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In the Company of Fiber Artists: Creative Inspiration for Rigid Heddle Weavers
So you learned how to weave on a rigid heddle loom. Now what? How about inspiration to add an extra dimension to your weaving? For beginner through advanced level weavers of the rigid heddle Elevate your results! Are you looking for a way to find personal expression, new pathways, or simply encouragement to move forward? This groundbreaking book presents interviews to inspire you with 8 nationally and internationally known fiber artists (experts in fiber sculpture, continuous strand weaving, surface design, knitting, hand dyeing, crochet, floor loom weaving, and eco-fashion). Plus! 16 original patterns with exercises, tips, and unique methods that · Weaving in the Saori style· Continuous Strand Weaving· Surface Embellishment· Upcycling and Giving Back to Your Community· Working with Hand-Dyed and Hand-spun Yarns· Detailed Sewing Advice for Woven Fabric· How to Find Ideas, Express Yourself, and Keep Weaving· And So Much More!
Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 22, 2021
I'm a tried and true yarn addict. I love knitting and crochet. When this book came to my attention, I thought it might be an interesting diversion - especially with the words "Creative Inspiration" in the description. I gasped at each photo and project. They are all simply stunning. The idea that, with the right equipment, I might be able to create something like the projects shown is truly inspirational (and I'm looking at the "Upcycled Scarves Tunic" and thinking of how to make it work with knitting!).
My thanks to the author. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
April 27, 2023
Yes, Tamara Poff’s latest book, “In the Company of Fiber Artists: Creative Inspiration for Rigid Heddle Weavers,” is a beautiful book and would make a great addition to any personal library. More than beauty, though, the book has a long list of additional attributes. First are the instructional aspects. Readers learn a range of skills such as specific warping techniques, and finishing and sewing techniques. There are also charts for warping and weaving, details diagrams, and comprehensive information about yarn and tools as well as a glossary of terms to make sure we know what everything means.
Poff interviewed several fiber artists who share with us their thoughts on diverse topics such as choosing craft as an art form, about relationships with teachers, about self-discovery in one’s art, about the creative process, about inspiration and motivation in art, and living as a creative person during the covid lockdown. The book ends with the timely and important idea of upcycling (creative reuse), and significantly, the issue of environmental sustainability when practicing this art form.
The artists interviewed also share patterns and diagrams that make it possible for readers to choose and try beautiful projects such as purses, cowls, sweaters, shawls, baby quilts, free-form sculptural hangings, and surface design on fabric involving screen printing (wow!).
Strewn through the book are a series of really wonderful quotations. One of my favorites is from Poff herself who says: “Contrary to the notion that creativity is a ‘gift’ given to the elite few, every maker is an artist. Don’t think you are creative? Chances are, you have already been creative many times today.” I so agree. I’ll pass this on to the next person who is convinced that he/she is not creative.
I really liked this quote in the book from David Bowie, “The only art I’ll ever study is stuff that I can steal.” I am not a weaver. In fact, I don’t have a clue what a rigid heddle is. I paint, I collage, I print, and make artist’s books. And now thanks to inspiration from this book, I am going to integrate some of the ideas and concepts in Poff’s book into my own art. As Tamara Poff says, herself, “There are no mistakes here.”
Highly recommended. I received an ARC from the publisher, and this is my independent review.
Poff interviewed several fiber artists who share with us their thoughts on diverse topics such as choosing craft as an art form, about relationships with teachers, about self-discovery in one’s art, about the creative process, about inspiration and motivation in art, and living as a creative person during the covid lockdown. The book ends with the timely and important idea of upcycling (creative reuse), and significantly, the issue of environmental sustainability when practicing this art form.
The artists interviewed also share patterns and diagrams that make it possible for readers to choose and try beautiful projects such as purses, cowls, sweaters, shawls, baby quilts, free-form sculptural hangings, and surface design on fabric involving screen printing (wow!).
Strewn through the book are a series of really wonderful quotations. One of my favorites is from Poff herself who says: “Contrary to the notion that creativity is a ‘gift’ given to the elite few, every maker is an artist. Don’t think you are creative? Chances are, you have already been creative many times today.” I so agree. I’ll pass this on to the next person who is convinced that he/she is not creative.
I really liked this quote in the book from David Bowie, “The only art I’ll ever study is stuff that I can steal.” I am not a weaver. In fact, I don’t have a clue what a rigid heddle is. I paint, I collage, I print, and make artist’s books. And now thanks to inspiration from this book, I am going to integrate some of the ideas and concepts in Poff’s book into my own art. As Tamara Poff says, herself, “There are no mistakes here.”
Highly recommended. I received an ARC from the publisher, and this is my independent review.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews