Fiber Arts Related Links
Some of our favorite links.
Academic
• Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection
University of Wisconsin, Madison. The size and scope of the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection, along with its related programs, make it an outstanding resource for scholars, designers, students, and members of the community. The complete collection is documented online.
http://embark.sohe.wisc.edu/
• National Basketry Organization, Inc.
A non-profit corporation dedicated to basketry and everyone who appreciates this unique art form, which is both an ancient craft and modern art. Whether you are a basketmaker, a collector, a novice weaver, a studio artist or someone who simply admires baskets, we think you'll find something of interest in these pages. We welcome your interest. We are a member supported organization, and invite you to join us.
https://www.nationalbasketry.org/
• Professional Craft Fiber Haywood Community College
The Professional Crafts: Fiber curriculum is designed to train individuals as professional hand weavers. Instruction includes technical weaving knowledge, dye work, design skills, and marketing and business essentials.
Students will learn warping techniques, weaving theory and technique, dye applications, and finishing methods. Students will receive design skills to aid them in personalizing their own work. Additional instruction will provide the bases for starting and running a small business.
Graduates will be able to open and operate their own weaving studio, work for an existing weaving business, or transfer to a four-year degree program.
https://www.haywood.edu/instruction/programs-of-study/professional-crafts-fiber
• Textile Society of America
The theme of TSA's 14th Biennial Symposium entitled New Directions: Examining the Past, Creating the Future. Los Angeles, California September 10-14, 2014.
https://textilesocietyofamerica.org/
Complete Academic Link Listing
Books (out of print, new, used)
• Carol Todd's Natural Dyeing Homepage
Natural dyeing information, books and workshops. Includes Natural Dye of the Month recipe.
http://www.rainbowlight.org/
• Lu Peters
This website has comprehensive bibliographies of books relating to all areas of the fiber arts, including wearables & sewing, mixed-media, art quilting, embroidery, fashion, knit/crochet, rug hooking, doll making, Sashiko, fabric dyeing, painting, printing, weaving & spinning.
http://www.lupeters.com/
E-publications (web-based books, mags, articles)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
Download the free Acrobat Reader from Adobe Systems.
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readermain.html
• Hand/Eye magazine
The Hand/Eye magazine has beautiful photos and articles chronicling the efforts of artisans in wood, fibers and metal throughout the world. The Hand/Eye Trust supports artisans through the production and distribution of books, documentaries, exhibits, a print and online magazine and grants to small artisan businesses.
http://handeyemagazine.com/
• On-Line Digital Archive of Documents on Weaving and Related Topics
Repository of weaving books, pamphlets, magazines and reference material, scanned and compiled by the late Ralph Griswold, professor of Computer Science at Arizona State University.
https://www2.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/
• Weavezine
A free online weaving magazine, designed with both the beginner and advanced weavers in mind.
https://www.weavezine.com/
Complete ePublication LinkListing
Galleries (commercial)
• Adire African Textiles
A gallery established to share our love of the creative works of African textile artists, weavers, dyers, and embroiderers, and to make high quality African textiles accessible worldwide. An extensive bibliography
https://www.adireafricantextiles.com/
• Alberta Craft Council
The Alberta Craft Council is dedicated to support and develop an Alberta network and sector of craftspeople and studios, and to recognize contemporary and heritage crafts as significant art forms that contribute to Alberta's culture.
http://albertacraft.ab.ca
• Cameron Trading Post
Find Navajo rugs, beadwork, baskets, dyecharts, blankets and more.
https://www.camerontradingpost.com/
• Centinela Traditional Arts
A Tapestry Gallery located in Chimayo, New Mexico, specializing in handwoven wool and wool-blend products using natural dyes, custom-dyed yarns, handspun yarns, and the traditional Rio Grande weaving styles.
http://www.chimayoweavers.com/
Complete Gallerie Link Listing
Industrial (manufacturers)
• Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
Australia's CSIRO is an independent statutory authority . Check out the latest innovations in Agribusiness, Textiles, Clothing and Footwear.
http://www.csiro.au/
• Navajo-Churro Sheep Association
The first sheep were brought into the Southwest more than four hundred Years ago. To find a breeder in your area, fiber and related products, raw fleeces, or quality N-CSA logo items. Download the N-CSA Informative Brochure and Guide to the Selection of the Navajo-Churro Sheep.
http://www.navajo-churrosheep.com/
• American Textile Manufacturers Institute
Educational materials featuring the U.S. textile industry; its products, processes and its importance to the U.S. economy. Access ATMI program resources as well as standards and technical documents.
https://www.textileweb.com
• Fraser & Kirkbright Weaving Co.
High quality tartans, made in Canada from pure Australian wool. We wish to offer a stock selection of Scottish and Canadian tartans, and we also offer custom weaving.
http://www.wooltartan.com/
Complete Industrial Link Listing
Information (educational, historical articles)
• Craft Design Plans
A series of workshop plans (including spinning wheels and looms) by David Bryant started over 20 years ago in response to requests from woodworkers.
http://www.craftdesigns.co.uk/
• Craft Revival Digital Documentation
The Craft Revival project's primary objective is to create a web-based digital history documenting the Craft Revival movement that occurred in western North Carolina from 1895 to1945. A main component of the project is a virtual collection of documents, photographs, craft objects, and artifacts that tells the story of the Craft Revival. This virtual collection, along with several others, is maintained by Western Carolina University's Hunter Library.
https://www.wcu.edu/library/DigitalCollections/CraftRevival/
• Damask Weavers' Network
The International Damask weavers' Network supports this site as a source for information about exhibits, current trends, equipment and other aspects of damask and related weaving techniques. Past issues of the newsletters are available.
http://home.hccnet.nl/j.diepenbroek/
• Descendants of the Incas
This site is brought to you by the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, Peru, a special project of Cultural Survival, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Nilda Callañaupa living in Cusco, Peru serving as Project Coordinator. Numerous photos of the local weaving culture, as well as textiles.
http://www.incas.org/
Complete Information Link Listing
Links (Lists of links)
• Crochet for Your Home: Curtains, Decor, Rugs, and More!
Links to free home decor crochet patterns and projects.
https://missamara.com/pages/crochet-for-your-home-curtains-decor-rugs-and-more
• The New Mexico Fiber Arts Directory
New Mexico's Fiber Artists & Fiber Resources by Region & Community. Find calendar, organizations & opportunities.
https://www.newmexicofiberartsdirectory.com
• RH Koller
R.H. Koller Oriental Rug and Carpet Cleaning has been specializing in the care of your area rugs for over 22 years. We combine modern air dusting with traditional hand washing in our state of the art facility to provide the most thorough cleaning possible for all your fine rugs and related textiles. Locally owned and operated, we have been serving our clients from Bainbridge Island to Port Townsend and locations in between.
https://rhkoller.com
• Schweinfurth Art Center/Quilting by the Lake
Fiber arts, classes and more
First opened in 1981, over the years the Schweinfurth has become known internationally for its fiber arts programs. In 2003, the Art Center bought and began running Quilting by the Lake, an annual art quilt conference. That, coupled with the growing reputation of the Quilts=Art=Quilts exhibit and workshops with acclaimed artists has brought national and international attention to the Schweinfurth Art Center.
https://schweinfurthartcenter.org/qbl/
Museums (collections, exhibits, information)
• African Crafts Online
Products by many African artisans, books, CDs and free instructions for making simple African looms. Contributions are welcome!
http://www.africancrafts.com/
• American Textile Museum
Lowell, Massachusetts, adjacent to Lowell's National Historical park. The collection includes thousands of books, manuscripts and images, millions of textile samples and hundreds of textile-making machines. Purchase a weaving based on authentic designs.
http://www.athm.org/home_framemiddle2.htm
• Fashion Institute of Technology
Visit our Online Collections. The permanent collection of The Museum at FIT currently includes more than 50,000 garments and accessories, dating from the 18th century to the present. Many of those objects can be viewed online, along with the object's accompanying description and designer information.
http://www.fitnyc.edu/html/dynamic.html
• George Washington University Textile Museum
Washington, D.C. USA's newest cultural destination joins The Textile Museum with the Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection. The museum fosters the study and appreciation of art, history, and culture.
https://museum.gwu.edu/textile-museum
Organizations
• Adopt-A-Native Elder Program (Navajo weavers)
A non-profit organization which enables elder Navajo (Dine') to live in the traditional manner. Financed through yarn donations, an on-line rug gallery and annual Rug Show and Sale. POB 3401, Park City, UT 84060 Phone: (435) 649-0535 e-mail: mail@anelder.org
http://www.anelder.org/
• afghans for Afghans
afghans for Afghans is a humanitarian and educational people-to-people project that is sending hand-knit and crocheted blankets to the beleaguered people of Afghanistan.
http://www.afghansforAfghans.org/
• Albuquerque Fiber Arts Council
The Council annually funds individual and guild scholarships, sponsors the Fiber Arts Fiesta biennial art exhibit in odd years with the cooperation of the Council's 19 participating guilds. The Fiber Arts Education Committee offers opportunities in keeping with the Council's educational mission, such as exhibits at libraries, the airport, and other public venues. The Spring Show is a relatively new show (begun in 2016) and is held biennially in even years. The electronic Fiber Arts Newsletter (eFAN) is available for download.
http://www.fiberartsfiesta.org
• Arizona Federation of Weavers and Spinners Guilds, Inc.
The Arizona Federation represents guilds from all over Arizona, and sponsors a biennial conference of fiber arts in even-numbered years. Newsletters subscriptions are available.
http://www.azfed.org/
Complete Organization Link Listing
Patterns/Instructions
• Softweave: Jane Eisenstein's Weaving
Weaver and software developer Jane Eisenstein provides complete articles on her weaving techniques in addition to a web-based tool that generates WIF double weave drafts and a web-based tool that translates WIF drafts to PNG images. Visit her gallery of woven art.
http://www.softweave.com
• Planned/Intentional Pooling
Planned pooling occurs when yarn that has a repeating sequence of colors is knit using a certain number of stitches to achieve distinct patterns. Use this online calucator for viewing and saving your patterns.
http://plannedpooling.com/
• Todays Treasure Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop
Vintage Knitting and Crochet Patterns feature mens, misses and childs clothing and accessories. Also included is home decor Doilies, Bedspreads and Tablecloths. These Knit and Crochet Patterns are great fun to view, as well as create.
http://www.todaystreasure.net/
• Kathryn's Favorite Free Knitting Patterns
Find free knitting patterns for beginners and pros alike. Each pattern is easy enough for beginners but contains variations for every level of knitter. Also find book reviews, articles, links to yarn and other supplies, and off-line and online bookstores.
http://favorite-free-knitting-patterns.com/
Personal Pages and Blogs
• Alice Schlein
Alice Schlein is a weaver and book maker in South Carolina. Author of books on computer-designed weaving.
http://weaverly.typepad.com/weaverly/
• Weaving a Life
"Weaving a Life" - writings about weaving, peace, sustainability and life. Terri writes about the endless possibilities with Saori weaving as she explores it through her own weaving as well as workshops.
Terri has facilitated the weaving of peace banners created by over 500 people.
http://www.saltspringweaving.com/blog
• Bren Ahearn Thread of Masculinity
Bren's explorations in various aspects of weaving.
http://www.brenahearn.com/
• Fiber Focus
My blog explores fiber art and textiles as potential forces for economic development in communities around the world. I also document local fiber art activities in my own community (Paducah, Kentucky, USA) and my work.
http://www.rayela.com/
Complete Personal Link Listing
Publications (print mags, periodicals)
• Selvedge
Selvedge... offers the world's finest textile photography, unparalleled design and peerless writing
Open a copy of Selvedge and you sense there is a philosophy that Selvedge readers subscribe to. A belief system based on a cerebral and sensual addiction to textiles in all forms. Readers share a belief in the importance of their material surroundings and a passion for the beautiful and beautifully made.
Our aim is simple: to provide a textile publication which fits seamlessly into their creative lifestyle. Directed towards an international, discerning audience, Selvedge covers fine textiles in every context: fine art, interiors, fashion, travel and shopping.
http://www.selvedge.org/
• Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot magazine
The HGA award-winning quarterly journal features a broad spectrum of articles about the fiber arts, including design, history, shows, education, products, books, national and international textile news, as well as updates about HGA programs and people, and information received from local and regional guilds.
A subscription to Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot magazine is included as a benefit of membership in HGA.
http://www.weavespindye.org/shuttle-spindle-dyepot-magazine
• International Camelid Quarterly
CQ was established in 2002, and is focused on the development of the camelid industry worldwide.
Each issue is available to the public online within 2 weeks after publication, and a complete archive of every article is available to members.
http://www.llamas-alpacas.com/
• Caryll Designs
Featuring MOCO Qiviut The World's Most Exceptional Rare Fiber! Yarns and books for quiviut.
http://www.carylldesigns.com/
Complete Publication Link Listing
Reference (dictionaries, tables, product care)
• Kuler
Adobe Labs hosts an interactive site that enables the generation of limitless color palettes and a library of other user's creations.
https://color.adobe.com/create/color-wheel/
• Ultimate Guide of How to Remove Stains From Clothes
An extensive list of resources for removing nearly any kind of stain from textiles.
http://www.gift4him.com/ultimate-guide-of-how-to-remove-stains-from-clothes.html
• Federal Trade Commission (US) Textile Care Information
Labeling and precautionary advice for all textiles.
http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/textilejump.htm
• Online Textile Dictionary
A 16 language multimedia dictionary with 2000 terms for textiles and clothing.
http://en.texsite.info/Main_Page
Complete Reference Link Listing
Schools (universities, trade schools, vocational, technical)
• Lillstreet Art Center Textiles Department
Lillstreet's Textile Arts department is a growing community interested in traditional and contemporary craft media. Our newly renovated sewing studio offers an industrial sewing machine, overlock and serger machines. Our print on paper and fabric classes feature a remodeled dark room with a state-of-the-art UV vacuum We have students from a variety of backgrounds, from professional artists who sell at art fairs, online shops, and consignment, to all levels of artists developing skills to build their portfolio. Visit the Textiles Department Blog for more information and links to additional resources.
http://lillstreet.com/department/textile-arts
• Northern New Mexico College at El Rito
The Rio Grande Valley is considered a mecca for skilled Native American and Hispanic weavers. Northern New Mexico College's Fiber Arts Department offers the weaving student: a full-time, 2-year Fiber Arts Associate Degree, a 1-year Weaving Certificate, a variety of short-term intensive fiber arts courses
http://www.weavingcollege.com/
• Red Stone Glen Fiber Arts Center
York County , PA. The Center offers 3-day instruction in various projects. Our retail store carries yarn, fiber and equipment.
http://redstoneglen.com/
• Sievers School of Fine Arts
Washington Island, WI. A three-season of international repute, offering classes on weaving, knitting, basketry, quilting and dyeing. Our store sells supplies and consignment pieces produced by instructors and past students.
https://sieversschool.com/
Software
• Arahne Cad/Cam Software for Weaving
A software company, specialized in developing CAD/CAM systems for weaving. ArahWeave is a Linux based program, Windows compatible. Free demo available.
http://www.arahne.si/
• https://www.cs.earlham.edu/~timm/treadle/
A web site for finding a tie-up which will produce a pattern using a loom with the fewest numbers of treadles possible (aka a skeleton tie-up).
http://www.cs.earlham.edu/~timm/treadle
• knitPro 2.0
knitPro is a PHP (web based) application that translates your digital images into Needlepoint, Cross Stitch, Crochet and Knitting charts. Download the software and install it on your own website.
http://www.microrevolt.org/knitPro/
• Open Source Jacquard Loom
OSLOOM (short for OPEN SOURCE LOOM) is a project to create an open source electromechanical thread-controlled floor loom that will be computer controlled. Jacquard looms like this exist commercially but they are very expensive (upwards of $60,000) which puts them out of reach for individuals and small educational facilities.
The OSLOOM could be produced way more economically than that and truly revolutionize what the studio weaver could accomplish. The idea of a DIY open source loom is one that not only artists could benefit from but many schools and art centers could gain a resource by building one of these looms.
http://www.osloom.org/
Complete Software Link Listing
Supplies, Material Sources, Equipment
• Ashford Spinning Wheel Company
New Zealand manufacturer of numerous models of spinning wheels and accessories. An online equipment catalog, Helpline and subscription form for a yearly newsletter. Visitors to the showroom, factory, and craft village are welcome.
http://www.ashford.co.nz
• BEKA, Inc. Hand Made Wood Products
BEKA has been making rigid heddle looms, weaving frames, and weaving accessories since 1973.
http://www.bekainc.com
• Bluster Bay Woodworks
Bluster Bay Woodworks produces exquisite weaving shuttles now available to individuals only from our retailers.
http://www.blusterbaywoodworks.com/
• Dundas Loom Company
Dundas Loom Company from Missoula, MT. Looms, accessories, and wheels are made start to finish by Steve Dundas. Excellent selection of books and videos.
http://www.dundasloom.com/
Complete Supplies Link Listing
Studios (commercial weavers)
• Daryl Lancaster Fiber Artist
Daryl teaches garment construction and related topics to weavers and other fiber enthusiasts across North America. In addition, Daryl exhibits her artwork in galleries across the country. Free patterns and instructions on website.
https://www.daryllancaster.com/index.html
• Marketplace
MarketPlace is a leading textile Fair Trade non-profit organization that provides access to global markets for low-income Indian women by using design to bridge the gap between skills and markets. This season the Artisans chose to explore the concept of Beauty. What is beauty? Who gets to decide? And why do we care?
http://www.marketplaceindia.org/mp33/default.asp
• Tapestries by Sarah Swett
In tapestry, the image is the fabric-- without the former, the latter is merely a pile of yarn. The artist, then, creates order; she tells stories, builds images and captures moments in time in cloth even as they unfold. Tapestry infiltrates my dreams, builds my biceps, thrills me to the bone and drives me to tears. When I was seven I turned scraps of yarn into a magic carpet. I am still at it.
http://www.sarah-swett.com
• Bergdala Spinnhus
Kerstin Froberg makes clothing, accessories, home furnishings and academic dress in Sweden, but sometimes she just plays. Horsehair weaving workshops are a specialty.
https://www.bergdalaspinnhus.com/index_eng.html
Tours
• Mano-de-Oaxaca
A Web site offering an intimate glimpse into the world of the potters and weavers of Oaxaca and a delectable menu of hands-in-the-mud workshops and backcactus tours into the land of Oaxaca's great artisans.
http://www.manos-de-oaxaca.com
• Textile Odyssey Tour to Southwest China
Nov. 1 to 18, 2010 - Visit villages and towns in remote areas of southwest China where many ethnic groups continue ancient dress and textile traditions. As they move about in the rhythm of their daily lives, we will see groups such as the Nisu Yi with their embroidered “fanny flaps”, the Hani in their finely braided garments, the Medium Horn Miao with their elaborate hairdos and handcrafted costumes of fine batik and embroidery, the Dong with their elegant indigo outfits and hand-pleated skirts. In their homes, master artisans will demonstrate silk-felting, weaving, batik, piecework appliqué, calendaring, indigo-dyeing, etc. textile_odyssey@yahoo.com
http://textileodyssey.com/textileodyssey/Southwest_China_2010.html
• Art Workshops in Guatemala
Art Workshops in Guatemala strives to provide a new and renewing experience for creative souls. Through contact with a world so different from our own we expand our horizons - not only artistically - but also in many other ways.
http://www.artguat.org
• Workshop: Fiber Trails of the Upper Rio Grande
Come follow the interwoven strands of southwestern arts, culture, and history on this exploration of fiber arts from fleece to finished product! In northern New Mexico, Navajo and Spanish cultural influences collide with modern influences to create an artistic landscape that is both ancient and dynamic. On this trip, participants indulge their interest in all things wool-related with the added fun of hands-on experience! This is a journey for devotees of southwest arts, culture, and history, in which interested amateurs and full-fledged fiber artists alike will find much to enrich their knowledge and appreciation.
http://www.wonderlustexpeditions.com/Fiber-Trails-of-the-Southwest-2017.html