),filled reliefs (cording, quilting, stuffing), structured surfaces (darts),and mixed manipulations (combinations). If you're a collector of books ondyeing or embroidery or exquisite cut, you really owe it to yourself to addthis viewpoint to your library. Until the magical moment when I picked upthis volume at a fabric trade show, I had no idea someone had catalogued sofanatically the world of playing with fabric. Thank goodness she has, or Imight have attempted it. And as if a jam-packed reference guide isn't causeenough for celebration among fabric junkies, she's included a modestglossary, for clarity, a very helpful bibliography of books and articles,and a really thorough index that makes textbooks look carelessly written.This isn't just for garment-makers either; I can easily see applications inquilting, weaving, home decorating, wearable art, and costuming. Sewingmachine recommended for most of these techniques but they could all be doneby hand-sewers. I think it would most benefit the home sewer looking tospice up their wardrobe with more sophistication and interest in the fabrichandling, but could also be very useful to the professional, especially inthe design fields. After each time I pick up this book I find ideasbubbling to the surface on how to make my next fabric creation really pop.It's inspired several experiments and I see no end in sight.

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Product Description:
This volume demonstrates the techniques for the three-dimensional manipulation of fabric. It categorizes the techniques showing how they are related, giving examples of both modern and traditional variations. The techniques show how to reconstruct a flat piece of cloth using only a threaded needle.

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Garden-Inspired Quilts: Design Journals for 12 Quilt Projects [Paperback] Review

I anticipated receiving this book because I was drawn to the photo on the cover - a flower represented in half photo, half quilt. I expected the quilts inside to be replicas of nature.Instead there are one or two like this and the rest are not "garden-inspired" at all, as far as I can tell.The first quilt is a basic log cabin quilt.The second is a folk heart type quilt.I was really hoping for more artistic, realistic quilts.The photos are so lovely...I wish the quilts compared!

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Product Description:
Mother-and-daughter team Jean and Valori Wells share beautiful garden photography, quilt patterns, and creative inspiration with these 12 quilt projects and a pillow. Quilters' journals take you step by step through the process of turning photos, memories, and ideas into finished quilts. Readers will also see how to design their own garden-inspired quilts with Jean and Valori right by their side!

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Design Explorations for the Creative Qui: Easy-to-Follow Lessons for Dynamic Art Quilts [Paperback] Review

I take classes from Katie, buy all her books and her dvd, love her work and can tell you this book is the best yet.Chock full of detailed information on how she creates not one, but all methods of her art quilts.Katie takes you from the first step, how to find an idea, to the finished product in detailed explanations and pictures.She explains how to create different type ofart quilts from your own photos,paintings, or sketches.From start to finish she shows, in easyto follow photos, how to design and actually construct the quilt in several methods.A must have primer for the beginning quilter who is ready to branch out, as well as the experienced art quilter who wants to try different techniques.I highly recommend this book as a reference tool that will have you re-reading it over and over for techniques as well as inspiration.

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Product Description:
Bring out your inner artist-explore 10 approaches to designing art quilts. Techniques work for everyone, beginner or advanced.

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