NEXT TIME YOU'RE BROWSING ON YOU TUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZktTHOFv_mY This is a lovely interview
with Kaffe Fassett, one of my favourite textile artists. I just love his use of
colour, the vibrancy and mix of patterns. I wouldn't have started needlepoint
if it hadn't been for Mr Fassett's benign influence.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmhOjKFNpYM This interview's with
Candace Bahouth, another fabulous needlepointer. She's also a hugely
talented mosaic maker. I love these glimpses of artists homes, don't you?
The Three Ravens: I know this seems like a totally random
recommendation, but if you want something uplifting and ethereal to listen to
while you stitch, this is stunning:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prmKMrxG5no
Another random selection - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxO8JqZM9c0 -
this is a short piece about American folk art, specifically that of Howard Finster a
nd Paradise Gardens in Georgia. I especially love the painted angels.
Craft books that I've enjoyed/found useful :
The Crafter Culture Handbook by Amy Spencer
Published by Marion Boyars Publishers Ltd - a great book for features about makers as well as practical projects. There's a really wide selection ranging from knitting to homemade beauty products, Electro Craft, printing and dressmaking. The instructions are clear, the illustrations and photographs are equally good, you're bound to find something you'll want to create.
The Passionate Quilter by Michele Walker
Published by Ebury Press
I love this book! I've got a nasty feeling it's out of print now, but it's worth keeping an eye out for it in secondhand shops or Amazon. I return to it again and again. It features a range of patchwork and quilters ranging from those producing very traditional quilts to ones pushing the boundaries of what a quilt is. This was the first book I found that featured Deirdre Amsden's beautiful Colourwash quilts which had a massive effect on my fabric choices.
Lovely Things to Make for Girls of Slender Means by Eithne Farry
Eithne has a lovely, poetic turn of phrase when she's writing about clothes and accessories. This book will inspire you to get stitching, whether it's a summer dress or a pom pom necklace. Some of the projects just aren't practical without a paper pattern or a tailor's dummy to drape fabric over, but many are easy to copy and can be cobbled together out of upcycled materials and the contents of your button tin.
Published by Marion Boyars Publishers Ltd - a great book for features about makers as well as practical projects. There's a really wide selection ranging from knitting to homemade beauty products, Electro Craft, printing and dressmaking. The instructions are clear, the illustrations and photographs are equally good, you're bound to find something you'll want to create.
The Passionate Quilter by Michele Walker
Published by Ebury Press
I love this book! I've got a nasty feeling it's out of print now, but it's worth keeping an eye out for it in secondhand shops or Amazon. I return to it again and again. It features a range of patchwork and quilters ranging from those producing very traditional quilts to ones pushing the boundaries of what a quilt is. This was the first book I found that featured Deirdre Amsden's beautiful Colourwash quilts which had a massive effect on my fabric choices.
Lovely Things to Make for Girls of Slender Means by Eithne Farry
Eithne has a lovely, poetic turn of phrase when she's writing about clothes and accessories. This book will inspire you to get stitching, whether it's a summer dress or a pom pom necklace. Some of the projects just aren't practical without a paper pattern or a tailor's dummy to drape fabric over, but many are easy to copy and can be cobbled together out of upcycled materials and the contents of your button tin.
