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Raffia Hats, Bags and BasketsPublisher: Storey Communications, Inc.
Everyone needs a sun hat, a bag to carry to the beach or a storage container. You could buy one, but for the creative among us, Liz Doyle has written a book filled with the information you will need to make your own raffia hats, bags and baskets. The book begins with background information on raffia, a material stripped from the raffia palm. Raffia is a strong, pliable, inexpensive fiber used in many craft applications. Doyle continues with basic techniques involved in crafting with raffia. General instruction on 3, 4 and 5-strand plaiting, the basic component of this type of craft, is offered. Tips for adding strands, stitching, shaping, finishing and decorating the braids are explained in well-illustrated text. Individual projects are presented in a tutorial format for a selection of hats with various crown shapes and rim styles. Advice on adapting the hats for children and personalizing your hat with ribbons, scarves, embroidery, or dye is given. Patterns for several plaited carrying baskets, handbags, beach bags and storage baskets are fully illustrated. Numerous photos of the finished projects offer colorful inspiration. Coiled basketry in both wrapped and exposed core techniques are explained, with patterns for lidded baskets in each technique. Liz Doyle is a teacher of weaving, hat making and basketry. She says she loves the portability of raffia crafting, something that cannot be said for one of her other interests, weaving. She teaches workshops in hat making, but realizes not everyone can attend a workshop, a fact she attempts to remedy by writing this book. This book is geared toward nearly anyone with an interest in basketry and raffia crafts. The instruction is complete enough to support the beginner in their first endeavor. Projects that will appeal to the more advanced crafter are offered as well. The relative low cost of the materials, the need for only basic household tools, the portability of raffia crafting, make this book appeal to those who desire a creative outlet and want to shade their face in stylish fashion. A quick note to authors and publishers... I will be reviewing basketry-related books periodically. I have a small stack of review copies to begin with, but if you are an author or publisher and would like to take part, just contact me to let me know what books you would like reviewed. Thank you for your help!
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Copyright © 1998-2007 Susi Nuss. All rights reserved.
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