Six Color World: Color, Cloth, Quilts and Wearables Review

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(More customer reviews)If all you were in the market for was an excellent resource book covering fabric surface design, the investment in this book would be more than worth your while, but the bonus found in Yvonne Porcella's "Six Color World" lies in her fabulous quilt and wearable patterns. Leafing through the pages of this instructional art textile book, one will find some of the most creative fabric surface design ideas in print. This book is a celebration of color and image design, and Yvonne is not afraid to explore every possible permutation of the color wheel in her foray into textile surface design. Basic Color Theory and History, Surface Design Technique, Dyeing and Painting Principles, and Image Transfer are thoroughly covered in the first third of Yvonne's well-written and informative text, followed by a sampling of general surface embellishment techniques. The book wraps up with Home Decor, Quilts, and Wearables, along with some very creative Banner ideas. Not for the rank beginner, but for those who are looking to expand their talents and skills in textile and fabric design, as well as venture into the fiber art world, this book promises some stimulating and challenging projects for the experienced quilter and textile designer. Another fabulous book by Yvonne Porcella!

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Shows how to paint and embellish fabrics, then turn them into one-of-a-kind quilts, clothing and home accessories. The book discusses cloths to work on; fabric paints, resists, and other supplies; brushstrokes; unexpected colour combinations; and methods for transferring images.

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The Dyer's Companion (The Companion Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)Any crafter who works with fibers and fabric and is interested in custom dye work will consider this little spiral-bound book an essential reference packing in everything from dyeing recipes to disposal advice and a color section of color-graduated yarn samples. The Dyer's Companion is no mere 'how to tye dye' craft book, but a serious fabric artist's guide to working with color in diverse materials.


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An essential reference for anyone who wants to dye fabric or yarns, this accessible guide offers indispensable information on equipment and supplies, types of dye, safety procedures, and record keeping. Step-by-step dye recipes that produce consistent and successful results are provided. Beginners will gain the confidence to add color to fiber while seasoned textile artisans will discover useful tips and hints. An eight-page color section with 100 skeins of yarn in a range of color gradations and an explanation of the fundamentals of color theory provide dyers with encouragement to explore their own dyeing variations.

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Transforming Fabric: Thirty Creative Ways to Paint, Dye and Pattern Cloth Review

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(More customer reviews)I have read many "how to books" that are advertisments for their
products or books bragging about their wonderful artwork but this book tells all! It is very easy to understand and tells
exactly how to get the results wanted. What a refreshing change!

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Early textile dyers signed oaths that they would not reveal any of the process. Fortunately, author Carolyn Dahl openly shares the secrets of dyeing, painting, and patterning beautiful cloth she has gleaned in art schools. This guide is the next best thing to having a master artist in the studio. Entertaining stories awaken memories of childhood colouring books, leaf prints, ironon designs and the tie-dyed T-shirts most of us experienced at some point in our lives. Readers will be inspired as they follow step-by-step photographs and instructions full of hints and secrets for using luminous colour to transform white cloth into artistic masterpieces. Connoisseurs of the decorative arts and those who are merely curious about the fabrics they wear and use in everyday life will find much to interest them.

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Fabric Dyeing For Beginners Review

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(More customer reviews)Fabric dyeing is one of those things that appeals to our primitive finger-painting urges. It's messy, colorful, and very satisfying. Vimala McClure's book for beginners, which grew originally from a popular magazine article, is just the ticket if you've been contemplating giving this a try. McClure approaches the somewhat daunting prospect of chemicals, rubber gloves, and stained sinks with enthusiasm, but also with practical sense. She knows that busy women need ways to fit these processes into their other responsibilities, and so breaks the processes up into small, manageable pieces that can be done over several days. Several different dyeing techniques are explored, including pickle-jar, fabric-fold, tie-dye, and stencil methods. The technical details are nicely balanced by photos of many styles of quilts that make us of hand-dyed fabrics.

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For the many people who love hand-dyed fabrics but think they are too difficult to make, Vimala McClure presents an easy to do technique that is convenient and gentle on the pocketbook. The author says, 'I use methods that are simple to understand and that can be broken down into steps to be completed on separate days.' Because her dyeing process is done in small batches, there is minimal mess to clean up. Worked in small jars or a plastic bin, luminous fabrics with exciting patterns can be made in a total of two to three hours. Using widely available dye products, which are listed in the resources section, the author provides dye recipes for mixing batches of 12 different colors or, for more variety, 24 colors. She shows how to make intriguing color mixtures, single-color gradations and multiple color gradations. With a cookbook approach and step by step photos, the author demonstrates tie dyeing, Shibori-like dyeing, fold dyeing, and overdyeing, each method illustrated with examples of wonderful fabric swatches and quilt blocks. She also describes how to make simple stencils for sponging or spraying to add pizzazz to any fabric.

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Cutting Garden Quilts: Fabulous Fusible Flowers (That Patchwork Place) Review

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(More customer reviews)I notice that fusible web is being used more and more to make quilts. CUTTING GARDEN QUILTS is no exception. This book makes beautiful flower quilts using fusible web. They are extremely detailed and use thread painting to detail the flowers even further.
Melinda describes her working area and I can only wish I had something similar. A 6' x 4" cutting table is a dream of mine, right down to the 15 drawers to keep things organized and the ability to raise and lower the sewing tables. She also describes what tools/supplies you will need She is very detailed about how to get from a photograph to a quilt with the descriptions of making an outline drawing, enlarging it and choosing colors for the fabric. She includes information on painting with thread to make your quilts pop.
There are five quilts in the book, complete with the outline drawings ready for you to enlarge. Each project has a descriptive paragraph about the quilt subject. Then there is a materials list, assembling instructions, thread detail instructions and how to finish the quilt. A fabric key is also given which shows which color fabric and how much of that fabric is needed.
These are quilts that will take you more than a weekend to complete but will be a beautiful wall hanging when done.


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Use a simple paint-by-number process to create these gorgeous floral-appliqué quilts! A quick layer-and-fuse technique, along with step-by-step color placement tips, will have you quilting your own cutting garden in no time. *Five how-to patterns feature a rose, pansies, clematis, coneflowers, and apples; a photo gallery provides even more inspiration *Easy fusible designs feature numbered color charts--they'll help you choose the perfect hues *Learn how to use machine quilting to "paint" with thread, adding extra dimension and detail to each project

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The Complete Photo Guide to Textile Art: *All You Need to Know to Alter and Embellish Fabric *The Essential Reference for Novice and Expert Fabric ... Instructions for More Than 40 Techniques Review

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(More customer reviews)Whether you are just starting on your journey with fabric art or are an experienced fabric artist seeking inspiration, this book is indispensable. Susan Stein has given us the perfect reference text for people who thrive on variety.
The book is divided into three sections: a brief introduction to color and fabric options, surface techniques, and texture (stitching, felting, weaving).
Each technique is lavishly illustrated and instructions are crystal clear. Necessary tools and materials are identified by brand -- much more useful than the often vague references to "fabric paint" or "foil." In addition, almost every technique is shown plain and simple, as well as in unusual ways. In fact, there is often a picture or project that suggests ways to use two or more techniques together.
Every few pages, there is a brief tip dealing with safety, experimenting, tools, or a suggestion to "try this." All of them make life simpler or more interesting.
Within hours of opening the book, I had made my first 9" square of chenille. And it found its way immediately into a small quilted panel, just exactly what I needed to add the correct texture to the piece. A few days later, I was reminded that fusible web could be painted -- a technique that gives a unique look to a fabric collage.
So: as the publisher says on the cover, this is indeed "the essential reference for novice and expert."

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Individuality is key in today's DIY trends. Whether creating fabric art, sewing clothes, making home décor items, or quilting, people are looking for ways to make their projects unique and self-expressive. Fabric choices have narrowed and it certainly is not cheaper to sew than buy ready to use items, so when someone wants to use fabric to make something, their reasons are very often for the pure creative enjoyment of the craft. This is their comprehensive, how-to reference book illustrating all aspects of fabric art and manipulation. Artist galleries are included for inspiration.

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Colour on Cloth: Create Stunning Effects with Dye on Fabric Review

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(More customer reviews)I began hand-dyeing fabrics for my quilting. I love the vibrant colors and have created many beautiful gradations. However, so far working with the information in my books and on-line classes I was left unable to truly predict my colors, and therefore unable to apply color theory. I bought this book hoping for that information. I got the book today, and have already read and re-read the sections that will help me in that area. I am so excited by the new information I have found here that I wrote this review now, because if her methods work as well as they appear that they will, I will be too busy dyeing to write reviews!!

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Unleash the power of color on your favorite fabrics with simple cold-water designs from the world's leading colorist, Ruth Issett. Ruth shows you how to defy color rules and experiment with techniques to get the very best out of any textile work. She'll inspire readers to try direct dyeing, layered dyeing, painting with dye, pattern dyeing, and folding techniques. While the book is aimed at all those involved in textiles-embroiderers, patchworkers, and textile decorators-it's also a helpful guide for students and teachers of design.

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Felt Fashion: Couture Projects from Garments to Accessories Review

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(More customer reviews)Felt Fashion by Jenne Giles is a beautifully illustrated book that every Felter will enjoy owning. It has easy to follow instructions which are very detailed. There are numerous projects from "up-cycled" clothing through the addition of felt; to more advanced techniques in garment making. This book covers a lot of ground, with something for everyone. Jenne combines innovative felting techniques with dye colors, fiber combinations, and patterns to make captivating felt fabric, from which she designs and constructs pieces that are truly wearable art. She captures the art and sophistication that is possible with handmade felt, while keeping it simple and attainable for anyone to master. Jenne shows us how to make a; collar, a necklace, or an entire dress, each project is irresistible and brings felting to an entirely new level. She shows several basic felting techniques, including basic wet felting, needle felting, Nuno, and punch needle felting. She also teaches methods for embellishing ready-to-wear items with fashionable felted accents. She provides patterns and instructions for original clothing designs including vests, jackets, dresses, and skirts. Felt Fashion is a standout from other felting books! I love the flower scarves and flowers from her book and I am going to try a few projects from this lovely inspiring book.
Jenne is a San Francisco-based artist whose work ranges from traditional fine arts and crafts to innovative performance and installation art. She received her B.A. Degree in Art and Art History from Rice University in 1997. After working professionally in the arts and trades she began her own business, Harlequin Feltworks, in 2007. Harlequin Feltworks is dedicated to creating unique pieces of wearable art combining painterly color, sculptural form, folk art and costume. Jenne's innovative work pushes felt to the cutting edge of fashion and design and is truly wearable art. She is self-taught in the art of felting and is very proud of this fact. Jenne sells her art on ETSY as well as the Artful Home, a shop I adore.

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Felting is an ancient craft that enjoys an endless variety of forms and uses. Felt Fashion captures the art and sophistication that is possible with handmade felt, while keeping it simple and attainable for anyone to master. Whether it's a collar or an entire dress, each project is irresistible and brings felting to an entirely new level. The author demonstrates several basic felting techniques including: basic wet felting, needle felting, nuno, and punch needle felt­ing. For the more advanced fiber artist and sewer, she provides patterns and instructions for original clothing designs including vests, jackets, and skirts. Felt Fashion is a standout from other felting books for its scope, originality, and its distinct ties to couture.

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Dyes & Paints: A Hands-On Guide to Coloring Fabric Review

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(More customer reviews)I didn't give this book 5 stars because it has one fault. It's price!! But save up and buy it because it has the most comprehensive information in one package. It gives even the beginner a flying start in the art of dyeing. lin Noble tells you about how to use resists and fiber-reactive dyes; how to marble and how to use direct application dyeing, immersion dyeing,and paints to use on textiles. She includes the recipies for each project and a lot of background information that build you knowledge not just "parroting" styles. Once you have read this book, you have the foundations to move beyond the basics and develope your own ideas. There are resources in the back for the people in the US but not much use for those of us from overseas.
Excellent and a must for any fabric artist's bookshelf

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Uniquely Felt Review

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(More customer reviews)With a growing number of felting books out there this is the book that you will continue to use long after you learn the basic technique! Chris White manages to give you all the basic history and technical "hows" and "whys" in a way that is easy to understand along with lots of fabulous color visuals. She then follows up with a variety of techniques (including nunofelting and cobweb felt!) and 46 projects. Every time I pick it up I find another bit of information either on types of wool or appropriate tools for specific projects or just words of advice from Chris's ample well of knowledge. A well rounded book presented in a very user friendly format! A winner, for certain.


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