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The
Art of Manipulating Fabric by Colette Wolff An amazing amount of work and research went into gathering the information for this book. People have been manipulating fabric ever since the first fabric was created, and the examples and instructions were scattered over countless manuscripts and museum exhibits. I am awed by the dedication it took to search out the examples and to make the variety of samples required for such an exhaustive study of the topic. The author’s stated goal was to gather as many examples of fabric manipulation as she could find into one book and to present them in such a way that the reader could visualize their use in many applications. The samples were deliberately photographed in black and white to maximize the effects of light and shadow and to minimize distraction from the technique. This book would be equally of interest to embroiderers, quilters, needlepointers and anyone who works with the surface design of fabric. Chapters on gathering, shirring, ruffles and flounces, godets, pleats, smocking, tucking, cording, quilting, stuffing, the use of darts and combinations of the above, are covered thoroughly. Each technique is described in detail and illustrated with photographs and diagrams. The procedures are described clearly, along with interesting variations. Drawings of the tools and sewing machine attachments are very helpful. Who knew you could do so much with pleats? This book is written in a more scholarly manner than the average craft book. It is very readable and includes a complete appendix, glossary, selected bibliography, listing of related articles and costume exhibitions and index. The professional organization and presentation make this a very useful reference book for people working with textiles. The possible variations and uses to which these techniques can be put are virtually endless. These dimensional techniques can add so much to an otherwise ordinary piece. I would consider this book to be a necessary addition to any sewer’s library and believe that it is destined to become a classic. Review by Diana Norris |
