Anita Apinis-Herman’s immensely useful and profusely illustrated handbook of Latvian weaving techniques covers all the basic weave types including plain weave, twill and satin weave and their derivatives such as block weaves, textured weaves and combination weaves. It presents a cornucopia of Latvian designs using between four and eight shafts.
Latvian design examples accompany discussions of each weave, from the simplest plain weave needing only two shafts to the most complex multi-shaft examples needing up to seventeen shafts. The book includes chapters on the drawloom technique and an introduction to drafting with clear, straightforward instructions for the weaving beginner.
Traditional Latvian weaving has been passed down from generation to generation along with its unique colour and design elements. Latvian Weaving Techniques draws on weaving samples and notes the author’s mother, Anna Apinis, collected over a weaving career spanning well over half a century — including a World War, post-war life as a refugee, and starting life over in a new country. It also features the author's own materials and creative output.
Each region of Latvia is distinguished by its own particular national folk dress. These traditionally woven national dress fabrics provide inspiration to handweavers for contemporary fabrics. The book includes numerous designs suitable for practical projects. This republished edition follows thirty years after the first, bringing its wealth of information to a new audience.
Read on for more about the author, Anita Apinis-Herman, her family’s multi-generational mission to preserve traditional Latvian weaving, how to order the book, and upcoming events.