BOOKS:
Many thanks for your interest. Please support your local independent bookstore or buy directly from the publisher at https://www.schifferbooks.com/ Feel free to contact me with comments and questions at: brandeis@ncsu.edu
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
.
The Intentional Thread: A Guide to Drawing, Gesture, and Color in Stitch (Schiffer Publishing, 2019, ISBN: 978-0-7643-5743-5; hardcover, 225 pages, all color images, $39.99)
Benjamin Franklin Award, Gold Award winner (Crafts and Hobbies) from the Independent Book Publishers Association
From the book cover:
“Whether your particular interest is pictorial, portraiture, abstract compositions, or actual text, you can “say” almost anything with thread. More than 350 color photographs translate the techniques of drawing, painting, and good composition into the world of stitch, and “Try This!” projects inspire your own individual approaches. Including the role of machine stitching, this design resource, learning tool, and inspirational reference helps practitioners at all levels, whether beginning student, dedicated amateur, or professional. Take a lyrical—but logical—journey of skill building, and begin to stitch intentionally and express your creative vision.”
Endorsements and commentary:
“Brandeis takes us on a journey into the expressive nature of stitch . . . reveals how to manipulate stitches much like an artist might a pencil or paintbrush.” —Embroidery Magazine
“In this sturdy hardcover volume of more than 200 pages, Brandeis comprehensively distills knowledge and insights accumulated over decades as a professor of textiles at North Carolina State University and as a prominent studio artist. The book is equivalent to a master course in design with needle and thread as means of rendering the elements of line, shape, color and texture in expressive ways. Under Brandeis’ guidance, basic needlework tools become as versatile as a pencil or paintbrush…. Brandeis has contributed not just another how-to manual on stitching, but an authoritative guide to thinking with thread in the language of contemporary design.” Patricia Malarcher, former editor of Surface Design Journal.
“As an artist working primarily in textiles, I *thought* I understood the vast potential of stitches…until I opened this book. I didn’t fully realize before how limited my scope had truly been. The Intentional Thread is absolutely encyclopedic in its analysis of thread, stitching, color, and design. It is so far beyond a how-to book (though it does include a very understandable appendix of basic stitches at the end). It goes in depth into the expressive potential of stitches and shows seemingly endless variations on particular themes . It also demonstrates the relationship between hand-stitching and hand-drawing. The book could easily be used as a self-directed workshop, with “Try this!” pages at the end of each chapter, with suggestions for applying the content to personal work samples. The best thing about the book, though, is the images. Absolutely every page has full-color photographs illustrating the ideas described in the chapter. Just flipping through the pages is inspiring. This book really is a gift to artists, with the idea of expressive mark-making being applicable not just to textile artists but to all artists.” Jeana Klein, Professor of Art, Appalachian State University
Comments from readers:
“..I was awed by this book. It is the first time since Constance Howard’s [influential artist and embroiderer, Goldsmiths College, University of London] approach to stitching in a different manner that I’ve been so excited by a textile book.” UK reader
“I so agree with many of the excellent reviews already written, this is a fabulous book. I used to teach Textiles on a degree course…This is not a project book, there are far too many of them out there, in my opinion…For anyone who really wants to know what it’s about, to have a real understanding of stitch and how to apply it to their work, go for this book instead. The author is an expert, knows what she is talking about, and further more, knows how to teach, helping you to bring out your own talent, which is what teaching is really all about…intelligent writing and lovely, clear illustrations.” UK reader
“Contemporary and comprehensive. This text illuminates the knowledge, experience, and passion of a master teacher of textile arts. There are lots of how-to crafts manuals and YouTube videos out there, often promising short cut results; this text is more an encyclopedia of serious stitchery. Enter at your own risk. If not already, you may become committed to the practice.” US reader.
“As told in the preface, the author is an academically trained textile artist who after 35 years of teaching wrote the comprehensive book she wished her students could have had, intertwining “art (expressive), craft (handling materials with care, deftness, skill, and mastery), and design (structure and intent, thought and planning)”. Everything about this book is high quality and sophisticated: the binding, the paper, the fonts, the beautiful photos and layout. The text too is comprehensible and every word counts. I am a painter, not a fiber artist, and fell immediately in love with this book. It’s hard to imagine anyone, from whatever interest brings them to this book, could be disappointed.” US reader
“Unlike many “craft” style books, this incredibly well-written and illustrated book on the topic of stitchery, treats sewing and embroidery as an art form. It covers line, shape, value, composition as well as suggesting “problems” the reader might wish to solve. It is not a project book. It teaches you how to use thread to express what you choose to express. This is not a craft-oriented project book. It’s truly a text to learn how to manipulate thread as you would paint, pen and ink, or other expressions of artistic ability and interest. It’s wonderful, and I would recommend it heartily to anyone who is interested in really learning about the creative and expressive use of thread.” US reader
“An essential book in my maker’s library. Extremely thorough techniques and materials needed. Gives a sort of ‘curriculum’ to get started. After all, stitch art/work starts in the brain. And so many people think ‘where do I start??’ This book starts with small sample making to get used to the needle and thread in hand, then progresses to more involved works. It all starts directing your brain. Over time, as you practice technique, you start to discover your voice in your art. This is probably the most important book in my library when it comes to stitch art. This is NOT an ’embroidery book’, fyi, so, if you are looking to enhance your skills in traditional embroidery, look elsewhere. This is for the stitch artist inside of you who wants to play with stitch in the creation of art, rather than follow embroidery patterns of birds and flowers and butterflies. All that is fine, just not the book for you if that’s what you want.”
“This is an incredible book and clearly a labor of love by a very skilled teacher. It is well written and the photos of the work are large, instructive and easy to follow . This is not a “how-to” for embroidery, but rather, an instructional guide to using stitch for mark-making in textile art. It is designed to help you develop your own creative vocabulary and does an excellent job. The author, Susan Brandeis, has been a fiber arts teacher for many years and it shows; the text is clear and the photos beautifully illustrate both the skills and concepts she writes about. Exploring everything that Brandeis covers continues to be a real joy. I own many textile art books and this is among the best. Very, very highly recommended.”
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
The Cumulative Cloth, Wet Techniques: A Guide to Fabric Color, Pattern, Construction, and Embellishment (Schiffer Publishing, 2023, ISBN: 978-0-7643-6690-1; hardcover, 320 pp 425 color images and illustrations, $59.99)
A comprehensive how-to reference that teaches wet textile surface design techniques for making custom cloth.
For surface designers from novice to advanced, expert Susan Brandeis offer an authoritative companion allowing. you to learn the methods, confirm tehcnical procedures and safety guidelines, and constantly expand your expressive capabilities. Learn wet techniques in detail, from application and layering of textile dyes, pigments, and chemicals to adding color, pattern and images. The 39 projects help you experiment with each method. Dip into any chapter that interests you, or go chapter by chapter, adding new features, to create a “cumulative cloth”–an artwork that brings surface design to life.
• Covered separately in a second volume: dry techniques: how to combine these handmade fabrics (or store-bought fabrics) using cutting, piecing, layering, building, and embellishing.
Endorsements and commentary:
“Exceptional artist and expert teacher Susan Brandeis guides novice and advanced alike through each step of key surface-design techniques. Her thorough, thoughtful, personal instructions, illustrated by plentiful examples, make this book a must-have resource to consult for years to come.” — Dr. Cheryl Christian, artist; editor emerita, Needle Arts
“An exquisite and deeply instructional book about surface design. Full of inspiring and beautiful work along with step-by-step guidance . . . this is sure to become a definitive guide for artists, designers, and crafters of all levels.” — Chrissie Van Hoever, designer; founder, Nuthatch Studio
“We are so fortunate that Brandeis has written this deeply informative book. Even as an experienced textile artist, I’m ready to explore her screen printing information, much of which I’ve not seen published in one place before. Studio setup, finishing techniques, personal posture tips, plus her ‘Try This’ section in each chapter make this a powerful resource for everyone from beginners to seasoned professionals, something we’ll never find by just scrolling the internet. As she says, ‘Try this!’” — Astrid Hilger Bennett, fiber artist; president & co-chair, Surface Design Association
“Detailed instructions for beginners, with many tips, projects, and examples to inspire even if you know the techniques. A great reference book when looking for a new directions to explore.” — Joy Stocksdale, author, Polychromatic Screen Printing
“This is the book I have been waiting for! An excellent companion to studio or classroom surface design investigation, filled with a wealth of information on techniques, tips, safety, and ideas for consideration . . . A valuable and exceptional resource generously sharing decades of research, exploration, and professional expertise. This book covers the equivalent of several college level surface design courses in a conveniently organized and beautifully presented manner.” — Patricia Mink, textile artist; professor emerita, Studio Art / Fibers, East Tennessee State University
The Cumulative Cloth, Dry Techniques: A Guide to Fabric Color, Pattern, Construction, and Embellishment (Schiffer Publishing, 2024, ISBN: 978-0-7643-6722-9; hardcover, 376 pages, 560 color images and diagrams, $59.99)
A comprehensive how-to reference that teaches dry textile surface design techniques for making custom cloth, including piecing, appliqué, reverse appliqué, fabric manipulation, and embellishment.
Learn surface design for textiles, to create rich and personally expressive fabric surfaces. Projects by expert Susan Brandeis (author of the bestselling The Intentional Thread) help novices and experienced professionals experiment with each method.
• Covers dry techniques in detail: how to add color, pattern, and images to fabrics using cutting, piecing, layering, building, and embellishing.
• Includes both machine stitching and hand stitching.
• What’s the “Cumulative Cloth”? A single cloth that readers add to with each chapter’s techniques, eventually creating a piece of art.
• Serves as a go-to reference to check technical procedures and safety guidelines (many methods require caution).
• Wet techniques are covered separately in the author’s coordinating book, The Cumulative Cloth, Wet Techniques (2023).
Endorsements and commentary:
“Susan Brandeis is the consummate educator and maker, and understands both what is involved in making, and how to convey these processes clearly and efficiently. The Cumulative Cloth, Dry Techniques extends the range and scope of content of its Wet Techniques companion volume, so that both textile students and hobbyists have in these guidebooks comprehensive and detailed references that provide entrée to the world of textile surface design and construction. . . . should find a ‘within reach’ spot in every fabric crafter’s workspace.” — Michael James, quilt artist; Professor Emeritus and Chair Emeritus of the Department of Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
“This book is a must have for my library. The instructions are easy to follow with illustrations that make me want to start stitching, slicing, folding, embellishing and piecing at once. Her remark, ‘Think of the topics in this book as a collection of present and future possibilities,’ is absolutely true.” — Paula Kovarik, fiber artist
“A wealth of information to guide fabric-focused makers of any level with comprehensive construction processes. Several workshops compiled into one amazing book!” — Wen Redmond, fiber and mixed-media digital artist; author of Explorations with Collage!: Merging Photographs, Paper, and Fiber
“Everyone, from beginner to advanced, can be successful in dry techniques with Susan Brandeis’s detailed instructions, helpful tips, clear illustrations, and stunning photography. She provides ideas for applying dry techniques, suggests opportunities for further exploration, and proposes challenges for artistic growth. Together, the two books will serve as a reference to consult for years to come.” — Dr. Cheryl Christian, artist; editor emerita, Needle Arts
“With encyclopedic scope and meticulous detail, The Cumulative Cloth: Dry Techniques could serve as a classroom text, a course of study for an independent artist, or a comprehensive reference for as-needed look-ups. Susan Brandeis parses the fine points of piecework, quilting, and applique plus patterning, manipulation, and embellishment with a far-reaching range of materials. She then points the reader toward paths of creative exploration. With luscious color illustrations on every page, this book is a solid companion to Brandeis’s earlier volume The Cumulative Cloth: Wet Techniques.” — Patricia Malarcher, former editor, Surface Design Journal.
VIDEOS:
• Gallery Talk and Tour, Retrospective Exhibition, The Festival of Quilts, Birmingham, England (2008)
Directed and recorded by filmmaker Andrew Galli, this updated and edited video, was produced during my “featured artist” exhibition at the 2008 Festival of Quilts in Birmingham, UK. This was a spontaneous, unrehearsed 10-minute “tour” of my retrospective work: https://youtu.be/8tzi3CfHFyw