Follow the saga of this remarkable fiber from seed to woven fabric. Learn about flax cultivation, processing and spinning, natural and synthetic dyeing, and weaving and finishing linen cloth. 233 color photos and 156 black and white photos and drawings reveal the characteristics of linen and emphasize its practical use. An inspirational chapter includes 15 articles by Canadian and American weavers and photographs of the artists' works. Throughout you'll enjoy folklore and historical information, including the use of linen by the ancient Egyptians, a history of Irish linen, and linen's status in today's world of fiber and fashion. The story of linen is timeless and fascinating.

For beginners, nature lovers, and expert weavers alike, these pages teach how to create baskets using natural materials found in the woods and fields. One of craft pioneer Osma Tod's most popular books, this guide was first published in 1933 and is still in print thanks to its timeless information and its clear instructions. Tod explains a wide variety of weaving techniques step by step, offering precise diagrams to follow, and her charming way of inspiring respect for natural materials helps make this book one of a kind. The chapters explain gathering and preparing both round and flat natural materials like leaves, roots, reeds, grasses, vines, shoots, willow, pine needles, bark, splints, and more. Instructions for making borders, lids, handles, and fasteners give many options. Projects include a cedar-bark basket for kindling, cat-tail mats, a vine birdhouse, a pedestal fruit basket of coralberry runners, sturdy bark work baskets, and dozens more.

A heavily illustrated classic on the evolution of the handloom. 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 Broudy places the wide variety of handlooms in their 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 has woven on handlooms. He highlights the incredible technical achievement of early cultures that created magnificent textiles with the crudest of tools and demonstrates that modern technology has done nothing to surpass their skill or inventiveness.

The latest from Tina Ignell: a comprehensive study of 2-shaft stripes, plaids, color effects, and so much more. Renowned weaving expert Tina Ignell (Favorite Scandinavian Projects to Weave, Favorite Rag Rugs, Simple Weaves) turns her attention to the deceptively simple and endlessly adaptable category of plain weaves, in this exhaustive overview of techniques, sample projects, and inspirational possibilities. Combine a wide variety of materials, setts, beats, and other effects with just two shafts-though sometimes four is preferred for the sake of space-and you'll be astounded by the technical complexity, visual and textural effects, and stunning pattern styles you can achieve. - Project photographs as close to "actual size" as possible, to allow a true-to-life look at pattern structure and threading - Descriptions, instructions, and tips for dyeing, finishing, specialty techniques-everything necessary to master plain weave from start to finish - Variations including open rep with weft showing, using a fan reed, weaving in pleats and other textures, ikat and other patterned dyeing techniques, knotted paper yarn, and more

This book presents important information on Pueblo, Navajo, Rio Grande, and Northern Mexican weaving styles of the Southwestern U. S. region. Traditional and modern styles of blankets, clothing, and rugs are identified and explained in detail, with brief accounts of some of the old trading posts that sold them. Today, Navajo weaving remains an important domestic craft that is intimately linked with what it means to be a traditional Navajo woman. This new edition of the classic book includes up-to-date advances in the materials and a trend that increasingly includes men as weavers. The evolving weaving styles are explained, including a caution for identifying foreign copies. New marketing ideas are also discussed. All weavers, collectors, dealers, and historians will welcome this new edition.

From expert weaver Anne Dixon is "The Weaver's Inkle Pattern Directory"--the ultimate resource for inkle weavers. Inkle weaving is a simple technique that offers ample opportunity for experimentation by beginners and experienced weavers. This book provides 400 patterns for loom enthusiasts and is the most comprehensive tool available to weavers.

You'll discover:

• An overview of inkle weaving's history and traditions.
• Instructions for loom set-up and simple techniques.
• An astonishing 400 woven patterns--some making their first debut.
• Illustrated samples and charts.
• Drafts provided throughout the entire guide.

An incomparable guide, Anne Dixon offers all of the tips, tricks, and techniques to these traditional and modern patterns and introduces a bounty of new, innovative designs as well. Inkles can be used for a variety of projects ranging from belts and braces to trims and neckpieces. They can be stitched together to make bags, mobile-phone purses, cushion-covers, table-mats, and much more.

Also included is a foreword by Madelyn van der Hoogt, the editor of "Handwoven" magazine and the author of "The Complete Book of Drafting" and "The Weaver's Companion" (Interweave). She opened the Weaver's School in 1984 and teaches weaving workshops throughout the United States and Canada.

With growing interest in rigid-heddle weaving in mind, this classic has been updated to appeal to new weavers today-many of whom are drawn to the rigid heddle loom due to it's size and affordability. Ideal for beginner weavers and knitters drawn to weaving for the first time, readers can learn the basics of setting up a rigid heddle loom. The guidance to warping is newly updated and the 18 quick, simple, and timeless projects will have readers showing off their new work in fairly short order.

In this easy-to-use guide, rigid-heddle teacher and enthusiast Betty Davenport welcomes you to the exciting world of rigid-heddle weaving. This book starts with the basics: how rigid heddle looms work and how to choose the right loom for your needs. Then a series of projects gives you hands-on experience in how to set up the loom, weave beautiful cloth, and create handsome finishes. You'll make attractive household fabrics, accessories, and garments while progressing from the basics of plain weave through spaced warp, tapestry, inlay and hand-manipulated lace techniques. In addition to rigid-heddle skills, Hands on Rigid Heddle Weaving provides a solid introduction to color and design, applicable to any weaving project. This book appeals to beginning and experienced weavers alike for its simple, inviting approach to these portable, friendly, versatile little looms.

The Weaving Explorer features a wide variety of techniques, weave structures, and weaving materials that will excite all levels of crafters. Many of the 30 featured projects combine traditional methods with non-traditional materials to create woven items inspired by a classic approach but updated with a contemporary look. Some projects require no loom at all, while others use a basic frame to hold the threads together, and still others are woven around an object, such as a stone, branch, or ring, that remains part of the completed item. The book guides weavers through working with a range of materials, from paper, ribbon, fabric strips, and yarns to wire, plastic, stones, and wood. Examples of beautiful finished pieces showcase each technique and will inspire readers to imagine their own creative weaving possibilities.

Inspire and unleash a passion for hand-crafted color! "Unapologetic" is how Felicia Lo always describes her obsession with color and craft. In Dyeing to Spin and Knit, Felicia, founder and creative director of SweetGeorgia Yarns and highly sought after teacher and lecturer, provides clear and accessible guidance for creating gorgeous hand-dyed yarns and spinning fibers and an understanding of how dyeing affects knitted yarn and handspun yarn. Fiber artists will learn the fundamentals of how color works, how to combine and coordinate colors, and how to control the results when dyeing wool and silk yarns and fibers. Spinners will learn how to subdue intense and bright colorways or prevent muddiness in handspun. Knitters will gain the knowledge to avoid or maximize the effects of pooling. And finally, this book will include 10 patterns that use hand-dyed and handspun yarns and fibers to their most exciting advantage in knitting projects. Complete with detailed photographs from Felicia's own dyeing studio, Dyeing to Spin and Knit offers a master class in preparing hand-dyed yarns and fibers. Ignite your love of color--unapologetically!

40 appealing projects for everyone. Tiny palm-sized pin looms are making a comeback. Here is the perfect book to get started with this intriguing continuous strand weaving technique. Projects include blankets, bags and purses, soft toys, home decor and more.

A book is for weavers who are eager to explore new fields but who need stimulation and direction, Weavers Study Course provides much stimulation through examples and directions for six main uses of weaving: clothing, accessories, interiors (Unpholstery, draperies, rugs), interior accessories (pillows, baskets, throws, placemats), toys, and wall hangings.

Textile enthusiasts, the ultimate reference you've been waiting for is here--Ikat! Ikat: The Essential Handbook to Weaving with Resists is your introduction to the fundamentals of a resurging trend in woven cloth. Award-winning weaver and instructor Mary Zicafoose has spent more than 30 years exploring the possibilities of ikat and now shares her wealth of knowledge with you. Dig into the pages of this handbook to discover: Historical background on ikat with gorgeous visual refernces. Instruction in warp, weft, and double ikat techniques, written and illustrated in clear sequential steps. Instructions to build ikat wrapping boards. An addendum on painted "faux" ikat using dye pastes and brushes. Acid and indigo dye system recipes and procedures. Compelling projects with detailed instruction taking you from undyed yarn to woven ikat cloth. A gallery of contemporary ikat created by a range of diversely talented dyers and weavers. All this and more is waiting for you in Ikat: The Essential Handbook to Weaving with Resists.

Finally, an easy explanation of Crackle Weave! Susan Kesler-Simpson, author of the popular Overshot Simply and Shadow Weave Simply, now explains Crackle Weave "simply." Her teaching style is to break down the weave structure into its basic parts so that it is easy to understand, and then teach you how the parts work together to create the weave structure so that you can use any pattern or create your own. The areas of separating threads give Crackle Weave its appearance of cracking pottery, and once you see how the structure works, there is so much you can do with it! Crackle weave is a block weave structure made up of four or more threading blocks that are based on the twill structure. Each block has four threads made up of two primary threads and two secondary threads. Incidental threads are added when needed to keep the proper twill sequencing. These blocks can be enlarged, reduced, or change location, allowing you to have a traditional or more modern approach to your project. And then there is color! Crackle Weave has many options for playing with colors; colors can be added through the warp, primary threads, and/or secondary threads. Learning is not complete without practice, so there are 25 patterns to try for a variety of pieces in both modern and traditional effects. The projects are simple enough for any beginning weaver, and include shawls, scarves, rugs, blankets, towels, and table runners. Some are woven in the traditional crackle method while others introduce weaving crackle as overshot, summer/winter, and more. Start your exploration of Crackle Weave today!

The ancient craft of weaving has long been recognised for its humble, practical beauty and meditative qualities: while creating gorgeous decorative projects, you can also reflect and relax through the repeating motions of yarn winding over the loom. Rediscover this traditional craft and develop your weaving skills in the wonderful world of Elena Vilar, professional weaver and beloved French blogger known as Deer Jane. By following easy-to-follow instructions, learn how to create 15 woven masterpieces with a modern twist. Follow the illustrated techniques section at the beginning of the book to master the basics before you delve into Elena's simple yet sophisticated designs. Discover how to make a cardboard loom, thread a shop-bought loom, dye wool using natural dyes, make homemade jersey yarn, wind pompoms and more. Learn the essential weaving methods through each project, starting with a simple, beautiful wall hanging in the basic stitch through to a dream catcher made with braids, soumak and rya knots. Create unique and beautiful designs by incorporating a range of materials, fabrics and imaginative embellishments. In addition, each project includes handy tips and advice to help and inspire you on your weaving journey.

Originally published in 1995, more than 40,000 weavers have used this unparalleled study guide to learn from scratch or to hone their skills. Written with a mentoring voice, each lesson includes friendly, straightforward advice and is accompanied by illustrations and photographs. Crafters need only to approach this subject with a willingness to learn such basics as three methods for step-by-step warping, basic weaving techniques, project planning, reading and designing drafts, the basics of all the most common weave structures, and many more handy hints. Beginners will find this guidebook an invaluable teacher, while more seasoned weavers will find food for thought in the chapters on weave structures and drafting.

Making Marigold: Beaders Of Bulawayo is a portrait of a women’s beading co-operative specialising in loomed beadwork, based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Over 200 photographs reveal the sumptuous glamour of the Marigold beadwork and necklaces. Short, stand-alone narrative vignettes offer background insights into the making and development of the Marigold co-operative.

How did these women, whose skilled practice and creative impulses evident in every necklace, perfect this practice? And what has sustained their efforts across the decades?

Maria Lai (1919-2003), the influential Sardinian artist whose work draws on the rich history and traditions of her native land, created multimedia works that explore community, religion, and folklore. This book, the catalogue for a show in Sardinia, presents nearly 70 works, most previously unseen, related to the extraordinary Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) series that Maria Lai created in 1981 and which she donated to the parish of Ulassai, her birthplace. Maria Lai's artistic endeavour is strongly defined by a mix of secular and religious spirituality: the work presented in this volume reveal her idea of "making art" as something that must respond to the essential questions of mankind and the meaning of existence.

Featuring the same adorable family of mice as in The Weaver's Surprise, Tom Knisely spins this tale of their adventures turning fleece to yarn. In this story, the weaver shears his sheep, dyes the wool, and then starts to spin and weave the yarn into a blanket. But that wool looks so soft and inviting to the little mice-surely their friend won't mind if they take a little for their beds? What will happen when the weaver runs out of wool for his blanket? Can his mouse friends replenish his supply in time?

Weaving: Structure and Substance looks at weave design from several different perspectives, showing how resources, ideas and practical experience can come together in a creative process of designing through making. Emphasizing the potential of woven textiles throughout, Ann Richards follows the success of her sister title Weaving Textiles that Shape Themselves and explores the tactile properties that emerge from the interaction of material and structure. The book is organized into four parts that look at the natural world as inspiration, the design resources of material and weave structure, the fabric qualities as starting points for design, and the practical issues of designing through making. With over 280 lavish photos, this book will be an invaluable resource for textile designers and enthusiasts looking for inspiration and practical advice.

Welcome to Tom's beginner spinning class! Come on in and he will teach you everything you need to know to turn raw wool into your first hand spun yarn. Tom has been teaching introductory spinning for over 30 years, and in this book, he shares all of this knowledge in his easy-to-understand manner, illustrated with photographs to guide you through each of the steps. From how to choose a spinning wheel and how to set it up and keep it running smoothly; to how to select and prepare your fiber; how to spin your first yarn, and the various options for how to do so; to plying and finishing-Tom explains it all in simple terms and with helpful visuals. Because Tom has taught so many classes of spinners, he knows all the common pitfalls and addresses them with his troubleshooting tips. At its essence, yarn is fiber with twist added to keep it together, and Tom keeps the whole process as simple as that. You will soon be whirring away, spinning yards and yards of glorious yarn!

An encyclopedia of beaded bracelet patterns for your small loom. Weaving beaded bracelets on a small bead loom is easy, and with the 500 patterns in this book you can make all kinds of creative designs! From bold graphic prints to animals and flowers to retro or southwestern designs, there are plenty of patterns to suit your style. Each pattern shows how many and what color beads are needed and the placement of every bead so it's easy to complete any bracelet you choose. Make them to keep and to give away. Switch up the bead colors--so many options will keep you coming back for more!