Deploy that Fabric: 23 Sewing Projects Use Military Uniforms in Everyday Life
Who could resist this book title in a week with a patriotic holiday? At some point military uniforms become decommissioned, and quilter and military spouse Jen Eskridge takes the position that we should upcycle them to celebrate service members. Jen starts by showing you how to deconstruct uniforms then offers 23 projects for using your pieces, Projects range from the simple tote to quilts. Jen asks early in the book, 'What matches a uniform?' She answers with, 'Everything.' Yes, uniforms are a neutral and can be your light or dark. It was interesting to see how they just become the background among pinks and blues. The book also includes a techniques section that might be helpful for those who come from a non-sewing background.(Professional Quilters Online, 7/1/2011)As we sit at our machines and obsess happily through our seams, it’s too easy for many of us American creative types to forget that we are a nation at war and that we have many military men and women serving here and abroad. Jen Eskridge brings that reality to our sewing rooms in a big, but wonderful, way.Deploy that Fabricuses fabric captured from tired military uniforms and reworks it into quilts, bag, home décor and more. Because the projects are so nicely designed, they manage to be casual and classy at the same time.What’s absolutely brilliant about this book, though, is that Jen provides incredibly useful info on how to take apart the uniforms and discover hidden fabric behind pockets, as well as how to repurpose patches, buttons and zippers. Her deconstructing tips can be used on civilian clothes, too. She writes from the perspective of a military wife, one who totally gets this system filled with rules, tradition and honor, but still offers fun, practical items to make. This one is worth the money.(Generation Q Magazine, 7/13/11)In a completely new take on keepsake quilts, Jen Eskridge, seasoned quilter and military wife, shows her readers how to be creative with recycled fabrics from service uniforms. The book was intended to honour service members fighting for their country but all the techniques can be adapted and applied to making quilted keepsakes from any old items of clothing. The book is split in three sections: deconstructing a uniform, quilting projects and quilting techniques. Each pattern is coded for its skill level and they range from novice to skilled. This is a unique and creative title which breathes fresh life into traditional concepts via 23 innovative new projects.(Popular Patchwork Magazine, February 2012)