Fabric Reference, 3rd Edition [Paperback]

Mary Humphries (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 3, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0130985481 | ISBN-13: 978-0130985484 | Edition: 3rd

For introductory courses in Textiles, courses in Fashion Design/Production, Fashion Merchandising, Visual Merchandising, Interior Design, and Costume Studies. Fabric Reference presents a complete and up-to-date source of the highly technical basics of textile science, from fibers to finished fabrics. Specially prepared graphics, illustrations, comparison tables, and flow charts make the process of creating modern fabrics clear to both students and instructors. Key terms (including trademarks) are emphasized, and practical applications such as care, selection for various uses, comfort in cold or hot weather, safety from UV radiation, and conservation topics are all discussed more fully than in other texts. A unique companion fabric dictionary/swatchbook (Fabric Glossary) is available.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

In Fabric Reference, Humphries has created a comprehensive, up-to-date guide to fabric principles and behaviors. The book traces the elements of fabric construction. Fabric performance, a very technical subject, is presented in an accessible, non-technical language, assuming little or no prior knowledge of the subject. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

In Fabric Reference, Humphries presents a comprehensive, up-to-date guide to fabric construction and performance using an accessible, non-technical approach. This quick, at-a-glance reference includes valuable information on textile fibers; yarns; fabric construction; finishing, including dyeing and printing; fabric care and assessment; ecology; and the use of metric units. For anyone seeking accessible information on how fabrics behave and why. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 3rd edition (July 3, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130985481
• ISBN-13: 978-0130985484
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,072,872 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for anyone who needs to understand textile basics, May 21, 2004

By 

Chriztine Foltz (Lunenburg, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fabric Reference (2nd Edition) (Spiral-bound)

The Fabric Reference, along with the Fabric Glossary provides the best comprehensive reference of basic textiles that you can obtain anywhere in today's market. To make it a perfect reference set, you can purchase the Fabric Glossary Swatch Set directly from Ms. Humphries, which provides fabric samples to be taped into the Fabric Glossary while giving the history, manufacturing (weave, knit, lace, etc.) description and fabric content for each swatch allowing for a realistic study of fabrics. This Fabric Glossary can be continually added to as you find new fibers and fabrics - keeping an updated reference at your finger tips.
These boks are a must for fabric designers, interior designers, pattern drafters and anyone interested in fabrics or textiles, this is a three part set, which when purchased becomes all inclusive. It is rare to find any books on textiles where you can actually touch the fabrics, providing a realistic knowledge of specific make-up and texture of the fabrics. I searched for years to find a book which I could use to give a compressive overview of the textile industry, before I found Ms. Humphries set of books, and I have been using it for the past three years as the foundation of my college course. Please note that in the fall of 2003, the third revision came out and it provides a wealth of information about the new micro-fibers that are found in today's market.
This three part set (2 parts you can purchase from this company and the swatch set you need to purchase separately - information to do this, is in each book) is the best reference of textiles available.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well-written Reference Work, January 11, 2007

By 

Richard Coombs "Sir Rich" (NE PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fabric Reference, 3rd Edition (Paperback)

My spouse is an avid quilt enthusiast that has for some time wanted to delve more into fabrics, their manufacture and individual characteristics. My gift to her of this standard reference work gives her the long awaited opportunity to really understand the materials before she designs a new quilt. She can now also select new and different fabrics for their inherent characteristics rather than only select "off the shelf" fabrics usually found at most fabric shops.