The Complete Guide to Vintage Textiles [Paperback]

Elizabeth M. Kurella (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1999

This is the most comprehensive book for identifying, pricing, and collecting antique textiles. Never have fabrics, yarns, fibers, fashions, furnishings, laces, and more been treated so extensively. Features more than 475 photos and accurate prices, plus dealers, collectors, auction houses, and more.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This new guide to vintage textiles promises a lot--and it delivers. Kurella (Guide to Lace and Linen) has compiled a very basic, practical, and informative resource for appreciating, understanding, collecting, and recycling old textiles. Following a brief introduction, the book is divided into five sections, the largest of which focus on materials--fabrics (manipulations and embellishments), fibers, threads, and yarns--and things--vintage fashions, home furnishings, and fabrics of society. Other sections provide information on milestones of textile history, a guide to shows and sales, and a resource directory arranged by state. The text is easy to read and sprinkled with definitions, explanations, illustrations, diagrams, and charts. The one disappointment is that there are far too few color illustrations. Otherwise, this book is a welcome and affordable purchase for both public and academic libraries.
-Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State Univ. Lib., Johnson City
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications (August 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873416767
• ISBN-13: 978-0873416764
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #306,066 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Complete Guide to Vintage Textiles, October 26, 2000

By 

Deborah Abernethy (Atlanta, Georgia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Vintage Textiles (Paperback)

How can one 250 page book be so packed with information? Part I of the book is a concise guide to natural fibers, fabric construction, and fabric embellishments. Most of the topics in this section are 1-3 pages in length and are divided into "how to recognize", "features to note", and "where it is used". Part II is devoted to "Things" as in Vintage Fashion, Home Furnishings, and Fabrics of Society. There are 28 chapters on individual items such as aprons, bridal veils, paisley shawls, handkerchiefs, quilts, etc. Most are several pages in length and divided in "checklist" and "pieces and prices". While pricing information is accurate and detailed, information on identification and evaluation is extensive. I would give this book high ratings.

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great reference book for the novice collector/seller, April 28, 2000

By 

Tammy (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Vintage Textiles (Paperback)

This book was obviously written by an expert. Everypage contains close up photos of fabrics so you can really see the texture. Includes Terms, conditions, identification, some values, etc. of lace, quilts, clothes, flags, linens, hats, etc... Very extensive. This is great for ebay sellers who need help identifying and describing vintage textile stock. However, most of the photos are black and white so it is more educational than entertainment. All-in-all, a great book.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive guide, February 23, 2005

By 

D. D. Carlson "Silk Worm" (North Fork LI, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Vintage Textiles (Paperback)

This wonderful guide to vintage textiles was obviously written by someone with a vast knowledge of the subject. The numerous photos depict the textiles up close and personal with the majority being black and white. Overall, this guide is more suitable for general reference than pleasure, though without a doubt it is a joy to read. This is the perfect companion for flea market vendors or anyone buying or selling vintage textiles. Though I have many books on the subject, this is one book that I reach for time and again.