I have owned this book for a number of years, and it is one that I revisit quite often. Ginny Eckley is yet another example of an artist who loves fabric and has chosen it for her medium.
Most of us have very little knowledge of life under the sea, other than what comes in cans in the grocery or on our plate in restaurants. Ms. Eckley focuses on beautiful fish in varieties, mixed with detailed underground scenes. What impresses me is her genius in the choice of fabrics to make these tapestries. For those who have read other reviews of mine, Ms. Eckley does not do fabric painting for part of her work. It is created more like a landscape quilt, out of many, many fabrics, combined with a talented eye for color combinations.
There can be so many different effects replicating the sea using materials such as tulle, various threads and other fabrics. Another part of Ms. Eckley's work that has taught me is the use of quilting stitches to give an underwater effect. Different types of stippling can provide amazing differences in how water and underwater structures can appear. This is one type of fabric work that something like the Bernina BSR could be used to great effect.
Another appeal in this book is the section on using these techniques to apply to clothing. In particular, there is a pattern for applying sea tapestry technique as an applique to make a stunning vest. Ms. Eckley does provide patterns in the back of the book for making one's own fish and sea life. As always, this book, outside of being eye candy, can provide inspiration for adapting to other settings. I have used several of her ideas, including the use of tulle and also organza, to create effects in my work, which would not result in a traditional hanging quilt.
I neglected to mention that the book has detailed technique photographs intermixed with many of the completed works of Ms. Eckley. Looks like she uses either a 1530 or 1630 Bernina.
This high-quality trade paperback was published in 1995 and I think I have had my copy at least 10 years. It is part of the series that That Patchwork Place published. However, it has been durable-so many trade paperbacks start losing pages when the glue dries out. It is not a thick book, being just under 100 pages. It has profuse and beautiful photographs, which can make such a difference. I would expect this book would be readily available on the used or new market. For those who quilt, or for those would like to extend their range in fiber art for garments, it is an excellent resource and a pleasant read.
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