Creative Weaving

The timeless craft of weaving is experiencing a resurgence of interest--and this colorful guide, featuring 30 spectacular fabric designs, shows just how easy it is to learn and how enjoyable it can be to do. Follow a thorough tutorial in the basics, complete with beautiful hand-drawn illustrations that lay out how to work with a table loom. Then try a variety of weaving styles, from traditional to playful, from subtle variations in color to bold experiments with form. Work with traditional fibers or play with unusual materials such as recycled fabrics, feathers, foil, and even plastic bags. A gallery showcases how 12 weaves can be transformed into functional objects, including throws, cushions, shawls, and scarves.

So many interesting basketry designs can be made from plant leaves and bark you find in nature or purchase from suppliers. Projects are divided by the type of plant used: iris leaves, cattail leaves, willow stems, and bark. Learn where and how to harvest and prepare what you need, and the basic materials and weaving techniques. Then weave the 25 projects, ranging from traditional baskets to wall-hangings to a shoulder bag, pencil cup, Christmas decorations, and much more. The projects are both functional and modern in style and add a natural accent to your home.

This book shows how to go beyond the basics of beading to create three-dimensional objects such as bowls, baskets, and figures, as well as jewelry and accessories. Full instructions for 20 projects are included. 400 illustrations, 150 in color.

Open the door to the possibilities of what you can weave on your frame loom! A comprehensive guide to the frame loom, this book introduces the weaver to the basics of frame loom weaving and also more advanced techniques. Learn how to weave tapestries for wall hangings or handbags, lace for scarves and market bags, geometric shapes for alpacas and dolls, modules to sew together to make larger items, and so much more. Patterns for various weaves such as houndstooth and checkerboard are included, as well as instructions on how to adapt other weaves to the frame loom. Photo-illustrated step-by-step instructions are given for all techniques and 20 unique projects from home decor items to pouches and bags, scarves and other wearables, stuffed toys, bookmarks, and more. Looms used in the book are 6-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch sizes, but the instructions are adaptable to any size loom. Once you know the basics, you can use your woven modules to create whatever you imagine!

New and experienced weavers alike are always on the lookout for new weave-structure patterns. The Weaver's Idea Book presents a wide variety of patterns for the simple rigid-heddle loom, accompanied by harness drafts for multishaft looms. The techniques include leno, Brooks bouquet, soumak, and embroidery on fabric. Each chapter contains weaving patterns along with swatches illustrating the techniques, accompanied by step-by-step photography. The book is arranged by structure or type of weave, from variations on plain weave to doubleweave. With traditional patterns from around the world, bands, and fabrics woven on two double heddles, The Weaver's Idea Book brings together a variety of ways to create exquisite cloth. Weaving tips and tricks help weavers at all levels achieve their textile dreams. In addition to pattern drafts, Jane offers project ideas that guide the reader through creating functional woven projects, from wearables to home decor. Weaving, especially on rigid-heddle looms, is enjoying a resurgence, and contemporary weavers are in need of a book to bridge the divide between basic books and complex text designed for advanced weavers with sophisticated tools. Celebrating the immense potential for creativity possible with the simplest of tools, The Weaver's Idea Book eBook opens new avenues for exploration on both the rigid-heddle and multishaft looms.

Rigid-heddle weaving is simple to learn, is easy to master, and offers a lifetime of possibilities to discover! Inventive Weaving on a Little Loom covers everything rigid-heddle weavers need to know about the craft, from the basics — how to select a loom, set it up, and get started — to a wide variety of fun techniques that yield beautiful results. Begin by exploring a variety of weave structures, including finger-manipulated laces, tapestry, and color play with stripes, plaids, and multicolor yarns. Then move on to more complex designs and irresistible projects, from pillows and curtains to bags, shawls, and even jewelry. Explore warp-face patterning, weft-pile weaving, weaving with fine threads, woven shibori, shadow weave, and the textural effects you can create with different yarns and with wire and conductive thread. Everything you need to know is here, with fully illustrated step-by-step instructions to ensure success.

A look at the extensive history of the folkcraft, its presence in the modern world, and resources to help beginners enter the world of textile artistry. This book offers a whistle-stop guide to the history of spinning and weaving. The story begins in prehistory when people first wove yarns to create clothing and blankets. The book explores how spinning and weaving have continued to be important throughout human history (or should that be herstory), in artistic, economic, and functional terms. The second part of the book brings us up to date, via interviews with modern-day spinning and weaving artisans. These textiles artists generously allowed the author a window into their studios and discussed the way they use and adapt traditional methods, techniques, and tools for the twenty-first century. Photos of their work and their working environment offer a unique view into the world of this ancient craft. Finally, if you are inspired to try your hand at this fascinating art, the book also has a resources section. It includes a valuable list of suppliers of fiber, dyes, tools, and yarn, as well as information about training courses, useful websites, and more—everything you need to get started.