Inspiration Kantha: Creative Stitchery and Quilting with Asia's Ancient Technique

Wonderful way to think (and hopefully try to lockup the sewing machine for a season) to immerse oneself into this relaxing way of making.This newly revived popularity of hand stitching is a familiar and comfortable to those of us old enough to have watched our grandmother or great grandmothers sittting around around the fireplace in the evening doing some kind of rhythmic handwork for baby quilts, crochet edge heavy flannel for grandchildren & others for friends & friends grandchildren. I watched and marvelled at the patience my female caretakers took to put a fraction of that stitching I could finish in an hour on the sewing machine. They would smile and tell me not everything was a race and these gifts were to be cherished for years if not generations. And what would be more important than the Time and Love into a gift for someone’s first grandchild?And thoughthis book is much more focussed on a particular type of handwork, as I turnedeachpage after reading and feasting on the project being worked, I can definitely imagine putting together a few projects to work on this coming winter to move my chair closer to the fire with a simple box holding tools for hand stitching.

I took a class from Anna several years ago at the Pacific International Quilt Festival and loved her teaching style/method. The in-class handouts she provided are useful for reference, but this book really is the complete package -- it's almost the equivalent of taking her class in your own home. If you'd like to try creating your own kantha pieces, or are interested in learning more about kantha, I very highly recommend this book.

Great for embroidery work from India. Very little on making the simple Kantha quilts that are popular now with decorating

I absolutely love this book. It is a beautiful and well-written inspiration for those who love hand work and the personal touch in their work. It both tells the history and teaches us how to create our own personalized Kantha work. Thank you, Anna Hergert!

Great book. Well written, very explanatory with good projects.

This is currently the only affordable book I found on Kantha, which is wonderful. Unfortunately the book is not. Not presented in an appealing way, the book gave me no inspiration and boring rather ugly projects. Save your money. I will pay the return shipping resentfully, but you can save your money for a more worthwhile book about Kantha.

Very informative.

Inspiration Kantha: Creative Stitchery and Quilting with Asias Ancient Technique by Anna Hergert explores the ancient technique of kantha.The earliest written record of kantha appears in the book Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita which was written over 500 years ago. It is a traditional quilting/embroidery from the Indian peninsula and surrounding areas. It was a traditional thrifty method of binding together worn saris and dhoti into layers to use as coverlets. In white, red and blue stitches over the fabric helps to stabilize and decorate the fabric.The author did extensive research to learn about kantha. The book begins with detailed information in the introductory chapters. The beginning chapters tells how the traditional quilting patterns and materials used depends on the different area. Supplies and stitches follow the historical introduction, which are well photographed and described. Motifs are followed by specific projects more or less in order of difficulty. Beautifully photographed and with clear finishing instructions, there are many lovely things including a bucket bag (bag with round bottom), notebook cover and a drawstring bag.At the end is a useful, well arranged appendix with line drawn motifs and stitch tutorials. There is also a useful, well referenced glossary and further reading list.I receive this ARC from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Gostei muito do livro, muito bem escrito e as imagens são muito boas. Adorei conhecer o bordado Kantha.

This is a fabulous book. Not only does it give the background behind this beautiful art form of embroidery but Anna has provided very clear instructions and photos for the stitches as well as several adorable projects. The texture created by these various stitches and motifs is delicious. There is also a wonderful gallery of creations by Anna and other talented artists. I also loved the size and feel of the book with its thick paper which highlights the wonderful photography. The book is aptly titled as you will be inspired to pick up needle and thread and immerse yourself in the world of Kantha.

I loved this book for its simple language and beautiful pictures

Really enjoying

Beautifully designed book - and a good read too!