Strands: Creating Unexpected Fabrics And Fashionable Projects [Paperback]

Jacqueline Myers-Cho (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2, 2009

Regardless if you are a DIY seamstress or a mixed-media artist, you will be drawn to the complete uniqueness of the projects featured in Strands. Learn how to handcraft original fabric designs using repurposed or simple materials such as thread, tape, plastic bags, paper and more. The author shows you, step-by-step, how to use these innovative creations to craft fashion-forward, easy-to-make projects like wristbands, purses, scarves and hats. Not only will you learn how to create your own interesting fabrics, but understand how to use and apply those fabrics to your regular sewing projects.

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  Strands shows readers how to embellish or create their own "fabric" from a variety of mediums and then transform those fabrics into fun wearables and accessories
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  A new twist on sewing - paper crafters are making their own papers, knitters are spinning and dying their own yarn and now sewing enthusiasts and mixed-media crafters alike will have a guide to creating their own modern, funky fabrics
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  The projects in Strands combine very basic commercial elements and tools with recycled or completely handmade materials or embellishments, promoting the green concept of reuse and recycle.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jacqueline Myers-Cho is an award-winning mixed-media artist who's been showing and selling her work for more than twenty years. She has been published in several magazines, most recently in Belle Armoire Art to Wear and Somerset Home, and has appeared on HGTV's That's Clever. She teaches online courses through her website and in person at a local college. View Jacqueline's work at www.meyerscho.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books (January 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600611370
• ISBN-13: 978-1600611377
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #982,584 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not What I Expected, October 6, 2009

By 

K. Babcock "Queen of Mixed Media Art" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Strands: Creating Unexpected Fabrics And Fashionable Projects (Paperback)

I became a fan of Jacqueline Meyers Cho after seeing her on an episode of "That's Clever!". The art she created on that show spoke to me so much that I had to contact her personally. She is as nice as she is talented - and I enjoyed our brief exchanges. I had the chance to check out more of her work - and found it to be equally awesome to the pieces she created on "That's Clever!". It is because of my deep appreciation for her talent and work, that I was so excited when she emailed me to let me know about the publication of this book.

I immediately ordered it - and literally waited on the mail each day, for it to arrive. I couldn't wait.

When it finally landed in my hands (after what seemed like an eternity), I was a little taken aback. I looked through page after page, wondering who had written this book of offbeat offerings. I was totally bummed to find that not one single piece I adored was included. No, this was more of a stitching book. With little projects like "Thread Balls", it provides some good uses of left over materials, but I was looking for information on her awesome mixed media pieces. Maybe it's my fault - with a title like "Strands", maybe I should have known. I don't know. I just know Ms Meyers Cho has this fascinating way of creating mixed media pieces - and that's what I wanted to see. Her approach to fabric is interesting - and I DID learn some new things - I just wanted something showing her mixed media work. There are mixed media techniques in this book, I suppose - and they are cool. I just wish she'd do a book on her incredible pieces that involve more than sewing.

I would buy this book again - I would just have different expectations. She's a great artist you can learn loads from...just be aware this book doesn't focus on - or contain - anything other than her sewing exploits.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For the beginner or seasoned professional!, December 12, 2008

By 

S. Collins (Culver City, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Strands: Creating Unexpected Fabrics And Fashionable Projects (Paperback)

What I love about this book is, it makes it SO easy to follow the step by step directions. Whether you have ever used a sewing machine or not- this book is for a person who is ready to take their craft to the next level. The author has taken the basics concepts of sewing and turned them into works of art that should be on the next fashion week runway! My favorite is the muslin dress... who knew such a simple fabric with such basic sewing skills could be SO stunning?! The writing is fun and easy to follow, and the photography is gorgeous!

I highly recommend this book! Would make a great gift for anyone you know who sews!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not worth it!, September 20, 2010

By 

Ali (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Strands: Creating Unexpected Fabrics And Fashionable Projects (Paperback)

I bought this book based on the reviews. I just received it, and there is only one project in the whole book I like. The author uses thread in a variety of ways, none of which are very pretty . One is a necklace of thread rapped in other thread to make beads. Or thread bead earrings, or another necklace. Or a brooch make out of burlap! Ugh! The fashions are as bad; sewing thread in a random pattern on fabric and using it to make a scarf, or cap, or belt. Or a muslin dress. It looks like you worked up the pattern and then forgot to make the dress! Or maybe you would like the inside out shirt! You don't need to make one, just wear your blouse inside out, same thing! If you are a real beginner, this might have thing or two to tell you about using thread in a decorative way, but get it from the library. Oh yes, the one project I like was making a necklace using a bookplate for a frame. Cute. But I try not to buy books for one idea.