This first book-length study on kanthas published outside of South Asia focuses on two premier collections, one assembled by the legendary historian of Indian art, Dr. Stella Kramrisch, the other by Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz, leading proponents of self-taught art. Created from worn-out garments imaginatively embroidered by women with motifs and tales drawn from a rich regional repertoire, kanthas traditionally were stitched as gifts for births, weddings, and other family occasions. Innovative essays by leading scholars explore the domestic, ritual, and historical contexts of the fascinating quilts in these collections--made between the mid-19th and mid-20th century in what is today Bangladesh and West Bengal, India--and trace their reinterpretation as emblems of national identity and works of art.

The part of Bengal where the Ganges River flows into the Bay of Bengal has historically been the source of the finest cotton ever produced. The kind of embroidery known as kantha is created from this material, for daily use in many different contexts and in many different sizes. It deploys a simple running stitch in quilting layers of used cloth; details are embroidered using satin and stem stitches with thread taken from the colored borders of cast-off saris and dhotis. The workmanship varies from the crude to the complex and refined, but they are all made for daily use for various household purposes. The tribal culture of this region and its sense of continuity were evident until the early part of the 20th century, but the true unraveling of the kantha tradition came with partition, followed by the devastation brought on by the mass exodus of Hindu and Muslim populations in Pakistan, East Pakistan and India. Now, with global warming, the rising waters are resulting in the disappearance of villages, along with the livelihoods of the inhabitants. Reproducing bed covers, wrapping cloths for books and other valuables, floor covers and mats for ceremonial purposes from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, this collection captures and showcases the kantha tradition at a precarious time of change and struggle.

In Bengal, mothers swaddle their infants and cover their beds in colorful textiles that are passed down through generations. They create these kantha from layers of soft, recycled fabric strengthened with running stitches and use them as shawls, covers, and seating mats. Making Kantha, Making Home explores the social worlds shaped by the Bengali kantha that survive from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In the first study of colonial-period women’s embroidery that situates these objects historically and socially, Pika Ghosh brings technique and aesthetic choices into discussion with iconography and regional culture. Ghosh uses ethnographic and archival research, inscriptions, and images to locate embroiderers’ work within domestic networks and to show how imagery from poetry, drama, prints, and watercolors expresses kantha artists’ visual literacy. Affinities with older textile practices include the region’s lucrative maritime trade in embroideries with Europe, Africa, and China. This appraisal of individual objects alongside the people and stories behind the objects’ creation elevates kantha beyond consideration as mere handcraft to recognition as art.

Infuse your quilts with love--how to add your personal story and more meaning to your handmade quilts. In Wise Craft Quilts, celebrated quilt designer and crafter Blair Stocker shares ways to use cherished fabrics to make quilts with more meaning. Each of the twenty-one quilts featured here gathers a special collection of fabric, outlines a new technique, and spins a story. By using special fabrics as the starting point for each project—from a wedding dress to baby’s first clothes, worn denim, Tyvek race numbers, and more—the finished quilt is made even more special. Create quilts that have a story to tell and you’ll find a whole new level of appreciation for what they represent in your life and the lives of the ones you love.

"This guide leads you through the layering of fabrics, the choices 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 help you get started, whether you're a beginner or an expert stitcher. A colorful gallery of kantha work is included to inspire you."--Back cover.

An essential book for any textile artist looking to expand their repertoire into two- and three-dimensional work. Leading textile artist, teacher and examiner Jean Draper takes you through the entire process from designing through construction to embellishment with mixed media. This beautiful and very practical book includes diagrams, detailed drawings and stitch information to guide the reader through the techniques, which include hand and machine embroidery. It covers: Design, including recording information for translation into stitch (with lots of drawing tips); Choice of Threads, including some unusual threads and customizing them; Constructing with Thread, everything from knotted forms, with decorative threads, grids and stacks, and coiled structures; Stitches in Thin Air, constructing with stitch alone using moulds and soluble fabric; Using Mixed Media in Stitched Structures, such as paper, sticks, wire and plastics; Adding Structure to an Existing Fabric; Three-Dimensional Fabric Structures. Working in two and three-dimensions is a growing genre of textile art and this incorporates a fresh approach and great design advice.

With an emphasis on Jane Brocket's 'gentle' approach to craft, this book celebrates the simple act and very enjoyable pleasures of stitching. In a collection of more than 40 projects, Jane will show you how to make simple, stylish, and eye-catching pieces for your home. Whatever you choose to make, from quilts and samplers to needlepoint pin cushions and stitched greetings cards, Jane's unique take on stitching will ensure that the creative process is as enjoyable as seeing the finished object. The author's text and photographs outline her inspiration for each project, and includes her top tips on the best places to find fabrics, ribbon, buttons and everything else you need to create beautiful, gentle stitching. With techniques as varied as Japanese Sashiko, kantha quilting, traditional cross stitch and modern day 'crinoline ladies’, there is something here for every keen stitcher. Word count: 50,000

Stitch a modern crewelwork sampler Rediscover crewel embroidery with colorful wool and cheerful designs sure to brighten any home. Jo Avery invites stitchers of all levels to take on this traditional heritage art and make projects that pop! Create texture and dimension using wool thread and felt appliqué. Stitch up flowers, honeycombs, fish, and so much more. Embroiderers, cross-stitchers, and curious crafters looking to expand their skill set will enjoy the range of hand stitches and instructional illustrations accompanying each design. Relax and unwind with this hands-on art form! 15 fresh designs breathe new life into traditional crewelwork embroidery Beginner friendly! Basic and more advanced embroidery stitches with complete illustrations Create pincushions, pillows, wallhangings, hoops, and more