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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Crazy Patchwork [Illustrated] [Paperback] Review

The clear straight forward instructions are easy to follow. The side bars detail many tips and suggestions. You almost feel as though a instructor is in the room with you.
She has added a new twist to an old quilting technique and encourages you to do the same.
I have been intrigued by crazy quilts for a while. This is the third book I've purchased about crazy quilting and the first one that has motivated me to start a project

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Product Description:
Want a unique, personalized, and creative way to commemorate births, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, and more? Create a basic foundation-pieced block by machine with fabrics representing any one of the 12 monthsgemstones and flowers, then embellish it by hand with style your style, the style of those you love, or the style of the recipient. How much embellishment? Let s count the ways! In addition to using many different fabrics, Crazy Patchwork encourages the use of laces, buttons, beads, charms, trinkets, jewelry, and more to make one-of-a-kind quilts everyone will adore. The sky s the limit on the versatility of this easy-to-make crazy patchwork quilt project. Want something different? Follow the directions to make a pillow, mantle scarf, or block suitable for framing and gifting. Alice Wilhoit has taught quiltmaking for 20 years, and was inspired to write this book for her favorite students beginners to give them a personalized start in creating their own works of art. The mother of seven grown children and grandmother to six, she lives with her husband, Bill, in McKinney, Texas.

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Holiday Wrappings: Quilts to Welcome the Season (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

Christmas 2008 is sneaking right up on us.If you need an idea for a gift for the season, this is a good book to have.It jumps right into the projects of which there are six.

A photo of the project, a skill level and the finished size start the directions.A paragraph about the project is next, followed by a materials and cutting list.These are written clearly.Making the quilt is the next set of directions and contains graphics to help you understand the written directions.Templates are provided but need to be enlarged.Finishing directions complete the pattern.

Tips are found throughout the book in a box with a red and white striped top.Beginner and Intermediate are the skill levels for the projects so you don't need to be a 20 year veteran to make any of these.The projects range from a card holder, to a Tree Skirt to a quilt.Each author has a good sized paragraph about how she got where she is.

Grab this book now and you will have wonderful presents to gives when the Season arrives.

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Product Description:
From gleaming stars to candy-jar sweets, cozy mittens to holiday blooms, add sparkle to your holiday decorating with these versatile quilts.

*Six projects include wall hangings, lap quilts, table toppers, and more.

*Learn how to turn the Starlight Table Topper into a tree skirt or a Christmas wreath wall hanging

*Find tips on adapting each project to other holidays, seasons, and special events

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More Fabulous Flowers: Mini-quilts in Dimensional Applique (That Patchwork Place) [Paperback] Review

This book will keep you busy for many, many days/nights to come.The flowers are fabulous to look at but at the same time they are very time consuming.

The book begins with an introduction to what dimensional flowers are all about, followed by a tools and supplies section to show you what you will need to create them.A 3-page basic quilting section is next and a 9-page section covers how to make the different flowers.

There are 20 projects that include flowers made from Prairie Points, made by ruching and made by strip-piecing.Each pattern shows a color photo of the finished project along with the finished size.A short paragraph about the project begins the pattern instructions.A materials list, making the quilt top, making the flowers and finishing the quilt are the sections that make up the whole pattern.There are some graphics to help explain the written instructions and full sized templates if needed.

There is a 3-page gallery of quilts made with these flowers and a page on where to find the resources.The final page is a two-paragraph bio about the author.If you are into detail, this is the right book for you.

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Product Description:
Find 20 all-new flower designs in this follow-up to the popular Fabulous Flowers, and watch your quilting bloom. With simple folding and stitching, you ll be growing gorgeous dimensional flowers in no time.

*Learn to make rosebuds, water lilies, marigolds, larkspurs, and more

*Personalize your flowers with beads, buttons, novelty yarns, and trims

*Make unique floral arrangements by combining different flower designs; the gallery will inspire your creativity

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