Crazy Patchwork: Using Water-Soluble Stabiliser

Oct 09

Create colourful, contemporary clothes and accessories using water-soluble stabiliser. Use Jeannette's unique method to create individual items such as scarves, bags, tops and belts which are very easy to make. You can also use the techniques to update old scarves and bags to create new, fashionable items. All the projects come with clear step-by-step instructions and templates where needed. Based on simple methods using basic materials and equipment, the book is suitable for all abilities.

Nov 09

Crazy Patchwork by Jeannette Knake was a surprising book for me. I am a traditional knitter and hand embroiderer and will admit to being put off by the cover images and my heart sank when just a few pages in I saw that the technique required spray adhesive. Usually this would be a total no-no for me but I felt that I should swallow my purist pride and have a go. I needed to buy the water soluble stabiliser and I was really pleasantly surprised to find that it had a soft texture rather than a slippery feel and felt quite robust. I also needed to buy spray adhesive and this is where I felt I went wrong. The book called for a water soluble spray adhesive and in retrospect I think they meant the kind you might use for holding a quilt sandwich in place, I just bought a standard artists spray ad I think either I used too much or it wasn't water soluble as my sample is still sticky! My three year old loved helping me lay down pieces of fabric scraps, net, organza and wool. I made my sample very fine but I think you could have made quite a thick layer with more spray. We machined it and rinsed it to make our piece in about half an hour, I will use mine as a base for hand embroidery rather than clothing. I remain to be convinced about how practical a garment constructed from this made fabric would be, but I am a reluctant convert to the joys of glue in textiles. I think this book would be a really good technical guide for anyone wanting to try a new method of constructing fabric from scraps. I also think that apart from the ventilation concerns with spray adhesive it would be a good basis for a workshop with children, and at GBP6.99 felt like good value, especially as the additional equipment you might need if you already stitch is not expensive.

Dec 09

Following on from the success of the previous 'Crazy'titles, the latest book in this popular series focuses on patchwork techniques to create a range of exciting and colourful garments and fashion accessories. This is not crazy patchwork in the traditional sense - in this instance the pieces are cut to size, sandwiched in between layers of water-soluble stabilizer and sewn in a grid-like formation resulting in a colourful and casual fabric that can be made into sewn projects or used to embellish existing items. The book includes 15 projects for a variety of items to appeal to all ages including tops, bags, skirts, belts and scarves. Techniques are explained in detail and it is an easy method that is ideal for stitchers or all levels of expertise. Many of the projects include hand-dyed silk so both microwave and boil-dyeing methods are also included. Other materials such as yarn and raffia are also used and this is a great technique for using up all those valuable scraps!