Books

A massive 435 page compendium for the fibre community, beautifully written and presented in hardback, in full colour, with excellent photography. An extraordinary reference book, a skilful blend of history, geography and science. More than 200 natural fibres are featured, from animal to spun yarn. Sheep, goat, alpaca, llama, vicuna, camel, bison, musk oxen, yaks and more.

Meet these animals from around the world and discover the unique characteristics of their fibre, in the merino family alone you will find 14 distinct breeds. This is a masterful and visually captivating book for everyone interested in fibres, for hand spinners, textile artists and hobby farmers alike.

This book offers the reader a creative and visually stimulating journey into the world of creating fabric or paper, with fibre, an exciting dimension in textile art. This well loved publication by Australian artist and author, Judith Pinnell, is rich in idea's, clear instruction, vivid illustration,  guidance and several timeless projects such as bowls, masks, a simple neck purse, a small box with lid and a theatre purse. A gallery of other artists work supports the visual inspiration.

A newly released edition of Jenny's original gospel on the subject of Indigo. This classic book tells the compelling story of the worlds most valued and widely used natural dyestuff since ancient times. Indigo is natures only source of blue dye, produced from plants by a process akin to alchemy. The result of over 20 years of research, this is the only book to examine all aspects of this subject and is an incredible read. A wonderful,  valuable reference for all those interested in textiles, art and design, or the history of colour. Superbly written and illustrated in full, rich colour.

An excellent guide to silk painting for beginners and those wanting to learn new techniques; well written, clear and easy to follow instructions; stimulating and vibrant colour photographs. Many Southan has written many excellent texts on the subject and is a well known authority and teacher. Twelve innovative step-by-step projects each covering a different technique; using colour, painting on damp silk, on dry silk; textured effects using salt; resists using gutta, outliner, wax; moving on with discharge paste, diffuser, dye tinted gutta, salt solution, antifusant (anti-spread) adding detail. 64 page paperback UK edition 2009

This inspiring book for the intermediate and advanced silk painter goes beyond the basics, demonstrating the various techniques for dye painting on silk. It also gives professional design direction and guidelines for creating original men's and women's fashion. Also included are advanced silk painting techniques, colour and composition, quilting and construction techniques, and for the fine artist, framing and preserving your artwork. Featured are over 30 renowned professional artists from around the world. The exotic techniques used to create their fashions and fine art statements are demonstrated in 200 full color illustrations. Useful information about the latest materials, equipment and their sources are covered. Susan Louise Moyer, professional silk painter and renown teacher, also author of the best-seller 'Silk Painting; Gutta and Wax Resists' currently out of print. Revised Edition 144 pages paperback 2010

This lavishly illustrated book presents 55 works of art from Japanese textile master Itchiku Kubota. His unique and individualistic style redefined the mastery of traditional textile methods from sixteenth century Japan into modern masterpieces. Panoramic landscapes are created over a series of kimonos with stitch-resist techniques, ink drawing, embroidery, metallic leaf and complex layering of colour and richly textured surfaces. The collection incorporates a life times mastery of textiles that has been exhibited in the San Diego Museum of Art, Timken Museum of art, Canton Museum of art and now reside in The Itchiku Kubota Gallery and Studio at the base of Mt Fuji, Japan. This book is a visually stimulating and inspirational text for anyone interested in opulent textiles, mastery of fine art, silk painting techniques, art, the Orient, landscapes and panoramic imagery, containing exceptional panorama's over several fold out pages. Hard back edition with dustcover, 160pages 2009

This beautiful book has become the definitive Bible for Shibori from the modern day masters of this ancient Japanese art of pattern by resist. A classic book with beautifully illustrated, detailed instructions and clearly written text, is an invaluable text for artists, students and scholars alike. This is the ultimate reference book on the subject of resist dyeing now widely known as Shibori. By exploring the potential to create complex patterns into cloth by binding, looping, pinching, twisting, stitching, folding, pleating, wrapping, knotting and clamping, we are provided with extensive documentation of a technique that is considered to be one of the most inventive and exciting dyeing methods, with endless ideas and techniques to create pattern and texture on fabric. There is no better book available. Highly recommended.

An exciting book on Shibori aimed at embroiderers, quilters and textile artists who want to both master the techniques of shibori and find ways of using this technique for a range of textile applications. Full of inspirational & fresh ideas. Japanese, African and Indian Shibori methods are combined with contemporary techniques to create textiles bursting with rich, intricate patterns & bold colour. Techniques covered include tied & stitched designs for wrapping, folding, clamping, pleating & binding, alongside simple & safe dyeing techniques. Practical information accompanied by clear instructions and beautiful illustrations. Janice Gunner is well-known both in the U.K. and the U.S. for her quilting and shibori work. She is the Vice-President of the Quilters Guild of the British Isles and has been teaching for 30 years.126 pages Hardback with dustcover UK 2007

This vibrant book provides an excellent guide to shibori techniques, with a stimulating contemporary take on traditional Japanese methods. Techniques are exquisitely illustrated with easy to follow instructions on dyeing methods, that can be further developed and seek to inspire. The book covers colour ways and creating dimension through colour layers and discharge. Detailed dyeing, binding, stitching and capping techniques are explored along with folding, clamping and pole wrapping. Catering to all ranges of experience, textile artist Mandy Southan’s book is an excellent reference book for students and practicing artist, highly recommended

An excellent design resource book crammed with patterns and some glossy coloured photographs of finished work. Great for silk painters and leadlighters, folk artists, glass painters.

A golden oldie, timeless and hard to beat; this book is lavishly illustrated throughout with colour photographs and provides clear instruction and inspiration to beginners, intermediate and established artists working with silk. Hard back, spiral bound book with heavy glossy paper, easy to work with in the studio. UK. Limited stock.

This book offers the reader a creative and visually stimulating journey into the world of creating fabric or paper, with fibre, an exciting dimension in textile art. This well loved publication by Australian artist and author, Judith Pinnell, is rich in idea's, clear instruction, vivid illustration,  guidance and several timeless projects such as bowls, masks, a simple neck purse, a small box with lid and a theatre purse. A gallery of other artists work supports the visual inspiration.

A source book for the working artist and craftsperson, featuring a large collection of beautifully illustrated photo-copiable patterns and motifs by artist Judy Balchin. The Art Noveau era draws its inspiration from nature and features designs of flowers, plants, bird, animals, figure, borders and frames and much more. The complexity of the designs adds to their unique and distinct style, which can be made use of by silk painters, leadlight workers, folk artists, needleworkers, craftspeople and all those interested in creating their own original ideas and projects.

A source of designs complied and illustrated by artist Elaine Hamer, which features highly stylized, naturalistic forms particular to the period of Art Noveau; roses, tulips, poppies, daffodils, lilies and many more flowers types that have a timeless appeal. These A4 photo-copiable illustrations can be applied to any medium be it textiles, fashion, embroidery, silk painting, glass work, ceramics, folk art, arts and craft

Another excellent design source book; featuring a collection of beautifully illustrated floral designs which will inspire artists, needleworkers and crafts people in creating their own ideas and projects. Flower Designs is an invaluable source book and includes decorative floral borders & panels, patterns and motifs of roses, lilies, peonies, poppies, morning glory, irises and many more popular flowers, use as stand alone motifs or combine to form repeat patterns and collective images , Many Southan is an experienced author , teacher and silk painter

This gorgeous book indulges every aspect of this lustrous and opulent fabric, explored in all its decadence in this high quality, visually stunning large format publication. Glorious glossy photographs and illustrations provide a detailed exposé of Silk through out the ages, beginning with its origin in Imperial China and a concise history of the Silk Road. The author goes on to explain the fibres enduring influence and central function in culture, art and fashion, both historically and onward to the present day. Masterpieces from the great designers such as Paquin and Lanvin, to Charles James and Valentino are considered, and innovative uses for silk are explored through today’s cutting-edge designers, among them Roberto Cavalli, Hussein Chalayan, John Galliano and Alexander McQueen. The science, potential and future of Silk as a timeless fabric that is both vintage and contemporary in style are explored in this exciting, well written and visual text, with chapters on silk in use, in detail, and in action. A wonderful browsing, stimulating and informative addition to the collection of all lovers of silk, fashion, history and fine textiles.

Newly released, this excellent beginners guide to dyeing; offering a clear understanding of various dyes and fabrics; creating a collection of your favourite colours and gradations; great for patchwork & quilters, and all textile artists who wish to use their own unique fabric collection. Clear instructions and well illustrated with a gallery for inspiration and 5 fused quilt projects.

This visually stunning and vibrant book breaks down the principles of colour on cloth and cold water dyeing methods in an easy to follow format. The range of techniques covered by the book include direct dyeing, layered dyeing, painting with dye, pattern dyeing and folding techniques, using resists such as flour starch and potato dextrin, and devore' in which fabric is burnt out to create a textured surface design. Dye recipes are non complicated, working with a bright, bold and inspiring colour palette. This book provides valuable references on technical aspects of colour and dyeing, and most importantly seeks to inspire and develop personal creativity and equips the reader with the skills and resources to learn to experiment with colour. Soft cover

This exciting book uncovers the secrets of creating visual complexity and depth in surface design. In this comprehensive guide, the author explains her system of layering simple processes to produce intriguing surface designs. Experimentation with fiber-reactive dyes, household bleach, fabric paints, water-based resists, photocopy transfers, foiling, silk screening, stenciling, stamping, embroidery, and beading.  This fantastic text is illustrated by dozens of full-color photographs of fabric, quilts, and clothing providing a range of beautiful results, with detailed instructions for applications, processes, and embellishments, plus tips for organizing work space and finding the right supplies. Jane Dunnewold is an experienced textile artist of international renown, author, lecturer, and chairs and teaches at the Surface Design Studio in San Antonio.159 page paperback USA 1996  

Finally a comprehensive guide to embellishing surfaces with designs beyond the traditional. This book illustrates how you can add your own personal touch to a variety of surfaces, including many types of fabric, leather, suede, wood. Easy to follow with step-by-step instructions and photographs. A gallery of the artists work provides ideas and inspiration. 140p paperback USA 2002

A strong and sound text book of old and new dye techniques by 21 experts & artists collated by Janet De Boer of the Australian Textile Fibre Forum. A useful and time-less handbook for all textile artists from students to advanced. Techniques include batik, tie-dye/shibori, marbling, transfer printing, cold pad patch dye, soga discharge, hand painting and many dye types are covered, both synthetic and natural. 112 pages Australia 1987

Using Procion MX cool water fibre reactive dyes, Linda Johansen offers formulas for more than 900 colours, to take the guesswork out of creating the exact colour you want, when you want it. A simple and straightforward approach to fabric dyeing makes playing with colour fun and exciting. Learn the basics and try a variety of specialty techniques such as twisting, pleating, layering and painting. The text is organized by colour and supported with clear instructions and guidance. 2010 US

Hand painting Fabric shows readers how to use readily available paints, dyes, and art supplies, along with simple, innovative techniques. Covering materials & tools, design, freehand painting, dyeing, discharge, stamping, stenciling, silk screening, using resists; special effects such as salt, alcohol, shibori, airbrushing, layering, quilting and collage, on a variety of fabrics, including silks, velvets, and more, all with stunning results. Inspirational examples of fun and elegant clothing (scarves, wraps, vests, skirts) and inspirational home wear (pillows, throws, curtains) provide ideas for using embellished fabrics creatively. Information on adding stylish details such as linings, tassels, and fringes is also included.A nice book, presents with clear instructions, good illustration and lots of inspirational photographs of finished work. 128p A4 soft cover USA 2003

All who work with fibres and textiles, as well as botanists and plant enthusiasts, will love this book. The authors, being both professional botanists, have selected forty eight plants from around the world and describe the structure and cultivation of each, it’s history as a dye source and the best method of use based on their own experience. Each plant is beautifully illustrated by Gretal Dalby-Quenet, a skilled botanical artist, in a full page painting that also shows the colours the plant can yield, some of these are saffron, indigo, madder, henna, elderberry. John Cannon was Keeper of Botany at The Natural History Museum, London until 1990. Margaret Cannon was a botanical researcher there also, and is now a specialised artisan of spinning, dyeing and weaving in the UK. Excellent publication.

A gorgeous invaluable pocket book for natural dye enthusiasts covering all aspects of planning a dye garden, growing & harvesting, dyeing methods and colour charts, Choosing which plants to grow; getting & growing dye plants; planning a dye garden; dyeing with plants; colours & more colours. This is a portfolio of dye plants, well illustrated with variable results obtained on silk, wool, cotton using alternative mordants. Although a US publication, this book contains many plant varieties commonly grown in Australia, cottage garden plants and herbs. 112 pages A5 format USA 1995

All who work with fibres and textiles, as well as botanists and plant enthusiasts, will love this book. The authors, being both professional botanists, have selected forty eight plants from around the world and describe the structure and cultivation of each, it’s history as a dye source and the best method of use based on their own experience. Each plant is beautifully illustrated by Gretal Dalby-Quenet, a skilled botanical artist, in a full page painting that also shows the colours the plant can yield, some of these are saffron, indigo, madder, henna, elderberry. John Cannon was Keeper of Botany at The Natural History Museum, London until 1990. Margaret Cannon was a botanical researcher there also, and is now a specialised artisan of spinning, dyeing and weaving in the UK. Excellent publication. No longer readily available, an iconic collectors edition.

Jenny Dean, Master Dyer & Author of The Craft of Natural Dyeing, Wild Colour, and other gospels on the subject, has given us yet another excellent book. This small format book is fresh and appealing, well written and visually pleasing, laid out sequentially by colour, detailing plants & methods for obtaining the relevant colour. A comprehensive recipe section gives instructions on over 100 colours including both traditional dyes such as indigo, madder and weld to commonplace dyes from the kitchen and garden.  2009 UK

Artistic dyer and colourist, India Flint teaches you how to use leaves, roots, bark & flowers from the Australian bush to colour your cloth and yarn, as an ecologically sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes. The author explores the fascinating and infinite world of plant colour using a wide variety of techniques and recipes. Contents include the context of natural versus synthetic dyes, the protocol of collecting plant matter, ecological, health and safety matters in the workplace, natural dyestuffs, preparing, processing and applying dyes, using mordants, some special dye plant groups and special effects such as eco-printing. The only Australia-specific reference book currently in print on the subject, and a valuable addition to the library of the natural dye enthusiast. Large format hardback 238 pages 2008 Australia

A well written and photographed book for dyer knitters and spinners; Gail writes as she speaks and makes a compelling and encouraging read. This spiral bound, small format hardback book lies flat while you follow her clear, step by step instructions in your own kitchen. Contents include; your dye studio, fibres to dye for, dyes to try, colour power, no-fear dyeing, show off patterns. Spiral (hidden) hardback 168 pages 2010

A welcome, and astonishingly beautiful new publication on the subject of natural dyes. UK in origin, containing a few hedgerow plants that we won't see in Australia, but crammed full of plants we will. Beautiful detailed hand-painted illustrations adorn each recipe along with information on growing & foraging, and special section on designing a dyers garden. Judy Hardman is a master dyer/weaver/spinner, Sally Pinhey teaches botanical illustration and is a RHS medalist & illustrator of horticultural books. Contents include preparation for dyeing and dye techniques, how to dye felt in all its forms, solar dyeing and step by step instructions for silk, wool and cotton. This is a very special addition to the natural dye enthusiast's library of reference books.  2009 UK

Don't buy this book if you want to sit down and browse through a lot of inspirational coloured dye examples. This is a serious book for the dyer who wants to really know; while offering a brief history of dyeing and discussing the pre-synthetic dye era, Jim launches straight into a comprehensive documentation of his many years researching 18th and 19th century dyes, conducting experiments and trying to reproduce the achievements of our ancestors. He covers health & safety, scouring, mordanting, specifics for using silk and wool, and whole chapters to Yellow, Blue, including Logwood, Prussian & Indigo, Reds; Madder, St.John's Blood, Redwood, Indian Hopi reds, Greens, Purple, Oranges, Browns, Greys & Blacks. It is well written, in an easy to read format and offers step by step instructions to successful, lasting, vibrant colour. 222 pages 2006 edition ( first published 1990 ) USA

This book is an excellent resource for fibre artists wanting to colour textiles the natural way. Beautifully presented, organised by colour, clear, comprehensive information and instruction by two talented professional artisans, an excellent follow on from Tracy Kendall’s The Fabric and Yarn Dyers Handbook, now sadly out of print. Contents include;

• Understanding the basics, techniques for collecting & preparing dyestuffs
• Collecting your own dyestuffs
• Step by step directions from batik to dip-dyeing
• Dye techniques and mordants
• A dictionary of recipes for dyeing with madder, safflower, indigo, cochineal, alkanet and more
• Information about the effects of dyes on various fibres
• Safety, planning, recording, resources

For Natural Dye enthusiasts; first published in 1998, re-printed several times by popular demand and remains a current best seller. Jenny Dean is a master dyer, lecturer and author, this being the first of several excellent books on the subject. Well presented, illustrated to a high standard, informative, easy to follow and comprehensive. Organised into colours, Jenny has simplified the means to select the materials needed for the colour you want to achieve. The chapter on growing dye plants is equally relevant and achievable in the southern hemisphere.  soft cover 2009 UK

The best resource on Natural Dyeing is revised, updated & back!! This wonderful book is a practical, inspirational guide to using plant matter to create beautiful colour. A comprehensive text outlines all the necessary equipment, how to select fibres and plants, choose the right methods for mordanting & dyeing, test colour modifiers and fastness of dyed colour, how to obtain a range of gorgeous colour from every plant, beautifully illustrated in over 250 swatches. Each plant species is carefully explained and photographed, detailing the cultivation and harvesting, where found, availability, planting, growing and harvesting seasons, plant parts and different colour effects, dyeing procedure, mordants.  paperback 2010 USA

A newly released edition of Jenny's original gospel on the subject of Indigo. This classic book tells the compelling story of the worlds most valued and widely used natural dyestuff since ancient times. Indigo is natures only source of blue dye, produced from plants by a process akin to alchemy. The result of over 20 years of research, this is the only book to examine all aspects of this subject and is an incredible read. A wonderful,  valuable reference for all those interested in textiles, art and design, or the history of colour. Superbly written and illustrated in full, rich colour.

Bridging the gap between fine art and textiles is award winning stitch-textile artist and teacher Sandra Meech, whose innovative designs and creative methods seek to inspire the artist within. The book is geared towards all textile artists and embroiders, from beginners to accomplished practitioners. Fifteen 'art classes' are covered in the book from the basis of drawing to paint and print techniques, using mixed mediums of charcoal, oils, water colour and ink, which are translated into textile art. Sewing techniques and stitch applications are reviewed and beautifully illustrated by the author and other leading textile artists in this visually impressive book. The classes are developed to inspire and unlock creativity topics covered include collage, painting on fabric, working with disperse dyes, photography and image transfer. The connection between art and stitch is continually reinforced throughout the book. 128 pages. Hardback with dustcover 2009 UK

The author presents us with the finest sewing techniques as they are practiced in the couture houses of world famous designers such as Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Givenchy and Balenciaga. Providing an invaluable wealth of information, much of it unpublished elsewhere. Sewing expert, Claire Shaeffer shares the craftsmanship of the world's most skilled artisans that can be duplicated at home. Techniques and detailed instructions include the following:

• Hand stitching, the basis of a couture garment
• Shaping with seams, darts and pressing
• Finishing edges, with hems, facings and bindings
• Creating beautiful closures
• The construction and industry finishes of skirts, pants, blouses and dresses
• Fitting and setting in sleeves
• Sewing patch and bound pockets
• Tailoring and finishing jackets
• Structuring and embellishing evening wear.

This book is well presented, easy to follow and comes highly recommended whether you want to find a special detail for a project or sew an entire garment, you'll find all the information you need. 217 pages 2007 USA

Internationally recognised sewing expert Claire Shaeffer reveals high fashion sewing techniques from designers such as Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Yves Saint Laurent, Geoffrey Beene, Liz Claiborne and Calvin Klein. This book contains the information and techniques to apply high-end design details into your own original garments. Easy to follow instructions, well illustrated guide the reader from the pattern making level through to the construction, and makes this book an essential resource for serious students and avid sewers. Highly recommended. 245 pages 1997 USA

Two of the world's best selling textile authors explore the range of fabrics & materials that can be dissolved, melted, slashed & distorted to create amazing unique textiles. Beautiful illustrations with work created by the authors as well as a gallery of other renowned textile artists support this inspirational how-to guide. 127 page paperback USA 2006

Textile artist, Maggie Grey seeks to inspire with her book 'stitches, straps and layers', with an emphasis on recycling and re using to create complex surfaces. The embellishment of fabrics to create texture using layering methods of yarns, printing, foiling and couching techniques. Guest stitcher Janet Crowther introduces innovative developments with pintucks while Maggie expands on creative methods of stitching and distressing fabrics to re-invent surface design, including use of the embellisher and paper techniques. 96 glossy, colour pages paperback 2009 UK

Award winning textile artist and teacher, C June Barnes share the secrets to the stitching to dye technique which has revolutionised quilt art. These stunning dyed quilts are created in neutral coloured fabric and dyed in stunning colourways. In addition to dye techniques the book uncovers the endless possibilities of distortion and shrinkage. By clever manipulation of the fabric and ingenious insertion methods, June teaches her innovative techniques. Easy to follow step-by-step instructions for the creation of various distortion and dye effects, with an emphasis on personal creativity and constant experimentation. The book covers topics of fabric selection, using pre dyed fabric for enhanced contrast, the incorporation of lace and other embellishments, using cords and braids and buttons for texture and distortion. 128 page Hardback 2008 UK

This well written text offers a comprehensive over-view of three dimensional manipulation of fabric to create surface texture in any genre, be it fashion, textiles artists, quilters or home craftmakers. Techniques, combined with an extensive photo gallery, illustrate traditional methods with contemporary decorative finishes and include both hand and machine stitching. The author's presentation breaks the techniques down into simple instructions with endless possibilities to further the readers own creativity. This visually stimulating book is filled with techniques such as gathering, pleating, tucking, shirring, smocking and quilting woven materials, and more, in fantastic detail; it encapsulates skills that are in danger of being forgotten, and comes highly recommended. 310pages 1996 USA

This unique and colourful book shows how to add amazing designs to fabric through print and stitch. The book guides you effortlessly through every stage, beginning with the materials and tools needed, how to develop your idea’s into workable design, and how to use colour. Followed by a wide range of hand printing techniques on different materials and fabrics, all clearly explained and richly illustrated. The book culminates in an extensive stitch gallery showing how your printed design can be enhanced using a variety of threads, machine stitching, hand embroidery and embellishments. A rich source of idea’s and inspiration.