The Cumulative Cloth, Wet Techniques: A Guide to Fabric Color, Pattern, Construction, and Embellishment  (Schiffer Publishing, 2023). https://schifferbooks.com/products/the-cumulative-cloth

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 future volume: dry techniques: how to combine these handmade fabrics (or store-bought fabrics) using cutting, piecing, layering, building, and embellishing.

PUB DATE: Nov. 2023

ISBN: 978-0-7643-6690-1

Hard cover 8.5” x 11”

320 pp 425 color images

$59.99

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.