Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Shabd Simon-Alexander Book GiveAway


This is a busy week with The Sketchbook Blog Hop and now a Blog Tour (is that more sophisticated). I was lucky enough recently to be able to read a review copy of Shabd Simon-Alexander’s book entitled ‘Tie-Dye'.  It is a beautifully presented book; the gorgeously illustrated cover looks so tactile that one could stroke it. Even if you are not tempted to try or retry tie-dye there is so much detailed information for anyone who enjoys surface design, practical information about dyeing and particularly about the use of colour, that I think you would enjoy this new book. Living in New York, Shabd has a background in fine art, and designs her own clothing line. She has been kind enough to answer some questions for Stitchworks, and to offer a free copy of her book for one reader. Read on to find out what you need to do to be eligible for the draw.

1. The splashes of colour in your book are lovely. I understand that you teach colour theory, which can be daunting, your illustrations and explanations are clear and make it a more approachable fun subject. Do you have your own favourite colour combination?

I love to use lots of bright colours but always like to tame them a bit with neutrals, tans and greys. I like my colors themselves to be a little off, so I mix the neutrals right into the dye to subdue them a bit, or I’ll use the neutrals alongside the brighter colors within a garment to make a more complex color palette.

2. Many people stick to one palette of colours and avoid others; are there any colours which you avoid?

I like a challenge, so I often try to work with colors that I have an arbitrary bias against, and figure out how to create something that I love. This may mean mixing a version that I like, or finding a new way of using the color alongside other colors that bring out its strengths or show it in a new light. Often the color that I originally didn't like but worked so hard to tackle turns out to be the universal favorite in a collection.

3. How would you spend a day in the studio, if you had no commitments other than to enjoy yourself?

Just playing around with new colors, techniques, and methods, and doing tests that don’t need to go anywhere specific. Most of my favorite things I've made have been the result of happy accidents!

4. I like the introduction to ‘Tie-Dye Around The World’ with its interesting illustrations and I wonder if there is a particular place or country which inspires your designs?

When I started dyeing fabric I wasn't looking at anything – historical or contemporary – and was specifically trying to get to know the technique within a vacuum so that I could figure out my own methods and aesthetic. Over time, especially after I began teaching and working on the book, I went very deep into historical research and found that there is an amazing wealth of techniques from all over the world, each with very different aesthetics that show a lot about the place where it comes from and the people who made it. My current favorites are the Berber tie-dyes, which are really free-form, abstracted and artistic; some feel like train of thought sketches while others are like abstract Rothko paintings.

5. Do you have any plans to teach or to visit the UK?

I would love to - someone please bring me out for a class!



To be included in the draw for a free book you need to comment here letting me know your favourite colour and one you usually avoid. I will make the draw at the start of October.





 Here are the other blogs participating in the Blog Tour:

Wednesday 11th September – http://www.relovedmag.co.uk/
Thursday 12th September – http://www.makeandcraft.com/blog/
Friday 13th September – http://www.knitting-up-north.co.uk/
Monday 16th September – http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/

24 comments:

  1. I love dyeing, my favourite cheer-me-up colour is zingy lime green. I hate all other green, for me green belongs outside, nature does it so well, but I can't be miserable with lime green in eyesight :)

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  2. I never met a colour I didn't like but butter yellow is a favourite. I'm not real keen on the olive green camouflage colours but... ;) ;)

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  3. This is selfish proof that I do read other artists' blog posts though I can barely find time to write my own. Of course I'd love a chance to this gorgeous book, thanks for offering it! My favourite colour is blue in practically all its hues. I usually choose dark blue to wear and lighter, greenish tones to work with. Aren't all colours fascinating though?

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  4. Olive and pea greens have been my faves for a long time. I love that everything seems to work with them. Pink is my least fave color although I have printed paper with pinks earlier this year and rather liked it that way. I don't think I've worn pink since...ah yes, my pink phase in the mid-1980s.

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  5. I love green - all shades!! My least favourite would be brown, despite the fact I'm wearing a brown jumper at the moment!

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  6. I used to avoid yellow but now I am drawn to it. It has gone from worst to best in quite a short space of time.

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  7. What a beautiful book, I love tie dyeing, the old hippy in me! I love ashes of roses pink but really dislike black, I find it so hard to sew with. Jayne

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  8. no matter how hard I try I always end up using blues, greens & purple when dyeing. I never go for reds or orange - but after reading this perhaps I will give them a go.

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  9. I need this book as I wish to pump up my dyeing. I like her idea of adding the grays rather than making them, to a color

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  10. I need this book as I wish to pump up my dyeing. I like her idea of adding the grays rather than making them, to a color

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  11. I love muted tones like washed out blues, faded browns, and quiet greys. I tend to shy away from forest greens and burgundies. I'm also a big fan of Shabd's work and would love to see how she makes such beautifully dyed fabrics.

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  12. Chartreuse is probably my favorite, but periwinkle is so close, it's hard to choose one. I avoid pink. Don't wear it except the palest pink very rarely. Somehow, that translates into not using it in fiber/art work.

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  13. Thank you for the opportunty to win this gorgeous book.
    My favourite colour is teal and I tend to shy away from grey.

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  14. this looks a wonderful book! my favourite colour is dark teal, or a shade of magenta, perhaps a pale indigo... it's so hard to choose. my least favourites come from the yellows, unless it's gold!

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  15. I love greens, avoid pinks. This book would be a fine addition to my library! Thanks for the opportunity!

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  16. I came to your blog via the Charlton Stitcher. My favourite colour is Red and I don't think I avoid any colour, I see the use of a colour as a challenge.

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  17. I love blues and usually stay away from browns. Thanks

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  18. I just tried my first fabric dying ever at the Denver Museum of Art this weekend and I am so excited to learn more. I never was too interested in dying previously.

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  19. I forgot to give you my favorite colors. Red is my favorite in all types from magenta to pink to true red. Purple is a color I completely avoid. I really love warm colors and purple is usually just too cold and dull for me.

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  20. I have enjoyed doing some tye dye. Right now my favorite color is the orange family. Colors that I avoid are the moss greens. gjeneve@gmail.com

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  21. my favourite colour is blue and I don't like orange much

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  22. My favorite color is yellow. I am not too crazy about avocado green. I guess I had too much exposure to it in the 60's. :)

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  23. I have to say your embroider is exquisite! I shall be returning to your blog often to visit.My favorite colour is that wonderful yellow green shown in the photo, and the colour I tend to avoid is navy blue ~ Thank you for the change to win the wonderful book. shenam@shaw.ca

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  24. Thank you all for taking part, The draw is now complete and I have picked a winner at random.

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Comments are always much appreciated. Thank you.

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