The Weaver's Studio

September 1, 2016

Traditional shibori dyeing uses handstitching to sew gathers into a fabric prior to dyeing. The gathers resist the dye to varying degrees, creating the pattern. In weaver Ellis's approach, the gathering threads are woven into the fabric while it is on the loom, then gathered and dyed as with the traditional method. Ellis provides numerous profiles and threading drafts suitable for four- and eight-shaft looms, as well as full descriptions of woven shibori techniques, allowing weavers to design their own patterns. She also covers the dyeing process in depth. VERDICT This updated version of the author's 2005 book trades synthetic dyes for natural dyes, but the overall content and coverage is otherwise similar. Experienced weavers interested in exploring surface design will find guidance and encouragement.

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