Fabricate: 17 Innovative Sewing Projects that Make Fabric the Star

by Susan Wasinger

Create gorgeous one-of-a-kind handmade fabrics and transform them into fun and useful projects with this guide to distinctive cloth-making techniques. This innovative how-to resource uses classic and modern techniques to create interesting custom fabrics that are used in a dazzling array of fresh, stylish yet practical must-have items for one's wardrobe or home. From laptop cases to evening bags, elegant wraps to flirty skirts, floor pillows to whimsical curtains, this tutorial uses a variety of easy fiber-art and fabric-manipulation techniques to create original fabric projects from wearable designs and touching gifts to home decor. In addition to the cloth-making techniques, there are 17 projects that show what can be made with each unique fabric. Additional instruction is included to create unique effects with pleats and crinkles; puckers and tufts; cut-and-fray fabric techniques; laminates that add colorful, versatile, and playful layers; surface embellishment techniques like cording, applique, and crazy stitch; heat-treated techniques like burn-out, burn-away, and fabric etching; fabrics designed with solvy and repeating notions like rickrack, hooks and eyes, and zippers--leading to many endless possibilities.

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2009

Reviews

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is Susan Wasinger's best book. There are many many techniques that I enjoy or can see myself using to amplify a project without it looking corny or country.

[Dinh Hong · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting ways to transform the fabrics into cool materials

[liberal sprinkles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was attracted to the book by its very pretty cover. I wasn't disappointed. Wasinger shares beautiful projects and lovely techniques to alter and embellish a variety of materials and fabrics. If you've ever wondered how you can crinkle fabrics, create pleats (at least three types documented), tufts or frays, embroider without stitches and even make your own fabric (tangle yarn, string and thread into a bird's nest-like "lace" material), this is the book for you. The most beautiful project for me is the faux chenille wrap. I would hesitate to slash through layers of dupioni silk and fray them with a brush (gasp!) but the resulting silk chenille-looking wrap is so gorgeous and looks seriously comfy and inviting.

I love the wide variety of fabrics and materials used (including cotton, silk, felt, denim and plastic bags) to create a range of projects: clothes, things for the home (swatch matrix lampshade, shaggy pleated pillow, freeform lacey placemat, frayed rug) and practical everyday thing like bags. The book is full of inspiration and you could easily adapt the projects to make something unique for your home or wardrobe. The text instructions are easy to follow and even better, illustrated with lots of helpful photos.

One to keep.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some really beautiful projects in here to make. However, for me at the stage my sewing skills are at, they seem very challenging, time involved, daunting pojects to start. Plus, you have to enlarge the templates in the back by 300% as there are no patterns - a pet peeve of mine.

That being said, the photography is fabulous and the instructions use the photography well to explain how to do some of the trickier work.

Her Resources page in the back lists a lot of places I have never heard of before or seen in other books - which is unique.

And the pojects are gorgeous abnd very creative - esp:

- fused plastic shopping tote
- stitchless emboridery tank top
- swirling freelace placemats

When my sewing skills progress a bit more, I will probably get this book out of the library again.

[erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is a delightful treasure trove of untold crafty wonders. my first project is the lovely blossom-covered clutch on the cover. it's been far too long since i've flexed any sort of creative connective tissue. apologies in advance to my family members: you are all receiving handmade gifts this year.

[Fatmah Al-Yafai · Rating 5 out of 5]

لطييييييف الكتاب ^^ تم تصفحه فقط دون القراءة
أفكار للإضافات على الملابس وتغيير شكلها .. أو حتى خياطتها ..
موجوده فيها باترينات مساعدة .. والخطوات واضحة

الجميل التنوع مابين خياطة فستان بسيط، غطاء لاب توب، خدادة ، ابجورة، مفرش طعام ، ستارة ، اسكارف ، شنط يد ،

أنصح محبات الخياطة والأعمال اليدوية فيه وبشدة :")

[Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the added touches that turns something simple into something wow. This book is inspirational for home sewing projects! The directions are simple and easy to follow and the photos are beautiful. It is a bit pricey though...

[Charlou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has some of the most unique projects and ideas that I've seen. Several are complicated and will take some time, but those are the kinds of projects I like and appreciate. Found it in the library, but may be purchasing. It's even just fun to look at for inspiration.

[Jacquie Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Book

This is a wonderful book its full of new and interesting ideas you will want to have a go at right away
Written in an easy to understand style with good photos
It's so nice to find a book with new ideas and techniques
I can't praise this book enough

[Mon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It not that bad for beginner sewers

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!! I want to try them all!

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

The only project that I liked was the one on the cover... The other ones were not my style at all!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I'm in the middle of a move at the moment, but as soon as I'm set up in the new place there are several projects from this book that I want to play with.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun ideas and projects.
Colourful and easy to follow.
Definitely lengthening my to make and do list!

[Ligaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those inspiration books whose projects are there to teach you specific techniques. So sometimes the projects aren't THAT important but you learned how to make crinkle pleats or sew freelace because, really, the Crinkled Pleats table runner and the Swirling Freelace placemat are very impractical! Nice photos of the projects and the how-tos. Loved it!