The Art of Fabric Collage: An Easy Introduction to Creative Sewing (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "Most people who sew clothing or quits are accustomed to relying on patterns for their projects..." (more)
Key Phrases: final laundering, muslin shell, novelty threads, Jack Deutsch, Grey Crawford, Hong Kong (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Eichorn argues that anyone with access to a sewing machine that will accommodate free-motion sewing can learn creative fabric collage techniques. Fabric collage combines sewing, quilting, machine appliqu , and embroidery to create a unique textile piece attached to a background fabric. When washed and dried in a home washing machine/dryer, this one-of-a-kind collage blooms into a fabric that can be used as a focal point in vests, coats, jackets, etc. In this beautifully illustrated manual, Eichorn walks the reader step by step through choosing fabrics, finding design inspiration, preparing the fabrics, creating the collage, and incorporating it into garments. She pays particular attention to quality finishing techniques, including lining fabric collage garments, choosing appropriate closures, and adding tassels, prairie-point edgings, and shisha mirrors. An excellent choice for public libraries and textile collections.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Fabric collage is a new method of quilting that gives every sewer the ability to express personal creativity while learning innovative sewing techniques. In The Art of Fabric Collage, designer Rosemary Eichorn uses a friendly, personal approach to show how to move beyond traditional quilting into a fascinating area she herself pioneered.

Eichorn gives readers tips on experimenting with color, design, and fabric in creating their own distinctive fabric collages. Instructions are included for a variety of surface design techniques, from free-motion stitching and soft-edge applique to continuous-strip prairie points and intriguing closures. She shows step by step how to use fabric collage to create artful vests, jackets, quilts, wall hangings, and more. Advice on how to adapt garment patterns for a variety of figure-flattering styles and construction techniques is also included.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Taunton (February 7, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561583065
• ISBN-13: 978-1561583065
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #696,460 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

108 of 108 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you are interested in fabric art, buy this book now!, April 4, 2000

By	sarahbellum (MA, United States) - See all my reviews

This book is one of the most inspiring I have seen in years, and I have bought a lot of books about various aspects of creating art with fabric. The focus is on making wearable art but the techniques work perfectly for wall art as well, and the examples of the author's work are so inspiring that you will want to get started on your own work right away.

One of the best aspects of the book is the clear and do-able explanation of exactly how to make a collage. All too many instruction books gloss over the actual creation of an original piece. This book tells you exactly how to select fabrics, choose motifs, lay them out, fill in with background fabrics, assemble the piece, and finish the edges.

Ever since this book arrived in the mail I have been sitting up late at night cutting up fabrics and playing with motifs. And I have been looking at my curtains and household linens with a speculative gleam in my eye--this method does not limit you to using just quilter's cottons.

In fact, many of the techniques and ideas in the book can carry over to other art forms. I am using her ideas and processes in paper collage as well. All in all, this book is one of the best investments a fiber artist can make.

71 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eichorn's "renegade sewing", April 25, 2000

By	Virginia Brubaker (Chicago, Illinois) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Art of Fabric Collage: An Easy Introduction to Creative Sewing is one of those books that can change the way you look at sewing, at fabrics, and at wearable art. She gives clear instructions and never intimidates. It's easy to see that she has taught these techniques to other sewers, as she answers the questions you were about to ask. She talks about fabric collage as being "renegade sewing" instead of the "grown-up sewing" that we learned in home ec. She really sets you free to play and create. I'm hooked; just finishing my first collaged vest, and beginning to plan some more.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful, Informative, Fun book, March 16, 2000

By A Customer

A terrific book. The illustrations are beautiful and the pictures of the author's wearable art are inspirational. What I like is that the technique sounds do-able. Even with limited sewing skills, I feel that this is something I can tackle and be creative at. One thing that I liked was that there is so much information in this book. It's not about making one thing. It's about learning techniques you can use in other kinds of sewing. What was really interesting was the section on the elements that make a design work. I haven't seen that before. Just looking at the book is a real treat.