the-textile-industry Books

It's a great book.. I will definitley recommend to everyone who wants start your own fashion line...

Quality book. Received in a timely manner.

I used this textbook in a college course called Survey of the Fashion Industry. The text covers all aspects of merchandising, with a strong focus on fashion design (entire chapters on textiles, etc). Good photos and lots of material!

Plain and simple this is the best fashion book to study!

"From Concept to Consumer" is the first book I recommend to people who are truly interested in the business of fashion. Even though the book is a textbook it is an easy and fast read. One of the best features of this book is the sequential order format. The author takes you step by step through the development of the fashion process BEFORE a single garment is made by briefly describing fashion forcasting, research, color, fabric and trend analysis. The next process explains how raw materials for fabrics are chosen, processed and produced into textiles. Learn about the marketing of these textiles on the international market and to major apparel manufacturers. All of this takes place before the designer even starts to design a collection! Take a look inside the channels of garment distribution and on to us the consumer. This book provides a realistic insiders view in to the industry which is often glamorized by high profile designers and media spokespeople. Folks the business of fashion is a solid industry just like any other and in my opinion even more interesting than all the fluff and the sizzle.

Textiles & Clothing is an Excellent resource for all who are interested in historic research of Textiles and Clothing. The book shows detailed pictures of artifacts excavated from London as well as reconstructive drawings showing weave and knitting structures. This is book 4 of the series. Others in series - Knives & Scabbards; Dress Accessories; Shoes & Pattens. All are great reference books.

This is another of the brilliantly conceived and carried out, detailed works of the Medieval Period but out by the Museum of London. Dress Accessories; The Medieval Household : Daily Living c.1150-c.1450 (Medieval Finds from Excavations in London) and Shoes and Pattens : Finds from Medieval Excavations in London (Medieval Finds from Excavations in London) by Francis Grew, go with this book. They are worth every penny. They will bore the average reader, so they are really geared for the serious student, researcher or writers.

They start with excavations, and then go into the technique used to produce textiles - wool, hair, linen, silk, dyes an the looms. They show you actual pieces of material in very close up detail so you actually see the weave, in some cases they should the reconstructed "how it really appeared".

This is simply the best book on the subject and a must for Historical writers of this period.

Textiles & Clothing is an Excellent resource for all who are interested in historic research of Textiles and Clothing. The book shows detailed pictures of artifacts excavated from London as well as reconstructive drawings showing weave and knitting structures. This is book 4 of the series. Others in series - Knives & Scabbards; Dress Accessories; Shoes & Pattens. All are great reference books.

Focusing on the excavations of clothing and textile reminants of Mediaeval London, this book reveals the vast range of fabrics available in Mediaeval London. The book also looks at the weaves of textiles, the craftmanship and needlework skills. This book is definately an interesting read for historians, re-enactors, and costume enthusiasts.

Yes, this is it. This series of books (4 so far) is the bible as far as historical recreation is concerned. Yes, it is wonderfully detailed. Yes, it has great examples of how to make/cut/do a lot of clothing related details.. but to quote another historical author "Sometimes the Museum of London folks are just flying kites".

Take, for example, the pattern and redrawing of the fitted 14th century dress. The pattern given in MOL:T&C is from one of the Greenland tunics. In fact, according to Robin Netherton, it's a redrawing of tunic that the is attributed as a man's tunic that isn't particularly fitted. There just isn't enough evidence to say that a tunic from Greenland is a good indication of fashion in mainland Europe.

That said, this is a fantastic resource. It should be in every recreationists library. But reader beware not everything in it is exactly 100% accurate.

For lovers of historical clothing in this time period, this is a must have :) I've pored over this work many happy hours and have used some of the information for my own creations. The data on the finds themselves is also very interesting.

There are increasing numbers, now, of books that describe archaeological finds that provide clues to the material culture of a former age. "Textiles and Clothing" is written in the dry technical style of most such books, but features more, and better, pictures of key finds than many such books do. For the costumer with a bit of archaeological knowledge, this book is immensely useful--but it's not an easy or fun read.

I bought this book to use for documentation and study in recreating clothing of the Middle Ages. I was not disappointed at all--excellent information and photos!

Another book from the series Medieval Finds from Excavations in London and (as far as I can tell) equally thorough and reliable. A treasure trove of information for professional historians and serious non-professionals alike, this book not only lists and describes what was found, but also gives background information on weaving and sewing techniques and probable usage of the items. With rather more text and less enumeration than 'Dress accessories' this book is a little easier to read. Again the numerous pictures and drawings clarify and enliven the text for those who are not familiar with weaving and sewing. (Actually, some basic knowledge of both those crafts is needed at times.)

Wonderful book for the serious student of medieval and early Renaissance costuming. Full of photos and in-depth exploration of primary sources and excellent scholarship.

This book is a great read for anyone who studies Latin America or Chile or simply wants to learn more about Chile under Allende. The book describes the history of the Yarur textile mill from its creation to occupation and eventual return to Yarur family control. Winn gives a descriptive account of the unionizing efforts inside the mill.

Winn is currently a History Professor at Tufts University (added the link to his office below) but at the time he began the research for this book he was completing his doctorate at Cambridge University. It is an interesting read, mostly documented with interviews with workers at the mill themselves. Winn gives good insight into the history of the mill itself and in doing so carefully explains the Chilean political class structure and the generational differences between the less politicized older workers and the more vocal younger workers.

His main thesis, is essentially that Allende was to cautious in believing that he could appease the Christian Democratic faction of the Popular Unity coalition and instead should have embraced the calls from his own Socialist Party faction to immediately turn over factories to workers. While one may disagree with his perspective, there is no doubt that this work should be read by people from all political stripes if they want a detailed work into the politics within the PU government and grassroots activism in Chile during the Allende years.

[...]

I agree with the last reviewer, except for her\his curious reference to this being a "Trotskyist" view. What I like about this book is the way one can see the dilemnas and perspectives of different actors within the coalition that backed Allende. Less an endorsement of any one tendency's political line, this book brings out the tragedy of various democratic revolutionary factions all trying to do the right thing and unable to unite the face of repression. Best of all, it links the perspectives of ordinary workers with the difficult choices face by leaders.

Winn's book gives a detailed (and Trotskyist) account of a "revolution from below" that transpired during Allende's "revolution from above." It depicts the struggles of textile workers as they grew conscious of their class standing, became unionized and, ultimately, siezed control of the nation's most prominant mill. In the end, however, Winn demonstrates how the Yarur workers and the Popular Unity government imagined different Chilean roads to socialism, and how this divergence brought the social revolution and the Ex-Yarur mill to a tragic conclusion. It is a well-crafted and readible book...a "must" for any student of Latin American history, social revolution or Marxist theory.

The seizure of Yarur factory on April 25, 1971 marked the beginning of a tumultuous struggle for socialism in Chile. Salvador Allende, of the popular unity party, ran on a platform that sought to unify the working population. Allende's vow to guide Chile down the democratic road to socialism is one of his greatest legacies. The democratic road to socialism was paved, at least symbolically, with the efforts of the working class. The failures and successes of Allende's travel through la "via Chilena" hinge on whether "the Chilean revolutionary process was of and by the workers or merely for the workers." Allende would die the death of a martyr: machine gun in hand in an enflamed national palace that had been besieged by a hostile coup. If Allende died the death of martyr, to whom was he a hero? Inconsistent with traditional revolutionary ideology Allende feared a rampant revolution. As a self-proclaimed Marxist his views irked both capitalists and the middle class. El presidente compañero, regardless, was a president for the people. His core constituency demanded a revolution from below and thus complicated the revolution from above that Allende attempted to impose. With these conflicts in mind Peter Winn analyzes the extent to which Allende (a socialist) both failed and succeeded as a revolutionary.

I'm a materials engineer so this probably appealed more to me than most folks. :-)

This book is AWESOME!!
I love it, it is very educational!
I used it to write a presentation on Techno Textiles, and I got so much info out of it!

Innovative textiles offer some of the most intriguing design options today, but few design or textile coverages discuss extreme textiles in such depth and detail. Matilda McQuaid's Extreme Textiles: Designing For High Performance surveys engineered fabrics and their radical uses, from cardiac constraint socks to airbags and transportation textiles. Even buildings use these extreme textiles in construction, and Extreme Textiles surveys all these uses in a blend of startling full-page illustrations and discussions of fiber properties, performance standards, and unique uses. Whether it's architecture or art, students at the college level will find Extreme Textiles both accessible and detailed.

There has been tremendous progress made in materials science in the last twenty years or so. And a surprising amount of that work has been in materials used in fabrics. Fabrics, including rigid items like fiberglass or carbon fiber items, have been designed to handle a wide variety of tasks that previously either couldn't be done (the bouncing satellite on Mars), or were much more expensive, or were performed less adequately (sporting equipment).

This book is a review of these advances. Ms. McQuaid is at the National Design Museum where she oversees a collection of more than thirty thousand textiles produced over 23 centuries. She has written much of the book, but has gotten contributions from a series of other textile experts from London, Canada, and of course the United States. The book is profusely illustrated to serve as an idea book of the types of items that can be manufactured with the new fabrics.

We work in the fashion industry, and this dictionary is very useful w/ lots of words. A great help anytime! Great price, too, @ Amazon!

This is a great unique book for all textile related persons, it gives in details the perfect meaning of all the words used in todays textile field. I think this book is must for all textile related persons.

I highly recommend this dictionary if you work in the fashion or textile industry. I refer to it very regularly and often use it as back-up when writing fabric descriptions in marketing material. The references are up to date and include many branded yarns, manufacturing techniques and fabric finishing terms.

5 ***** Worth buying

This book is great. I don't think I've ever gone to it and not found the word I was looking for. I wish it had a bit more pictures of some of the fabrics and such. But still, it is very good and there isn't one week that goes by that I don't reference it for one reason or another. I especially like that it offers origins of some textile words which is always interesting and helpful to know.

I always forget how much I enjoy a good historical until I pick up a book by Tracie Peterson. This story was a wonderful and exciting sequel, I was glad that all the same people came back to make the story complete. The story of little Moses really touched me! I can't wait to read the third book in this series so I can find out what happens next. I recommend this book to every one.

The book was in mint condition. I could not have been happier with my purchase. I was satisfied with the information I received, and the fact that it was totally accurate.

In 1849 Lowell, Massachusetts, widowed Jasmine Houston and her two years old son Spencer are making new friends to include a closer relationship with her brother-in-law Nolan, an antislavery author. Jasmine has also finally committed herself to work against slavery by becoming a conductor on the Underground Railroad. She has regained her equilibrium and balance lost during her marriage to the late Bradley.

Her father requests she come home to the Willows in Mississippi because her mother and her Mammy are deathly ill and want to see her. Nolan accompanies his sister-in-law and nephew on the trek south. At the Willows, Mammy obtains a deathbed vow from Jasmine to free her son, which she does before returning to Lowell. However, ethical deeds do not prevent bad things happening to good people as her son is abducted perhaps for her allowing escaped slaves to hide on her farm; feeling like Job without his faith, Jasmine questions all she believes in.

Book two of the Lights of Lowell series (see A TAPESTRY OF HOPE) is a terrific historical tale that brings to life a bygone era when people had to choose sides. Jasmine is a fabulous protagonist raised on a southern plantation by parents who owned slaves, and had one Mammy raise her. Interestingly, the thriving mill city of Lowell in Northern Massachusetts is divided over slavery as the town depends on cotton from the south to keep the textile mills running and competitive with England. A LOVE WOVEN TRUE is a deep look at mid-nineteenth century America at least in two fronts as states, communities and families are divided over slavery.

Harriet Klausner

Ms. Peterson and Ms. Miller have continued with their "Lights of Lowell" series and this title is just as wonderful and inspiring as the last. This story is rich with histocial details, historical figures, and characters that the reader will grow to love and we the reader will experience their ups and downs, joys and heartaches.

Jasmine has moved on from the death of her first husband. She has made a life for herself and her son Spencer in Lowell, Ma. in a new home, with new friends. Her relationship with her brother-in-law Nolan is growing closer, and she has finally taken a stand on slavery as part of a group that has been helping those on the underground railroad on their way to Canada and freedom. Soon her world is turned upside down when she is requested to go back home to "The Willows". Her mother and her mammy are gravely ill and she is needed. When she is there Mammy askes her from her deathbed to find her own son and free him. Jasmine can do nothing less and with the help of Nolan she finds Mammy's son and takes him with his wife and son back to Lowell. Within no time life has fallen into a predictable but comfortable pattern until events happen that cause Jasmine to question her faith and to wonder what good could come from such despair.

This was a wonderfully emotional read that draw the reader in and transport them back to a time that is long past, but has had long ranging repurcussions into society today. This was a difficult topic to touch on (Slavery) and the author's have done so with grace and sensitivity. This is a read that I highly recommend and found not only inspirational but entertaining as well.

Official Reviewer for www.romancedesigns.com

I am a College instructor of Interior Design. I have used this text for years in my Textiles course. It is beautifully illustrated (a plus for visually-orientated Design students!). It also deals with the tactile, practical and asthetic applications of textiles. Other texts emphasize the carbon content and chemical composition of textiles and are dry both verbally and visually. This text is not; yet it clearly defines natural vs. man-made fibers and their individual and compound functions. Textiles by Marypaul Yastes is the best!

If any of you happen to be (or are planning on being) a Textile/Surface Design student at F.I.T., you NEED to own this book. It gives nearly an exact rundown of the curriculum taught at the school...
The best thing about it for me, though, is that I have the book to fall back on when I don't understand an assignment. Priceless! I do wish she'd revise the book again to include more about Computer Aided Design, however!

This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in textiles or design. After reading several books on the subject this one still offered fresh information, and in a style easier to understand, especially when describing techniques. One other thing that endeared it to me was that it is truly a handbook, by which I mean you can carry it around. All the other books on this subject were really coffee table size.

You learn so much dense information in textile design school, that you can never retain in your head. Finding this book has brought back all of the rules, repeat sizes, guidance and practical/specific information that is so usefull and needed in the professional environment - especially as a freelance designer when your fending for yourself. Great book - highly reccommended!

Yes, I agree with Gay Ashley, this book is great. Harban's rich and varied colour photographs of wooden bobbins bring this facinating subject to life. I recently purchased a 3 spindle, 4 ply oak/pine hybrid bobbin, and was amazed to learn it was worth four dollars more than the fifty three dollars I paid for it. Of course, this marvellous wooden world would not be complete without the commentary of Graham Fellowes, and let's face it, he's at his best when he's talking bobbins.

The book is great for anyone with an interest in wooden bobbins. I have been collecting them for a couple of years and really did not know the history/uses of them until I read this book. The pictures are really nice. It's a great reference guide for any bobbin collector and the first one I've ever seen.

The World Of Wooden Bobbins is an excellent resource guide. It offers insight into the history of the textile industry from ancient times to the present. Quite a bit of information is presented in an enjoyable and easy to read format. This book also provides color pictures, and suggestions for the collecting and use of antique textile mill relics. Many examples of the types of wooden bobbins that were used and their purpose at the mill are also provided. This book does not give values for the items described, however if you have an interest in our industrial past this is a fascinating book.

The book IS facinating and informative for bobbin collectors. If you need a list of the value of each bobbin shown in the book, e-mail artifacts@risecom.net & give them your address and the message that you need a Values List of the bobbins shown in The World of Wooden Bobbins book. They can also offer you a flier with information on how to add to your collection!

The story of Amoskeag is the story of a society...a story of a different time...a way of life that used to be. This book travels through the 1800's and the 1900's telling the tale of a factory, and the people who passed through it.
The highlights of the book occur when the factory workers are interviewed. The characters and stories they create are so funny and so real...you get such a feel for how their lives were. I laughed so many times.
The only parts I found boring were when the terms of factory making were being discussed. It was important to know to put what the workers were saying into context, but I found it boring.
Overall, the book was a gem. I am now very interested in a time period that before I thought was useless and boring. I would reccomend this book to anyone.

You'll enjoy this book even if you're not particularly interested in Manchester, NH, or mill towns, as long as you want to hear people talk about their lives.

This is a good window into life in a "factory-city" along the Merrimack River from its start in the early 1800s through the 1970s. Each chapter is an interview. You get the story through the words and memories of those who live it. Mill workers and their families talk about the founding of the town, their arrival as immigrants seeking good jobs, what their work lives were like, the strike, and the eventual shutdown of the mills. A good read.

Nineteenth century American travellers waxed enthusiastic or properly melancholic amidst the ruins of Europe. Writers such as Henry James often contrasted the youth and vigor (and innocence) of America with old, tired Europe. None of them could have imagined that less than a century later, the busy New England mills that turned out huge quantities of shoes, textiles, and useful products of all kinds would be silent, weed-strewn ruins. When I look around at cities like Salem, Lynn, Lowell, Lawrence, and Brockton, Mass., at Manchester and Nashua, New Hampshire, at a dozen small towns in Maine, I realize that I grew up during the fall of a whole civilization. I saw the tail end of it. Today so many of those thriving factories and mills have been razed to the ground, turned into condos or specialty shops, or even, into museums of industrial history.

AMOSKEAG is the story of one textile mill, once the largest in the world, along the banks of the Merrimack River in New Hampshire. The story is told through 37 interviews after an introduction of thirty-odd pages. The effect is most immediate: you feel as if you had lived the whole experience, grown up around these people. The reader is taken through the lives of management to the world of work---the varieties of tasks and social interactions to be found within the giant factory. Then we get an idea of family life, how the factory permeated every aspect of existence, and finally of the strikes, shutdowns and rising costs that eventually drove the mill out of existence (or rather, the whole textile industry to other states and countries). The text is punctuated by numerous black and white photographs which add to the atmosphere of "bygone days" that emanates from the whole book. If you are looking for a book on industrial history or early 20th century New England, you must read this one, it's unforgettable.