Customer Reviews

Layered, Tattered and Stitched: A Fabric Art Workshop

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This has become one of my favorite books in my craft library. For the first time ever, I actually read an instructional sewing book cover to cover rather than just browsing the pretty photos. And then I started trying the projects.

Layered, Tattered and Stitched: A Fabric Art Workshop has 20 different projects by mixed media artist Ruth Rae. In each project she steps you through making collages using materials such as fabric, transparencies, paper, rubber stamps, paint, wire, beads, lace and metal. Her style has the elements I adore in fabric collage - frayed edges, burns, lots of stitching in messy rows, along with fabulous texture and color combinations.

She starts out with a brief 2 pages on materials, but it's enough for you to figure out what she's using and where to buy your own. She also explains how she dyes fabric or cuts certain materials. It's not in-depth, but experienced crafters and sewists will not need that level of detail.

The 20 projects include things such as cards, gift wrap, a journal, wall hangings, doll & clothes, banner, apron, wrist cuff, and a photo frame. I loved her construction techniques for the apron with buttonholes rather than ties, and her book binding techniques are next up on my list of things to try. The instructions are easy to follow, although she focuses more on the techniques, not the actual materials. She expects you to create similar projects in your own style, rather than making things exactly like hers. I love that idea. But...she does provide patterns and even a couple of pages of clip art if you want to closely emulate items as pictured in the book.

I was so inspired by this book, I have already made several of these projects in my own style and plan to make more stuff using techniques from the book.

What I liked:

* gorgeous photos of art quilt and fabric collage items
* simple instructions
* excellent techniques using various materials
* encourages your own creativity - use the projects as a jumping off point
* unique yet practical projects

What was missing?:

* doesn't discuss layout design or color theory of collage

Other things to know:

* sewing techniques are not covered, it is assumed you know how to use your machine already
* If you like the style of Ruth Rae, you will love the book. But if you're not a fan of the tattered style, this may not be a good book for you.

I found this book lovely to look at with it's linen image trims and attention to details. The projects by Ruth are easy to follow with stepped out illustrations that were clear and detailed. I have already made one thing from the book and plan to make several more. I own lots of craft books and sometimes I never do more than look through them. This book inspired me to actually go cut up fabric, paper and stitch them together to make something I really love.
I recommend this book highly and will probably buy several more for gifts this Christmas.
Thank you Ruth and your Publishers for a wonderful and soulful book.
I took it to one of my recent Surface Design Guild Meetings and the ladies loved it! So, no matter your level of craftsmanship- this is a great book to add to your art/technique library!

This book is beautiful... Ruth outlined all of her projects with simple, easy to follow step-by-step instructions...great photos all along the way as well. The projects in this book are nothing short of amazing...ALL OF THEM. It's a TON of excellent information...and no mindless jibber jabber. I just had this delivered today and I can tell it is going to be referenced to time and time again. Love it!

I'm kind of torn about this book (ironically!)

The book is project based, with step-by-steps to show you how to recreate the pictured items. If you are a scrapbooker and you'd like to try some textile techniques but you have no experience sewing then I think it's a good book. You'll be introduced to fabric dyeing, hand sewing, fabric burning, freezer paper, doll making, gel medium on fabric and lots of other techniques. So if this is you then you'll get a lot out of the book.

However I really really don't like aspects of the "art". In Jan 2008, a user called 'me', in a response to a review of a completely different book, stated ""collaging" these days seems to be nothing more than feminine thoughts from "Desperate Housewives" combined with an "instant ancestor" black and white picture of some random person you don't even know, with cut out words pasted on top of them. Originality is becoming generic." This really sums up what I found disappointing in this book. If it had come out 10 years ago then it might at least have been refreshing, but for a 2009 release it just rehashes tired scrapbooking and altered book cliches.

One specific example from many instances in the book;

The Wired Resin-paper Card (p. 16), uses a generic transparency image of a woman in a dirndle skirt, peasant blouse, headscarf, with bare feet and holding a bundle of belongings wrapped up in a checked piece of fabric; the generic exotic vintage-y gypsy-type other. This is mounted on a sheet of resin-coated sinitic text (Chinese characters); generic exotic other again. The processes involved are creative and fun to do, but the end result is really tired and definitely isn't art. This sinitic text is used in projects throughout the book, either in the form of printed paper or by transfer from rubber stamps. Equally frequent are stamped word tags saying "discover", "imagine", "explore", or "believe". At some point art has to say more to the viewer, or the creator, than "discover".

At the same time, I'm hesitant to criticise a book that encourages women to make things and satisfy their creative needs. For some women, the book is probably exactly the nudge they need to get them creating. I just think there has to be more honest self-expression in life than making a banner that spells out "C-R-E-A-T-E" (p. 84).

So if you can look past the scrapbooky kitsch I think the techniques themselves are really fun and offer limitless possibilities for textile art. It's just that there is little actual art in this book.

I have waited eagerly for this book to come out and am not disappointed. I took a class from Ruth at Art Fiber Fest last fall, and not only enjoy her art, but think she is a good demonstrator. She has developed some good techniques and shows them clearly in this book. I appreciate a more "tattered" appearance in art work, but even if you don't, I suspect you'll pick up some ideas to use in your own work. I am happy to give this book 5 stars and think any mixed media artist will find it helpful. At the very least, it's a pleasure to look at.

The first thing I noticed about this book was the matte pages. Unfortunately, this does not allow for a great reproduction of colors in the photographs. So, as a source of inspiration it is lacking for me. I wasn't excited about the photography.

The projects are very fully explained with stepped out directions so if you're a beginner, interested in working in fabric collage and need a step-by-step I think you'll find this book helpful. There were a few projects that appealed and I may find myself jumping in to try one or two, but as a source of inspiration beyond the projects Ms Rae presents? This will not be a go-to book for me.

Layered, Tattered & Stitched by Ruth Rae is perfect for both the beginner and advanced textile artist. The book itself is put together beautifully, balancing the technical with the aesthetic. With over eighteen projects, Rae guides the reader with clear instructions and photographs to not only complete the projects presented, but to learn new skills and artistry to incorporate into their own artwork. The author generously shares a variety of techniques with the reader, drawing upon her experience in not only fabric, but mixed media and jewelry design. Additional tips and wisdom are sprinkled throughout the book to include safety guidelines when using certain materials, effects and products as well as a thorough list of specific tools and supplies which are needed to complete the projects. Rae also gives insight into breathing new life into the artist's existing cache and methods of up-cycling substrates into new art. Layered, Tattered & Stitched is a must have for anyone who would like to or currently works in the mixed media and fiber arts.

Wow, this book is filled with wonderful ideas, tips, and techniques no matter what your skill level is. I've been sewing small projects in this "tattered" style for the last few years, but I still found this book amazing, inspiring, and a pleasure to read. For those of you who really like "how to" books, Ruth has some great instructions for acheiving your own inspiring projects. And for those of you who are visual junkies, you won't be disappointed with the lovely photographs and imagery. I've continued to look at this book on almost a daily basis,because it is just beautiful...A++ Money well spent in a market that is flooded with sub-par art books, this is a gem. Thanks Ruth Rae! love it-amanda

Inspired ideas with a unique flavour that will notch up your creativity. If you have ever become bored doing the same old thing with fabric, I'm sure you'll find some new ways to create in this book. I love the plexiglass framed artwork, the art quilt t-shirt, the use of texture. This book has soul and is very enjoyable for multiple reasons. This review first appeared on [...]

There are a lot of easy projects that can be done using scraps and supplies that many of us already have in our craft room. The Author's style is sweet and lovely. It's nice to flip through for inspiration when I am feeling crowded out by my mind.