Complex Cloth: A Comprehensive Guide to Surface Design

Issue 156, Jan 07

Although this title has been around for a while, with the increasing interest in Art Quilts and use of mixed media techniques in quilt making, it is worth revisiting. Complex cloth is defined as white fabric which is altered by dyeing, painting, bleaching and foiling. The author is invironmentally aware, she recommends reusing containers and claims to use only safe products. There are constant reminders on safety and using materials with care. All the procedures can be done at home. She starts by testing the fabric's contents, even taking measures to test fabric samples before buying them, discreetly outside the shop. She explains how t make one's own stamps, stencils and screens for silk printing with clear instructions and photographs. She uses instant potato as a resist as well as more sophisticated techniques. Dyeing, painting and discharging with bleach are illustrated with examples of her work. This is a comprehensive well-written guide, a good introduction to creating unique fabric but it is unfortunate that only US suppliers are listed although email addresses are given.