A much-needed book on cutting-edge textile design and practice with experimental design ideas, unusual materials and the latest techniques. The author takes you from finding original ideas through the design process - with exercises - to the latest techniques various artists use to transform the designs into finished textiles. The book covers: paper, felt, machine embroidery, recycling, hand stitch, working with and combining unusual materials, layering different media, working in three-dimensions and also in large scale. Showcased textiles include quilt art, quirky boxes, cloth dolls and large-scale textile installations ? a collection of the best and most exciting textile art today. With technique information and several projects for readers to try, plus inspirational work by existing and emerging textile artists, this is an essential book for all those working in textiles.