Natural processes in textile art: from rust dying to found objects; Slow stitch: mindful and contemplative textile art

Batsford’s have had a busy year and I reviewed one of their 2016 books, by Cas Holmes, in an earlier newsletter. However, two others they published may appeal to those who enjoy mixed media needlework using ‘found’ objects and fabrics. The first is by Alice Fox, Natural processes in textile art: from rust dying to found objects, and the other is called Slow stitch: mindful and contemplative textile art, by Claire Wellesley-Smith. I am sorry to damn them with faint praise as I found them both a tad precious in their ardour to use recycled fabrics/objects. ‘Mindful’ seems to be the latest marketing buzzword. To me, the work produced was not really art. There are some interesting ideas though, which do make the books worth looking at.