The Weaving Explorer: Ingenious Techniques, Accessible Tools & Creative Projects with Yarn, Paper, Wire & More

by Deborah Jarchow, Gwen W. Steege

Overview

Weaving is a highly accessible craft — over, under is the basic technique — but the stumbling block for many would-be weavers has been the high cost of a commercial loom. The Weaving Explorer removes that barrier, inviting crafters and artists to try out an amazing range of techniques and creative projects that are achievable with a simple homemade loom, or no loom at all! Weavers Deborah Jarchow and Gwen W. Steege take inspiration from the world of folk weaving traditions, adding a contemporary spin by introducing an unexpected range of materials and home dec projects. From sturdy rag fabric grocery bags to freeform wire baskets, delicately woven thread bracelets to colorful woven rugs, crafters will delight in exploring the opportunities to make their own personal variations on these beautiful — and functional — creations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781635860283
Publisher:	Storey Publishing, LLC
Publication date:	11/26/2019
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	370,626
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Deborah Jarchow is a full-time weaver and artist who teaches and lectures on fiber arts, creates and sells wearable art, and exhibits her work at galleries and museums across the U.S. Her commissioned pieces are held by churches as well as in many private collections. Since 2004, she has been an artist in residence, teacher, and weaver at Studio Channel Islands Art Center in Camarillo, California. 

Gwen W. Steege has been weaving for nearly 35 years and has exhibited her work in western Massachusetts, where she lives. For many years she acquired and edited a line of craft books at Storey Publishing focused on spinning, dyeing, knitting, crochet, and weaving. In addition to editing fiber crafts books, she is the author of a number of knitting books, including The Knitter’s Life List (Storey, 2011).

Table of Contents

It's a Woven World

Part 1: Weaving on Frames
  Weaving in Circles
    God's Eye
    Delicate Dorset Buttons
       Crosswheel Ornaments
    16-Cord Kumihimo Braid
    What a Lot of Hoopla!
    Spotlight: Tammy Kanat
  Pin-Loom Weaving
    Color-Play Pillow
    Patchwork Pin-Loom Scarf
    Spotlight: Deb Essen
    Free-Form Pendants
  Framed!
    Biased Hemp Washcloth
    Woven Wristlets
       Pretty Plain-Weave Bracelet
       Beaded Gap Bracelet
    Twined Parachute-Cord Mat
    Carry-All
    Rag-Woven Stool Seat
    Spotlight: Marilyn Moore
    Branching Out
  Tapping into Tapestry
    A Taste of Traditional Tapestry Techniques
       Beginning with Two Colors
       Getting in Shape
       Playing with Texture
       Going Free-Form!
    Spotlight: Rebecca Mezoff
    Spotlight: Michael Rohde
    Spotlight: Sarah Swett
    Spotlight: Rachel Hine

Part 2: Weaving beyond the Frame
  Backstrap Weaving
    Leno Scarf
    Card-Woven Bookmarks
    Spotlight: John Mullarkey
  Frameless Weaving
    Lucet-Braid Floor Mat
    Beaced Bracelet
    Spotlight: Stephen Willette
    Knotless Netting Bottles
    Bow-Loom Woven Belt
    Wire Necklaces
       Rainbow Necklace
       Choker Chain
       Freya Chain
  Free and Easy
    Small Treasure Bag with Twisted Draw Cord
    Free-Form Vessels
       Small and Simple
       Free-Form Filigree
    Thoughtful Threads Note Cards
       All in a Row
       Compact Parallels
       Crosses
    Stitched Project Bag
  Rock, Paper, Ribbon!
    Stone-Age Weaving: Paperweights
    Greetings!
    Spotlight: Helen Hiebert
    Hold It! Paper or Ribbon Baskets
       Brown Bag Basket
       Studded Brown Paper Basket
       Map Basket
       Ribbon Basket
    Danish Stars and Wreath
    Swedish Stars
    Scents of Summer: Lavender Wand
    Tumbling Blocks Triaxial Table Runner

Acknowledgments
Appendix
  How to Build a Simple Frame Loom
  How to Make a Band Lock
  How to Make a Heddle Cradle
  How to Measure a Warp
  Six Knots for Weavers
  Commonly Used Materials
A Glossary of Weaving Terms
Metric Conversion Chart
Spotlight Artists
Index

Editorial Reviews

09/16/2019

Dedicated and newbie weavers will find their dream projects in this lushly photographed primer on using everything from yarn and paper to wire and more to create unique and creative projects. Jarchow, a debut author, and Steege (The Knitter’s Life List), who has written or edited a wide range of craft books, view practically anything as a possible material in the weaver’s hand, and the diversity of their project list reflects that open-mindedness, with products ranging from a parachute-cord bag to elegant tapestries made from worsted weight yarn. They provide easy-to-understand directions to create such projects as beaded necklaces and bracelets and paper baskets, and, for those interested in making their own loom, an explanation of how to assemble a simple frame one. However, the authors don’t limit crafters to the loom, explaining how to make floor mats with a braiding tool known as a lucet, and how to weave “on, or with, some everyday materials: stones, paper, and ribbon.” Instructions for calculating yarn requirements, tips for success in different mediums, a glossary of weaving terms, and a list of commonly used materials round out this robust guide. Ideal for hobbyists and artists alike, Jarchow and Steege’s smart and beautiful volume will find its way to the keeper shelves of many craft aficionados. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly

"Dedicated and newbie weavers will find their dream projects in this lushly photographed primer on using everything from yarn and paper to wire and more to create unique and creative projects... . Ideal for hobbyists and artists alike, Jarchow and Steege’s smart and beautiful volume will find its way to the keeper shelves of many craft aficionados." — Publishers Weekly

"Weaver authors Jarchow and Steege count on the basics to create polished, professional-looking pieces. Each of the 40-plus projects features step-by-step photographs, tips for  success, and a design notebook explaining what an author did to create/finish the pattern in addition to the project instructions. Here, it's easy to see why a 25,000- year-old craft has survived and thrived."  — Booklist, starred review 

"This beautifully photographed collection of crafts features projects that can be created with homemade looms or even without a loom—perfect for those new to the art of weaving." — Library Journal 

"The book’s range of innovative weaving projects for garments, jewelry, household objects, and art employs an assortment of techniques and materials. Generous photographs illustrate the projects—based on traditional weavings... and other, more challenging crafts projects that transform the traditional styles. Not your grandma’s crafts book, The Weaving Explorer is an imaginative, fun, and accessible collection of projects to
cozy up to this winter."  — Foreword Review 

“The Weaving Explorer is the best new book on simple loom weaving. The material is approachable to the novice weaver, but also appealing to the more seasoned. Projects have a fresh look and include instruction that is helpful and clear.” — Jane Patrick, author of The Weaver’s Idea Book and creative director of Schacht Spindle Company

“An exciting look at the art of weaving that is perfect for beginners and fascinating enough to take experienced weavers on their next journey.” — Barry Klein, yarn and knitwear designer
 

From the Publisher