The Art of Whimsical Stitching

June 1, 2016

Mixed-media artist Sharpe (The Art of Whimsical Lettering) demonstrates techniques for incorporating hand and machine stitching, including embroidery and quilting techniques, into a number of mixed-media projects. Hand-painted or hand-colored fabric is the basis of many of the offerings. A brief overview covers the diverse ways to add color to fabric, from dyeing to hand-coloring or drawing, with plenty of samples from Sharpe's work to illustrate the differences in style. This is followed by overviews of embroidery and quilting supplies and tools and basic color theory. The projects are at the heart of the book, and Sharpe's energetic color choices are the uniting factor. She uses mainly cotton or muslin, with other fibers or fabrics introduced in projects incorporating specialty techniques such as crazy quilting or needle felting. The style isn't for everyone--sewists who like precision will find Sharpe's loosey-goosey style crazy making--but those open to free-form stitching will appreciate the freedom inherent in the improvisational techniques presented. VERDICT While art quilters are the most likely audience for Sharpe's ideas, stitchers and mixed-media artists who incorporate fabric into their work may find this compilation inspiring.

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