I am a Library Fanatic. I read extremely fast and often; multiple books a week. I love cozy mysteries, FBI/Forensics/Serial Killer Mysteries, Sherlock Holmes, Gardening, Cookbooks, and many of the books from High School or College Reading Lists. I have to read books of a series in order. So, I maintain a spreadsheet sorted by the author with the last book I have read in each series. Sadly, I have checked out and returned so many art books over the years that I have not kept track of which were good, bad, or just ok. I have found, however, that I am an art book snob. Most instructional art books you find in bookstores are written for the beginner in every form of art or are projects to complete. The library shelves are the best place to find Specialty Topics, Intermediate, and Advanced Level books. I detest dusting, so I only purchase a few books for my personal reference collection. Generally, I buy art books that I have already checked out multiple times from the library or ones that I can’t get from the library. Welcome to my bookshelf.
HIGHLIGHTS
Dyeing:
Color by Accident - Ann Johnston
Color By Design - Ann Johnston
Fabric Dyer’s Dictionary - Linda Johansen (I bought the e-book version. It is a pain to flip through to look for a specific color on my IPAD. I need to buy a used copy as it is out of print)
Surface Design:
Art Cloth - Jane Dunnewold
The Surface Designer’s Handbook - Holly Brackmann
Visual Texture on Fabric - Lisa Kerpoe (Resist Technique Options)
The Painted Quilt - Linda & Laura Kemshall (Short Overview of Techniques but visually appealing for an older book)
Digital Fiber Art - Wen Redmond
Quilt Related or 3D Fiber:
Disclaimer: I have never been a traditional quilter so have a few just to flip through or loan out
Journey to Inspired Art Quilting - Jean Wells
Visual Guide to Working in a Series - Elizabeth Barton
The Uncommon Quilter - Jeanne Williamson
Exploring Dimensional Quilt Art - C. June Barnes
Stitch, Fibre, Metal & Mixed Media - Alysn Midgelow-Marsden
Three - Dimensional Embroidery - Janey Edmonds
Stitching:
The Intentional Thread - Susan Brandeis (Written by my college professor so I may be biased, but I learn something every time I pick it back up)
Connecting Design to Stitch - Sandra Meech
Drawn to Stitch - Gwen Hedley
The Geometry of Hand-Sewing - Natalie Chanin (Variety of stitches shown; images are not annoyingly cutesy or crafty like most embroidery related books)
Poetic Cloth - Hannah Lamb (I’m not sure I learned anything new from this book, but I like flipping through it. It is visually soothing, like visiting the spa.)