The Art of the Loom: Weaving, Spinning, and Dyeing across the World [Paperback]

Ann Hecht (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2001

Colorful and sometimes complex textiles are still produced in many parts of the world using only the simplest tools and equipment. The Art of the Loom focuses on eight areas of special interest--Navaho weaving in North America; bedouin textiles in the Middle East; West African narrow-strip weaving; Indonesian textiles; "kasuri" resist dyeing in Japan; inlay weaving in Nepal; brocaded motifs from Guatemala; and Peruvian tapestry weaving--and describes the fibers used, the methods of spinning and dyeing, the types of loom and the techniques of weaving. Examples of the best textiles from each area are supplemented with numerous photographs of spinners, weavers, and dyers at work, and diagrams showing how the various effects are achieved. As well as providing students and anthropologists with a valuable insight into working methods in a wide variety of traditional communities, this book and the exciting textiles it illustrates will be an endless source of ideas and ispiration for practising weavers.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Hecht details the history and the diversity of complex textiles created with traditional methods that are still in use today. General descriptions of fibers, methods of spinning and dyeing, types of looms, and techniques of weaving are outlined in the introduction. The eight areas highlighted include Navaho Indian weaving in North America, the work of the Bedouin from the Arabian peninsula, West African narrow-strip weaving, inlay weaving in Nepal, Indonesian textiles, "kasuri" resist dyeing from the islands of Japan, brocaded motifs from Guatemala, and Peruvian tapestry weaving. Each section relates the importance of textiles in the culture while defining the uniqueness of the materials and the process of creation. Numerous photographs illustrate examples of textiles and artisans at work. This beautiful and scholarly title is for large public and academic libraries with an interest in the decorative arts.
- Judith Yankielun Lind, Roseland Free P.L., N.J.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Hecht details the history and the diversity of complex textiles created with traditional methods that are still in use today. General descriptions of fibers, methods of spinning and dyeing, types of looms, and techniques of weaving are outlined in the introduction. The eight areas highlighted include Navaho Indian weaving in North America, the work of the Bedouin from the Arabian peninsula, West African narrow-strip weaving, inlay weaving in Nepal, Indonesian textiles, "kasuri" resist dyeing from the islands of Japan, brocaded motifs from Guatemala, and Peruvian tapestry weaving. Each section relates the importance of textiles in the culture while defining the uniqueness of the materials and the process of creation. Numerous photographs illustrate examples of textiles and artisans at work. This beautiful and scholarly title is for large public and academic libraries with an interest in the decorative arts. -- Judith Yankielun Lind, Roseland Free P.L., N.J. --Library Journal --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: University of Washington Press (January 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0295981393
• ISBN-13: 978-0295981390
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,982,461 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and Inspiring, November 13, 2003

By 

Katroshka (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of the Loom: Weaving, Spinning, and Dyeing across the World (Paperback)

The Art of the Loom is really inspirational for a beginning weaver like myself. There are beautiful color and black and white photographs of stunning pieces from around the world and throughout time, and people weaving on many different types of traditional looms. There are also illustrations explaining how much of the weaving is done, although many of them were difficult for me to digest as I am brand new at weaving. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in traditional and multi-cultural weaving.

4.0 out of 5 stars Across the world and across time, February 6, 2010

By 

bernie "xyzzy" (Arlington, Texas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Art of The Loom (Hardcover)

This fact packed book has plenty to say. It is not really a how-to book but you will find some drafts that you can take straight to the loom. There are many other tips that can directly apply to your skills. However, this book is primarily a travel book; we are carried through different cultures to see how the are similar:
North America -The Navajo
The Middle East - the Bedouin
West Africa - Narrow-strip weaving
South-East Asia - Indonesian Textiles
East -Asia, the Islands of Japan - Kasuri resist dyeing
South Asia - Inlay weaving of Nepal
Central America - Brocaded motifs from Guatemala
South America - Peruvian tapestry weaving


There are many dolor pictures of finished product with descriptions of what you are looking at. There are also many diagrams and hand drawn images.

I am just getting into dying and still using Kool-Aid. However, for people interested in colors in general and who find this book interesting I suggest you read "A perfect Red".

A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the Color of Desire
Harrisville Floor Loom 22/4 22" 4 Harness "Little Workhorse" 6 Treadles

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource, October 31, 2008

By 

Jacqualyn Saunders "alkudsi" (Carrollton, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Art of the Loom: Weaving, Spinning and Dyeing Across the World (Paperback)

As a fiber artist, I found this book to be an excellent resource on textiles from around the world. The amazing thing is how truly old weaving is (6000-7000 years old), and yet the technology advanced so rapidly that complex textiles like brocades were being produced very early on. Also, that the old engineering principle of form following function has never been so well documented as it has been in looms!