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.
With comprehensive text, diagrams, drafts, and examples of fine woven fabrics, this book about the art and craft of weaving offers complete coverage of the materials and equipment, the techniques and the creative possibilities of the medium. Now in its fourth edition, this indispensable handbook is a must-have resource for weavers of all skill levels. This timeless classic now features examples of contemporary work and discusses the use of digital tools for hand-weaving. Chapters include the fundamentals of weaving, as well as looms and other equipment, yarns, how to design a warp and warp the loom, drafting, the basic weaves, pattern weaves, and how to apply this knowledge to discover the many faces of weaving. Weave structures covered include tapestry techniques, knotted, pile, flat-woven rugs, and two- and three-dimensional wall hangings.
- Step-by-step instructions complete with detailed color photographs - Includes a chapter on dyeing reed at home - 4 basic basket projects for the beginning weaver The art of basket making is described in detail for the beginning or experienced weaver. Complete with a chapter on tools and materials to get started, this easy-to-use guide explains and illustrates how to weave reed, incorporate premade handles, finish basket rims, and a host of other basket-making techniques. It also contains a chapter on dyeing reed, a simple and cost-effective way to obtain desired colors and results. Complete instructions for making a Flared Bun Basket, Small Market Basket, Napkin Basket, and Easter Basket teach necessary skills.
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.
The handloom--often no more than a bundle of sticks and a few lengths of cordage--has been known to almost all cultures for thousands of years. Eric Broduy places the wide variety of handlooms in historical context. What influenced their development? How did they travel from one geographic area to another? Were they invented independently by different cultures? How have modern cultures improved on ancient weaving skills and methods? Broudy shows how virtually every culture, no matter how primitive, has woven on handlooms. He highlights the incredible technical achievement of primitive cultures that created magnificent textiles with the crudest of tools and demonstrates that modern technology has done nothing to surpass their skill or inventiveness.
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.
