Customer Reviews

Deidre Scherer: Work in Fabric & Thread

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this book after seeing the author on HGTV's "Simply Quilts". Her work is unique and impressive. I was somewhat disappointed to find after purchasing this book that only a small amount of it involves instruction of how to do this technique. The book is 144 pages long, and one short chapter titled "Process" which is only about 5 pages long, is all that is dedicated to how these articles are put together. Even then it is not the typical, clear step by step examples that you might find in most instructional books, but rather a sometimes rambling personal narrative of how she puts the artworks together. For those wanting to know more about the artist, the book is valuable as an autobiography and has many samples of her work. But this can also be frustrating to have so many inspiring examples, and no instructions on how they can be made. I plan to read the book from cover to cover and re-read the Process chapter to see if I can understand or try to self teach my way through. This is not a book for those who are beginners or new to fiber arts. I would like to see this artist write a book where she shows her techique using simpler examples and step by step instructions.

i purchased this book having been inspired by her works of the elderly. She is an amazing artist and uses most unusual fabrics to bring these people to life. There is only a small section on the technique she uses...but much in the way of inspiration. THere are many of her works in this book and i feel that although more instruction would have been helpful...it in no way deters from what this book has to offer in the way of inspiration and challenge to the quilt artist. I was truly inspired by her work and am proud to be an owner of this book and hope to someday try to tackle this approach to making quilts.

I purchased this book after seeing the author on HGTV's "Simply Quilts". Her work is unique and impressive. I was somewhat disappointed to find after purchasing this book that only a small amount of it involves instruction of how to do this technique. The book is 144 pages long, and one short chapter titled "Process" which is only about 5 pages long, is all that is dedicated to how these articles are put together. Even then it is not the typical, clear step by step examples that you might find in most instructional books, but rather a sometimes rambling personal narrative of how she puts the artworks together. For those wanting to know more about the artist, the book is valuable as an autobiography and has many samples of her work. But this can also be frustrating to have so many inspiring examples, and no instructions on how they can be made. I plan to read the book from cover to cover and re-read the Process chapter to see if I can understand or try to self teach my way through. This is not a book for those who are beginners or new to fiber arts. I would like to see this artist write a book where she shows her techique using simpler examples and step by step instructions.

Deidre's talent goes beyond sewing and art. She has a way of capturing the spirit of elders and whatever she is working on. This is a poignant book that should be shared. Her work is amazing. She uses patterned fabric and colors that one would never associate with skintones. But they all work so well. Reading about her work is fascinating.

Thread comes alive
and all I can do is stare

If I ever grow up
here is a sensitivity
I would like to acquire

a book of art
well worth thinking about

This is also an awesome book! Its hard to believe it was done with thread!

I'm not a fabric artist, but a musician, but thanks to my wife who is an artist I hope I am gaining a better appreciation of all forms of arts and crafts.
She has been getting more interested in crochet and fabric art lately so she checked this book out of the local public library.
I have to state that I am in awe of Ms. Scherer's work, and wish I could see it with my own eyes. The illustrations are very good as the book is well produced.
If you're looking for detailed information on how to execute this sort of art, I agree with other reviewers that this is probably not the first book to get, as the emphasis of the book is on her artistic and personal journey. There are extensive color illustrations and a bibliography.
But as a music producer I do want to highlight a part of the book that really struck me. The last chapter is called "Workspace" and is a detailed essay about how Ms Scherer organizes her work area, and how she allocates and prioritizes her time. Many people have the image of an artist staring off into space and then just magically creating a masterpiece. The author shows in detail why it's important to be disciplined and organized.
There's a great quote by the French author Flaubert that seems to apply here: "Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work." I won't say Ms Scherer's work is "violent" but it is powerful and intense.