3-D Hand Loom Weaving: Sculptural Tools and Techniques

by Sally Eyring

Other authorsStacey Harvey-Brown (Foreword)

Hardcover, 2020

Status

Available

Call number

746.14

Collection

Your library

Publication

Schiffer Publishing (2020), 191 pages

Description

Weaving the shape, not just shaping the cloth! Now, for the first time, handweavers have the tools and techniques to allow them to weave the 3-D shapes they want, on their own looms. Three new techniques are at the core of this exploration: weaving expanded areas, weaving dense areas, and weaving with infinite tensioning. By showing the benefits of challenging every aspect of the weaving process and breaking some of the old rules, Eyring helps handweavers free their skills to design the shapes they want to create, and then weave them. Start by understanding the terms invented to explain the processes, and the instructions for building the innovative weaving tools that make 3-D weaving possible. Instructions for using the new techniques offer clear details, options, and tips for making challenges work for you. With a minimum of new tools to build or loom modifications to make, three fast and easy projects allow you to try the techniques on a four- or eight- shaft loom--and to make an actual project rather than just a sample. Finally, a photo gallery of spectacular expert-level creations serves as a resource to inspire your next designs. If you dream in 3-D, why not learn to weave in 3-D?… (more)

Media reviews

Amazon.com

Who was it that said “Rules are meant to be broken”? Such words may conjure up fear in many people, but to a weaver it screams innovation! Just reading the preface made me excited to know more about Sally’s techniques and processes to create 3-D weaving! Computer aided weaving allowed

handweavers to explore outside the box structures and color work, but we were still regulated to weave rectangles. Sally offers us a forward-thinking option to break the rectangle mold and create fabrics that can be shaped and formed without cutting, making this one of the most positive innovations since computers. Sally explores the idea of using infinite tensioning, allowing the weaver to weave different sections of the warp different lengths and density and maintain the tension required on each thread to weave all the while. Clever, innovative tools allow any weaver to use this idea on their own loom. A thorough, concise explanation of the new terminology required to weave 3-D fabrics is covered in Chapter 1. I found it helpful to read through this a few times to familiarize myself with some new ideas. The weaver is challenged to think in new ways about the very foundation of weaving, i.e. tension, take up, length of warp threads, loom set up, warp and weft grist, discontinuous wefts, sett and multiple layers in a warp. Sally breaks down the processes in a clear fashion, offering the rules required for the techniques she created, in Chapter 2. A helpful comparison chart at the end of this chapter is a great guide to help weavers in making choices for the different techniques described. Standard thinking is pushed to the brink, allowing the weaver to explore these new ideas! Sally challenges weavers to set up many looms as one and gives readers the tools to accomplish this task. Chapter 3 offers in-depth and complete instructions for building the new tools Sally designed specifically for weaving 3-D fabrics. These tools are adaptable to many looms and concise directions, clear photographs and thorough descriptions of process lead the reader to understanding. Chapter 4 expands on the actual weaving process instructions for weaving specific types of cloth such as areas of the warp woven with many extra weft picks to create a rippled effect. Cloth tensioning is thoroughly discussed and documented so good tension can be achieved at all times. Comprehensive instruction in planning warps to be woven into 3-D fabrics backed with photos and assure the reader can succeed weaving 3-D cloth. The next few chapters 5-7, deal with the specifics of weaving dense areas of cloth, weaving with infinite tension, weaving with wire for shaped pieces. Very detailed instructions and photos lead the reader every step of the way. Chapter 8 is a complete look at design considerations and planning a shaped weaving. Large, color drafts, design considerations for weaving different areas of density in the cloth, color, tensioning and other considerations are discussed in full. Chapter 9 focuses on Projects aimed at allowing the reader to learn the details of weaving 3-D fabrics. These fundamental projects offer the reader an opportunity to learn technique, tools and new ways of thinking about cloth. Chapter 10 moves toward more advanced projects and offers the reader a chance to explore advanced techniques with the aid of a competent “tutor” at hand. The appendix is filled with instruction on how to build the special tools Sally designed and developed for weaving 3-D fabric on just about any loom. The instructions are complete and easy to follow and sources for any specialty items are noted. All said this wonderful book is a fabulous workshop between two covers in the construction and design of 3-D fabrics. Sally’s innovative ideas and tool design along with her creative vision, coupled with clear, concise and thorough instructions make this book a valuable asset for any weaver! ¬¬¬---Su Butler

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