Woven Treasures: One-of-a-Kind Bags with Folk Weaving Techniques - Softcover

Summer 12 A beautifully presented book with all of Sara Lamb's useful skilful use of colour and pattern. The introduction tells how Sara, a complex weaver with over 30 years experience, was drawn to using and appreciating the simple 'hands on' techniques of rigid heddle and tablet weaving. The inspiration of folk weaving strongly shows in her use of colour and complexity of pattern on a foundation of plain weave cloth. The book follows a basic instruction format, taking the reader through looms, tools and yarns. There are clear instructions for warping rigid heddle looms, both single and double, and for setting up for tablet weaving. The reader is taken step-by-step through weaving the cloth, finishing processes and the making up of a bag. The instructions for 'making cloth into bags' I found particularly helpful, with sections on lining, adding a gusset, leather edging, straps and fastenings. The book continues with various projects, each of which uses a different technique. There are tablet woven and dense, warp-faced rigid heddle bands with pick-up patterns. The patterning techniques of twining, soumak and knotted cut-pile all add a rich texture to the designs. The last sections of this fascinating book are entitled 'Design notebook'. The folk weave influence is most evident here, with links to South America, the Arab countries and Celtic traditions. The final pages show how to make each bag truly individual by the use of embellishment with buttons, beads, fringes and fetishes added to the design. For beginner weavers this book has excellent diagrams and explanations of basic techniques, and the colours and styles should inspire all, however experienced, who read it. * Journal for Weavers, Spinners & Dyers *

Renowned fiber artist Sara Lamb gives weavers an inside look at her groundbreaking work in Woven Treasures. From inspiration and project planning to her signature hand-manipulated techniques, Sara leads weavers through the steps of making exquisite bags, using folk weaving techniques that evoke modern ideas in brilliant colors and textures.
Woven Treasures includes:

An overview of Sara's recent bag series
An introduction to the process of concepting and planning a woven piece
A technique section with 6 folk weaving tutorials, teaching hand-manipulated weaving techniques with a multi-technique sampler that gives basic instructions for soumak, twining, cut pile, cardweaving, inkle weaving, and plain weave
Project instructions for 8 handwoven bags that can be made on a variety of simple looms
Sidebars sprinkled throughout the book include the history of folk weaving techniques, as well as Sara’s signature beaded and stitched embellishment designs

Woven Treasure's bag designs give weavers an immediate sense of accomplishment, and the finished projects are equally lovely as functional bags or displayed as works of art.