Iridescent fabric shimmers and glows, changing colors depending on how the light hits it. Different colors appear in the folds and pleats, adding surprising layers of color to fabric. To the uninformed it appears magical and difficult, but the truth is that weaving iridescent fabric is accessible to any handweaver who knows the tricks. Bobbie Irwin has been teaching the techniques for weaving iridescence in person and through articles for more than ten years. In this book, she delivers her most comprehensive course yet, covering the details from how to evaluate and choose yarn to achieve your desired effect to the ways weave structure affects iridescence to the best uses for your iridescent fabric. Hands-on project instructions will have you exploring what you've learned right away. If you have been looking to add some shimmer to your weaving, this is the only book you will ever need!
TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1: What is Iridescence? Natural Iridescence Iridescence in Fabric Chapter 2: Understanding Optics and Color The Nature of Light How We See Understanding Color Color Systems Chapter 3: Exploring Common Beliefs about Iridescence Choosing Colors Complementary Colors Split Complements, Triads, and Tetrads Analogous Colors Color Saturation Value Crossing Solid Colors Luster Fiber Choice Thread Size What About Plain Weave? Balanced Weaves Chapter 4: Additional Color Considerations Dealing with High-Contrast Values The Ultimate Value Contrast Color Mixing Working with Multiple Colors Other Multiple-Color Options Warp vs. Weft-Does it Matter? Chapter 5: Choosing Yarns A Matter of Twist Comments on Certain Fibers and Yarns Cotton Linen Silk Wool Rayon Chenille Sewing Thread Ribbon Nylon Monofilament Wire The New Yarns Chapter 6: The Influence of Weave Structure Choosing a Structure Twill Weaves The Influence of Twist in Twill Fabric Striped Fabrics Pile, Lace, and Supplementary Thread Weaves Balanced Weaves Unbalanced Weaves Echo Turned Taquete Complex Weaves Chapter 7: Specialty Fabrics Sheer Fabrics Lace Weaves Weaving with Monofilament Nylon Weaving with Wire Layered Fabrics Moire Effects Pleated Fabrics Pile Fabrics Satin/Sateen Capturing the Natural Spectrum Chapter 8: Focus on Fashion Choosing a Pattern Sewing with Handwoven Fabric Caring for Your Iridescent Fabrics Accessories for Your Iridescent Fashions Chapter 9: Options for Spinners, Dyers, and Knitters Spinning for Iridescence Dye Your Own Color-Play Yarns Iridescent Knitted Fabrics Chapter 10: What Isn't Iridescent? Chapter 11: Projects Spectrum Napkins Alternate Colorway Double-Weave Scarf 6-Shaft Version 4-Shaft Version Three Scarves on One Warp 3-Color Scarf in Half-Basketweave 4-Color Twill Scarf 4-Color Scarf with Clasped Weft Vest Fabric in Double Weave Huck Yardage Alternate Colorway Chapter 12: Photographing Iridescent Textiles Recommended Resources
