The Silk Road conjures images of the exotic and the unknown. Most travellers simply pass along it. Brit Chris Alexander chose to live there. Ostensibly writing a guidebook, Alexander found life at the heart of the glittering madrassahs, mosques and minarets of the walled city of Khiva - a remote desert oasis in Uzbekistan - immensely alluring, and stayed. Immersing himself in the language and rich cultural traditions Alexander discovers a world torn between Marx and Mohammed - a place where veils and vodka, pork and polygamy freely mingle - against a backdrop of forgotten carpet designs, crumbling but magnificent Islamic architecture and scenes drawn straight from "The Arabian Nights". Accompanied by a large green parrot, a ginger cat and his adoptive Uzbek family, Alexander recounts his efforts to rediscover the lost art of traditional weaving and dyeing, and the process establishing a self-sufficient carpet workshop, employing local women and disabled people to train as apprentices.A Carpet Ride to Khiva sees Alexander being stripped naked at a former Soviet youth camp, crawling through silkworm droppings in an attempt to record their life-cycle, holed up in the British Museum discovering carpet designs dormant for half a millennia, tackling a carpet-thieving mayor, distinguishing natural dyes from sacks of opium in Northern Afghanistan, bluffing his way through an impromptu version of "My Heart Will Go On" for national Uzbek TV and seeking sanctuary as an anti-Western riot consumed the Kabul carpet bazaar. It is an unforgettable true travel story of a journey to the heart of the unknown and the unexpected friendship one man found there. Read more

Discover the Joy of Macramé Without Stress!Do you dream of mastering Macramé but feel overwhelmed by tangled cords and confusing instructions?Have you tried before, only to feel frustrated and wonder if it’s even worth it?Are you looking for a creative and relaxing activity but find yourself stuck before you even start?You’re not alone.Many beginners feel this way—until they find the right guide. With the wrong approach, macramé can seem complicated, but the solution is simple: A clear, step-by-step guide made just for youHere’s what you’ll find in Macramé for Absolute Beginners:Essential tools and materials: Learn what to use and how to use it to achieve perfect results. Basic and advanced knots: Master every technique with clear and easy-to-follow illustrations. Step-by-step guided projects: Start with simple wall hangings and progress to Jewelry and Plant Hangers. Expert tips and tricks: Avoid common mistakes and complete every project with confidence. Exclusive bonuses: Get personalized advice from the author and a secret guide with Macrame tips and tricks. Imagine this:In no time, you’ll proudly display your handmade creations—elegant wall decorations, chic Plant Hangers, and unique Bracelets—all reflecting your creativity and personal style.Don’t wait!Get your copy today and start your journey into the magical world of Macramé!Get Your Copy Now Read more

Every saree has a story to tell.A celebration of the intricate art of the Saree in vivid photographs, interwoven with personal remembrances, cultural history and attentive description of this time-honored artisanal practice.The unique coffee table book "Sarees" is about twenty-one distinct sarees and their stories illustrated through the author's personal life. These stories are accompanied by beautifully colored visuals showcasing the unique features in each saree.The book contains exclusively photographed, specially curated over 110 very high resolution colorful saree photos.Excerpt from the introduction in the book:Sarees are a topic of love for many. To me, they are way more than mere garments - they trigger memories of events and of people, they evoke emotions. They are an integral part not just of my physical memory, but also my emotional memory. My attempt in this book is to give a voice to these memories, share these stories, and while doing so, also share what I discovered about these sarees, their distinctive features and their interesting history. Read more

Learn about the history and culture surrounding Chinese embroidery and learn to embroider yourself with this easy-to-follow and beautifully illustrated guide.Embroidery in China is a true art form, one that has been practiced for over 2,000 years. In Chinese Embroidery, you'll discover everything from the history of the art to the different schools during different ages and their styles to knowledge about selection, collection and preservation of embroidered articles. Chinese Embroidery contains over 200 full-color photos of works and step-by-step guides—all of which help to explain and analyze over twenty kinds of needlework and teach comprehensive application of these basic skills. When you reach the end of this book, you'll have learned about twenty different embroidered pieces for daily use and display purposes.Learn about the pattern-oriented art and traditional culture of China at the same time as you master the embroidery craftsmanship unique to China. Stimulate your imagination and creativity as you experience the joy of embroidery with Chinese Embroidery. Read more

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💐 Transform your home into a haven of relaxation and creativity with the simple, elegant art of macramé.💐🌿 Feeling overwhelmed? Find peace and artistic fulfillment with the easy-to-learn craft of macramé.🌿In today's fast-paced world, finding a peaceful hobby that also beautifies your living space is a rare treasure. "Macramè For Beginners" 🧶 is more than just a book; it's a serene gateway to creativity and artistic satisfaction. If you've ever longed to unwind or express yourself creatively, but didn't know where to start, this guide is your perfect solution. Designed to make the art of macramé accessible, enjoyable, and deeply rewarding.✂️ What Sets This Book Apart: ✂️📖 A Personal Instructor in a Book: Step-by-step guidance from an expert ensures a smooth learning experience. High-quality images accompany each project, making learning visually engaging and easy to follow.🌺 Diverse Project Selection: From chic wall hangings to stylish plant holders and elegant jewelry, this book offers a variety of beginner-friendly projects with room for personalization and creativity.🛠️ Comprehensive Learning Resources: Detailed sections on essential tools and materials, along with cost-effective tips and workspace organization advice, provide a thorough foundation.🪢 Knots and Techniques Explained: Clear, concise instructions on basic knots and techniques help you experiment and grow confident in your macramé skills.💡 Key Benefits and Solutions: 💡🌈 Effortless Learning: With step-by-step images, mastering macramé is easy, even for complete beginners.🏡 Home Decor Transformation: Learn patterns that turn ordinary spaces into stylish, serene retreats.😌 Stress Relief Through Art: Engage in a relaxing hobby that calms the mind and uplifts the spirit.🏆 Achievable Projects: Start with simple yet beautiful designs that guarantee a sense of accomplishment.💸 Cost-Effective Crafting: Create high-end decorative pieces with affordable materials.🎁 Unique Gift Creations: Handcraft personalized gifts that your loved ones will cherish.🌟 Accessible to All: No special skills are needed to create stunning macramé art.🌱 A Rewarding Hobby: Discover endless creativity and continuous learning in the world of macramé.⏰ Even if you're pressed for time, this book offers quick projects to fit into any schedule.🌈 Even if you doubt your creativity, the easy-to-follow guides will help you create beautiful art effortlessly.🧶 🧶 Don't miss the chance to transform your home and mind – grab 'Macramè For Beginners' today and start your creative journey.🧶 🧶 Read more

NUNO FELTING GUIDEBOOK by Brian K. WhiteAre you captivated by the delicate beauty of handmade textiles? Do you dream of creating your own unique pieces of wearable art? Whether you are a novice eager to explore a new craft or an experienced fiber artist looking to expand your skills, the "NUNO FELTING GUIDEBOOK" by Brian K. White is your ultimate resource.Inside This Comprehensive Guide, You Will Find:Step-by-Step Tutorials: Clear, detailed instructions accompanied by vibrant photographs guide you through every stage of the Nuno Felting process, from preparing your fibers and fabrics to finishing your stunning creations.Techniques for All Levels: Whether you're just starting out or seeking advanced techniques, this guide covers everything you need. Learn the basics of laying out fibers, wetting and felting, and explore advanced methods such as incorporating embellishments, creating textures, and using innovative materials.Creative Projects: Discover a variety of projects that cater to different skill levels and interests. From simple scarves and wraps to intricate handbags, tunics, and artistic wall hangings, you’ll find inspiration to create beautiful, functional, and decorative items.Design Principles: Gain a deep understanding of color theory, composition, and layout considerations. Learn how to plan your projects effectively to achieve harmonious and visually striking results.Troubleshooting Tips: Avoid common pitfalls and learn how to fix mistakes with expert tips on troubleshooting and problem-solving. Ensure your projects are successful and refine your skills with each creation.Inspirational Insights: Explore the works of contemporary Nuno Felting artists who are pushing the boundaries of this art form. Stay updated with the latest trends and innovations, and get inspired by experimental techniques and materials that take Nuno Felting to new heights.Sustainability Focus: Embrace eco-friendly practices with tips on using natural fibers, dyes, and sustainable materials. Create stunning pieces while being mindful of the environment.Brian K. White, an acclaimed fiber artist and experienced instructor, brings his passion and expertise to this essential guide. With his clear instructions, insightful tips, and inspiring projects, the "NUNO FELTING GUIDEBOOK" will empower you to master the art of Nuno Felting and create breathtaking pieces that reflect your unique artistic vision.Unleash your creativity, transform your ideas into reality, and join the vibrant community of Nuno Felting artists.Get your copy of the "NUNO FELTING GUIDEBOOK" today and start your journey into the captivating world of Nuno Felting! Read more

写真撮影に出かけた女性のスナップショット写真集です。この作品は、AIにより生成された架空の人物、動物、植物、背景の画像となっております。この写真集はフィクションであり、実在の人物・団体・場所とは一切関係ありません。枚数 34 枚※AI画像生成ソフトによる自動生成のため、描写に違和感がある場合があります。※AI生成画像のため、手足など細かな部分に不自然さが感じられる場合があります。 Read more

黒系下着姿の女性の、スナップショット写真集です。この作品は、AIにより生成された架空の人物、動物、植物、背景の画像となっております。この写真集はフィクションであり、実在の人物・団体・場所とは一切関係ありません。枚数 50 枚※AI画像生成ソフトによる自動生成のため、描写に違和感がある場合があります。※AI生成画像のため、手足など細かな部分に不自然さが感じられる場合があります。 Read more

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"This is one of the most valued 'go to' books in my library with talking points new, even to me." — Alyja Kalinich, Disneyland Costume DesignerWinner of 5 Best Book Awards:• 2016 Hollywood Book Festival Awards: History• 2015 Beverly Hills International Book Awards: Performing Arts, Film & Theater• 2014 USA Best Book Awards: Performing Arts, Film & Theater• 2014 Family Tree Magazine UK: "Our Top Choice"• 2013 Kirkus Reviews: Best BooksThis volume of style clues for fashion detectives weaves fascinating elements of social history into tales of how, why, and when fashions evolved. Hundreds of sequential illustrations highlight the style flourishes that identify garments for men, women, and children as products of their individual periods. The images are accompanied by highly readable — and often humorous — comments and explanations by author and illustrator Betty Kreisel Shubert. A noted fashion historian, Ms. Shubert is a columnist for Ancestry Magazine and has designed clothes and costumes for stage and screen as well as hotels, restaurants, and casinos all over the world.Ranging decade by decade from the nineteenth through twentieth centuries, this book offers a simple way to date photographs and clothing. It also provides background that makes less-accessible histories of costume easier to understand. This second edition, enhanced with a selection of new photographs, offers a valuable resource for costumers, vintage fashion enthusiasts, social historians, genealogists, and collectors of nostalgia items. The easy-to-follow format makes it a great browsing book even for those who are unversed in fashion design and history."A great reference book. I can't wait to put it to use!" — Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective"Fascinating! I couldn't put it down. The author shows how social development influenced how we dress. I would certainly include this book in my theater classes for its value to future costumers, directors, and actors." — Allen M. Zeltzer, Professor of Theater, Emeritus, Cal-State University at Fullerton Read more

シリーズ【初心者にやさしい初めての着物作り／第1巻】あなたのサイズにピッタリな着物を作れる！そしてあなたらしい素敵な和装を、ご自身の手作りで叶えられます。その秘密が本書に！この本では・和裁に興味がある・着物の基本を知りたい・手作りが大好き・せっかくなら自分サイズで作ってみたい。そんな、和裁に憧れをお持ちのみなさまに向けて、 着物の作り方を解説しています。（ご注意ください）※本書は「お道具・下準備編」です。※今後、続編も出版予定です。（本書の特徴）===========================================・【あんみつ式・現代女性向け着物サイズ】があるからあなたにピッタリのサイズがわかります。・実際の着物を部位ごとに色分けした【あんみつ式・着物のカラー図解】があるからサイズの決め方が一目瞭然。・難しい和裁用語も読み仮名をつけて丁寧に解説してあるからいつまでも長くバイブル的にご利用いただけます。============================================「和裁って難しいんでしょう？」そんな和裁のイメージを本書でぜひ変えてください。本書をお手元に置いて頂ければ、もう、挫折とはさよならです!みなさま、はじめまして。和裁歴30年、2,500枚以上の着物を縫い続けてきた、『和裁士あんみつ』と申します。着物をお召しになる時、こんなお悩みをよく伺います。『既製品の着物や浴衣は大きすぎたり、リサイクルの着物は小さすぎたりとサイズが合わないんです……』とてもよくわかります。現代の女性と昔の女性では、体型も変わってきていますよね。それなのに、和裁の本のほとんどは、昔ながらの採寸表が載っていて現代の女性に合った着物づくりが難しいのです。自分にピッタリのサイズの着物を粋に着こなすことができたら！と思い浮かべると、うっとりしませんか…？「着物は憧れるけれど……着物を自分で作るなんて、難しそう。初心者の私でもできるのかな？」そんな風に心配されるかもしれませんが、大丈夫です！初心者さん向けの和裁教室を運営している和裁士あんみつが、ひとつひとつ丁寧に説明していきます。【もくじ】　はじめに第一章　お道具をそろえましょう（針山・指ぬき・針・糸・ものさし・和裁こて・アイロン・あて布・霧吹き・裁ち台・へら台・袖丸・くけ台・かけ針・コテ板・文鎮・チャコ）第二章　着物の名称第三章　着物のサイズ・測り方第四章　布の下準備をしましょう（布のチェック・水とおしのやり方・アイロンのかけ方）読者プレゼントあとがきSpecial Thanks奥付この本と一緒に、あなたにピッタリの着物作りを楽しみましょう！みなさまのお役に立てますように、願っております。 Read more

Women's fashions of the 1920s continue to fascinate artists, couturiers, and students of fashion, who will welcome this treasury of French designs from that dazzling era. Carefully selected from rare issues of the famed French periodical La Vie Parisienne, over 630 royalty-free illustrations comprise a pictorial display of sophisticated couture embodying the seductive chic of the liberated woman.Drawn with wit, flair, and charm, the line cuts depict slinky beauties in an immense variety of gowns, dresses, coats, suits, beachwear, lounging suits, capes, and other outfits. Carefully reproduced, these stylish representations lend themselves perfectly to graphic projects calling for sophistication and feminine charm. Moreover, this inexpensive compilation presents a valuable and authentic record of French fashion from 1918 to 1928. Read more

The Christian church's earliest vestments were hardly distinguishable from the everyday dress of ordinary people in ancient Rome, but in time, ecclesiastical dress acquired its own distinguishing characteristics. This comprehensive reference by noted English costume authority Herbert Norris traces the evolution of clerical attire through the centuries until the end of the 1400s.The meticulously researched text is enhanced by more than 270 of the author's own illustrations, including 8 in full color, adapted from originals but specially redrawn to accentuate essential features of the garments. The vestments are treated in the approximate order of their appearance in liturgical ritual, beginning with the simple alb and including the pallium, chasuble, cassock, surplice, mitre, and many other items. Footwear, crosses, headgear, rings, gloves, and other accessories are also depicted and described in detail. Replete with fascinating historical facts and lore, this volume is an indispensable reference for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the history of ecclesiastical attire. Read more

This carefully researched volume offers lovers of both costume and the medieval period a meticulously researched and accurately detailed study of the clothing of the Middle Ages. Following an illuminating discussion of the style and construction of costumes worn in the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth centuries, noted costume historian Mary G. Houston provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of actual apparel worn by all classes and sectors of society. Included are elaborate royal, academic, and legal costumes; Eucharistic vestments and garments of religious orders; working class apparel; civilian dress; and more. Also examined is a wide variety of accessories and ornaments, jewelry, armor, textiles, embroidery, coiffures, and other items.The clear, succinct text is splendidly documented by 350 black-and-white line illustrations based on contemporary books and manuscripts as well as representations in paintings and sculpture. Indispensable for students of costume history, medievalists, illustrators, and fashion historians, Medieval Costume in England and France will delight anyone interested in the medieval period and its dress. Read more

Ranging from the elegant garments worn by citizens of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome to the dramatic clothing of nineteenth-century French, English, and German societies, this stunning pictorial encyclopedia chronicles the full sweep of historic dress through the centuries.Carefully gathered from a rare portfolio originally published in 1906, over one thousand detailed engravings are presented here in a continuous chronological format. An unparalleled history of costume design, this collection includes the garb of kings and laborers ... ladies and warriors ... peasants and priests. Scores of accessories are also illustrated, including shoes, jewelry, wigs, and hair ornaments, along with furniture, musical instruments, and weaponry from a fascinating array of time periods. Exquisitely rendered and magnificent in scope, the Pictorial Encyclopedia of Historic Costume is a visual delight for designers, artists, historians, and everyone captivated by fashion's timeless allure. Read more

Clothing was hardly a practical necessity in North Africa and what is today the Middle East. Often a luxury item in these warm, humid climates, it became more essential as people's lives improved socially and economically. But even then, the drapery was light and tended to accent the body's shape rather than conceal it. The first part of this profusely illustrated and scrupulously researched text examines the evolution in apparel worn by Egyptian royalty, priests, musicians, manual workers, the military, and foreigners (as depicted by Egyptian artists). Two additional sections consider clothing worn in ancient Mesopotamia and Persia, focusing largely on Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian styles. Over 250 illustrations, drawn in the artistic style of the period, are accompanied by flat patterns showing the cut of the garment, thus enabling today's costumers to accurately reconstruct this apparel. A comprehensive archive that will not only be of immense value to fashion historians and students of costume design, this volume will also fascinate anyone interested in the development of artistic representation. Read more

For thousands of women across America, hard hit when the frivolity of the twenties ended so resoundingly with the Crash of '29, the pages of the Sears catalog became an essential resource in maintaining a wardrobe. An ambitious marketing operation, it could not afford to take chances on haute couture; its fashions were geared as closely as possible to the prevailing tastes of the American people. For this historically accurate sampling of authentic 1930s fashion, Stella Blum, former Curator of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, selected for reproduction 133 representative pages from rare Sears catalogs of the period (fall and spring catalog for each year from 1930 to 1939). Hundreds of illustrations record what men, women, and children were actually wearing in the 1930s when, as a copyline from the Fall 1930 catalog proclaimed: "Thrift is the spirit of the day. Reckless spending is a thing of the past."You'll see here how simpler women's fashion designs — of more traditional, affordable material — recaptured the feminine form with a more natural waistline and lower hemlines than seen in the twenties. For evening wear, longer dresses replaced flamboyant beaded short gowns while cloche hats, another twenties trademark, were replaced by berets, pillboxes, and turbans. The seriousness of the accessories and dresses endorsed by such Hollywood legends as Loretta Young, Claudette Colbert, and Fay Wray.For historians of costume, nostalgia buffs and casual browsers, these pages afford a rare picture of how the average American really dressed during the thirties. It is an essential resource for study of the clothing of an important era which designers cannot afford to be without. Read more

An examination of the uses, meanings, and social impact of Viking Age textiles.This volume offers the first full study of archaeological fabrics and their decoration found in the North Atlantic region and dating broadly from the Viking or Norse period. With contributions from both academic scholars and practitioners, it shows how approaching early medieval textiles from archaeological, historical and literary contexts, and through the processes of learning and employing the traditional skills of making them, brings about a more nuanced understanding of early medieval cloths: their creation, use and meanings within their respective societies. The book is divided into two parts. The first, "Textiles and their Interpretation", takes the reader on a journey from how wool was processed in the Viking Age, and the conservator's role in preserving and interpreting archaeological textiles, to different types of analyses that researchers use to understand and explain textiles from across the wide area of the Viking-influenced North Atlantic region. The second, "Understanding through Replicating", investigates the results of practical experiments in the reconstruction of surviving medieval fabrics and the resulting empirical conclusions that can be made about their manufacture and wider cultural implications. Read more