Chapter 1: Introduction to Tapestry Weaving
* Overview of the art of tapestry weaving, its history, and techniques.
* Real example: The Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century masterpiece that depicts the Norman Conquest of England, illustrating the use of wool yarns and simple tapestry techniques.
Chapter 2: Materials and Tools
* Types of yarns, fibers, and dyes used in tapestry weaving.
* Essential tools for weaving, including looms, shuttles, and tapestry needles.
* Real example: The "Lady and the Unicorn" tapestries, woven in the 15th century, showcase the vibrant colors and intricate designs achievable with wool and silk yarns.
Chapter 3: Basic Weaving Techniques
* Step-by-step instructions for warping a loom, threading the yarns, and weaving basic stitches.
* Real example: "Cornerstone" by Monica Cook, a contemporary tapestry that utilizes simple over-under weaving techniques to create a geometric design.
Chapter 4: Designing and Sketching
* Principles of tapestry design, including color theory, composition, and texture.
* Tips for sketching and translating designs onto a warp.
* Real example: "Growth Patterns" by Sheila Hicks, a large-scale tapestry that explores the interplay of organic and geometric forms through the use of multiple yarn colors and textures.
Chapter 5: Shaping and Shaping Devices
* Techniques for creating curved lines, shapes, and textures in tapestries.
* Use of shaping devices, such as dowels and rods, to control the direction of the yarns.
* Real example: "The Four Seasons" by Piet Mondrian, a series of tapestries that demonstrate the use of shaped forms and color blocks to create a modern and abstract aesthetic.
Chapter 6: Advanced Weaving Techniques
* Complex tapestry techniques, including double weave, soumak, and brocade.
* Real example: "The Hunt of the Unicorn" by the Gobelins Manufactory, a 17th-century masterpiece that showcases the intricate weaving techniques and allegorical subject matter common in Renaissance tapestries.
Chapter 7: Finishing and Framing
* Methods for finishing a tapestry, including cutting it from the loom, cleaning it, and adding a backing.
* Techniques for framing and displaying tapestries.
* Real example: "The Feast of Herod" by Jan van Eyck, a 15th-century tapestry that is renowned for its exquisite detail and use of oil paints in the finishing process.
Chapter 8: Tapestry as an Art Form
* The role of tapestry in contemporary art, as well as its historical and cultural significance.
* Perspectives from tapestry artists on their creative processes and inspirations.
* Real example: "The Starry Night" by Jacqueline de Jong, a tapestry that reinterprets Van Gogh's iconic painting using woven threads and incorporates innovative techniques to create a luminous and ethereal effect.
