Fantasy Fabrics

I got this as a gift from someone who knows I quilt. I have mixed feelings, and most of it is because I quilt for utility and beauty, and this is a technique that seems more suited to beauty.The instructions are clear, and give you lots of directions to go off on your own, as well as lots of useful pointers (if you're using glitter, remember that gravity will affect things). The results are gorgeous.That said, I don't know that this book serves my needs for something that can be washed again and again, thrown on beds and floors and grass, and stand up to the rigors of quilt-like use as opposed to wallhanging art-piece news.If you are looking for an interesting way to add depth and sparkle to your art pieces, this is the book for you. If you plan to wrap a scared dog in what you make, not so much.

Here are some excerpts from my review of this book. You can see the complete review on the Quilter's Review website."Have you ever looked for fabric but couldn't find exactly what you wanted? Maybe you found a great print, but it was a little too bright. Or you found something close, but you really wished it had some gold sparkles in it...."Bonnie Lyn McCaffery shows you how to create the fabric you want, and how to have fun doing it."Bonnie has worked out all the details of turning run-of-the-mill fabric into something not only personal, but spectacular. The only limit is your imagination. And if your imagination is limited, Bonnie will help you with that, too."Bonnie's technique begins with a base fabric. Cotton, the choice of most quilters, works well, but so do silks, satins, metallics, and many others. To the base fabric she applies a sheer fabric to add a shadow layer, or to create a slight color change. She explains the properties of the different base and top fabrics, and how they work together...."I collected a printed invitation, small silk flowers, and a folding fan from a bat mitzvah, and have been trying to figure out how to incorporate them into something to commemorate the occasion. I'd thought my only choice was to make a shadow box or frame for these memories, even though I really want to make a quilt. But now, Bonnie's book has given me the ideas and know-how I needed to create a commemorative quilt."I can't remember when I've had so much fun playing with fabric. Thanks to Bonnie's book, I now have a whole new relationship with my stash."

Imagine the idea of trapping cut-up bits of fabric under sheer tulle -- pushed as far as imagination can take it: trapping glitz and glitter, flowers and feathers -- and creating one-of-a-kind fabrics for backgrounds or as finished works of art. . . Instructions are clear and easy to read. Numerous photos of examples demonstrate a variety of techniques.

Review from Rosalie Cooke, editor, Art You Wear newsletter ([email protected]) In her newsletter, Rosalie is a resource for the wearable arts community. She reviews books that teach various methods, and reviews and explains patterns that are suitable for art-to-wear. She also describes exhibits and workshops, and lists upcoming events.Layering all kinds of fibers and fabrics under netting and stitching over it to hold it down is not a new technique, but it is refreshing to see so many variations all in one place. I skimmed the book looking only at the photographs and in that time solved two of my own problems. These were "Why didn't I think of that?" moments. Terrific, I love it when I can find answers so easily! I recommend this book because McCaffery has extensively researched the idea, and then laid it out so that you build up a varied repertoire. There are many photographs of samples to illustrate her point. I found it hard to see the differences between different colors of netting, but of course I could imagine what she was trying to show because I've done it myself. The samples are helpful and inspiring. McCaffrey discusses experi-menting with layers, adding items, and using the fabrics you've created. A large photo gallery is aimed at quilters, but just use what ideas you find to enhance your wearable art portfolio of techniques.I used this method to test sewing down snowflakes cut from potato chip bags (silver side). This was part of a recycling challenge. Until I saw the book I wasn't coming up with very easy or interesting ideas for stitching down snowflakes. I used little squares of pale blue net, illusion veil, and a heavy silvered netting. Using the net and illusion side by side created more textural interest. Next step is putting it through the washing machine and dryer and seeing what happens to both netting and potato chip bags. If it survives, it's wearable!

I believe that any quilter, fiber or wearable artists will have their fantasies fullfulled. I have never been more satisfied will Bonnie McCaffery's easy process of combining all the "fun stuff" we have available to us. Weather it be a quilt, vest, book jacket or anything your imaginagion projects, you are guaranteed the best creative juices your brain will dream.

Great book, love her ideas and no more little jars of Quilters' Jam (or is that jelly?). Bonnie has several fine techniques that have awakened me to the possibilities of teensy scraps, bits of ribbon, and threads. A necessary to my wearables library simply filled with ideas marvelous ideas. The photographs and instructions are wonderful.

Great jump start for your creative juices toward quilting as art, Bonnie's zillion innovations popping out at me from every page. Until I have the opportunity to see Bonnie's lecture, or until I can take one of her work shops this book will be my guide toward my own fun filled fabric fantasy. Give it a look, 'bet you can't leave without it. You won't be sorry.

Great ideas