Book Review: Molas by Kate Mathews

This is one of those magnificent books that, even when you are only halfway through it, you want to tell everyone about it. It's one of those books that makes your fingers itch with the desire to try the things you see and read about. And it is one of those books that opens up new possibilities and enables you to achieve new wonders.

So, you get the idea that I'm enthusiastic about this book? So just what makes it so special? There's an introduction to molas, a chapter on the Kuna Indians who traditionally make molas, a gallery of traditional molas, a gallery of mola-inspired works, the essential how-to-make-a-mola bit, as well as page after page of mola projects. So, if you start reading from the beginning, you'll have an understanding of the tradition of molas and the women who make them. You'll be in awe of the magnificent molas in the galleries, read the how-to bit and decide you, too, could make a mola. And then you can get stuck into the projects.

What I particularly like is that the how-to section starts with creating molas from paper e.g. note cards. This is not only cheaper than using paper, but you can get a good feel of the technique of mola without having to spend hours sewing. It's easy to discard a piece and start again; experimentation is always easier if you don't devote too much time on one thing.

There are patterns for all sorts of molas used in many different ways e.g. on felt ornaments, machine stitched wallhangings, pillowcases, dolls, bags, vests, jackets, coats. Each of these has a pattern for that particular mola and step-by-step construction instructions.

The really thrifty among us will enjoy the waste-no-fabric method, which is very clearly explained and illustrated with step-by-step photographs. With this you make two similar molas simultaneously by swapping cut-out pieces from one to the other (Kuna women traditionally make mirror-image molas for the fronts and backs of their blouses). And those with limited time will appreciate the "mock mola" made by satin-stitching on black. This is one book where you shouldn't wait for an excuse like a birthday or holiday to treat yourself, you should get hold of a copy today!

Published by Lark Books, ISBN 1-57990-020-8

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