Scandinavian rep weave, or ripsmatta in Swedish, is a simple weave structure where the warp almost always covers the weft. Traditionally used as a rug technique but in actuality a very versatile method, it is well-known in weaving circles as immeasurably fun because it is simple and very fast to weave. Classic styles are characterized by bold, geometric patterns that appeal to both the purist and the modernist, and are easily used as a source of inspiration--as in this book--for exciting variations and novel color combinations. Despite its charms, rep weave is notorious for being difficult to treadle and requiring the kind of advanced loom rarely available at home or during short weaving classes. Understandably, these issues have "scared away" amateur weavers in the past. Now, finally, author Laila Lundell--Executive Advisor for the National Handicrafts Council of Sweden and author of the international bestsellerThe Big Book of Weaving--provides an easy-to-use, highly illustrated manual that makes the rep weave technique accessible to all. WithRep Weaves: 27 Projects Using New and Classic Patterns, you no longer have to fear threading and harness tie-up, nor falling in love with a beautiful pattern you can't possibly weave on the basic loom you already have. Lundell explains a breakthrough method for threading and harness tie-up that is so easy, weavers of any experience level and ability will be capable of completing every project in the book--and others--on an ordinary counterbalance loom (no specialized equipment needed!) Lundell includes both classic patterns and her own variations, using checks, stripes, and bands to create stunning rugs, placemats, table runners, and curtain valances. Themes and colors span the spectrum, certain to tantalize the most discerning weaving enthusiast's palate. All drafts are followed by thorough explanations and step-by-step instructions, as well as photos and illustrations to ensure success for the unpracticed weaver, as well as help those with experience problem-solve. Patterns increase in complexity as you advance through the book, beginning with two and four harness weaves and moving on to six and eight harnesses--so you won't grow bored as you progress. With Lundell's book in hand, your rep weaving future knows no bounds.
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.
An Exaltation of Blocks is a two-volume book and toolkit for exploring symmetric block design intended for weavers and designers who use grids in their creative process. The first chapter of Volume One describes the block as the basic unit of design. Subsequent chapters describe the process of using the binary number system to develop the definitive number of 2-, 3-, and 4-block motifs, which, in turn, become the elements for developing larger designs and patterns. Three chapters written specifically for weavers show how to covert complex patterns into three different weave structures suitable for 8-shaft looms: Summer and Winter, Huck Lace, and Warp-Faced Rep. Chapter Ten shows how to create asymmetry from the symmetric motifs. Volume Two is the Toolkit of twelve envelopes which contain the 45 printed design pages and 49 transparent overlays. Section One creates the equivalent of over 2 million 6-block designs while Section Two continues to develop 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-block designs. The potential for the higher ordered designs is 68 billion patterns. The first edition is limited to 500 copies, each signed and numbered by the author.
Weaving on a Little Loom teaches readers everything they need to know to start small-frame loom weaving, an easy and inexpensive craft that can be done at home. From setting up the loom to finishing a project, this book covers both basic and more advanced techniques, with an introduction to creating patterns such as basket and bird's eye weaves, rib, twill, and herringbone. With clear instruction and beautiful illustrative photographs, step-by-step tutorials guide you through designing and creating five contemporary woven projects—including table placemats, wall hangings, and a tote bag—all made with natural, environmentally friendly materials.
The Improv Handbook is the most comprehensive, smart, helpful and inspiring guide to improv available today. Applicable to comedians, actors, public speakers and anyone who needs to think on their toes, it features a range of games, interviews, descriptions and exercises that illuminate and illustrate the exciting world of improvised performance. First published in 2008, this second edition features a new foreword by comedian Mike McShane, as well as new exercises on endings, managing blind offers and master-servant games, plus new and expanded interviews with Keith Johnstone, Neil Mullarkey, Jeffrey Sweet and Paul Rogan. The Improv Handbook is a one-stop guide to the exciting world of improvisation. Whether you're a beginner, an expert, or would just love to try it if you weren't too scared, The Improv Handbook will guide you every step of the way.
Iridescent fabric shimmers and glows, changing colors depending on how the light hits it. Different colors appear in the folds and pleats, adding surprising layers of color to fabric. To the uninformed it appears magical and difficult, but the truth is that weaving iridescent fabric is accessible to any handweaver who knows the tricks. Bobbie Irwin has been teaching the techniques for weaving iridescence in person and through articles for more than ten years. In this book, she delivers her most comprehensive course yet, covering the details from how to evaluate and choose yarn to achieve your desired effect to the ways weave structure affects iridescence to the best uses for your iridescent fabric. Hands-on project instructions will have you exploring what you've learned right away. If you have been looking to add some shimmer to your weaving, this is the only book you will ever need!
These widely acclaimed essays from the author of Infinite Jest -- on television, tennis, cruise ships, and more -- established David Foster Wallace as one of the preeminent essayists of his generation. In this exuberantly praised book -- a collection of seven pieces on subjects ranging from television to tennis, from the Illinois State Fair to the films of David Lynch, from postmodern literary theory to the supposed fun of traveling aboard a Caribbean luxury cruiseliner -- David Foster Wallace brings to nonfiction the same curiosity, hilarity, and exhilarating verbal facility that has delighted readers of his fiction, including the bestselling Infinite Jest.