"From Print To Stitch" by Janet Edmonds

 This is a cross post from my book blog. If you want to read the full review have a look there.

All photos are double clickable for a larger image

 

"From Print To Stitch" by Janet Edmonds, published by Search Press - is one of those books that you know you will be returning to time and time again. If you love cloth and love to print and stitch (as the title says) then this is a book that should be in your library.

Ms. Edmonds previously published book was called was called "Beginners Guide to Embroidered Boxes" and now I am afraid that I have to get this one too - her work is so exciting.

The contents page of "From Print To Stitch" is a good introduction to fabulous techniques that lurk within the book's pages. She thoroughly covers materials and tools, how to develop a theme in your work and a short but very well done lesson on color and color theory. The next section is on printing and the topics include: block printing, lino cuts,  mono printing and how to make great impressions from found  objects. Naturally the next section is about stitching. Hand stitching and machine stitching. One of my favorite sections in this part of the book is her gallery of hand stitches. Lots of grist for the artistic mill in here.

The techniques for working with lino, sponges and a host of other easily found printing methods are thoroughly explained and photographed with step-by-step instructions. In this section of the book I am especially fond her use of collagraph prints and I am eager to give this a try. The author describes collagraph as "made from a block that is created from low tech collaged material". Can you spell play day?! This book is just chock full of really fun techniques that are bound to spark your creativity and give your many hours of fun - you may not look at plain cloth in the same way again. Yes. I am really enjoying this excellent book!

This book is one of those “must have” addition to your library if you are a textile enthusiast of any sort!

note:
this book was provided to me by the publisher strictly for the purpose of an honest review. No other remuneration was received

"Journal Junkies Worshop. Visual Ammunition For The Art Addict" by Eric M. Scott and David R. Modler

 I posted about this book on book blog but decided that it might be of interest to all of you who graciously read my blog here too.

I have kept written journals for more than 20 years, but at some point I realized that I wanted my journals to contain more images and color. I always had added copies of photographs to my journals - but I wanted to learn to make art in my books. Art that make me remember my feelings at the time more completely when I went back to review my journal books years later.

I have been doing visual/art journaling for several years now. Oddly enough I still keep a more private written journal but my visual albums are just as I had wanted them to be. I am still learning and growing though so I am always on  the lookout for new books about journals and art journaling. 

There  are so many wonderful techniques out there to learn! I learned about "The Journal Junkies Workbook" from a recommendation on Amazon - after all of the years that I have been using Amazon they have found some real winning titles that I have been glad to hear about from them.

I am a book sniffer and paper 'fondler'. If I am planning to use a book a lot I like to enjoy the feel of the paper, the scent of the paper and the typeface used in the book. This book utilizes a great quality paper with a smooth, semi-gloss finish. I have found that most titles published by North Light Books are really well produced. Great quality and very attractive.

 What I especially like about the techniques in this book is that they are, for the most part, simple techniques that are well executed and exceptionally well illustrated. A fast look at the Table Of Content
will give you a good idea about the scope of this book.  Check out the forward on page 7 written by Kathy Eldon - very moving. Most of the included techniques are pretty straight forward and not overly labor intensive - illustrating great ways to use generally easily available tools in inventive ways. I am truly enjoying this book and I think that you would like it too - if you have an interest in art, visual journals, art, journals, collage or mixed media design. 

Book Review: "A Is For Apron" by Nathalie Mornu

I LOVE aprons and wear them whenever I cook - or craft for that matter too.  Nathalie Mornu has a talent for writing wonderful, well illustrated books and this one is no exception. he book offers a wealth of information about aprons and is plentifully illustrated with photos of wonderful vintage and new aprons. All styles are included: full aprons, half aprons, smock aprons, gardening aprons,5o's-ish aprons that are more fashion than function, aprons for children, flirty aprons - just all kinds of wonderful, wearable aprons!

Included is an excellent instruction section in the front of the book that covers apron construction basics and includes sections such as: making cool bias tape, inserting Rickrack in seams, flouncing, making yo-yos (yes for an apron!),mitering corners, fused applique, transferring designs, hemming, basics on embroidery stitches. Aside from the photographs of vintage quilts there is also an interesting section called "Aprons -A Short and Lively History". I saw some vintage apron patterns that I would love to get my hands on!

Each of the 25 apron projects in the book are very well illustrated and contain complete, easy-to-follow, directions. The back of the book contains the templates for the aprons with measurements and cutting instructions.


If you love aprons like I do this book would be a very welcome addition to your library!

"Pretty Little Mini Quilts" by Ray Hemachandra, Larry Shea (Editor) and Lark Books

Please remember that all photos can be double clicked for a better view!

"Pretty Little Mini Quilts" is the latest Lark Book from the "Pretty Little..." line. These books are always little treasures that contain an eclectic assortment of whatever the "Little Book" is covering. The book itself is a comfortable to hold size of 8.24 inches X 8.25 inches (20.955cm X 20.955cm). The book's description "...more than two dozen talented designers create 31 mini quilts that look to the past as they rush forward to a fresh future...". An apt description since the books contains the best of traditional, what I like to call 'traditional with a twist, and whimsical art quilts. There really is something for everyone in this lovely little book!  None of these small art works is larger than 36 inches (91.4 cm) in length or height. 

The basics pages covers everything that you might need or want to know about how to create your own mini masterpiece. Covering what basic sewing tools you will require (measuring tape, scissors,pins, tailor's chalk, rotary cutter and mat etc etc. All types of quilting materials (cottons, linen, fleece felts, interfacings, fusible webs) are covered as is a really comprehensive section on quilting techniques that covers both machine and hand stitching and how to build a quilt; piecing, attaching borders, appliqueing, embroidering etc. A jam packed how to section that is condensed yet very thorough.

Each quilt pattern relates the things that are needed to make the quilt, the finished size, and detailed instructions for each step of the quilt journey!  This is a small book that packs a lot of enjoyment between its pages. You will find yourself returning to it often for a fresh idea or a new technique. I think it would make a welcome addition to any fiber, quilt and/or textile enthusiast!  It's available at Amazon or at your very important, local bookstore.

This is another in the 'Pretty Little" series. I've had this book for several years and love it ! 

I was so pleased and excited when I was offered the opportunity to review "Pretty Little Quilts" !

My friend Sarah Smith has this wonderful little quilt called the "Elusive Batiky Bird" in the book.

Here is an example of what a wonderful mini quilt made from a traditional pattern !

This fabulous portrait quilt is by Susan Lewis Storey

This one I consider tradition (applique) with a twist (the wonderful labyrinth)

Traditional paper piecing lends itself artfully to the making of a mini quilt!

Embroidery lends itself to one of my favorite whimsical little quilts in the book! 

It's by Aimee Ray

 

Disclosure Note:

This book was provided to me by the publisher for review purposes only - no other remuneration was received

500 Art Quilts: An Inspiring Collection of Contemporary Work. A Must Have For Any Textile Art Enthusiast!

 Front Cover

 Back Cover

500 Art Quilts is another delicious book published by one of my all time favorite art/craft publishing houses, Lark Books.  I had so hoped to be able to submit a piece for consideration for this book - but this year health issues kept me from being as aware of deadlines as I should have been and I lost the opportunity. I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to review this book because I knew that it was going to be a really important library addition.

For those of you who may not be aware of Lark books - their publications are always beautifully produced. They use high quality paper that even feels nice in your hand. I am a book sniffer and feeler and Lark books are always a pleasure to hold and page through. Perhaps one of the most important things is that Lark's photography is second to none in my opinion. Every Lark book that I have ever owned has been a keeper. Amazingly, for all of the high quality that goes into every Lark book they pricing is remarkable reasonable. No, I am not affiliated with Lark - other than having the opportunity to review this book - just a very happy book hoarder.

This 8 inch square (20.32 cm) 432 page book is filled with art - textile/quilt art - in all of it's myriad forms and fantastical colors. 346 quilt artists are represented in this book .The quilts were juried by the quilt world's own Karey Bresenhan, founder and President of Quilts,Inc. To note just a few of the artists that are included: Pamela Allen  -  Alice Beasley - Jane Burch Cochran  -  Judith Content  -  Chiaki Dosho  -  Noriko Endo  -  Caryl Bryer Fallert  -  Jamie Fingal  -  Linda Gass  -  Jenny Hearn  -  Judy Coates Perez  -  Yvonne Porcella  -  Susan Shie  -  Jen Swearington - Sarah Smith - Diana Bracey & Stacy Hurt.  The best of the best are included in this book that spans works from 1989 to 2008. The book includes a wide variety of topics;  portraits, landscapes, dream works, pictorial, abstracts, traditional with a twist and an even wider variety of techniques.

This book is simply a must have book for any textile art enthusiast. It's a book that you will return to again and again for inspiration and enjoyment. There are quilts that with energize you , quilts that will calm you, quilts that will make you think and quilts that will make you say "WoW"! Get this book - you won't be disappointed!

Sarah Ann Smith

Stacy Hurt

Left: Eileen Doughty & Right: Ludmila Aristova

Diana Bracy

Dottie Moore

Jane Sassaman

Left: Kent Williams & Right Top: Lonni Rossi  Right Bottom: Lucinda Carlstrom

Disclosure Note:
This book was provided to me by the publisher for review purposes only - no other remuneration was received

Book Review: " Quilt It With Wool" by Nathalie Mornu

Yesterday I reviewed this great new book on my book blog, but today I decided that some of my regular readers here might also be interested. I apologize for the redundancy if you are one of those cool people who actually follow both blogs - and I promise that new content is in the works!

My deep appreciation for the use of wool in quilts began long ago when I first saw a collection of Amish Quilts made of wool at the Whitney Museum in New York City. Wool, aside from being warm , wool is also a pleasure to work with - and it makes color sing.

I've been involved in the quilting world for many years now and I have wondered why quilting with  wool has not made a comeback. It seems like a perfect fit to me. Voila! This new book "Quilt It With Wool: Projects Stitched On Tartans, Tweeds, & Other Toasty Fabrics" by Nathalie Mornu (Published by Lark Books) is finally beckoning sewing enthusiasts and quilters back into the "make it from wool" fold. Things like penny rugs have made a significant reappearance in recent years and wools have become a prominent fixture at large quilt shows. Richly colored and patterned wools have, it seems, become more available. Wool is,perhaps, a bit more expensive than most quilting/sewing cottons - but colors are rendered so much richer in wool! This book offers a variety of projects that will not require a huge expenditure (you can even use re-purposed wool) but will whet your appetite for all things wool!

Ms. Mornu begins her book with a thorough and informative section about wool's history, wool types  and how to choose wool for the projects in the book. She also  reviews things like what the components of a quilt are; batting, non-wool fabrics & thread selection. A handy reference for putting together a basic sewing kit is included in the front of the book as are some suggested settings for using your sewing machine to work with wools.

The projects  range from a sumptuous gathered wool handbag, a beautifully stitched eyeglass case, a fun and quirky wooley bird mobile, wool earrings, an obi styled belt, an adorned wool capelet, a draft dodger (to keep the cold from under your doors out), stylish pillows, pencil holders (aka a container) to footstool covers. All in all this book contains 23 projects crafted from a variety of wools. The instructions are well thought out and richly illustrated. I was thrilled to see that wools are once again becoming a more mainstream selection for quilts and quilter projects. Start your own adventure and discover the pleasures of quilting and sewing with rich, colorful wools! Give this book a try - I highly recommend it !

Please note: The publisher and author kindly supplied me with a galley of this book for review purposes only. No other remuneration was received.

Stocking Up For The Season Of Eternal Gray

This is a stack of books that I have amassed recently through the magic of swapping with other book fixated cyber friends. I am stocking up as insurance policy against the season of eternal gray - sometimes called Fall & Winter where I live. Fog hangs heavily here almost every day & the sun quickly becomes  a curiosity. Each & every one of these books is one that I have wanted to read - and each has been on my personal wish list for some time. This will keep me reading for awhile don't you think!

Some of these books are fairly new like "Richard The III: The Maligned King" by Annette Carson while some, like "The Fatal Crown" by Ellen Jones are gems from the past that I was happy to locate. I am looking forward to reading them all - and reviewing them all here as well.  I have more on the way - including a selection of 'old' gold' calligraphy books.

Speaking of calligraphy --- my class through Creative Workshops in 'Italic Calligraphy - A Good Foundation" - Martha Lever, Instructor -  is going very well. It really is a foundational class that Martha offers & I  see - as if I had not already known it - that practice & determination are the keys to success in calligraphy. Although I don't have the time to take from my quilts& paints to become a dedicated calligrapher I do want to master Italic calligraphy & several variations on a theme so that I can use them in my quilts & journals. In only a week - and not a whole one at that I have managed to come some ways. This photo of my piled desk tells that story - oh - and I have finally found out why a slanted board is a very good & helpful thing. Thankfully, dear friend Lauren,  provided me with this board this summer. I am looking forward to 'decorating' it splotches of ink and paint all over it in the years to come!

"ThreadWork Unraveled" My Friend, Sarah Smith's Wonderful New Book

Last week, before she left for Houston, Sarah sent me a copy of of brand spanking new book. I am so proud of her! Sarah is one of those people that always manages to find the best way to get something done. I always knew that when she pursed her lips and sort of "chewed" on something she was in the middle of figuring out something that would be good! Sarah has managed to cram a lot of very valuable information into this book. Sarah has had a clear vision of where she wanted to get to from the moment I met her. She has inexhaustible energy and will and this book is really a dream come true - for her and for all of who need the information contained in the book!

Congratulations dear friend! Bravo!!

Have a look (double click) at this table of contents! Each one is a treasure trove of information!

This is one of those books that you will return to again and again.

Buy it!

You will not be disappointed if you do, but you might be disappointed if you don't !!

 

 

Book Review: " TransparencIy In Textiles"

I was very excited when I saw this title, "Transparency In Textiles" by Dawn Thorne, because that is what has recently fascinated me as I continue my experiments with the new Golden Digital Grounds. When I received the book it was not what I had thought it would be - although I must confess that I was not totally sure what I thought would be included in the book - probably more about transfers and photo imagery. Of course sometimes youo get something that, although not what you expected, is fabulous none-the-less.

 

Some of the techniques that Ms. Thorne demonstrates are things that we have all probably though about before, but there are also some really creative new angles that she introduces that make the book worth the price. Many techniques revolve around tools that most of use already have on hand if we are involved in "art textiles". Hopefully, having some photos from the book will peak your curiosity enough to give this refreshing look at creating transparency in textiles a try. For me, purchasing this book was another one of those moments when I realize I should not let my 'expectations' get in the way of appreciating new, creative ways to look at things!

I ordered my copy of this book from  from Joggles - one my favorite, most friendly,  purveyor all things creative and fun!

 

I am really enjoying some of the new changes to Blogger - makes navigation, uploading of photos, editing and writing a post much easier. Thanks Blogger!

"The White Queen" by Phillipa Gregory Finally Arrived At My Door

I have anticipated the release of this book for quite awhile. Yesterday it finally arrived on my doorstep & I read late into the night. Had I not needed to get up to go to work I would have read a lot longer I'm sure ! Thus far I have to say that the "hype" over this book is worth it - this is one good read. Best of all this is the first book of a new series called the "Cousin's War" which chronicles events of the War of The Roses -especially (in this book) about Elizabeth Woodville, King Edward IV oft defamed wife & mother of the "Princes In The Tower". Elizabeth was a descendant of The Frnch water goddess Melusine & rumors of witchcraft were always rife at Court on that account. This element would spice to any book!

I've always thoroughly enjoyed Phillipa Gregory's fabulous historical novels. Ms. Gregory's last series about the Tudors included such titles as "The Constant Princess", "The Other Boleyn Girl" (remember the great movie from this book?!), "The Boleyn Inheritance" &"The Other Queen" - plus there were two other books that completed this series. Ms. Gregory claims that a chance "taster" history class at the University of Sussex started her on the road to penning her lush, well researched books. The only thing that my history classes in college did were to strengthen my passion for both history (history minor) & reading about history - both fiction and non-fiction. I love to read books in a series because they allow you to really develop a good feel for the subjects & the time period. One of the things I enjoy doing when I am reading historical fiction is to research the true facts - people, places, dates - you get the idea. I like to see how far a writer goes to weave a tale around the truth. Ms Gregory generally writes fiction with a strong non-fiction base to which she adds just a pinch of plausible fiction to round out the story.

I have, in the past written about other favored authors; Vanora Bennett (I cannot wait for her next book!), Alison Weir (I love all of her books, both fiction and non-fiction), Susan Carroll (who I will be writing about very soon), Susan Higginbotham - and the list could, and no doubt will go on & on! I will be adding more book reviews - about historical fiction and more art/craft books soon.

Blogger is not allowing me to format the paragraphs for some odd reason today - so I must apologize for the disorderly appearance of this post.

For additional information about this book I have copied the info below directly from Amazon's website. Of course the book is easily available from Amazon or from you local independent bookseller - we really must support them too!

"...THE COUSINS' WAR
Book One

Philippa Gregory, "the queen of royal fiction,"*
presents the first of a new series set amid the
deadly feuds of England known as the
Wars of the Roses.

Brother turns on brother to win the ultimate prize, the throne of England, in this dazzling account of the wars of the Plantagenets. They are the claimants and kings who ruled England before the Tudors, and now Philippa Gregory brings them to life through the dramatic and intimate stories of the secret players: the indomitable women, starting with Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen.

The White Queen tells the story of a woman of extraordinary beauty and ambition who, catching the eye of the newly crowned boy king, marries him in secret and ascends to royalty. While Elizabeth rises to the demands of her exalted position and fights for the success of her family, her two sons become central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the missing princes in the Tower of London whose fate is still unknown. From her uniquely qualified perspective, Philippa Gregory explores this most famous unsolved mystery of English history, informed by impeccable research and framed by her inimitable storytelling skills.

With The White Queen, Philippa Gregory brings the artistry and intellect of a master writer and storyteller to a new era in history and begins what is sure to be another bestselling classic series from this beloved author...."

Catherine De Medici : Two Views: Two Books

I have always had a fascination for he Medici and Borgia Families. I never thought that much had been written about them - especially about the Medicis - until recently when I discovered "The Devil's Queen: A Novel of Catherine DeMedici by Jeanne Kalogridis from Amazon and then discovered another fabulous biography (non-fiction) book "Catherine DeMedici: Renaissance Queen Of France " by Leonie Frieda though a group I am in on GoodReads.

By all acounts, Catherine DeMedici was in fact a true Renaissance woman. Her interests led her to study astrology, along with mathematics & philosophy. The rumors have always been rampant that she practices the darker side of magical arts. This book accentuates her relationship with the magician Cosima Ruggieri - her alter ego in a way. A strange and serious relationship (platonic). Catherine lived ina world where young women were brought up reared in convents, then at a marriageable age of 12, these child brides are sent to be raised by their 'husband's family. Girls especially were little more than pawns, some were afforded the luxuries of an education and were married to extend their families poer base and prestige. Catherine was mother-in-law to Mary Queen of Scots and she was the architect of the very bloody massacre on St. Bartholomew's Day. Diane de Poitiers overshadowed Catherine in her marriage to the French King Henri and, although he lived with Diane De Poitiers all of his life, Catherine found herself to have fallen deeply in love with her husband.

I found Ms. Kalogridis' book to be exceedingly well researched & a delight to those of us who thoroughly enjoy a fast paced, well written, largely historically accurate book that depicts the life of this often villified Queen who was, most likely, a very unusual female stateswoman of her time who felt that the end can, generally, justify the means. This is not a flowery romantic book but is a highy readable, thoroughly engrossing read! Well done Ms. Kalogridis!

To balance the fictionalized version I decided that I also need to a non-fictionalized biography. I just began reading this book - found as an excellent , low priced option as a used copy on Amazon.

I can't say much about this book yet other than it is a well written biography that reads as lively and fast paced as a novel does. I often like to read a historical fiction piece about a person and then follow through and go back to read a non-fiction biography. For some reason I find that my memory retains more when hit with this sort of "double dose". In my opinion, these are both excellent books about a fascinating woman who may well have just been well ahead of time.