The Weaver's Idea Book: Creative Cloth on a Rigid Heddle Loom

by Jane Patrick

Overview

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 opens new avenues for exploration on both the rigid-heddle and multishaft looms.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781596681750
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	08/17/2010
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	354,187
Product dimensions:	9.40(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Jane Patrick is the former editor of Handwoven, and vice president of sales for Schacht Spindle Company in Boulder, CO. She is the author of Time to Weave (Krause Craft, 2006).

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Weaving Basics
Chapter 1: Everything about plain weave
Introduction
Balanced weaves
Spaced warps
Felted fabrics
Stripes
Plaids
Textured yarns
Project: Felted scarf
Project: Sturdy tote
Chapter 2: Exploring the finger-controlled weaves
Picked-up loops
Danish medallions
Brooks bouquet
Leno
Spanish Lace
Project: hanging
Project: table mat
Chapter 3: The power of the pick-up stick
How to use a pick-up stick for weft floats
How to use a pick-up stick for wrap floats
How to use a pick-up stick for weft and warp floats
Pick-up patterns, including drafts
Project: Top with pattern trim
Project: Felted skirt with picked-up belt loops
Project: Honeycomb pillow pair
Chapter 4: Warp- and weft-faced fabrics
Weft-faced weaves
Cut pile, the ghiordes knot
Picked-up loop pile
Weft-faced color-and-weave
Krokbragd
Meet and separate, Project: meet and separate coasters
Warp-faced weaves
Warp-emphasis fabrics
Warp-faced bands
Pick-up on warp-faced bands
Project: wide belt with string tie
Chapter 5: Everything about two-heddle weaving
How to thread and use two heddles
Two-heddle patterns
Two-heddles and pick-up stick
Project: Apron with paper pile
Double weave
Glossary
Appendix
Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

"As a guide for beginners and practiced weavers Jane Patrick's book is inspirational. Although specifically aimed at the rigid heddle loom, the 200 pages hold a wealth of information on weave structures and patterns that can be used on many looms. The spiral bound, textbook-style layout is good, with clear section separation, and the chapters take you up a hierarchy of difficulty. I felt comfortable with plain, finger-controlled and pick up weaves, then I marvelled in awe at sections on warp and weft-faced frabrics and working with two heddles. There is a nod to garment and item construction in the guise of a few set pieces, but the book's real strength is in opening a treasure chest of weaving possibility to new or relatively inexperienced weavers. Each section provides a soft kaleidoscope of samples which I have already been tempted to replicate. The book will doubtless remain a good source book to refer to for new creative ideas and inspiration. However, the book might give the absolute beginner a puzzle at times, as it is not always clear and sometimes repetitive. Generally though, the book was a joy to read and is unlikely to gather dust on my bookshelf." - Journal for Weavers Spinners & Dyers

From the Publisher

Rigid heddle weaving is an accessible way to try weaving without investing the time (and the floor space) for a larger loom, but it is often seen as restrictive and limiting. Patrick's collection of patterns and projects explores the possibilities of weaving on a rigid heddle loom. From basic plain weaves to finger-controlled and pick-up techniques, Patrick guides weavers of all skill levels. Complex techniques are illustrated with step-by-step photographs, and all patterns are both photographed and charted. This is an excellent addition to any weaving collection.

Library Journal