Koos Couture Collage: Inspiration & Techniques [Paperback]

Linda Chang Teufel (Author), Koos van den Akker (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2003

This biography and illustrated guide highlights the work of master designer Koos van den Akker and provides inspiration for bold, unique sewing creations. Chronicling the designer's 30 years in haute couture, this book follows van den Akker from his start in the Paris workrooms of Christian Dior to his rise in the fashion world and the establishment of his own Madison Avenue boutique. Included are demonstrations for duplicating several of his construction and design techniques that offer illustrated sewing instructions and intricate details for home sewers to imitate. The designs, with their richness of texture, generosity of colour, and dynamic mix of fabrics, share the full scope of van den Akker's masterful creations.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Linda Chang Teufel was an apprentice for Koos van den Akker while attending Pratt Institute. She is the author of 'Fabric Origami' and numerous articles for crafts, sewing, and quilting magazines. She has taught for many sewing manufacturers, guilds, and conferences. She lives in Worthington, Ohio.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Dragon Threads; 1 edition (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964120178
• ISBN-13: 978-0964120174
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #774,707 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a good book for design inspiration and learning new techniques, February 23, 2007

By 

P. Hollingsworth (Augusta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Koos Couture Collage: Inspiration & Techniques (Paperback)

This book is useful for people who want to know how Koos gets his effects with fabric. The author and designer are quite generous about sharing techniques that home sewers can use to design their own garments. I feel the book is inspiring and satisfying in that sense. I would also like to see a larger coffeetable-type book showing a large number of Koos's designs over the years, all professionally photographed in full color (is anyone listening out there?). But that is not the intent of this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Revolutionary Fabric Techniques, October 28, 2006

By 

Virginia Allain "(retired librarian)" (Poinciana, FL) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Koos Couture Collage: Inspiration & Techniques (Paperback)

I'm afraid I was ignorant on who Koos was, but intrigued by the unusual fabric projects in the book. Now I know more about his one-of-a-kind womenswear, but the main intent here is to teach the home sewer collage quilting techniques with Koos as inspiration.
The book gives tips on collage design, tells about facing fabric using the yardage method and block method, and shows how to make bias tape and fabric lace. Other techniques shown include slicing, using yarn trim, origami patches, applique, and image transfer. Photos of unique garments show the many uses for the techniques.
Many of these will appeal to quilters making quilted clothing or even to use in unique quilts.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Where is Koos?, October 10, 2006

By 

Blue Sky - See all my reviews

This review is from: Koos Couture Collage: Inspiration & Techniques (Paperback)

I wish that there had been more photos of Koos work! The author gives very good instruction for doing applique, making bindings etc. However, in all, the book is disappointing if one is looking for inspiration and examples of the magical fabric combinations that made Koos's tradmark. Far too few examples of Koos's couture collage. I would not have bought the book if I'd read the reviews. Too bad!