Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Weaving is a large field, encompassing a great many choices in yarns, setts, and the finishing of goods. Because weaving is a two-element technique (warp and weft) as opposed to a single element (eg: knitting and crochet) there is a much greater variety and range of possible yarns that can be used, either together or separately. Even slight variations from yarn to yarn can change the fabric dramatically. Weavers who spin their own yarns have the ability to choose fiber type, method of twist insertion (woolen, worsted), twist amount and/or direction, finishing methods and grist. All these factors are limited in commercial yarns, but accessible to the spinner, and offer a nuance in finished fabric otherwise impossible to achieve.
Sara takes readers to the very beginnings of woven fabric--introducing the thought processes and concepts related to choosing fibers and how to spin them with finished fabric in mind. Spin to Weave focuses on the process of spinning for specific results, with variations that spinners can use to advantage, a sampling of projects, and a gallery of projects with descriptions by other spinners.
The book begins with information, photos and samples on how fiber choice, fiber preparation, twist insertion, twist direction and twist amount affect the weaving. Sara spins singles and plied yarns in several types of wools with different twists, and then uses the yarns in samples with several simple weave structures. Yarns will be finished in various ways, and the samples will be finished variously, to produce truly custom effects. A short section of simple woven projects follows, demonstrating the fabrics in action, and also showing the effects of customized color treatments, including Saras signature warp-painting technique. A gallery of other weavers projects rounds out the book.
Synopsis
For spinners and weavers alike! Get in-depth information on fiber properties and color choices, as well as beautifully photographed samples.
Spin to Weave is not simply a how-to-spin book, but a how-to-spin-exactly-what-you-want book. Weavers who spin their own yarns have the ability to choose fiber type, method of twist insertion (woolen, worsted), twist amount and/or direction, finishing methods, and grist.
Author Sara Lamb focuses on the process of spinning for specific results, providing detailed instructions, a sampling of projects, variations, and a gallery of pieces by other spinners.
Sara takes the reader to the very source of woven fabric- introducing the thought processes and concepts related to choosing fibers and how to spin them with finished fabric in mind.
About the Author
Sara Lamb is a longtime hand spinner, weaver and dyer, with over 30 years of experience working with handspun yarns. The author of
Woven Treasures, Sara has also published in
Handwoven,
Spin-Off,
Weavers Magazine,
Shuttle Spindle and
Dyepot. She has been the keynote speaker for several conferences, and continues to be in demand as a workshop instructor and speaker. Her work has been accepted in juried shows, and won awardsincluding the coveted HGA award, twicein shows across the country.
Sara weaves and teaches fabric weaving, yarn and fiber dyeing, and spinning silk in Northern California (where her studio is located) and throughout the world at fiber conferences. Her work can be seen at saralamb.com and she blogs at saralamb.blogspot.com.
Table of Contents
IntroductionFiber, Twist, Color and Grist
Equipment
Color
Weft Choices
Fabric Finishing
Samples
Twist Direction
Yarn Finishing
Differential Shrinkage
Sett
Warp and Weft Calculations
Projects
Top or Roving
Project: Woven Fabric from Pin-Drafted Roving
Project: Woven Fabric from Dyed Top
Shetland Singles
Project: Shetland Vest
Alpaca
Project: Alpaca Scarf
Project: Natural-Colored Alpaca Shawl
Project: Dyed Alpaca Silk Shawl
Blue Face Leicester and Silk
Project: Tibetan Jacket
Pygora
Project: Hooded Scarf
Tussah Silk
Project: Color Blend Scarf
Project : Kimono
Bombyx Silk
Project: Scarf
Project: Silk Shawl
Knotted Pile, Band Weaving
Project: Knotted Pile Bag
Tips and Conclusions
Glossary of Terms
Yarn Blocker Pattern and Cut List
Weaving Record Sheet
Kimono and Tibetan Jacket Sewing Patterns
Fiber Sources
Bibliography
Index