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Inspiration Kantha: Creative Stitchery and Quilting with Asia's Ancient Technique
Kanthas, embroidered fabrics traditionally created by the women of northern India and Bangladesh, capture culture, history, and stitching creativity in their layers of repurposed old cloth. This book reveals the beauty in kantha's simplicity--it is based on simple running stitch--and offers step-by-step instructions that enable today's textile artists to enjoy it. Kanthas were originally created from threadbare clothing to rejuvenate it. The used fabrics were layered, then embellished with motifs and themes from nature, everyday life, and spirituality. This guide leads you through the layering of fabrics, transfer of imagery, and the stitching itself. There are handy motif patterns, instructions on how to begin a personal kantha reference library, and more. Both simple and complex projects, appealing to beginners and expert stitchers, get you started, and a colorful gallery of kantha work is included to inspire you.
- GenresCraftsNonfiction
112 pages, Hardcover
Published August 28, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 7, 2017
Title: Inspiration Kantha - Creative Stitchery and Quilting with Asia's Ancient Technique
Author: Anna Hergert
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd
Published: 8-28-2017
Pages: 112
Genre: Crafts & Hobbies
Sub-Genre: Needlework: Textiles; Art; Sewing; Textile Crafts
ISBN: 97807643574
Reviewed For NetGalley and
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 5 Stars
Kanthas, embroidered fabrics traditionally created by the women of northern India and Bangladesh, capture culture, history, and stitching creativity in their layers of repurposed old cloth. This book reveals the beauty in kantha’s simplicity--it is based on simple running stitch--and offers step-by-step instructions that enable today’s textile artists to enjoy it. Kanthas were originally created from threadbare clothing to rejuvenate it. The used fabrics were layered, then embellished with motifs and themes from nature, everyday life, and spirituality. This guide leads you through the layering of fabrics, transfer of imagery, and the stitching itself. There are handy motif patterns, instructions on how to begin a personal kantha reference library, and more. Both simple and complex projects, appealing to beginners and expert stitchers, get you started, and a colorful gallery of kantha work is included to inspire you.
Beautiful designs using a simple stitch. They truly do give step by step instructions of the designs. Mostly in wall hanging artwork. that can ofter used as prayer mats and worked into blankets and trows. Single designs are often used in the drawstring bags of women's fabric purses. Delicate and beutiful to adorn you own home or fashions or perhaps to share with others. Simple to create, but looks wonderful and desired by many. I wish it had been longer with more designs, but i enjoyed those that were offered.
My rating of "Inspiration Kantha - Creative Stitchery and Quilting with Asia's Ancient Technique" is 5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0764353578/...
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Author: Anna Hergert
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd
Published: 8-28-2017
Pages: 112
Genre: Crafts & Hobbies
Sub-Genre: Needlework: Textiles; Art; Sewing; Textile Crafts
ISBN: 97807643574
Reviewed For NetGalley and
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 5 Stars
Kanthas, embroidered fabrics traditionally created by the women of northern India and Bangladesh, capture culture, history, and stitching creativity in their layers of repurposed old cloth. This book reveals the beauty in kantha’s simplicity--it is based on simple running stitch--and offers step-by-step instructions that enable today’s textile artists to enjoy it. Kanthas were originally created from threadbare clothing to rejuvenate it. The used fabrics were layered, then embellished with motifs and themes from nature, everyday life, and spirituality. This guide leads you through the layering of fabrics, transfer of imagery, and the stitching itself. There are handy motif patterns, instructions on how to begin a personal kantha reference library, and more. Both simple and complex projects, appealing to beginners and expert stitchers, get you started, and a colorful gallery of kantha work is included to inspire you.
Beautiful designs using a simple stitch. They truly do give step by step instructions of the designs. Mostly in wall hanging artwork. that can ofter used as prayer mats and worked into blankets and trows. Single designs are often used in the drawstring bags of women's fabric purses. Delicate and beutiful to adorn you own home or fashions or perhaps to share with others. Simple to create, but looks wonderful and desired by many. I wish it had been longer with more designs, but i enjoyed those that were offered.
My rating of "Inspiration Kantha - Creative Stitchery and Quilting with Asia's Ancient Technique" is 5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0764353578/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/insp...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Inspir...
Google Play Link: Not Available
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
Kobo Link: Not Available
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
August 18, 2017
I'm a fibreart fanatic. I have at least tried everything from hedebo to hardanger to stumpwork to quilting. I love knitting, sewing, crochet, tatting and more.
I had never even heard of kantha. The earliest written record of kantha (from a Sanskrit word which means 'rags') appears in the book Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita which was written over 500 years ago. It is a traditional quilting/embroidery form in the Indian peninsula and surrounding areas. It was a traditional thrifty method of binding together worn saris and dhoti into layers to use as coverlets and extend the usefulness of worn out fabrics. Running stitches, traditionally in white red and blue, were used to further stabilize and decorate the fabrics.
This book is exhaustively researched and authoritative. I was amazed at the depth of information and background in the introductory chapters including discussion of the materials, types of kantha, different areas and traditional quilting patterns associated with them.
Supplies and stitches follow the historical introduction and are well photographed and described. Motifs (with color diagrams and clear photographs) are followed by specific projects more or less in order of difficulty. Beautifully photographed and with clear finishing instructions, there are many lovely things including a bucket bag (bag with round bottom), notebook cover and a drawstring bag.
There is a gorgeous white on white coverlet/hanging and a meditation/affirmation project followed by a inspiring jaw-dropping gallery full of gorgeous photographs.
At the end is a useful, well arranged appendix with line drawn motifs and stitch tutorials. There is also a useful, well referenced glossary and further reading list.
Meticulous and beautiful, this book will absolutely stay in my collection.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
I had never even heard of kantha. The earliest written record of kantha (from a Sanskrit word which means 'rags') appears in the book Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita which was written over 500 years ago. It is a traditional quilting/embroidery form in the Indian peninsula and surrounding areas. It was a traditional thrifty method of binding together worn saris and dhoti into layers to use as coverlets and extend the usefulness of worn out fabrics. Running stitches, traditionally in white red and blue, were used to further stabilize and decorate the fabrics.
This book is exhaustively researched and authoritative. I was amazed at the depth of information and background in the introductory chapters including discussion of the materials, types of kantha, different areas and traditional quilting patterns associated with them.
Supplies and stitches follow the historical introduction and are well photographed and described. Motifs (with color diagrams and clear photographs) are followed by specific projects more or less in order of difficulty. Beautifully photographed and with clear finishing instructions, there are many lovely things including a bucket bag (bag with round bottom), notebook cover and a drawstring bag.
There is a gorgeous white on white coverlet/hanging and a meditation/affirmation project followed by a inspiring jaw-dropping gallery full of gorgeous photographs.
At the end is a useful, well arranged appendix with line drawn motifs and stitch tutorials. There is also a useful, well referenced glossary and further reading list.
Meticulous and beautiful, this book will absolutely stay in my collection.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
September 19, 2017
Inspiration Kantha: Creative Stitchery and Quilting with Asias Ancient Technique by Anna Hergert explores the ancient technique of kantha.
The earliest written record of kantha appears in the book Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita which was written over 500 years ago. It is a traditional quilting/embroidery from the Indian peninsula and surrounding areas. It was a traditional thrifty method of binding together worn saris and dhoti into layers to use as coverlets. In white, red and blue stitches over the fabric helps to stabilize and decorate the fabric.
The author did extensive research to learn about kantha. The book begins with detailed information in the introductory chapters. The beginning chapters tells how the traditional quilting patterns and materials used depends on the different area.
Supplies and stitches follow the historical introduction, which are well photographed and described. Motifs are followed by specific projects more or less in order of difficulty. Beautifully photographed and with clear finishing instructions, there are many lovely things including a bucket bag (bag with round bottom), notebook cover and a drawstring bag.
At the end is a useful, well arranged appendix with line drawn motifs and stitch tutorials. There is also a useful, well referenced glossary and further reading list.
I receive this ARC from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The earliest written record of kantha appears in the book Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita which was written over 500 years ago. It is a traditional quilting/embroidery from the Indian peninsula and surrounding areas. It was a traditional thrifty method of binding together worn saris and dhoti into layers to use as coverlets. In white, red and blue stitches over the fabric helps to stabilize and decorate the fabric.
The author did extensive research to learn about kantha. The book begins with detailed information in the introductory chapters. The beginning chapters tells how the traditional quilting patterns and materials used depends on the different area.
Supplies and stitches follow the historical introduction, which are well photographed and described. Motifs are followed by specific projects more or less in order of difficulty. Beautifully photographed and with clear finishing instructions, there are many lovely things including a bucket bag (bag with round bottom), notebook cover and a drawstring bag.
At the end is a useful, well arranged appendix with line drawn motifs and stitch tutorials. There is also a useful, well referenced glossary and further reading list.
I receive this ARC from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2017
First of all I have to say I like the size of this book...
A 10 x 7 inch book that isn't too bulky so can be easily transported to craft classes etc. and doesn't take up too much room on your craft shelf.
Inspiration Kantha is exactly what it says in the title..Inspirational. This age old craft is very simple to learn and if you think it is just a running stitch think again.
The Art of Kantha, as Anna Hergert states in the introduction is a 'personal statement'. So what this book special is not only the learning and the beautiful projects, but the meaning behind what you are actually doing.
Inspiration Kantha is a glossy paged book, filled with history, each project pictured is amazing with finished sizes and even a timescale on how long it takes to do.. Of course this will vary depending on experience.
The simple motifs are brought to life with wonderful colour and texture.
This type of needle art has a philosophy and a serenity that can be used as kind of therapy. Read this book before you start your craft and you will know what I mean.
Stunning, creative and mindful.
A 10 x 7 inch book that isn't too bulky so can be easily transported to craft classes etc. and doesn't take up too much room on your craft shelf.
Inspiration Kantha is exactly what it says in the title..Inspirational. This age old craft is very simple to learn and if you think it is just a running stitch think again.
The Art of Kantha, as Anna Hergert states in the introduction is a 'personal statement'. So what this book special is not only the learning and the beautiful projects, but the meaning behind what you are actually doing.
Inspiration Kantha is a glossy paged book, filled with history, each project pictured is amazing with finished sizes and even a timescale on how long it takes to do.. Of course this will vary depending on experience.
The simple motifs are brought to life with wonderful colour and texture.
This type of needle art has a philosophy and a serenity that can be used as kind of therapy. Read this book before you start your craft and you will know what I mean.
Stunning, creative and mindful.
September 16, 2017
When I was doing my fibre art degree, I chose to explore kantha embroidery and I just loved it, my final piece drew many oohs and aahs, having said that, I would have given a lot to have been able to access the book like this.
This book covers the areas of stitching beautifully and it makes it look so easy - it isn't I assure you when you don't know how to place the stitches, or the designs that can be achieved with just a running stitch.
But what I really love about this book is that it not only has the traditional application, but also gives it a twist with the modern interpretation.
If you are into the slow movement in stitching, kantha is the ideal place to start, easy, slow with fabulous results - and you'll leave all your cares and come away well rested.
Love this book
This book covers the areas of stitching beautifully and it makes it look so easy - it isn't I assure you when you don't know how to place the stitches, or the designs that can be achieved with just a running stitch.
But what I really love about this book is that it not only has the traditional application, but also gives it a twist with the modern interpretation.
If you are into the slow movement in stitching, kantha is the ideal place to start, easy, slow with fabulous results - and you'll leave all your cares and come away well rested.
Love this book
July 8, 2017
This lovely book explores the ancient technique of kantha. The author states she has become obsessed with the "humble running stitch" used in kantha. When you see the photos of kantha in this book, you will not think it is humble, but it is a subtle, beautiful type of quilting or artwork. Think needlework brought down to basics with only one stitch used to create texture and complex motifs. It is gorgeous and simple. Kantha is much like yoga in the way that the mere practice teaches patience and problem-solving. I am so inspired after reading this book, that I'm off to my crazy craft room to dig up the few supplies you need to create kantha and I WILL breathe evenly while stitching.
October 31, 2017
A wonderful book on the history of Kantha Quilts, originating in India.
The dedication that goes into this inspiring genre is (and this is a very over worked adjective that I don't use that often) awesome!
Prior to reading this, I had never heard of Kantha Quilts,but will certainly find out more and try my hand at making one!
Very highly recommended.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Schiffer Publishing via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
The dedication that goes into this inspiring genre is (and this is a very over worked adjective that I don't use that often) awesome!
Prior to reading this, I had never heard of Kantha Quilts,but will certainly find out more and try my hand at making one!
Very highly recommended.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Schiffer Publishing via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
August 5, 2017
Thank you Net Galley. What a beautiful book. I enjoy the needle arts and especially enjoy Kantha work. To my mind it is a beautiful way to upcycle/recycle one's old fabrics and preserve memories. The text is simple and the pictures clear. The art of kantha, and its philosophy, is introduced with some simple projects. A must read for anyone who enjoys fabric and needlecraft.
April 27, 2018
If you are interested in Kantha quilting, this is definitely the book you need. Anna Hergert has developed a clearly photographed collection of Kantha stitches with excellent step by step instructions. She has included examples of Kantha work, some of her own creation and some from former pupils. I am happy to admit that one of the small quilts in the book is my own.
November 5, 2019
I'm inspired!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews