At Mr X Stitch we love to review textile art and embroidery books for you. There are so many great books to discover, packed with needlework inspiration and textile techniques, so we dive into each book to find out what’s good, what’s bad and let you know why you should pick it up.
In this step-by-step guide, Maria Sigma shows both beginners and those with some experience in textiles and weaving how to create sustainable practical pieces, using a zero waste policy. There are six projects to work through, with practical results, designed to become household items.
Environmental impact is considered throughout, as well as carbon footprint. The book encourages you to give thought not only to making items for your home, but also how you can also contribute to a more sustainable craft movement.
About The Author
Who is Maria Sigma? She is a London-based Textile designer and Weaver who is passionate about sustainable creative practice. After completing her studies in Textile Conservation in Greece, she went on to complete a degree in Textile Design at Chelsea College of Art and Design in London.
Maria hand-weaves her fabrics on a wooden floor loom in a process that has hardly changed for centuries. Her dedication to a zero-waste philosophy and her sustainable work ethic can be seen throughout the design and making process. She eschews dyes as they require large amounts of water and her careful weaving and cutting technique minimises yarn waste.
Maria’s commitment to sustainable living has led her to start workshops teaching others how to weave from waste fabrics. As an extension to the workshops, she has written two books with weaving projects, one for adults titled Weaving: The Art of Sustainable Textile Making, and one for kids titled Weave it! 15 Fun Weaving Projects for Kids.
Who Is The Book Aimed At?
This is a great book for people with an interest in weaving and also those who appreciate the sustainable philosophy.
The book features are six main projects, which could be created using your own materials and colour choices, and they incorporate a range of weaving techniques.
In the introduction Maria explains how her Greek heritage and family ties created links into weaving and lace, as well as forging that early connection to conscientious creativity.
Maria’s teaching skills are clear in the book, as she incorporates the basics techniques with the projects, so that that even those who are very new to this craft can have a go.
Photography is a key part of this book and there are plenty of clear instructional shots to help you learn the techniques.
Again, Maria’s experience as a teacher is evident as she ensures that the smaller details are covered in these steps. This is great as it prevents you from wondering if you’ve missed something.
What Makes The Book Special?
Maria’s ethos of sustainable production is the main driver for the book and it’s that which sets it apart from other weaving books.
The quality of the tutorials is as you would hope from someone with Maria’s experience, and the projects are the right balance of complexity without too much difficulty. They are more than beginner projects and you would feel proud to gift or display them.
We love the staging and style which runs through the book. Take this cushion for one example. Its not pretentious, its just beautiful in a no nonsense way.
Anything Wrong With The Book?
Not really. It is easy for books with a sustainable message to wander into political territory, whereas Maria’s philosophy comes across as being a natural, caring approach to this much loved craft.
Weaving: The Art Of Sustainable Textile Creation by Maria Sigma is published by Schiffer Publishing. Hit the link to get your copy today!