Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Embellish Me is the ultimate guide to achieving the perfect surface finish for your fabric-based projects. Comprehensive step-by-step instructions are accompanied by detailed illustrations that illuminate an extensive range of fabric alteration and embellishment techniques. Learn tie-dyeing, bleaching, and shibori; block, silk-screen, and digital printing; and beading, embroidery, and appliqué. This information-rich guide will equip you with all the information you need to apply these techniques to any number of fabric projects, from tote bags and clothes to cushion covers, lampshades, toys, and home furnishings. Galleries throughout the book will inspire you to engage with these techniques, showing how they have been applied to fabric and providing a valuable starting point for your craft.
Divided into three sections, Embellish Me begins with essential information on tools and materials, as well as a comprehensive chapter on pattern design, which covers computer-rendered patterns in addition to hand-drawn designs. The second section is organized by technique, covering bleaching, dyeing, and printing, as well as more complex embellishing techniques such as embroidery, needle punching, and foil embossing. Each chapter concludes with an artist interview, giving you insight into the working practices of contemporary fabric crafters, and providing further inspiration for your own projects. The third section rounds out the book with instructions for crafters who want to take their fabric designs to the next level, and offers in-depth advice on important issues such as how aspiring crafters can best market and sell their own designs.
About the Author
Laurie Wisbrun is an author and fabric designer who lives in Austin, Texas. You can find more about her and her work at www.lauriewis.blogspot.com and www.lauriewisbrun.com.
Table of Contents
SECTION ONE: THE BASICSChapter 1: Getting started
Tools and materials
Understanding fabrics
Chapter 2: Designing Patterns
General pattern design tips
Hand rendered patterns
Computer rendered patterns
SECTION TWO: TECHNIQUES
Chapter 3: Bleaching
Removing color
Abstracts
Basic patterns
Motifs and artworks
Gallery
Practitioner interview
Chapter 4: Dyeing
Natural dyes
Dip dyeing and over dyeing
Tie dyeing
Batik
Shibori
Gallery
Practitioner interview
Chapter 5: Printing Patterns
Placement or all over printing
Block printing
Heat transfer printing
Digital printing
Screen printing
Pen and ink
Stenciling
Gallery
Practitioner interview
Chapter 6: Embellishment
Sequins
Beading and buttons
Zips
Fringes
Studs
Toys and trinkets
Stitching
Buttons
Gallery
Practitioner interview
Chapter 7: Specialist techniques
Needle punch
Embroidery
Punching
Appliqué
Foil embossing
Gallery
Practitioner interview
SECTION THREE: GOING PRO
Working with a digital printing service
Developing a collection
Marketing and selling your designs
Practitioner interview
Resources
Glossary
Index
Acknowledgments