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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Art of Manipulating Fabric [Paperback]

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.

Buy cheap The Art of Manipulating Fabric [Paperback] now Get 34% OFF

Simply Stunning Woven Quilts: 11 Easy Techniques, Great Results [Paperback] Review

This book is just stunning!I am dying to try some of the woven backgrounds for my next quilted wall hanging. I had ordered the book because it looked so interesting, then I was in my local quilt shop and saw a gorgeous quilt on the wall. When I asked about it I was told there was no pattern, it was an original design based on this book.And the quilter is 15!That gives me hope.My only tiny complaint is there isn't a good explanation on how to determine before you start cutting what the colors of the finished background will look like. This is likely more a failing on my part than the author's, as I'm not particularly good with color. I recommend this book to anyone looking for something different and creative.The author is truly an artist, and just looking through the pictures of her quilts make your fingers itch to start creating!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Simply Stunning Woven Quilts: 11 Easy Techniques, Great Results [Paperback]

Product Description:
Create dazzling quilts with fusible precut fabric strips and 11 amazingly easy weaving techniques. Cutting diagrams for 26 quilts.

Buy cheap Simply Stunning Woven Quilts: 11 Easy Techniques, Great Results [Paperback] now Get 34% OFF