How-To

All About Machine Arts: Decorative Techniques from A to Z
from Sew News, Creative Machine Embroidery, and C&T Publishing
ISBN 0-57120-227-7
Copyright 2004 by C&T Publishing, Sew News, Creaive Machine Embroidery
An overview book that touches on applique, beading, using machine stitching to create effects, chenille, embroidery, free-motion stitching, lace, quilting, serging, shisha mirrors, serging to name some of the techniques covered.

The Art of Manipulating Fabric
by Colette Wolff
Format: Paperback, 311pp.
Publisher: Krause Publications
Pub. Date: October 1996
ISBN: 0801984963
Dealers: Poison Pen Press, G Street Fabric Store, EdwardRHamilton.com, Borders.com, BN.com, Crafters Choice book club, and some "good quality" fabric stores. Recommended by: Jacqui Kennedy, Lisa Ashton, Fabric Hoarder, Carolyn Louaillier, and Becky Lee. Note: If you have trouble finding this book in your local bookstore or fabric store, check the local quilting stores. I found this book at the Pacific International Quilt Festival (PIQF) by a vendor selling books there.

Complex Cloth
by Jane Dunnewold
ISBN 1-56477-149-0
Copyright 1996 by Jane Dunnewold
A good overview book touching on stamping, stenciling, silk screening, dyes, bleach discharge, fabric paints, water-based resists, foils and glitters, photocopy transfers, embroidery, and beading. It doesn't go into great detail on any one thing, but it does give you an idea of the technique and whether or not you want to explore it further.

Costuming Made Easy: How to Make Theatrical Costumes from Cast-Off Clothing
by Barb Rogers
Publisher: Meriwether Publishing Ltd.
ISBN 1-56608-048-7
Shows the quick-and-dirty cheats to get the effect and line if not the historically accurate look. You won't win any workmanship awards using this book, but you can have a costume done relatively quickly. Recommended by Carole Parker.

Fabulous Fabric Embellishments: Elegant & Innovative Techniques
by Mary Jo Hiney
ISBN 0-8069-1910-8
Copyright 2000 by Chapelle Ltd.
An overview book that touches on embroidery, pleats and tucks, applique, beading, ribbon work, background painting, shibori, and burnout to name some but not all of the techniques.

Jane Asher's Fancy Dress
by Jane Asher
Publisher: Salem House
Published: 1984
ISBN 0-88162-069-6
One of the best books for simple costumes that even children can make (well, and they are pretty amusing for adults, too). Grand and funny costumes made simply of househould materials. Some WorldCon winners have used many of the techniques mentioned herein. Recommended by Richard Payatt.

Maskmaking
by Carole Sivin
ISBN 0-87192-178-2
Copyright 1986
The basics of masks. How to make plaster, clay, laminated paper, papier-mache, buckram, wire, and celastic masks. Lots of instructional photos.

Off-the-Shelf Fabric Painting: 30 Simple Recipes for Gourmet Results
by Sue Beevers
ISBN 1-57120-226-9
Copyright 2004 by Sue Beevers
If you're not ready to try dyeing, this book has painting techniques that can get you the effect of dyeing. Several interesting techniques with some of them being the same as dyeing techniques.

Quiltagami: The Art of Fabric Folding
by Mary Jo Hiney
ISBN: 1-4027-0859-9
Copyright 2002 by Mary Jo Hiney
Applying origami techniques to fabric. The ideas are well illustrated and easy to follow. Check quilt stores for this book.

Readers' Digest Complete Guide to Sewing
ISBN 0-89577-026-1
Readers' Digest Complete Guide to Needlework
ISBN 0-89577-059-8
These books have wonderful and clear technique illustrations that make it so that most anyone that wants to can learn a new skill. The instructions are well written, and both have good overview materials that provide a good jumping off point. Recommended by Carole Parker.

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