Customer Reviews

Twill Basketry: A Handbook of Designs Techniques, and Styles

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This is a great intermediate to advanced weaver's book. Although in the back she does cover straight and basic plaiting techniques, this book is for basket weaver's who are serious about their art and want to add color and/or artistic designs into their baskets. Not only does it teach you how to incorporate geometric designs in your work, it also teaches you how to draft your own artwork designs. The book covers twill weave, how to wrap your weavers, materials used, adding color and weaver tension. Also included is design weaving: basic blocks and diamond patterns as well as variations on the two; creating folded baskets, undulating twills and double weaving. You'll learn how to incorporate many different lines (such as a swirl pattern) and other fun shapes. Learn color techniques and how to correctly match multiple colors in one piece. Plus, learn how to read draft plans, build complex twills, and how to draft your own designs. Very easy to read and understand. Loads of wonderful color pictures as well as black and white draft plans to help you get started. A metric conversion chart and basket supply sources are included. 144 pages (hardback edition).

This book is a treasure. The black and white basket photos are inspiring, so much so, emphasizing pattern, that when LaPlantz later shows some of the same baskets in full color, the baskets seem to loose some of their power. This book is for intermediate to advanced weavers, and it's of great benefit to those who are looking for something challenging to weave. There are no patterns in the book, but LaPlantz gives the name of the pattern and weaver of every basket whose weaver and pattern are known, so you could go online, find the pattern, and buy it. Weaving just one of these baskets should keep you occupied for a long time! While there are no patterns, there are many diagrams, so that you can see what you're doing with the twill you're weaving. A very worthwhile basket book.

This book has wonderful pictures and text to guide the relatively new basket maker in making complex and beautiful baskets of all shapes and sizes. It is a treasure.