Editorial Reviews

The second volume in Julie Parker's Fabric Reference Series explains the different fabrics made from cotton, using plain English instead of confusing technical jargon. A detailed description of each fabric is illustrated with a real cloth sample, right there on the same page, which clarifies in the simplest way what a broadcloth, poplin, seersucker or voile actually looks and feels like. A comprehensive introduction covers fiber characteristics, history of cotton, the main sources of cotton and the cotton textile industry, followed by two-page descriptions of the main fabric types, each illustrated with a 2-1/2 x 4 cloth sample and simple black-and-white drawings. In the back of the book, space is provided for the reader to collect additional fabric samples and record personal notes, followed by a list of mail-order sources, glossary, bibliography and index.

The 40 cotton fabric samples are packaged separately, layered in the same order as they appear in the book. It takes only a few minutes to mount the samples to the book's pages, using double-stick tape or a small spot of glue. Instructions are included. Samples include: batik, batiste, broadcloth, calico, canvas, chambray, chenille, chino, chintz, corduroy, damask, denim, dotted Swiss, double knit, drill, duck, eyelet, flannel, gauze, gingham, interlock, jersey, lawn, Madras, monk's cloth, muslin, organdy, osnaburg, oxford cloth, piqu , pliss , poplin, sateen, seersucker, shirting, terry cloth, ticking, twill, velveteen, voile. All About Cotton is packed with information about the different weaves, yarns and finishes used to make cotton fabrics. Terms such as pima cotton, combed cotton, Egyptian cotton, Sea Island cotton and Peruvian cotton are clearly explained. A must for anyone who works with fabric! The Fabric Reference Series has been featured in Crafter's Choice, a division of Book-of-the-Month Club. Other books in the series include All About Silk, with 32 silk samples, and All About Wool, with 35 wool samples.

Customer Reviews