Inspiration Kantha

Kanthas, embroidered fabrics traditionally created by the women of northern India and Bangladesh, capture culture, history, and stitching creativity in their layers of repurposed old cloth. This book reveals the beauty in kantha's simplicity--it is based on simple running stitch--and offers step-by-step instructions that enable today's textile artists to enjoy it. Kanthas were originally created from threadbare clothing to rejuvenate it. The used fabrics were layered, then embellished with motifs and themes from nature, everyday life, and spirituality. This guide leads you through the layering of fabrics, transfer of imagery, and the stitching itself. There are handy motif patterns, instructions on how to begin a personal kantha reference library, and more. Both simple and complex projects, appealing to beginners and expert stitchers, get you started, and a colorful gallery of kantha work is included to inspire you.

About the Author:
Anna Hergert was exposed to fiber art at an early age. Handwork was a regular part of the weekly school curriculum in her native Germany, and led to her lifelong work with art and textiles. An enthusiastic and committed teacher, lecturer, and writer, she is also a full-time professional artist. Her work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions in Asia, Europe, and North America, and is in private collections and public spaces in Canada, the US, and Europe. She has received numerous awards for her innovative approaches to quilting and surface design, including from the Saskatchewan Craft Council and the Grand National Juried Show. She was named the CQA/ACC Teacher of the Year in 2014. Anna and her husband are avid travelers who never tire of exploring North America from coast to coast in their A-liner camper. With camera in hand they continually scout the landscape for inspiring scenery and hidden gems of nature to inform their textile work. http://annahergert.me