The concepts, sentences and ideas were very clear and written in a student friendly way ... very good illustrations which are very appropriate and quite exciting. The case studies and interviews are excellent, giving students a broad look at the different aspects of textiles, also some really good quotes. One particular strength is the fact that the authors and interviewees all continually reiterate the value of drawing and solid research ... I did feel like picking up my sketchbook and starting to draw many times whilst reading. * Tom Embleton, Northbrook College, UK *
Useful and inspirational guide to textile design, outlining the importance of primary research as the key important first stage of the design process. Targeted well for first year students to introduce them to the fundamentals of sourcing and utilising visual information, through years two and three as visual and mental prompts and reminders of the value of developing wide ranging research techniques. The practical exercises are also useful in allowing students to evaluate their progress and the visuals provide the necessary stimulus to encourage more mixed media sketchbook work, always welcome. All in all an inspirational workbook. * Sue Riley, Basingstoke College of Technology, UK *
As a textile tutor I found this book extremely relevant. I am often asked by students for books I would recommend and until this came along, sadly there was nothing. This is an amazing teaching tool and for the first time I now have a remarkable book which clearly explains the process of how to research for textile print. By including information on where to look, how to start a sketchbook and how professional designers use sketchbooks to start, the designing process is made clear and concise. * Dominique L'Olive, London College of Fashion, UK *
This is a wonderful textbook to be used as a springboard for design. I intend to use this as an additional text for the course I am teaching now. I am also developing a new course for which I intend to use this as the primary textbook. * Teena Jennings-Rentenaar, The University of Akron, USA *
This is a great handbook. I like its clear layout and its brightly illustrated pages where different stages of textile design are clearly identified and explained. This book mixes very specific tasks and useful tips with introductory sessions on well known designers ... This is a very useful book to have if you are planning a career in textile design. * Francoise Dupre, BCU, School of Art, UK *
This is a vibrant and enticing book to motivate students new to textile design. We ... are encouraging all art students who need to lively up their visual studies to read it. The authors encourage an expansive approach to visual research and I particularly like the inclusion of inspirational quotes ... The authors have taken care to include a broad range of practitioners which represent the expanded roles within textile and surface pattern design today, from the freelance illustrator Joanna Baseford to artist Yinko Shonibare ... The illustration of change and transmutation of materials and images through dynamic approaches to drawing will be the book's most lasting value to our students from the really useful prompts and exercises to extend ideas in mixed media. * Angela Hunt, Shetland College UHI, Shetland *
[This book] acts as a guide to the sort of primary and secondary visual research that a student would be expected to carry out and evidence as part of a textile design project ... [It] is very readable, well laid out and effectively illustrated, and would be good preparation for anyone considering embarking on a course of study in textile design. -- Theo Wright, Online & Coventry Guilds * The Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers *
