Embroidered Collage

Is this special publication worth buying?  If you're just starting out with the idea of incorporating sewing and scraps of cotton or organza into your paper arts then I think it could be very helpful, but if it is one of your usual techniques, well, then it depends on how much inspiration you usually derive from a Somerset Studio magazine in general.

Everything was well described and nicely presented, as you'd expect from a Somerset publication.  The writing was a nice mix of personal comments and technique descriptions.  However, very little in the first five chapters - on wearables, books, decor, mixed media, and ATCs - really caught my eye as a great example of using fabric or thread, although I definitely apreciated some of the art.  The style went a little beyond the "Somerset" look that you're familiar with if you regularly read the magazine, which was refreshing.  Many of the ideas involved sewing paper and fabric with a sewing machine, but there was a selection of hand stitched work as well.

I did very much enjoy the last chapter, on art quilts.  The "Small Notes" by Jette Clover were fabric collages worked around postage stamps with individual portraits.  I found the simple collection of pieces, often attached with running stitches, to be very appealing.  Sherrill Kahn discussed "Collage with a Sewing Machine" but her artworks also included interesting mixed media additions and some hand stitching.  Mary Lawler described the "Art of Paper Quilting," showing pieces sewn together, primarily by hand, from various beautiful papers done by her and two other artists.