Title: Art & Inspirations - Yvonne Porcella Author: Yvonne Porcella Publisher: C & T Publishing ISBN: 1571200509

Book Review by Sandi Marshall

Have you ever looked at an embroidered fabric from Afghanistan and saw that as inspiration for a creation of your own? Yvonne Porcella has. In fact, many of her design ideas came from ethnic textiles. Antique quilts, dolls and other treasures are some of her other favorite places to look for inspiration.

Designers of crochet or knit art-to-wear pieces may find their own inspiration in Yvonne's quilted wearables, some of which were based on the Japanese kimono.

Color! How do you decide upon the colors you will choose for a multi-color piece? Yvonne tells us of her own experience with color choices. She has filled that chapter with many vibrant, inspiring photos.

You may enjoy reading Yvonne's interesting account of the steps which led her from her nursing career to that of art quilt designer, with knitting and weaving along the way. Of her quilt designer career, Yvonne Porcella says "For it is my art which has surfaced from deep within me. I did not set out upon this journey deliberately, but rather, it took me by the hand and led me". Yvonne had felt, in the beginning, that she did not have any artistic talent. Yet, when she found the courage to try, look what she has accomplished! Perhaps reading her story will help other aspiring designers find their own courage to discover what hidden talent may be within themselves.

Not just for quilters, the Art & Inspirations book series is wonderful as inspiration for crafters in any medium.

Whether designing for their own enjoyment or for profit, crocheters and other needleworkers charting designs after studying these books are bound to be much more imaginative in their approach to their own design process.

Feature: Design/Color Inspiration from Other Craft Mediums - Quilt Books

Cover image by permission of C & T Publishing