Magical Materials to Weave: Blending Traditional & Innovative Yarns
Strictly for the expert is Danish textilist Dalgaard’s first crafts book. In fact, the layout itself is not conducive to the kind of easy-reference American audiences are accustomed to. Tips and tricks, for instance, are embedded within the text, using only a red boldface subhead as a differentiator. Her expectation is that you will read through her discussion of the aesthetic of the magical combination of “active” yarns (those that can change appearance, thickness, and length) and “stable” yarns (which don’t greatly change ). Then scrutinize the six amazing fashion items for which patterns are offered. Finally, consider her advice on experimentation. Her selection of a quote from German Bauhaus designer Anni Albers is, by itself, illuminating: “The material itself is full of suggestions for its use if we approach it unaggressively, receptively.” This is truly intended for weavers with great skills and no small amounts of time and patience. --Barbara Jacobs