Ply-Split Braided Baskets: Exploring Sculpture in Plain Oblique Twining

This book is fairly priced for the number of top-quality color photos and clear weaving instructions for each technique.

Was not what i expected.

This book will appeal to those who are very experienced ply-splitters and prefer to learn a process through formulaic mathematical and geometrical analysis. The author’s academic-style prose describes his processes in minute detail.In his introduction Fraser has chosen to show a traditional wooden needle to split a cord’s plies instead of the gripfid that contemporary fiber artists are accustomed to using. In subsequent chapters series of photographs illustrate various ways of starting basket bases. Captions are detailed and systematic, and the images are not obstructed by arrows or other means of highlighting pertinent points. The chapter on fenestrations includes diagrams of various sizes and configurations of this type of design element. Another chapter uses a chess analogy to describe a vessel’s color progression from one to another. Various types of finishes are shown in the images and noted in the captions but not described in detail or diagrammed.This is not a teaching book for those who want to learn the basics of ply-split braiding, nor is it a project book per se; rather, it gives the ply-splitter instructions for starting the base of a basket and incorporating selected design structures, and it shows Fraser's beautiful finished pieces. The experienced practitioner can use the information to generate designs similar to the author’s, or better yet, develop the concepts in new directions.This review was written by a very experienced ply-splitting artist and instructor.

not a " How To" book, rather a beautiful book to admire the ply split braiding technique.

Title: Ply-Split Braided Baskets Exploring Sculpture in Plain Oblique TwiningAuthor: David W. FraserPublisher:Published: 6-28-2014ISBN: 13-978-0764346521Pages: 143Genre: CraftsTags: Weaving, DecoratingOverall Rating: ExcellentReviewed For: NetGalleyReviewer: DelAnneBeing raised in a family were doing arts and crafts was as natural as breathing I was naturally drawn to Ply-Split Braided Baskets Exploring Sculpture in Plain Oblique Twining. I will admit that I first thought it was a book showing various basket weaving patterns. Something I learned from a friend of mine years ago in Mexico. Having perfected a few basic designs I was looking forward to learning a few more advanced patterns. Although I used a few David Fraser's Ply-Split Braided Baskets Exploring Sculpture in Plain Oblique Twining is more of guide to more advanced designs created for decorative use than practical. If you have no background in weaving the lesser flexible material this is not the book to start with, but if you know the basics in weaving then you will find some very interesting challenges here.David Fraser gives detailed information along clear concise pictures explain both some very beautiful designs and intricate patterns. For those who are experienced in this craft this is a great book to have, read and refer to. If you are a novice, although interesting to see what you can work up to, I suggest you start with something easier. But be sure to keep Ply-Split Braided Baskets Exploring Sculpture in Plain Oblique Twining on your list for future reading as it is so well done and easy to read and understand. There will come a time when you will want it among yout books about this adaptable craft.