Fiber Craft Heritage - by Doris Fischer (Hardcover)

About the Book

A celebration of the rich heritage of fiber art and its connection to modern makers.

Book Synopsis

A celebration of the rich heritage of fiber art and its connection to modern makers.

Discover the artistry and history behind 14 traditional textile techniques in this richly illustrated, deeply researched guide for fiber enthusiasts of all levels. Fischer, an archaeological field supervisor specializing in the history and techniques of traditional fiber arts, unveils the processes our ancestors created for spinning, weaving, braiding, and more.

• Learn by doing: make thread, yarn, straw rope, patterned cords, fabrics, and more.
• Focuses on sustainable, all-natural materials such as nettle, flax, hemp, and wool.
• 388 detailed photos make techniques clear and help preserve traditional craftsmanship.
• Includes tool-making directions for 21 types of historical textile tools, using branches and scrap wood.

The blend of hands-on guidance and fascinating historical context makes this book an essential resource for anyone passionate about preserving and understanding the interconnected world of fiber arts.

Review Quotes

"The volume is rich with historical anecdotes . . . and beautiful imagery . . . Fischer breathes new life into lost arts."--Publisher's Weekly

"Loads of inspiration."--Booklist

"A highly recommended book for anyone interested in the material culture of textiles, and one that may become a standard work on historical textile techniques."--Netzwerk Mode Textil (Fashion Textile Network Association)

"Leverages experts at living history museums for the step-by-step instructions that make this book a great option for hobbyists looking to cover multiple techniques in one volume . . . Includ[es] a variety of processes to put these threads to use. Photos, diagrams, and clear instructions make this portion incredibly helpful for reenactors, fiber artists, and craftspeople who do not have access to the raw materials, but would like to try or demonstrate traditional cording, braiding, or band weaving ways . . . The suggestions for tools are sticks, playing cards, cardboard, and other household items, targeting a wider audience of casual readers and allowing people to try out these lost ways without a major investment . . . If you are interested in getting into fiber arts, this is a great book for exploring a wide variety of processes. The color photos and simple implementation options for nearly every process mentioned provides the reader with an easy starting point."--EXARC Journal (rev. by Christina Spaulding) (Intl. Organisation of Archaeological Open-Air Museums and Experimental Archaeology)

"This fascinating history of textile crafts encourages people to try them out . . . Introductions to the techniques are followed by clear instructions with useful project ideas, supplemented by practical tips."--Schreibkultur Lifestyle Magazine