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Judy Piotter's Weave World |
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| September 1999 |
Beadwrangler Special Feature
September 3, 1999
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Judy Piotter's Weave World |
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| September 1999 |
Click on one of these magazines to go directly to the review of:
Weavers, Summer 1999
I’ll begin this column with Issue 44, Summer, 1999 of Weaver’s. It is the very last issue of this publication that will ever be published. Editor, Madelyn van der Hoogt has a new adventure in her future, stay tuned! The focus of this magazine is on scarves. At least a dozen articles present different techniques, patterns and fibers; all of which conclude with a beautiful scarf that would be coveted by all the participants in any scarf exchange project!
One of the scarf articles (pg. 38) produces an ikat type pattern by carefully placing space dyed chenille. Another article (pg. 68) deals with adding dimension to the scarf by experimenting with different properties of fibers.
Doramay Keasby’s article about
"qiviut" (what a wonderful Scrabble word!) was a peek into a world which I never
knew existed. This ox produces a very soft downy fiber, but it must be separated from
coarse outer hair in a tedious process. Instructions for a cashmere and qiviut scarf are
included. The article ends on page 31 with a silk scarf woven to include picture of these
beasts. 
Shuttle, Spindle & Dyepot, Summer 1999
Shuttle Spindle and Dyepot, Issue 119, Summer 1999 contains a wealth of information. An interview with Kenneth Trapp, who is the curator of the Renwick Gallery in the Smithsonian, was an interesting view of how pieces are selected for display in the area of crafts. Tapestries of Silvia Heyden are discussed in another article on page 35. Photos of her work are exquisite. Lest any of us have missed learning about Kumihimo from Nancy Ryder, there is a great introduction to these Japanese braids made on a Maru Dai, a round stand with weighted bobbins. Although the article indicates a Maru Dai is a necessary piece of equipment, the same results may be obtained using a piece of cardboard with slits cut around the sides and a hole in the middle.
The Kumihimo article is one of four marked
as being from the Learning Exchange. The other articles are: Woolen Vs Worsted; How
Yarn Structure Affects Wool Fabric When Fulled , An Introduction to Turned Overshot
and Spinning for Warp. The spinning article is enough to make one learn to spin
and/or begin to spin all ones warp!
Piecework, July/August 1999
The July/August 1999 issue of Piecework has a patriotic theme. A report about the spinning and knitting which was done in New Zealand making socks for soldiers makes interesting reading. Of course a pattern for knitted socks is included.
First Lady, Grace Coolidge, found needlework relaxing when things were stressful. Some of her patriotic works are pictured. The article which follows this one contains instructions for crocheting a pillow picturing the Liberty Bell.
In Belgium lace was made to commemorate the war. This article contains pictures of the lace as well as lacemakers sitting at their lace pillows among war devastated homes.
Embroiderers and quilters have not been omitted from this issue. Embroidered hankies and patriotic quilts are also included in this issue of Piecework.
The September/October 1999 Issue of Piecework
has arrived, but I’m saving that for next month!
Handwoven, September/October 1999
The September/October 1999 Issue of Handwoven celebrates 20 years of publication. In her editorial, Linda Ligon, who is the founding editor of this publication announces her departure and introduces the new editor, none other than Madelyn van der Hoogt! Many of the big names in weaving have contributed to this commemorative issue. Randall Darwall takes us through his "Personal Journey" of the past 20 years. Anita Mayer encourages readers to "Push the Creative Process" giving hints on how to gather ones ideas and put them together into a project. Leslie Voiers even gives readers a timetable to making an "8 Hour Blanket." (Personally, I’m not sure I could wind a warp in 15 minutes or thread 368 heddles in 1 hour and 21 minutes, but the article is neat and 16 hours...maybe!)
Other writers in this issue are: Jean Scorgie writing about a "Vest with Scarf", Betsy Blumenthal making a "Chenille Vest with Ribbon Inlay," Mary Kay Stoehr presenting a "20th Anniversary Shawl" and Jane Patrick writing about "Perfect Accessories" and also "Weaving Y2K: BIG Ideas." There are other articles of interest in this issue: "Swatch Collection #31" by Sharon Alderman and "Fabrics for Interiors #22" by Constance LaLena.
"Our Top 20 Tips" is a great
review of some of best tips over the years. It is always good to have the cobwebs dusted
off our memories of helpful hints.
It is difficult for me to believe that this page is full already -- I have the next Piecework for next month and I’ll also report on what has been in the latest guild newsletters from around the country. Ileana and Virginia set the quality bar high for this column in the past, I hope to do half as well as they have. Any suggestions are welcome! Until next month --
..........Judy Piotter, September, 1999