Diana Blake Gray

The Lost Bohemian and Swedish Braids Diana Blake Gray

Bohemian and Swedish braids represent a whole new family of techniques for the textile explorer. Made with a hook-but not crocheted. Looped and laced-but not nalbinding. Ideal for rugs, baskets and more. Working from a single old rug she discovered in the 1970s, the author redeveloped these antique stitches. With this book, they come to life with simple step-by-step photographs for the beginning rug maker with both left- and right-handed directions. The Ancient Stitch, Traditional Bohemian Braid and Modern Bohemian Braid are included along with the never before published Swedish Braid and Fool-the-Eye braid. These stitches create unique textures with very different appearances on the front and back. The rugs and baskets are so sturdy people think there is an artificial stiffener, but it is just the stitches themselves whether used with fabric strip, yarns or cording. For the first time, the author explains how to create patterns and designs in the rugs for really eye-catching projects. No special tools are required-you can make your own hook from a clothes hanger. Renowned for her work in recreating lost textile techniques, the author has spent four decades researching, experimenting, making rugs, writing and teaching in order to bring these skills back to life and preserve them for future generations. Her instructions are used by fiber artists and textile explorers on every continent.