Description

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'A must-have for anyone interested in working with straw and an astonishing contribution to the preservation of this endangered craft.' Jay Blades MBE, Co-Chair of Heritage Crafts

An engaging makers' guide to the history and craft of straw plaiting, brimming with helpful step-by-step diagrams.

Straw plaiting has been used to make accessories from hats and baskets to handbags, trimmings and homewares around the world for centuries. Once employing tens of thousands of people in the UK alone, the craft is now listed as Critically Endangered on Heritage Crafts' Red List.

This book aims to change that, drawing on more than 50 previously unpublished patterns and techniques from around the world that will help you to unlock the history and preserve the skills of straw plaiting.

For each pattern, follow the step-by-step diagrams and instructions and discover how they were developed whilst learning about materials, tools and preparation. Once familiar with the plaiting techniques – using straw as well as other materials – you will be able to develop your own skills, possibly blending in recycled materials, which are increasingly being used to produce beautiful and unique pieces.

About the Author

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Veronica Main is the most experienced traditional straw plaiter in the UK. For more than 40 years she has rigorously researched the industries of the UK, Europe and the United States, unlocking information and learning how to recreate plaits using authentic techniques. She was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year's Honours list for her services to Straw Hat Plaiting and Endangered Crafts Skills.

Praise For…

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“This impressive and thoroughly researched book traces the journey of straw from farmer's field to finished hat. Veronica Main has covered the subject in depth with good illustrations, and the clearly drawn patterns show the many ways straw can be plaited ... we should now make more use of it as a renewable resource.” —Alan and Vanessa Hopkins, The School of Historic Dress

“A must-have for anyone interested in working with straw and an astonishing contribution to the preservation of this endangered craft.” —Jay Blades MBE, Co-Chair of Heritage Crafts

“Straw plaiting has all but disappeared from the public consciousness; what was once so common, it touched the lives of everyone everywhere... Veronica Main's exhaustive research may ignite a timely renaissance of interest in straw as we search for sustainable alternatives to plastic.” —Polly Leonard, Selvedge Magazine

“This is a book that will fascinate and enthral both researchers and makers alike.” —The Braid Society

“From simple patterns through to elaborate work for hats and baskets, this is equally enjoyable as a record of a rare craft, or as inspiration to take up straw plaiting and help take this craft off the endangered list.” —Family Tree

“Straw Plaiting: Heritage Techniques for Hats, Trimmings, Bags and Baskets is sure to become the go-to publication for anyone interested in learning or studying this time-honoured craft.” —HATalk Magazine

“adorable…novice-friendly…enchanting… The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, and Hatchard's detailed explanation of how to read crochet patterns will be a boon to beginners. Crocheters with a literary bent will get a kick out of this.” —Publishers Weekly