Deploy that Fabric: 23 Sewing Projects Use Military Uniforms in Everyday Life [Paperback]

Jen Eskridge (Designer)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 16, 2011

Show your pride in our troops every day! All members of the Armed Forces have to buy multiple uniforms, some of which become decommissioned. Learn how to recycle these uniforms and blend in some cheerful, contemporary fabrics to create useful family treasures with one-of-a-kind style. Even if you don't have a service member in your life, you can make these cool projects using camouflage fabrics or uniforms purchased from surplus stores.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: C&T Publishing (August 16, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160705244X
• ISBN-13: 978-1607052449
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 0.2 x 9.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #167,557 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Who could resist this book title in a week with a patriotic holiday? At some point military uniforms become decommissioned, and quilter and military spouse Jen Eskridge takes the position that we should upcycle them to celebrate service members. Jen starts by showing you how to deconstruct uniforms then offers 23 projects for using your pieces, Projects range from the simple tote to quilts. Jen asks early in the book, "What matches a uniform?" She answers with, "Everything." Yes, uniforms are a neutral and can be your light or dark. It was interesting to see how they just become the background among pinks and blues. The book also includes a techniques section that might be helpful for those who come from a non-sewing background." - Professional Quilters Online, 7/1/2011

As we sit at our machines and obsess happily through our seams, it’s too easy for many of us American creative types to forget that we are a nation at war and that we have many military men and women serving here and abroad. Jen Eskridge brings that reality to our sewing rooms in a big, but wonderful, way. Deploy that Fabric uses fabric captured from tired military uniforms and reworks it into quilts, bag, home décor and more. Because the projects are so nicely designed, they manage to be casual and classy at the same time.

What’s absolutely brilliant about this book, though, is that Jen provides incredibly useful info on how to take apart the uniforms and discover hidden fabric behind pockets, as well as how to repurpose patches, buttons and zippers. Her deconstructing tips can be used on civilian clothes, too. She writes from the perspective of a military wife, one who totally gets this system filled with rules, tradition and honor, but still offers fun, practical items to make. This one is worth the money. http://generationqmagazine.com/ , 7/13/11

In a completely new take on keepsake quilts, Jen Eskridge, seasoned quilter and military wife, shows her readers how to be creative with recycled fabrics from service uniforms. The book was intended to honour service members fighting for their country but all the techniques can be adapted and applied to making quilted keepsakes from any old items of clothing. The book is split in three sections: deconstructing a uniform, quilting projects and quilting techniques. Each pattern is coded for its skill level and they range from novice to skilled. This is a unique and creative title which breathes fresh life into traditional concepts via 23 innovative new projects.
--Popular Patchwork Magazine; February 2012

About the Author

Jen Eskridge has been sewing all her life. She currently publishes quilt and sewing design through her own company, ReannaLily Designs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: C&T Publishing (August 16, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160705244X
• ISBN-13: 978-1607052449
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 0.2 x 9.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #167,557 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Even I Can Do It July 26, 2011

By Julie G

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love this book. As the title of my review suggests, I found many patterns that are great for an amateur like me. The variety of levels and clarity of instructions makes this book perfect for any seamstress, beginner to pro. As an Army spouse, I love the use of military fabric. As an environmentalist, I appreciate the idea of recycling. Well done, I can't wait to start sewing.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Add this one to your sewing room library! July 19, 2011

By Sheri S

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I read a lot of sewing books, and find many of them to be very repetitive. Not so with Deploy That Fabric! This is a fun and interesting book that offers up an unusual twist. The recycled uniform material really adds a novel feature to sewing projects, whether they are classics or new and modern styles. The author's bold creativity with recycled uniforms also inspires other ideas about incorporating fabrics from unusual sources. Deploy That Fabric is definitely a book worth adding to your sewing room library!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars AWESOME! July 18, 2011

By L. Roper

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book was so much better than I already knew it was going to be! It is over 100 pages of patterns for all levels. The directions are so easy to follow and the photos of the examples are perfect! And it isn't a book for just using recycled uniforms. I love how the author gives options for replacing the uniform fabric for additional cotton fabric. What I also liked about this book was that it just wasn't quilts or it just wasn't bags; it is a book with a wide variety of patterns! Multiple books in one! LOVE IT! And the photography just adds so much to the book! Great job! Highly recommend this book, you won't regret it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Recycle Projects! September 3, 2011

By Courtney Doucet

Format:Paperback

This full color book is packed with ideas! From smaller projects like passport covers to larger ones like purses and totes. I love how the author contrasts military patterns with bright feminine fabrics. Since I don't have a military connection, I have been using thrift stores to find great looking pieces to repurpose. This book totally inspires me!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great idea-- July 18, 2011

By K Morello

Format:Paperback

This book is so well written. Instructions are easy to follow and great explantations and hints. So many projects for all levels of quilters, from beginner to advanced. Love that we can honor retired materials be it uniforms or anything dear to our lives. What a great way to carry around material with memories.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Love the book!! July 18, 2011

By Dawn

Format:Paperback

I just got this in the mail two days ago and can't wait to find some time to tackle a project! I love the pictures and the directions seem really easy......even someone mathmatically challenged like myself found it a breeze to comprehend. I also love the whole idea behind the book. We military crafters have uniforms coming out of our ears and this is a great idea as to how to use the old ones that are just sitting around in bins.
Love It!!
Dawn

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Not that original April 14, 2012

By ELHolland

Format:Paperback

I just purchased this book and I am a little disappointed. The author does a GREAT job explaining how to complete most projects and the pictures are great. However, most of the projects aren't that original. While I do admit it is great to have so many patterns in one book, most of the ideas are already out there. Various bags,a few Christmas items, blankets/quilts, and a couple of accessories are the main items in there. The author has just put her own style on the basic items (mentioned above) but I was hoping for a little more creativity on how to use military fabric. I am a military spouse as well and I was looking for more unique items to make out of my husband's old uniforms.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic and fun!!!! October 22, 2011

By Penelope Ann Ruddle

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

A delightful book and very fun projects. All of them with our service men in mind and helps us keep our eyes and hearts with our men and boys that are and have fought to keep us free.