Modern Fabric

October 1, 2020
In this world-over celebration of textile design, Maine-based fabric enthusiasts and artisans Gilchrist and Poole showcase both well-known fabric-world personalities (like Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably) as well as under-the-radar artisans, from Cape Town to Winnipeg, Osaka to Dallas. In interviews with their subjects, the authors cover topics like business, inspiration, studio work methods, and philosophies, which all begin to blend together in a pleasant way. What especially stands out is the amazing variety of the designers' work, from Fassett's insistence on "wonderful smoldering color" to Stacie Bloomfield's background as an illustrator and the charming black-and-white patterns that result from it. While readers may wish for even more colorful visuals of the artists' work, quotes, too, will inspire: Good design tells a story. You cannot have anything that is more perfect than nature itself. My mission is to help preserve handloom weaving. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

November 1, 2020

Gilchrist (owner and operator, Fiddlehead Artisan Supply, ME) and textile designer Poole look inside the studios and personas of 25 international fabric designers. The term modern fabric basically denotes current trends in textiles that often have attributes of bold color and unique, eye-catching designs. These designers share how they started their businesses, various techniques they use in their designs, and what inspires them to create. Each essay is supported by numerous color photographs of samples and finished pieces that are made with various fabrics. As promised, the authors interview a wide array of talented designers who work either independently or for large companies. They may design for large-scale production or screen and block print their own designs out of small studios. VERDICT Not a "how-to" or technical presentation but an exploration into the creative lives of contemporary fabric designers. This should appeal to quilters, sewers, and designers, both hobbyists and professionals.--Deborah A. Broocker, Georgia Perimeter Coll. Lib., Dunwoody

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 16, 2020
Textile shop owners Gilchrist and Poole debut with a striking, colorful collection of profiles of contemporary fabric designers. The essays capture an international array of artists, balancing big names with up-and-coming designers. “There is no single definition of modern fabric,” the authors write; for London’s Sally Kelly, “color is the pure joy that can create absolute magic,” while to Argentinian American Pat Bravo, “Modern fabric design is not a word—it is a feeling.” Canadian Destiny Seymour, who is Anishinaabe, First Nation, speaks of being frustrated by the lack of textiles related to her people’s Indigenous identity, which led her to create her own designs from pottery shards and bone tool, “taking those patterns and giving them a modern twist, so that we see ourselves in these interiors and in these spaces.” Gilchrist and Poole impressively capture each artist’s creative growth and personal life—Jen Hewett “found her way into the world of print when she needed a creative outlet while working at a corporate job”—and each profile is complete with color photographs that highlight each artist’s process. This is a winning, vibrant look behind the scenes of textile design.