Publisher's Weekly Review
This alluring how-to guide combines block printing with garment sewing to yield dreamy bohemian scarves, preppy printed aprons, elegant summer dresses, and more. Hewett, a designer in San Francisco who teachers screen printing classes online, divides her book into three sections. In "Print," she lays out basics of block-printing, which involve a block, carving tools, ink, and fabric. She then moves to graphic prints, detailing repeat patterns (straight, half-drop, and bricked) and creating multicolor prints. At the end of the "Patterns" section is a gorgeous gallery of her designs-from olive branches and sticky monkey flowers to Turkish tulips. All of Jen Siska's photographs augment Hewett's teaching, but the pictures are most effective in the "Print" and "Sew" sections. Throughout, Hewett offers tips, troubleshooting, and practical guidelines. Her detailed instructions-right down to describing the sound of gloppy ink-suit the needs of the advanced beginner, who wants to customize scarves, dresses, blouses, and even espadrilles. The projects are ambitious, but Hewett's gorgeous book will entice many crafters to give them a try. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Bespoke textiles are currently trendy and can be expensive to purchase. Printmaker Hewett offers instructions for block printing on fabric along with projects for using that fabric to make clothing and bags. Each part of the printing process is illustrated with step-by-step color photos, from preparing the fabric to creating the block to designing repeat patterns. The 13 sewing projects are designed to comprise a capsule wardrobe and range from very simple 2-step scarves to more complicated items like dresses and handmade espadrilles. Hewett's inspiration comes largely from nature, and most of the designs are floral or of foliage. The wide variety of techniques used to create these projects means that this book is packed with information, making it useful to readers looking for a specific part of the process as well as those who want to complete the projects from start to finish. Templates are provided for some of the blocks used to create the garments pictured. Pattern pieces, not available at the time of review, will be included in the back of the book.--Heidemann, Anne Copyright 2018 Booklist
Library Journal Review
Cult favorite printmaker and surface designer Hewett teaches her techniques for block-printing on fabric at sold-out online and in-person workshops around the country and is well known for wearing clothing she's made from her own printed fabric. Her first book is a stellar reference for the entire process of designing and printing fabric, then using it in projects. Hewett includes thorough instruction for every step, beginning with sketching a design and moving through carving the stamp, choosing fabric, printing, and cleaning up. The book includes photocopiable templates for primarily botanical designs and traceable sewing patterns for easy-to-sew projects including scarves, bags, tops, and skirts. An enclosed spiral binding ensures that pages will stay open for easy browsing while crafters have their hands full. VERDICT This unique resource is an essential purchase for libraries where craft titles circulate well.-Stephanie Klose, Library Journal © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
