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Textile Art


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Textile Art
By various
Published by: Apple Press
ISBN: 9781845430474
Price: £14.99
Reviewed by Helen Williams

The book is divided into 2 parts, each fronted by an Artists Gallery featuring examples of garments, quilts and other items made using the techniques covered within that section.

Part 1, Texture and Depth, includes manipulating fabrics, felt making and how to achieve textured and quilted effects. Part 2, Colour and Design, covers the use of fibre reactive dyes, fabric paints, appliqué, machine embroidery and a range of different methods for decorating the surface of fabric.

Some of the items featured in the gallery, especially the garments, are perhaps a little flamboyant and so maybe not to everyone’s taste, but don’t let this prevent you looking further into this excellent book. It’s real strength is the huge range of different techniques it covers and the beautifully clear way in which these are presented.

Each technique is introduced with comprehensive information about materials, preparation, relevant tips and health and safety precautions. The important part – the “how to” of each technique – is clearly explained, with easy to follow large, colourful photographs and concise written instructions providing a step-by-step guide to each part of the process.

One thing which would benefit from revision is the list of suppliers at the end of the book as this, and some of the brand names mentioned in the text, are clearly for the USA market. Although this is only a minor irritant it would be helpful to have UK suppliers and possibly details of equivalent brand names included in any future reprints.

A good buy for complete beginners and more experienced textile artists alike, this book does exactly what it says on the cover, providing a “practical and inspirational guide to manipulating, colouring and embellishing fabrics.”

Editors note: If you do try any of the projects in this book and are in need of a UK supplier then don’t forget to consult The Textile Directory!