Tricia Guild's New Soft Furnishings

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List Price: $17.95
Best Price: $35.86 (new), $0.72 (used)
Availability: New (1), Used (8)
Author: Tricia Guild
Edition: New Ed
ISBN: 1850298025
Number of Pages: 128
Publication Date: 1999-12-31
Publisher: Sterling

Amazon.com
The term soft furnishings used to conjure up images of fussy chintzes, frilly drapes, and too many ruffles. Nowadays, however, the term as defined by noted designer Tricia Guild means originality wedded to comfort, and an interplay of color, texture, and pattern to achieve successfully dressed windows, sofas, chairs, tables, and beds. Styles needn't be overly frilly; they may be tailored or flounced, traditional or modern, flowery or striped--whatever suits your taste. The projects are attractive and the directions generally adequate, though not as thorough as some other books (the how-tos in Caroline Wrey's Finishing Touches are much more detailed, for instance), and many items will require previous sewing experience. The real strength comes from Guild's dynamic use of color and pattern--brilliantly showcased in these photos--and from her solid advice on finding inspiration and setting the style. A caveat for American readers: what makes many of these projects so appealing are the fabrics themselves, which in most cases are Guild's own designs and may be difficult to find in the U.S. (There's a source list, but only for U.K. suppliers.) Yet certainly much can be learned from Guild's design lessons, and with a bit of hunting, exciting alternative fabrics can be found. --Amy Handy

Book Description
Lavish color photographs of gorgeous room settings are only the beginning. Spectacular soft furnishings that are also quick and easy to make are the focus of attention. Ideas on colors and patterns that will give you the confidence to tailor your projects to coordinate with, add life to, or draw together the decorative schemes in your home complete the picture. Inspiration and how-to--it's all here! Essential techniques--from hemming to inserting a zipper--are explained, and a directory of basic stitches is also included. Dress windows with a tie-on blind and curtains, lined curtains, a Roman blind, or a festoon blind. Make a cushion and give it flair with zippers and vents, piping, and trimming. Whip up a fringed tablecloth, placemats, and napkins. Sew bed curtains, a reversible quilt, and pillowcases. Try a baby towel and a changing mat. There are 40 soft furnishings altogether! 128 pages (all in color), 9 x 10 1/4.

Customer Reviews (1 total reviews)

Inspirational
by Customer at December 19th, 2000
This is a beautiful book and well worth having. The color and pattern combinations are unusual ... (read more)