Fabricate - 17 Sewing Projects That Make Fabric the Star, by Susan Wasinger, is a book that explores ideas for transforming simple pieces of fabric into something truly special. The author, Susan Wasinger, takes readers through the techniques required to produce seventeen interesting and varied projects. The book is ideal for a wide range of people including experienced sewers and crafters who are seeking new techniques, through to beginners looking to learn something new. Fabricate will also appeal to people who are interested in green crafts as many of the ideas and techniques are perfect for recycling and repurchasing materials and fabrics.
Fabrics
The main focus of Fabricate is the creation of unique fabrics utilizing otherwise mundane materials such as cotton, wool sweaters and even plastic bags. The fabrics that are created can be used in a variety of projects in addition to the seventeen projects covered in the book. Readers will find ideas for creating beautiful silk chenilles, fusing plastic bags together to create a hybrid plastic fabric, using pleating as shaping and much more. The techniques help readers to create extraordinary fabrics that are unusual and ideal for people looking for something a little different.
Techniques
The main purpose of Fabricate is to explore how unique and one-of-a-kind fabrics can be created from basic materials. A variety of different techniques are used and this gives the reader plenty of scope for developing and adapting the projects listed as well as creating their own ideas. The techniques include some innovative ideas which provide plenty of opportunity for creative expression. Other techniques are interesting takes on traditional methods. The techniques are accessible to people of all experience levels and full information is provided so that even complete beginners can create their own fabrics. Each technique is demonstrated in a different project.
The Projects
The projects included in Fabricate are interesting and varied. They include clothes such as a skirts and sun dress, as well as a range of accessories including a laptop case and floor pillow. Many of the materials used in the projects are readily available from stores and some projects use fabrics that have been recycled from other items. The projects are broken into four groups which form the different sections of the book. Each project is clearly illustrated with photographs and images. The projects are broken down into individual steps which take the reader through every stage from beginning to end. Tips and notes are included throughout the book, giving helpful advice to the reader.
Experience Levels
Susan Wasinger writes for people of all experience levels. Basic information is provided in Fabricate for complete beginners, such as the items included in a standard sewing kit. Some of the techniques and projects can be undertaken by a complete beginner, whereas others are better suited to someone who is familiar and comfortable with the use of a sewing machine. Experienced sewers and crafters would also find inspiration within the book as there are some innovative techniques that make unusual use of standard materials. Beginners may benefit from practicing with small projects first.
Green Crafts
Many of the techniques and projects can use recycled materials. This makes Fabricate a book that would also appeal to people interested in green crafts. The fusing of plastic bags, for instance, to create a sturdy fabric is a great way of recycling plastic and keeping it out of landfill.
Conclusion
Fabricate - 17 Sewing Projects That Make Fabric the Star, by Susan Wasinger, is the ideal book for people who are looking for something a bit different from their craft. The emphasis of the book is the creation of attractive and unique fabrics using basic materials, along with a project that demonstrates how the fabric can be best used. Many readers will find that they can use this as a starting point and can go on and develop their own ideas and projects using these basic principles. Therefore, while the projects are an important feature of the book, the real strength lies in the techniques. These basic techniques can be used in many different ways giving the reader an almost endless supply of ideas.
Fabricate is not a sewing 'how-to' book, readers looking to learn more about the basics of sewing will find that other books are better suited to their needs. Fabricate is, however, ideal for people looking to create one-of-a-kind items and create their own unique fabrics. Fabricate is an inspirational book that works on many levels. This will make a useful addition to a sewers bookshelf, providing ideas and inspiration for many years to come.
Further Information
- Title: Fabricate - 17 Sewing Projects That Make Fabric the Star
- Author: Susan Wasinger
- Publisher: Interweave Press ISBN: 978-1-59668-094-4
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