Threads Around the World: From Arabian Weaving to Batik in Zimbabwe

by Deb Brandon

Overview

Handmade textiles are personal, no matter where in the world they're created, and these photos and explanations of 25 diverse world cultures' techniques vividly share the details. Take a voyage through these pages and see how today's artisans continue to create traditional fiber arts with age-old methods. Blending well-researched information, engaging style, and inspiration, the pages explore espadrilles, flatwoven rugs, mittens, voudou flags, mirror embroidery, and the histories they hold. This open-eyed approach will appeal to textile devotees, from the casually curious to professional artists, and to people who are interested in heritage crafts and diverse cultures. Brandon has written for more than a decade for WARP (Weave a Real Peace), a nonprofit networking organization whose members are dedicated to improving the quality of life of textile artisans in communities in need.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780764356506
Publisher:	Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Publication date:	01/28/2019
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	7.20(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Deb Brandon is a respected textile artist and enthusiast, a writer, and a speaker. She is a professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Carnegie Mellon Universityand is also a member of WARP (Weave a Real Peace).

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 8

Introduction 10

1 Morocco: Berber Flatweave 13

2 Hungary: Matyó Embroidery 19

3 Japan: Gyotaku (Fish Printing) 23

4 China: Miao Shiny Cloth 29

5 Pakistan: Ajrakh Block Printing 37

6 Estonia: Handknit Mittens 43

7 China: Miao Pleated Skirts 49

8 Philippines: Piña Cloth 53

9 India: Zari Brocade 59

10 India: Patan Patola 65

11 Bhutan: Backstrap Weaving 71

12 Scotland: Kilt Hose 79

13 Panama: Molas 83

14 Thailand: Hmong Paj Ntaub (Story Cloth) 91

15 Zimbabwe: Sadza Batik 95

16 Ghana: Kente Cloth 101

17 Ghana: Adinkra Cloth 109

18 Haiti: Vodou Flags 115

19 India: Shisha Embroidery 121

20 India: Bandhani 125

21 India: Laheria 131

22 Arabian Peninsula: Bedouin Weaving 137

23 Bangladesh: Kantha Embroidery 143

24 Spain: Espadrilles 149

25 Peru: Three-Dimensional Embroidery 155

About WARP 158

Index 159

Editorial Reviews

Fun, full of surprises, and a valuable contribution to understanding a wide range of cultures, something sorely needed in this ever more conflicted world. Written in bite-sized chapters, with stunning photography . . . recommended for textile lovers and world travelers alike.” —Deborah Chandler, author of Traditional Weavers of Guatemala and Learning to Weave

“Amplifies the thread that connects all fans of cloth-making together, while offering a deep sense of place.” —Liz Gipson, author of Weaving Made Easy and host of the Yarnworker School of Weaving

“Once in a while, a book comes along that reminds us why textiles are so integral to human endeavors. This is a book to savor.” —Sara Lamb, weaver and author of Spin to Weave

“Deb Brandon is a lover of textiles and it shows in this personal textile journey of a broad range of techniques from around the world and the people who master them.” —Jane Patrick, Creative Director of Schacht Spindle Company

“A global tour marked by depth, insight, and intrigue . . . a gift for textile enthusiasts and for the future.” —Linda Ligon, Founder of Interweave Press and Director of Thrums Books

From the Publisher