Secrets of Spinning, Weaving, and Knitting
Secrets of Spinning, Weaving, and Knitting explores the textile traditions of the Andes through spinning, weaving, knitting, and a wide range of finishing and embellishment techniques.
Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez brings together the knowledge and skills of artisans from different generations. Richly illustrated, the book presents both textile techniques and the cultural context in which these traditions are practised and passed on.
At a glance
✔ Andean spinning, weaving, and knitting traditions
✔ Step-by-step instructions for many techniques
✔ 490 colour photographs
✔ 10 charts and 1 map
✔ 144 pages
✔ Paperback
✔ English language
What you'll discover
Throughout the book, Andean artisans of different generations share their knowledge, traditions, and expertise in a wide variety of textile techniques.
The book covers skills ranging from skeining yarn and knitting in reverse to weaving tubular borders and embellishing fabric with complex stitches. Many of these techniques are accompanied by concise step-by-step instructions.
Textile techniques and traditions
The techniques are not presented separately from the culture in which they developed. Detailed descriptions of Andean cultural traditions frame each section, offering insight into the role textile work continues to play in the living heritage of the Quechua people.
With 490 colour photographs, 10 charts, and a map, the book offers a detailed visual exploration of the techniques, textiles, and traditions presented throughout its pages.
An award-winning book
Secrets of Spinning, Weaving, and Knitting received the Silver Medal in the Craft/Hobby category at the 2018 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards.
Specifications
- Author: Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez
- Language: English
- Binding: Paperback
- Pages: 144
- Illustrations: 490 colour photographs, 10 charts, and 1 map
- Dimensions: 21.6 × 22.9 cm (8.5 × 9 in)
- Weight: 0.51 kg (1.13 lb)
- ISBN: 9780998452357
About the author
Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez gathered artisans of all ages for this book to share their knowledge, traditions, and textile skills from the Andes.
Why we love it
This book brings spinning, weaving, knitting, and finishing techniques together in one volume while giving cultural context an important place. Its extensive photography also makes it possible to closely observe the techniques and textiles presented throughout the book.