Customer Reviews

Strands: Creating Unexpected Fabrics And Fashionable Projects

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

 

 

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.

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!

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.

this book is well laid out and nicely photographed. The problem is that the technique could really be taught in a small pamphlet - there really is not a whole book here. Simply repeating the same technique through different projects might be fine for some folks, but honestly, it's not exactly rocket science and anyone who has worked with cloth in alternative ways can figure it out from the first project. I thought some of the projects were simply forced - meaning that they needed to justify a book, so kept looking for different ways to present the technique. I am sorry I bought it, and traded it in to the local bookstore within a week of receiving it. I suppose if you are new to fabric art, it MIGHT be worth it, but there are books that cover a much wider range of techniques and I'd suggest buying one of them. You might try checking it out of the library before investing.

I bought this book as a bargain-priced book on Amazon.com and am completely satisfied with it. The content is as it was described. I appreciate the clear color photos of the methods and projects included. As the title says, the book is about "strands" of thread, fiber, paper, and plastic being recycled and repurposed into wearables and "unique" textiles. Upcycling is even more popular than when the book was first published. I applaud the use of affordable materials and "leftovers". Although the jewelry and clothing made by the author may not be exactly what everyone would want to duplicate ---a thought expressed by some reviewers ---the techniques provide inspiration to create your own approach.

After reading the reviews, I was hesitant to order this, but I decided I liked what I was seeing too much not to. I love it! I am not looking specifically to make any project from the book, per se, but the the different techniques definitely inspired me and I am looking forward to applying some of them to the outfits I'm working on.

I love this book. It demonstrates an extremely creative and original approach to textile art and the creation of wearables. Intended for the daring among us, it takes the loose and free-wheeling into the realm of elegance. The book melds two topics.

The first part, the exploration of "unexpected fabrics," is an examination of nine techniques (with variations) for fabric creation, embellishment and manipulation. The techniques use both hand and machine sewing, and adhesive techniques. The emphasis is on a very non-traditional, fresh, free and creative use of threads, fabrics, non-textile materials, and stitching. The aesthetic is best described as "abstract expressionism meets post-modernism."

Three of these techniques which use non-textiles--paper, plastic bags, and tape--are definitely not for the conservative sewer. I personally would not use these three techniques in wearables where washing or dry cleaning would be an issue, but, they would make interesting additions to non-functional wallpieces or fiber sculpture, and certain home-dec applications, as well as accessories and jewelry. And, if you were to use these three techniques in outer garments which are not worn next to the skin, one could probably get away with "spot-cleaning only," the common recommendation on commercial garments which are heavily sequined. Also, these three techniques could be modified to make cleanable textiles by substituting a thin or diaphanous fabric for the plastic bags, and lightweight fusible interfacing for the tape and for the glued paper.

The second, and larger part of the book, the "fashionable projects" portion, examines ways that one might use the "unexpected fabric" techniques in wearables. This part is divided into four sections: Clothes, Jewelry, Accessories, and Outerwear. There are a total of twenty items, again with variations. As with the fabric techniques, the aesthetic is innovative and daring--not intended for the conservative dresser. While there is a real elegance and sophistication to these pieces, don't expect to be able to wear many of them to work unless you work in a creative industry which tolerates non-conformity. There is an emphasis on distinctive shapes, layering, and drape of the fabric. My two favorites are the "New York Fall Cape" and the "Remains-Wrapped Necklace."

There is also brief introductory material aimed at beginners which teaches basic sewing stitches and considers materials. However, this book provides inspiration to me as a professional fiber artist as well.

The one criticism that I have is that Myers-Cho really doesn't give any examples of using more than one of the techniques in combination.

Although this book was not as instructional as I would have liked,it was as described by the seller and I got it in a very short time. Thanks!