Experimental Textiles

By Kim Thittichai
Published by Batsford
ISBN: 978 1 90638 847 8
Price: £19.99
Reviewed by Katie Powell

This lavishly illustrated book is Kim Thittichai’s interpretation of what she learnt through teaching her highly successful course, ‘Experimental Textiles’. The first part looks at how to record ideas and create original designs, before moving on to how designs and ideas can be developed. Subsequent chapters include choosing a subject, interpretation, working in 3D, scale and where to find inspiration. There’s even a section on colour. Throughout the book a good selection of experimental techniques are covered, including free-machine embroidery, printing, felting, image transfer and collage. Although a wonderful resource for inspiration, this book does not include instructions for the techniques featured.

The showcase of work by the best experimental textile artists working today is pure creative indulgence and provides a fabulous wealth of inspiration for textile enthusiasts of all skill levels. Artists featured include Wendy Dolan, Mary Drew, Ruth Isset, Angie Hughes and, of course, Kim Thittichai herself. The accompanying text for each piece of work featured gives an interesting insight into their inspiration and creation, as well as information about the artists themselves. Particularly interesting to those wishing to take their adventures in textiles further will be the very useful closing chapter about starting a textiles group and becoming a tutor.