Books on Sunday

Would you like to own a book that you keep coming back to again and again? One that has so much depth and good solid content that you could spend months and years working through the activities and exercises that are offered?
Then Joen Wolfrom's Adventures in Design is the book for you!  The three sections are titled Setting the Visual Stage: Eight Ingredients for Great Designs, Creating the Visual Dance:A Blueprint for Superb Designs and Designing Spectacular Quilts. Each section explains important design elements and has detailed explanations as well as exercises to do. One of the most important parts of this book is the photographs used to illustrate each point that Joen makes are explained thoroughly for the reader to understand the design. For example: "Reflections is a lovely example of an impressionistic scene. Impressionism, which is a genre that is part of the representational design style, offers visual suggestions rather than clarity. Most shapes are recognizable in this design yet some are left to our imagination. This allows us a certain amount of visual interpretation." I really appreciate explanations such as this, its like guide taking me gently through the art gallery.

Another interesting point is that the book contains visual references for both the traditional and the contemporary quilter, so would be suitable for every style and technique that a quilter would use.
If you are interested in understanding your work and wanting more and better designs, then run out to buy this book!
ISBN9781571208606
Joen's website: http://joenwolfrom.com/

Books On Sunday

Last weekend I was teaching at the Minnesota Quilt show in Duluth, MN. When I teach I rarely have time for anything else, but I did sneak a few minutes to see the wonderful quilts on display. I usually don't shop for much at the vendors but I was on the lookout for the latest Quilt National 2013 book. I was thrilled to find it and spend much of my plane ride home looking through and admiring all the stunning work by 85 different artists.

In my dreams I would love to be accepted to this show, I think many would agree that it is the ultimate show for contemporary and innovative quilts in North America. The book showcases a wide range of styles, themes, sizes and techniques and gives voice to many of the voices and visions of quilt artists working today.
If you would like to see the winners of the exhibition check them out here: http://www.dairybarn.org/quilt/index.php?section=226&page=382
And if you'd like to order the book, go here: http://dragonthreads.com/books/quilt_national_13.htm
I think I'm going to work on an entry for next year!

Books on Sunday

Mixed Media Master Class
with Sherrill Kahn

A few years ago I was fortunate to take a workshop with Sherrill and was amazed at her joy, enthusiasm, talent and willingness to share all she knows about the techniques that she taught us. This book is a compilation of many of the those techniques, plus much more.
The step by step guide with extra large photos allows the reader to see exactly what Sherrill is teaching and what results can be expected. I found that the pages are not cluttered with unnecessary colour, the photos are clear and easy to follow. I think any beginner, and those much more advanced, would find this book to be an excellent addition for their library.
Topics include:

• Chalk Pastels and Matte Medium
• Glazing with Paint Washes
• Inkjet Images
• Printmaking
• Silkscreens
• Inktense Monoprints

Plus much more! You can visit Sherrill's website at: http://impressmenow.com/ and see her YouTube video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VeRZ5UAwFo
ISBN: 978-1-60705-423-8
Published by C&T Publications http://www.ctpub.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=2838

Books on Sunday

My friend Marny is my "go to" gal for any book related to fibre, stitch, quilting and surface design. Marny never ceases to amaze me with her special "finds" and coffee break at her house is always a treat!
Last week, among a few other books, Marny showed me Janet Edmonds latest book From Print to Stitch and what a wonderful book it is. The author begins with basic tools and supplies, then shows how one can choose a theme to work with and play with developing that theme into  a wide variety of designs  and patterns. This is a critical stage that is often overlooked by North American books.

Next, time is spent showing how to use a variety of different printmaking techniques such as monoprinting, blockprinting and collagraph.
Finally we are introduced to combining these techniques with hand and machine embroidery/stitching to create unique and beautiful art pieces.
I would definitely give this book "two thumbs up"!
ISBN978-1-84448-459-1

Books On Sunday

Machine Stitch - Perspectives

Alice Kettle
Jane McKeating

Machine Stitch is an essential read and reference for any textile student, practising embroiderer, designer or artist. Written by a team of the most important and influential names in the field it explores the creative potential of stitch through the use of a variety of machines, both old and new.

Chapters ware written by contributing authors and include such titles as Drawingn and the Chimera of Embroidery, Stitched Words, Surface Sensibilities and An Eye of the Future. There is an excellent glossary of terms used and a section on recommended further reading.

 

 

Machine Stitch is not a how-to book, it is an introduction into the influence and change that was brought into textiles with the advent of industrialization and mechanization when machines could speed up production of stitched textiles.

Consider this book if you are keen on history and examining or studying more thoroughly. One bt on the fly leaf says "This book is the definitive record of the vast number of machines from the traditional Irish Embroidery machines to the latest generation of computerized sewing machines and features a rich and fascinating record of the machines themselves and the samples and artwork that were produced on them."

ISBN 978-0713688689

Books on Sunday

Sew Wild - Creating with Stitch and Mixed Media by Alisa Burke

If I'm looking for any book that uses, explains, or explores any manner of stitch, quilting, embellishment or art I know that my friend Marny will have it! I borrowed this book for a weekend, read through it and also watched the accompanying DVD.

I think this book will appeal to those who want quick and easy techniques to produce pieces that can be stitched or embellished into projects. The authors approach is called "freestyle" and "unconventional", in my way of thinking, it's just messy without any consideration for design, layout or art elements. I have reservations with the tendency these days that "more is better" and that if one keeps slapping stuff together and then stitch it to death,  the piece is successful.

The authors use of colour is joyful and exuberant, the projects that are provided are quirky and fun, I particularly liked the the Rosette Pillow and the Bucket Hat. Cute and a different approach to dimensional work. The accompanying DVD is well done, I enjoyed the section on over painting ugly fabrics and think it might be a fun project for a rainy afternoon.

 

While I understand the authors wish to be frugal, I firmly believe its important to use paint and other products designed for fabrics. I also have issues with leaving out thorough safety instructions for using bleach and other chemicals that require special equipment, particularly if the book is to be used by beginners. You may be tempted to buy Sew Wild but I think there are better books available.

Books on Sunday

I've been rambling through my book shelves again to see what can inspire me for the coming year. I  like to stack a bunch of possibilities beside a comfy chair and then browse through them with a cup of tea. At this gloomy time of year, its the best way to spend an afternoon!
I pulled out Surfaces for Stitch: Plastics, Films and Fabric by Gwen Hedley  and had a good browse through the pages. The author is a well known embroiderer and tutor who teaches and exhibits in both the UK and overseas (I wonder if she's planning a visit to Canada anytime soon?) 

I appreciate the authors approach to "what if" (my two favourite words!) such as:

• paint it, then stitch again
• cut it up and reassemble it
• combine it with other materials
• work it in a different scale
• layer it with other pieces

to create unique designs that are truly ones one!

The author suggests a variety of different surfaces such as Tyvek, pliable plastics, stencil film, puff paints and more that can combine with paints, powders, stitch and fabrics, building up layers of texture, colour, pattern and design. The instructions are clear and the photographs are a visual feast. Several projects are offered to familiarize oneself with the materials, book covers, boxes, brooches and pins. Its always helpful to have suggestions on how these techniques can be used.

A good buy and excellent reference! Amazon doesn't carry it anymore but it is available from several re-sellers at reasonable cost. ISBN 1-889682-18-7



                

Books on Sunday

Following along with my Books on Sunday theme of colour, I pulled The Painted Quilt by Laura and Linda Kemshall from my book shelf. The Kemshalls are known for the online courses at Design Matters and a popular sereis of instructional DVD's.

The Painted Quilt is a blend of practical instruction and expert guidance to help the reader explore their creativity do design and produce unique painted quilts with confidence. We often think the quilting part to be a the last layer that we add to our work. Consider instead that colour and texture can be combined with paints, pens, pastels, dyes and more to produce intricate effects on the surface. these ideas give us much to think and experiment with.....
ISBN9870715324509

Books on Sunday

About 5 years ago I was fortunate to take part in a two year textile design programme with Ruth Issett at the Gail Harker Creative Studies Centre. I was in the last group that Ruth taught and for me it was a life changing experience. Ruth is the author of a number of books, mostly focused on colour and fabric. This book, Glorious Papers, is more about techniques for applying colour to paper. I'm not sure why, but Batsford Books, the publisher, always manages to put out books that are so rich in colour and photographs, that they truly become a visual feast!

The book begins with "Paper, Materials and Equipment" and then explores chapters such as "Painting Papers", "Resists and Inks", Texture Gels", and "Metallic Effects" The final section focuses on what one can do with all the papers that are created..... collage, cutting, layering and more.
If you like using colour (who doesn't) and want to explore all that you can do with paint and paper, then this book is for you.
ISBN9780713486698

Books on Sunday

Since I've been working on soy wax resists lately and choosing designs I would like to use on my fabrics, I pulled out a favourite title to look through.
1000 Patterns - Design through the Centuries edited by Drusilla Cole has been in my library for a few years and has proven to be an excellent reference book.

Divided into two sections of pre-industrial and post-industrial, the book is then further divided into geographical regions such as Caspian, Japan, Celtic and such for the pre-industrial whereas the post-industrial section is divided by time periods and style.
Image content ranges from textiles, ceramic tiles and other decorative surfaces, every colour and combination imaginable is shown and further enhanced by historical and ethnographic explanations.
I would recommend this book for any serious designer or artist interested in pattern design.
ISBN 9780811839792

Books on Sunday

Once again delving into my library, I found my copy of The Surface Designers Handbook by Holly Brackman. I bought my copy several years ago in Houston and remember reading the entire book on a very long flight back home. I couldn't wait to begin exploring some of the 'new to me' techniques that Holly very carefully introduced and explained.

 

 

The author has written 16 chapters exploring virtually every dyeing, printing, and fabric painting method that most surface designers are likely to come across. She also spends the first two chapters discussing safe studio practices, fabrics, fibers and dyes. There are excellent appendices including a dye worksheet for tracking steps in ones projects, calculating stock solutions and color mixing as well as weights, measures and water temperatures, important factors in achieving and repeating good results.

I would recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about surface design. It is also a good companion to Art Cloth by Jane Dunnewold, another must have in my library.

ISBN9781931499903

 

Books on Sunday - Creative Quilts

Creative Quilts - Inspiration, Texture & Stitch by Sandra Meech

This is another book I pull off the shelf and have a good read through. Sandra shows how to take inspiration from a variety of sources and keep the creative muse going through the use of journals and sketchbooks. There is instruction on using a variety of surface design and mixed media techniques to add colour, texture and excitment to our work.
Exercises and lessons through the book help develop confidence andpictures of the work of other artists inpire and encourage.
ISBN 9780713490060

Books on Sunday - Drawn to Stitch

Drawn to Stitch
line, drawing and mark-making in textile art by Gwen Hedley

I pulled this book off the shelf for some summer reading and was once again inspired by the excellent format of lessons, images, drawings and personal experiences that the author shares with her readers.

"line is an essential component of all textile and surface art. When used effectively, line and mark making convey texture, tone form movement and mood"

As quilters and artists,  we use line in piecing, applique, quilting and more. It's important to know and understand how we can interpret different line qualities. this book will certainly help any of us with our creative work. I keep this book nearby when I want to consider and mull over my design ideas.
ISBN 078-1-59668-233-7

Books on Sunday - Printing by Hand

When holiday and birthday shopping comes around and my family asks for suggestions, I often pick a book that I've seen promoted or advertised but might not buy for myself. So last year I received Printing by Hand - A Modern Guide to Printing with Handmade Stamps, Stencils and Silk Screens by Lena Corwin.
The book takes a light approach to a number of techniques and guides the reader through good instructions and excellent pictures. I admit its a nice bit of eye candy with interesting textile designs but didnt really grab my interest as I'm used to more meat in my books. But this book would suit someone just begining to play with textile paints and definitley someone who liked creating home decor items such as cushions and table cloths.
What I really appreciated with this book was having a spiral binding that laid flat when the book was open, I wish all my books did that!!!

ISBN 9781584796725

Lena does a cute blog titled "wee textiles", worth checking out: http://weetextile.lenacorwin.com/

Books on Sunday - Fearless Design for Every Quilter

Newspapers and magazines are full of book reviews for the summer, with suggestions on what to pack for the beach or the cottage. I admit I have my share of fiction (I love a good sci-fi thriller) but I often go back to my bookshelf and pull out a couple of older books to have a second or third read through.
I pulled out Fearless Design for Every Quilter by Lorraine Torrence and spent some time reviewing the ten chapters or exercises that focus on Design Principles and Elements and then Design Sources and Inspiration. Lorraine worked with a critique group that met and worked through the exercises, showing their work and adding comments on their thoughts and processes along the way.
I think this book would be an excellent addition for a critique group to use, in fact, Lorraine gives tips on setting up your own group. A good book to add to your summer reading!

ISBN 9781571205766

Visit Lorraines website at: http://www.lorrainetorrence.com/ to see more of her books and patterns.

Books on Sunday

Creative Quilts from your Crayon Box

by Terrie Linn Kygar

Have you got a box of crayons in the drawer somewhere? Put them to use colouring petals, leaves, birds and butterflies and using them in your quilts!

This excellent book shows how to use a great technique where wax crayons are melted onto an applique pressing sheets and then applied and blended into the fabric.  Additional colours can be applied to create shading and details such as leaf veins and flower centre are are added with coloured markers.

There are seven projects for floral wall hangings that feature a variety of styles and themes. A four page Quilt Gallery gives additional inspiration to create you own Crayon Box Quilts.

You can also see this technique as a video here
You can order this book from Martingale or your local quilt shop. You'll love the possibilities when you open your box of crayons!

Books on Sunday

I belong to a couple of online groups and have met Robbi through those. She has a wonderful sense of fun and humour that definitely entertains and enlightens us. I love her art work for her use of colour and design and think this book is sure to be a hit with any quilter.

A funny thing happened on the way to the quilt show. . . .

So the story invariably goes, because, where Robbi Joy Eklow (a.k.a. The Goddess of the Last Minute) goes, something funny is bound to happen--or simply to occur to her. As colorful and surprising as the quilts Robbi is famous for, the stories and reflections gathered here create an irresistible picture of an irrepressible character quilting and quipping her way through life. Filled with the kind of gems that have made her Quilting Arts Magazine column so popular, this book includes Robbi’s musings on creativity and color, as well as on the trials and tribulations that every quilter faces. The Goddess of the Last Minute invites readers to take a wry look at those trials--and, with Robbi’s wit and insight, turn them into the sort of crazy quilt that warms and brightens daily life. The story of how she became a Goddess, anecdotes of life on the road, encounters with fellow quilters: these and other often hilarious tales of a not-quite-charmed life make this quilter’s compendium a delightful patchwork to contemplate, and to treasure.
ISBN 978-0760334294

Books on Sunday

There are just a few books that I would say no quilter, artist or designer should be without and today's book is one of them.
These books (they're actually a series) are an essential part of my library and they have become my go-to resource for design inspiration on many occasions. 4000 Flower & Plant Motifs is full of beautifully rendered drawings (black only) of every possible plant and flower, both real and imaginary. The books is divided into sections such as Art Deco or Primitive and designs are copyright free.
Truly, I suggest that you really must own this books, and all the rest in the series! They are available from most booksellers and online through Amazon.com

Here's the blurb:

With more than 5000 floral and plant motifs to choose from, this resource is a perfect source of inspiration for all kinds of creative workers-graphic designers, stitchers, woodworkers, ceramists, or tattooists. Artist Graham McCallum's hand-drawn designs include many historical styles, border motifs, and simple and elaborate plant compositions. All are available on an accompanying CD.

ISBN 978-1906388928

 

Books on Sunday

I know that normally I review books that have to do with quilting and fibre arts but I couldn't resist telling you about one of my Chrismtas gifts!
I can claim to be an avid gardener who doesn't spend nearly enoguh time doing what she loves in the veggie and flower beds, but this year I have made plans to change all that! I've resolved to spend at least 3 hours a week this winter, cleaning up the beds, pruning  trees and generally getting it all ready for spring....there, you've heard me say that, be sure to keep me on track!

Who doesn't love to eat fruits and vegetables fresh from the garden and here in Victoria we are fortunate to be able to garden pretty much year round, so I'm excited to be using The Zero-Mile Diet book as inspiration for growing more food and eating healthier. You may be familiar with the 100 Mile Diet that has helped to change the way we feel about food and where it comes from, now The Zero-Mile Diet is an excellent source for teaching us how simple changes can make us healthier!
And I figure that since my husband gave me the book, he'll be wanting to join me in the garden and help with the complete redesign that I'm planning!
Important Tip! I know there are hundreds of quilting blogs....did you know there are also hundreds of gardening blogs too? I'm off to visit some right now................

Books on Sunday

I just received the "Create with Transfer Artist Paper" by Lesley Riley and read through it with a cup of hot chocolate this morning. I had taken a class with Lesley at Quilt Market last spring and was thrilled with her information and expertise on this topic.
The book has probably all the information there is to know about TAP and walks the reader through several different projects. I can see application possibilities for TAP and I'm planning on using it in my Fonts and Fabric class at Quilt Festival in Houston this fall.
I'd definitely rate this book at a buy for artist interested in mixed media and adding another level of knowledge to their skill set.

Here`s a sample of some pieces I made in Lesley`s class. Have fun with your TAP.