Have a few books on textiles, but there aren't so many that directly cover how to use nature in your work in this way. Had seen artist Caroline Hyde-Brown's beautiful work on Pinterest so decided to take a chance on this book - very glad I did. One of her strong points is that she shows you how to sew botanical material directly onto your work.
This is quite a comprehensive book, it talks about how she relates to the landscape in Norfolk where she lives, how she goes out to forage, what she collects, processing and storing what is gathered, her work in notebooks, projects to try and then lots of very informative pictures of her fantastic work. I only had to get a few supplies (eg silk tulle, 100% Acetone, chiffon) the rest are things you would have in your stash (eg soluble backing). There is a section on dyeing small bits of fabric, free motion embroidery, image transfer, but also quite a few other techniques she uses like Hapa-zome.
I think this book is a very nice balance between showing you her wonderful artwork and 'how to' techniques. She is generous with her knowledge because the book tells you exactly how to do it. So far I have tried the image transfers of trees from my own photographs (have to give it a few more goes to get it how I want). Can't wait to try the dried flower wall hanging and sewing fallen lichen onto work. So glad to have this book to work through over the coming months.
Highly recommended if you want to use the natural world around you to incorporate into your work.
ailishhenderson.com
Imagine learning through clear instruction how to solar dye, felt, use foraged finds to naturally dye fabrics which can then be used for textile art projectsthe one which really confused me in title is Hapa-zone (with flowers and leaves). What is it?! I ask. Well, you too can glean your answer if you buy a copy!
With a stunning gallery of works to showcase Carolines beautiful life of embracing all that she loves and lacing it together via her art in this book, I personally found it one I would really use in my own practice. It fed my mind kindly, not too much to take in, not too arduous a method to trial.
Customer Review
The first time I saw this book I knew that I would love it, and I'm not disappointed. It's not only an instructional book but also a wonderful read. Just browsing through the pages makes me want to go foraging and try yet another technique. Caroline's instructions are clear and cover everything particular items to look for in each season, how to prepare and store the items, natural dyeing and creating lovely artwork. Her love of both nature and stitching is clear to see on every page and I think anyone with similar interests will love this book as much as I do.
Customer Review
This is the book for anyone who enjoys craft work and who cannot go for a walk in the countryside without coming home with a pocket full of treasures; acorns, interesting wood, leaves, and flowers, the author will help you find a use for them all.
I have tried some of the dying methods and all have worked very well.
The book is beautifully illustrated through and the instructions are easy to follow.
Guild of Weavers, Spinners, Dyers
Three quarters of the Forage & Stitch is taken up by projects, the first being natural dyeing; this has a very comprehensive overview of methods in just a few pages. Other projects use the techniques of wet felting, free-machine stitching, acetone-transfer fabric printing, hand embroidery, using pressed flowers, pressing plants on to fabric, and using wool or silk tops. Each has a description of the technique used, with the tools and materials required, some colour theory and full, illustrated instructions on designing and making the item, concluding with a gallery of other examples using that technique.
The book is well-illustrated in full colour throughout, with helpful tips and interesting facts, and a final chapter on presentation and framing.
Issue 132
Learn to incorporate naturally foraged materials into your artwork. Suitable for all levels and abilities, techniques include hand and machine stitching, solar dyeing, felting and hapa-zome. Stunning photos offer inspirational examples of textile and natural art.
Issue 145
Combine the power of the natural world with renowned textile artist Caroline Hyde-Brown's suggestions to stitch beautiful textiles creations. Using natural materials is a way to rekindle your connection to the outdoors and tap into the rhythms of the seasons, enabling you to be mindful and create at the same time. Caroline offers expert guidance on a range of techniques from hand and machine stitching, to solar dyeing, felting and Hapa-Some, with eight projects to try.
