Alden Amos shares his deep knowledge of wheel mechanics, spinning fibers, wheel construction, and yarn, as well as a wealth of spinning history and traditions. Every aspect of handspinning is explored, including dissolving lanolin, washing fleece, rotating wheel position, and choosing types of wool. Also discussed are various hand positions, which can result in everything from smooth, fine thread to funky, bulky yarn.
From its humble beginnings--a bent nail, burlap feed bag, pair of scissors, and the good parts of worn-out wool clothing were the original tools--rug hooking has developed into a fine art form that allows crafters to create beautiful, complex designs with an array of high-tech tools. Basic Rug Hooking distills the essential tools and techniques of this popular traditional craft and walks the reader through 5 rug-hooking projects, including a table mat, a project suitable for framing, and wearable pins, as well as traditional rugs.Rug-hooking tools and materials summarized and explained Step-by-step instructions and photos show in detail how to hook Tips to help you develop and refine your skills - Recommended by RUG HOOKING Magazine
Featuring more than 40 projects and instructions for designing and drafting designs, this guide presents weavers with detailed directions for summer, winter, diamond, taquete, samitum and polychrome weaves."
The fascinating subject of handweaving is fully explored in this reference, which covers basic subjects such as warping a loom and making bobbins of weft, as well as more elaborate, highly decorative projects. Patterns are arranged by varying levels of difficulty and design so beginners and experienced weavers alike will discover new insights and concepts. Among the 40 step-by-step projects included in this volume are designs for baby blankets, shawls, table cloths, and linen hand towels.
All you need is three or more pieces of string, rope, cord, or some other pliable material and you're ready to begin This book will teach you how to braid, weave, and knot them in hundreds of different ways, from simple three-stranded braiding through the attractive -- though more complex -- macram knotting.
Complete, easy-to-follow instructions begin with braiding and weaving with anywhere from three to nine strands. Flat braiding, solid braiding, braiding over multiple strands, weaving across stationary strands, and many other techniques are covered. Each yields a different texture and pattern, so that with the imaginative use of color the results can be quite attractive. The knotting section covers the many different kinds of knots (square, spiral square, triple, half hitch, etc.) and how to use them in various decorative or functional ways. Fifty-seven drawings are especially helpful in adding clarity to the directions.
Along with these instructions there are directions for making numerous articles with your braids and knots: belts, lanyards, mats, rugs, sandals, hats, bags -- only your imagination will limit the number of things you can make. Anyone inclined to take up braiding and knotting will find this book immensely helpful, not only in getting started, but in going through the advanced stages of crafts.
With nothing more than colored yarn and simple cardboard squares, crafters can produce exquisitely patterned woven bands with this guide, which includes patterns for sturdy belts and camera straps, delicate silk trims and ties, creative wall art, and even hefty rugs and mats.
This landmark work is a practical and historical guide to hand-weaving patterns and dye recipes. It revolutionized 19th-century practices by revealing closely held trade secrets to home weavers and dyers, and giving recipes the home craftsman could use. While not intended for the beginner, this book is a great source of early weaving crafts and authentic dye recipes for craftsmen who know the fundamentals of weaving and dyeing.
Of greatest value, perhaps, are the 35 weaving crafts with their instructions. Included are Bird Eyes, Herring Bone, Eight Shaft Coverlet, Diamond Coverlet, Plain Block Carpet, Damask Diaper, Curtain Diaper, and more. Then come dye recipes and methods for dyeing cotton and wool, all using natural dyes. Also included are tables and calculations for the size and amount of yarn required for various projects, a description of dye-woods and drugs, recipes for varnishes and satins, and more.
For this edition Rita J. Adrosko, Curator of the Division of Textiles of the National Museum of History and Technology, has written a helpful introduction containing information on how best to make use of this volume as well as a short glossary of terms. With only a few adaptations to contemporary methods, the modern home weaver and dyer can make great practical use of this valuable book.
With this compact portable reference in hand, crafters can quickly and easily look up any of 100 different sheep breeds, the characteristics of their fleece, and the kinds of projects for which their fleece is best suited. Each breed profile includes a photograph of the animal and information about its origin and conservation status, as well as the weight, staple length, fiber diameter, and natural colors of its fleece. This is a great primer for beginners, and a handy guide for anyone who loves working with fleece.
Whether wishing to reproduce the styles and designs of Native Americans or creating original pieces of your own, this is the easiest-to-follow book ever published on fingerweaving, the art of making woven textiles without a loom. After years of study, reproduction, and teaching, the author shares his expertise as each technique is simply described, step by step, with a color illustration for each move. What at first seems like a complicated craft becomes pleasantly clear as each step is built upon the one just completed.
