This book popped up during a chat on Weavolution and I decided to take a look at it. To buy it is prohibitive but I was able to get it on inter-library loan for a mere $8. Well worth it to satisfy my curiousity.
As the title says, the primary focus is to identify fibres for forensic purposes. As such, the book goes into much greater detail than a handweaver would be able to. Not very many of us have spectroscopes and electron microscopes etc.
I found the chapter on fibre characteristics interesting as it went into far greater detail than most textile science books. There is a great chart showing the classification of fibres.
But probably the greatest value this book has for weavers (and spinners) is the extensive book list that follows each chapter. If you are interested in details of fibres and yarns, here is a great place to start looking for information.
Of course there is always my favourite source book, A Guide to Textiles for Interior Designers by Jackman and Dixon. Judith MacKenzie has a brief overview of different fibres in her book The Intentional Spinner. Or Google 'textile science' and I'm sure you'll come up with lots of hits.
It is my belief that, in order to make good choices for our textiles, at least a rudimentary level of knowledge about fibre characteristics is essential. I'm very pleased that several more guilds are showing an interest in my topic A Good Yarn. It looks like a couple of guilds will select that title for workshops/seminars next March.
Currently reading A Bitter Feast by S. J. Rozan
1 comment:
I really appreciate that you post such good knowledge and sensible advice. Thank you!
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