Textiles Transformed: Thread and Thrift with Reclaimed Textiles

by Mandy Pattullo

A guide to transforming found and cherished textiles.

Textile artist Mandy Pattullo shows how to source, refashion and repurpose vintage textiles to create beautiful collages and other unique textile objects. There are ideas for embellishment, stitch and appliqué as well as tips for transforming material into impressive quilts, bags, books, tablecloths, tapestry panels and wall hangings and much more.

Following the make-do-and-mend and folk art traditions of previous generations, Mandy provides simple instructions for working with a variety of vintage textiles and precious fragments. There are projects for working with quilts, patchworks, linen, lace, wool and even deconstructing pre-loved garments.

Each project beautifully demonstrates how fabrics and textiles can find a new and repurposed life and will inspire textile artists to incorporate these past beauties into their own work.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, Art, Fashion, Sewing, Quilting

128 pages, Hardcover

Published September 22, 2020

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transformative. Exactly as the title says.

[Irene Adler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a suede or velvet finish hard cover in the version I read that makes me want to stroke it. Reading it was a sensory pleasure as well as visual one.

This book is written by a textile artist and it got a bit wordy and arty for my liking. Plus I'm not so big on things to hang on the wall or just to look at. Having said that, there was still a lot to inspire and the many included photos were gorgeous.

The book has these sections:

Introduction

The Basics - Fabrics; Textile Collage; Foundations and Attaching; Needles and Pins; Threads; Stitch.
There is little information here, more what the author / maker chooses and why.

1. Quilt Love - The author / maker uses old quilts in projects, but as most of them appear damaged this second life is a good thing. None of the projects are replicable of course, but the way the quilts are combined and used are pleasing to the eye and original.

2. Wool Work - A lot of traditional techniques for working on and with wool are explored, including what to do with those 'paint by numbers' tapestries made from kits. Does include sections on darning and felt for those of us that lean more utilitarian than art.

3. Linen and Lace - The use of vintage embroidered doileys as shown on page 76 and 77 is my favourite reuse example in the entire book, and I will be seeking out some to customise clothing in this way. To wear, not to hang on the wall.

4. Wardrobe - Sadly this was mostly about cutting up clothing to make art rather than to improve / customise / repair clothing as I was expecting. There were some examples of furniture customisation and some of the techniques might still be useful.

Conclusion etc.

I enjoyed looking through the photos in this book enough to give it four stars, even if I didn't find the text all that informative or interesting.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good "lookbook" with ideas for using old embroidered or quilted materials to make art or more practical items. Narrow in scope but good for ideas. I especially like the embellished belts, and methods of sewing/embroidering together damaged quilt sections, embroidered linens, or cool scraps of fabric. As someone who wants to make practical items I wasn't intrigued by the pure art, but fans of the author's style will enjoy them.

[Rogue Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

The textile art using found materials is beautiful too - photographs are close up and show the detail. Unusual European perspective on where and how the found textiles are discovered. Lovely hard cover, beautifully designed and bound. The cover is a flocked paper of sorts.

[Mary Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely ideas

This book is well worth the read. I’m looking forward to giving it a go. Can’t wait to start collecting supplies.

[Micebyliz]

a very pleasant little read about the uses of textiles for your every whim.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice upcycling book that leans more toward art than craft. Some of the items are just exquisite.
The book was fun to peruse, though I doubt I'll try to recreate any of the projects.

[KIM · Rating 3 out of 5]

not really my bag but cute ideas.

[Hannah Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the idea of taking old quilts and half-finished pieces of textile art, often found at flea markets and thrift stores, and reviving them. I've got a stack of old textiles to play with and Textiles Transformed is full of ideas and techniques. I love how she shows the process of making the wren seen on the cover. It just goes to show I don't use nearly enough pins or have quite the level of patience needed for itty bitty patchwork. If you need a gentle nudge of textile art inspiration or are looking for ways to save those lovely textile pieces lying at the bottom of a neglected cedar chest, this is the perfect read for you!

[Nicky Triggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I love Mandy's work, but also like that she is willing to share her ideas and process of working. Although I have 'finished' reading the book I know I will return to it. There is so much inspiration and I cannot wait to stitch. There are several projects to do with just enough information to get started and ideas how they can be made our own. The historical background is interesting and the photographs are lovely. I think I need to read her earlier book now...