Forage & Stitch by Caroline Hyde-Brown

Forage & Stitch by Caroline Hyde-Brown

Techniques and projects for textiles that celebrate and use natural objects.

 

Imagine learning through clear instruction how to solar dye, felt, use foraged finds to naturally dye fabrics which can then be used for textile art projects…the one which really confused me in title is ‘Hapa-zone’ (with flowers and leaves)What is it?! I ask. Well, you too can glean your answer if you buy a copy!

With a stunning gallery of works to showcase Caroline’s beautiful life of embracing all that she loves and lacing it together via her art in this book, I personally found it one I would really use in my own practice. It fed my mind kindly, not too much to take in, not too arduous a method to trial.

 

-- Ailish Henderson * ailishhenderson.com *

Combine the power of the natural world with renowned textile artist Caroline Hyde-Brown's suggestions to stitch beautiful textiles creations. Using natural materials is a way to rekindle your connection to the outdoors and tap into the rhythms of the seasons, enabling you to be mindful and create at the same time. Caroline offers expert guidance on a range of techniques from hand and machine stitching, to solar dyeing, felting and Hapa-Some, with eight projects to try.

-- Stitch Magazine * Issue 145 *

The first time I saw this book I knew that I would love it, and I'm not disappointed. It's not only an instructional book but also a wonderful read. Just browsing through the pages makes me want to go foraging and try yet another technique. Caroline's instructions are clear and cover everything – particular items to look for in each season, how to prepare and store the items, natural dyeing and creating lovely artwork. Her love of both nature and stitching is clear to see on every page and I think anyone with similar interests will love this book as much as I do.

-- Val Hatton * Customer Review *

Have a few books on textiles, but there aren't so many that directly cover how to use nature in your work in this way. Had seen artist Caroline Hyde-Brown's beautiful work on Pinterest so decided to take a chance on this book - very glad I did. One of her strong points is that she shows you how to sew botanical material directly onto your work.

This is quite a comprehensive book, it talks about how she relates to the landscape in Norfolk where she lives, how she goes out to forage, what she collects, processing and storing what is gathered, her work in notebooks, projects to try and then lots of very informative pictures of her fantastic work. I only had to get a few supplies (eg silk tulle, 100% Acetone, chiffon) the rest are things you would have in your stash (eg soluble backing). There is a section on dyeing small bits of fabric, free motion embroidery, image transfer, but also quite a few other techniques she uses like Hapa-zome.

I think this book is a very nice balance between showing you her wonderful artwork and 'how to' techniques. She is generous with her knowledge because the book tells you exactly how to do it. So far I have tried the image transfers of trees from my own photographs (have to give it a few more goes to get it how I want). Can't wait to try the dried flower wall hanging and sewing fallen lichen onto work. So glad to have this book to work through over the coming months.

Highly recommended if you want to use the natural world around you to incorporate into your work.

-- Customer Review

This is the book for anyone who enjoys craft work and who cannot go for a walk in the countryside without coming home with a pocket full of ‘treasures’; acorns, interesting wood, leaves, and flowers, the author will help you find a use for them all.

I have tried some of the dying methods and all have worked very well.

The book is beautifully illustrated through and the instructions are easy to follow.

-- Barbara Allan * Customer Review *

Learn to incorporate naturally foraged materials into your artwork. Suitable for all levels and abilities, techniques include hand and machine stitching, solar dyeing, felting and hapa-zome. Stunning photos offer inspirational examples of textile and natural art. 

-- Machine Knitting Monthly * Issue 132 *

Three quarters of the Forage & Stitch is taken up by projects, the first being natural dyeing; this has a very comprehensive overview of methods in just a few pages. Other projects use the techniques of wet felting, free-machine stitching, acetone-transfer fabric printing, hand embroidery, using pressed flowers, pressing plants on to fabric, and using wool or silk tops. Each has a description of the technique used, with the tools and materials required, some colour theory and full, illustrated instructions on designing and making the item, concluding with a gallery of other examples using that technique.

The book is well-illustrated in full colour throughout, with helpful tips and interesting facts, and a final chapter on presentation and framing.

-- Judith Edwards, Eden Valley and Online Guilds * Guild of Weavers, Spinners, Dyers *

"I can remember making daisy chains as a child, feeling that first thrill of discovery that I was creating something directly from nature. Taking inspiration from the natural world allows for art, healing and nature to all come together in one big creative adventure."

Caroline originally trained in Fashion Design at Solent University, and for several years designed clothes and scarves for an international textile agent. However, in 1992 she decided to return to her first love – embroidery – and went to study Textile Design at Nottingham Trent University.

In 1995 she started her own business designing and producing embroidered fabrics for Liberty, including pictures, cushions, lighting and wall hangings. She also produced three one-off collections for John Lewis. Whilst exhibiting at the Country Living Spring Fair in 2002, the Japanese store, Takashimaya, selected Caroline and several other British makers to take part in a national craft promotion, travelling and working across the East and West Coast of Japan. Caroline stayed in Japan to research the art of hapa-zome, ikebana, and the ethos wabi-sabi. In 2018 Caroline, trained as an Arts Award Adviser and in Mental Health First Aid, to further her knowledge on mindfulness and well-being.

Caroline has always maintained a strong sense of global responsibility. She uses only natural fabrics, her dyes are extracted from plants grown in her garden and/or in her local countryside, and she invests a substantial amount of time and research into sourcing her materials. The art Caroline produces is inspired by the cycle of nature, and simplicity and authenticity are key.

Caroline lives in Norfolk, UK, with her husband, daughter and pet dog.

Website: www.theartofembroidery.co.uk

Instagram: @artistcaz

Facebook: @artistcaz

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781800920040
ISBN 10	1800920040
Title	Forage & Stitch
Author	Caroline Hyde-Brown
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Search Press Ltd
Year published	2023-10-06
Number of pages	128
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable