Fabricate [Paperback]

Susan Wasinger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2009

Create gorgeous one-of-a-kind handmade fabrics and transform them into fun and useful projects with this guide to distinctive cloth-making techniques. This innovative how-to resource uses classic and modern techniques to create interesting custom fabrics that are used in a dazzling array of fresh, stylish yet practical must-have items for one’s wardrobe or home. From laptop cases to evening bags, elegant wraps to flirty skirts, floor pillows to whimsical curtains, this tutorial uses a variety of easy fiber-art and fabric-manipulation techniques to create original fabric projects from wearable designs and touching gifts to home décor. In addition to the cloth-making techniques, there are 17 projects that show what can be made with each unique fabric. Additional instruction is included to create unique effects with pleats and crinkles; puckers and tufts; cut-and-fray fabric techniques; laminates that add colorful, versatile, and playful layers; surface embellishment techniques like cording, appliqué, and crazy stitch; heat-treated techniques like burn-out, burn-away, and fabric etching; fabrics designed with solvy and repeating notions like rickrack, hooks and eyes, and zippers—leading to many endless possibilities.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Shows you how to take your sewing to a whole new level by adding amazing, unexpected texture to your choice of fabrics." — The Detroit News

"The Bottom Line: If you have trouble finding the perfect fabric and are tapped out on embellishing techniques, then Fabricate is the book for you." — StacySews.com

"If, like this reviewer, you are stuck with a limited assortment of stores selling a tiny range of fabrics then this will have plenty of appeal." — MyShelf.com

"Susan Wasinger has elevated fabric to new heights. Without reservation, I can most definitely say you should buy this book." — FabTalk

"Beginning and sewing expert alike will be thrilled to find sewing just got creative, beautiful and artful again." — Quick & Easy Crochet

About the Author

Susan Wasinger is a graphic designer specializing in book, magazine, and packaging design. Her design work has been included in such magazines as Herb Companion, Metropolitan Home, Natural Home and Garden, and PieceWork. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (April 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596680946
• ISBN-13: 978-1596680944
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #195,500 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book!!, April 8, 2009

By 

R. S. Wagner (Indiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fabricate (Paperback)

I have a pretty extensive library of craft and sewing books but this book is one of the best that I have ever purchased. Ordinarily, I will find one, or maybe two projects in a book that I would actually be interested in making. In this book, I want to make all of the projects! It is beautifully done, has easy to follow instructions and does not require materials that are difficult to find.
I am so glad that I purchased this book. It will be one that I pull off the shelf time and time again.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At Last!, July 23, 2009

By 

Possum Bean (Ft. Lauderdale, FL USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fabricate (Paperback)

Creating this book must have been a love affair for the author because she gives up everything to us. I was happier and happier to turn each page and behold yet another project I will make. The first thing I am going to create is a fused plastic bag tote. I mean who doesn't have plastic bags around? Next will be the laminated felt. So many of these projects will use up what you have lying around the house. A few projects are made from literal scraps, like a lamp shade out of small triangles of fabric and sewn in such a way to let the light peek out all around. We've all seen those beautiful pleated/wrinkled silk scarves in stores - well now we can make our own. And maybe the most luscious thing I have ever seen are the directions for a huge pillow made of folded over and over felt that is then sniped and sniped to make an all over fringe - it looks divine! I love this book and recommend it to anyone who has been sewing for a bit and is ready to move on to sophisticated but absurdly simple to sew items. If you can sew a straight line you can make anything in this beautifully photographed book. Plus isn't the title clever?

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly innovative but also doable, July 25, 2009

By 

Cherrybomb - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Fabricate (Paperback)

Honestly, I wasn't sure I was going to be that interested in this book. I found the cover photo intriguing but I expected that if "fabric was the star" then the projects would require spendy purchases from obscure fabric shops to make them shine. Not so. The author uses everyday, even humble, materials to create works that are truly unique and innovative. From muslin, wool felt, yarn, denim, she creates one of a kind projects that let the crafter really flex their creative muscle.

The early projects focus on specific sewing techniques (making special pleats, for example) and the projects let that technique carry the load. I'm going to use it as a way to improve my own sewing technique and learn some new ways to manipulate fabric.

The later projects are less about practicing a new skill and more about thinking creatively. I love how she uses yarn and stabilizing fabric to create unusual placemats. My first project will be the denim rug.

Highly recommended.