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Enter To Win Cloth by Cassandra Ellis!

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I had the treat of getting an advanced copy of the book Cloth by Cassandra Ellis. I am in love with it’s gorgeous photos and simple beauty of the projects.

Please read below for a review and make a comment as to what is your favorite textile to use or maybe one that you’ve always wanted to make something out of. One lucky winner will be picked to win Cloth by Cassandra Ellis.

Plus, stay tuned to the Sew News blog for a Meet the Designer interview next week with Cassandra Ellis and get another try at winning this book.

Cassandra Ellis is a designer and maker of high-end quilts and home wares. Originally from New Zealand, she now runs her own design studio where she teaches contemporary craft and interiors workshops.

This is a beautiful book. Not an ordinary DIY, craft/home dec book with spare, white back drop photos and cheeky text. Cloth is lush with rich, dreamy photos by Catherine Gratwicke and intelligent, thoughtful text (how may craft books open with a poem by Yeats?) It was a visual pleasure to look through the book. And, easy to image that I could and more importantly, would make the projects Ellis offers. Cloth is broken down in five sections: Cotton, Wool, Silk, Hide and Linen. There is a brief introduction to each textile followed by a short history, making this book part textbook, but in no way written in a dry, dull manner. Ellis tell the reader of the individual textiles production, current and past uses and as in the case of silk the different types. Of which there are many.

The projects are all relatively easy, from bags, to oven mitts, sachets, pillows, aprons, bedding and more. Many of the projects focus on reclaimed, vintage or thrifted fabric and textiles. But, all the projects would work well with modern fabric with clean, bold lines.  Patterns are included in the book and the instructions are written in a clear and uncluttered tone. Measurements (for the advanced copy) are in metric. Each project ends with “Design Thoughts” with tips, ideas and ways to further embellish the project.

Also included is a helpful dye and tool kit section. Listing items needed to make the projects as well as equipment needed to dye textiles.

The sections are layout according to fabric type

Cotton

Screen Shot 2The section on cotton has eight projects. Tote bag, gauze tent, rug, apron, Furoshiki a Japanese carrying device, chair cushion, pillow, bedding and small purses.

Wool

Screen Shot 3 copyProjects include hand dyed guaze panel, overnight bag, wool blanket pillows, pet bed, a pouffe (not a chair, not a cushion but a pouf!) and oven mitts.

Silk

Screen Shot2The lovely silk projects include the following: silk wheat bags, sachets, kimono silk quilt, sari curtains, tea stained drawstring bags, and a shawl.

Hidecloth leather screen shotThe Hide section is particularly nice bringing attention to working with leather and sheepskin. There are five projects here; a journal, 3 bags, and a covered ottoman.

LinenScreen Shot 4Headboard or curtain panel, hand dyed cushions, slippers, duvet cover and pillowcases, Hemp napkins, and how to reupholster chairs.

All the projects in the book make the most of the textile being highlighted. The instructions are easy to follow and there is a wonderful resource guide that contains links and addresses to further research textiles, antique fabrics and sources to find extraordinary fabrics to use for your own projects.

Cloth would be a welcome addition to any sewing or home decor library. If you would like to be entered to win a copy of Cloth please make a comment on what your favorite textile to work with is. One winner will be picked and announced next Friday.

Good Luck!

Cloth by Cassandra  Ellis  – Published by Abrams | STC Craft – A Melanie Falick Book

ISBN  – 978-1-61769-109-6

And, last week’s winners of the Cuddle Fabric Kit giveaway are Sandi G and Sue C. I will be in touch with you shortly to tell you how to get your prize!

 

 

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