How To Master The Art Of Basket Weaving

Basket weaving is weaving of unspun vegetable fibers. Baskets can be made of different materials like wood, leaf, vine or any other fiber that can be fashioned into any desirable shape.

Basket weaving is an extremely satisfying and relaxing activity that allows you a free flow of all your creative juices. The end product in form of a basket gives you a lot of satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.

According to archeologists the oldest known baskets are probably 10,000 to 12,000 years old and found in Egypt. Basket weaving has changed its forms, materials, techniques, over these years. Conventionally, basket makers used to gather and then prepare their own raw materials. But you may also purchase your materials. Reed is the most commonly used material for basket weaving. With changing times, flat reed has been replaced by other materials like oak, hickory splits, cedar, willows, cattail and ash.

There are generally basic five types of basket weaving. The first is the coiled basketry that generally uses rushes and grasses. A bunch is stitched in a spiral oval or round shape. The second type of basket weaving known as Plaiting uses those materials that are ribbon like and wide like yucca or palms. Similar materials are plaited together and the pattern can be checker or crossed. The third type is twining that uses elements from roots and tree bark. In this type two or more materials are made to encircle another base material. Wicker and Splint baskets use materials like cane, reed, oak, willow and ash.

The origin of names of different types of basket has always been controversial. In earlier times, baskets were typically named according to their uses or according to the region in which they were prepared. A fascinating fact about the centuries old craft of basket weaving is that, though many other such similar crafts have become mechanized, till date, no one has ever created a machine that can weave baskets. They still continue to be handmade even in the most mechanized countries. In fact, no one has even been able to improve the original and most basic procedure of basket weaving.

Today, basket weavers range from the perfectionist who still cut their own trees to make the customary practical baskets, to the artist-cum-basket weavers, who are more interested in the art of weaving and their attention is more on aesthetic sense of the baskets and who use every material you can imagine that range from unusual stuff like horsehair to the commonly used reeds and bamboos. Beginners on basket weaving should experiment with the different types of techniques and materials and then in due course settle down on one or two preferred methods or styles.

Basket weaving can be quite addictive. It is a great way to express your creativity and is quite a fascinating as well as absorbing job. The best reward of basket weaving is when you gift them to a loved one and receive a lot of compliments in return.

Mohamed Fowroj is an expert and author on the subject of basket weaving FREE 5 part mini ecourse on basket weaving.
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Hair Weave - The Real Cost of a Hair Weave

The cost of a hair weave can range from $100 for a quick weave up to $2,000 for a celebrity quality weave. There are several variables that make up the price, such as full head or partial weave, sewn in or bonded, human hair or synthetic hair. Not only is there a cost for the initial hair weave process, you must also consider the cost of regular care and upkeep. In this article we will break down the costs by category, so that you can customize a weave hairstyle to fit your budget.

First ask yourself a couple of questions. Do you want to enhance your appearance for a specific event (a special date or concert) or for several weeks (summer vacation, end of the year holidays, or just until your hair grows out)? Second, do you want to leave everything to your hairstylist or are you willing to do a little of the legwork yourself? And finally, how much are you willing to spend?

Type of Hair / How Much Hair (30% of the Cost)

From businesswomen to Hollywood stars, customers are demanding higher quality from the products they purchase. The type of hair you purchase will depend on the desired style. Hair textures range from silky straight, relaxed, deep wave to curly. Hair quality can range from poor quality synthetic hair to human hair of excellent quality. Virgin Indian hair is the most popular type for extensions. With Indian hair the wefts are reinforced and sewn tightly to prevent the hair from shedding.

If you are getting a full-head braid and sew-in weave the average person uses about six ounces of hair. Most brands sell about four ounces in each package. Some people will use more some will use less. It is best to purchase two packs to ensure you have enough. You can always use the extra hair later. If you are using hair that is 18" or longer may need an additional pack (sometimes the ends look thin with very long hair). If you are only getting a few tracks or you are bonding the hair, one pack is enough for four to five tracks.

Normally, hair length runs from 10" (about $80 per bag) to 18" (about $130 per bag). There are many less expensive brands available, but keep in mind that quality can sometimes decrease with the lower price tag.

Synthetic hair is very inexpensive compared to human hair and is often used for ponytails or hair buns. The costs can range from $5.00 to $20.00 per package depending on length. Heating appliances such as curling irons, flat irons or straightening combs should never be used on synthetic hair. While there are newer versions of synthetic hair from brands that claim to allow styling with lower temperatures of heating appliances, people should steer clear of such claims. The golden rule with synthetic hair is that heat is not an option. Synthetic hair is best for short term use. Typically when the synthetic hair is shaped its best not to change it, it is "What you see is what you get".

Weaving vs. Bonding (50% of Cost)

Bonding is a popular temporary weaving method and a great way to add volume or vibrant streaks of color to your natural hair. Tracks of hair are glued to the roots of your own hair near the scalp with a special adhesive. To prevent damage to your natural hair, tracks should not be left in longer than a week or two and must be removed with a special solution. On average the cost to apply is $10-20 per track (cut and style may or may not be included in your price).

With weaving, the natural tresses are braided around the head in concentric circles. The braids are sewn down, then extensions or wefts are sewn to the braids. On average six to ten tracks are needed for a full head. This technique can be maintained for several weeks or months. This is a very time intensive process and pricing will vary greatly, but on average the costs range from $20-$60 per track.

In the conclusion below you will learn how to completely eliminate this cost.

Regular Maintenance and Tighten Up (20% of Total Cost)

It is important to think of your extensions as your own hair. The average hair weave--whether glued, bonded, or sewn into natural hair--lasts about two months. During this time, you must wash your weave as well as your natural hair. Weave hair is especially prone to becoming brittle and dry because it is not attached to the scalp and therefore does not receive any of the body's natural oils. As with your natural hair, if you do not properly care for your weave it will quickly develop split ends and become frizzy and unmanageable. On average, regular maintenance and tightening will cost $20-$40 per track and must be done every two to four weeks.

Conclusion

Ultimately you can tailor your weave to fit any budget. You may choose to purchase your own hair and have it professionally applied and styled. You may want to learn to weave it yourself, and then have it cut and styled by a professional. Or you may have it weaved and styled professionally and choose to tighten it yourself.

Weaves provide a way for you to experiment with new styles and current hair trends without damaging your natural hair with excessive heat or chemicals. Weaves provide new looks which are usually easily cared for, but you must be aware that these procedures have a limited life cycle.

Remember HAIR DOES MATTER!

The Ultimate Hair Weave Guide is the only step-by-step book available online that will teach you how to apply, tighten and service your own hair weave at home. This 100+ page guide will teach you the pros and cons of wearing a hair weave, human hair vs. synthetic hair, how to maintain and style your weave, along with instructions for natural looking application techniques, go to http://www.Hair-Weave-Guide.com.

Beginner's Guide For Weaving

Weaving has its roots dating back to prehistoric times. The art of weaving came into existence almost 30,000 years back, when human beings developed string by twisting together the plant fibers.

The Techniques of Weaving. Weaving is a craft technique of lacing together two threads/yarns to form a cloth or a fabric. Out of the two threads, one is called the warp and the other, filling or weft. Warps are moved up and down through the wefts at right angles, forming cloth. The raising and the lowering of the warp threads in different sequences may result in the different types of weaves, namely:

o Plain Weave. It is also known as calico, tabby, taffeta, or homespun weave. In this type of weave, a weft passes over every alternate warp at right angles. Both the sides of a plain weaved cloth are similar. Plain weave can be done in two ways:

1. Balanced Plain Weave. In this method of weaving, both the warp and the filling threads are of the same type & size. Even the number of threads per inch remains the same. This results in only one on one crossing of the weft over the warp, giving the weave a checkerboard like appearance.

2. Basket Weave. This type of weaving deals with more than one type of warps and wefts. As the name suggests, in Basket Weave, each group of filling passes over an equal number of warps, giving it a crisscross appearance.

o Twill Weave. Twill Weave has different patterns on its front and backsides. In this type of weaving, single filling thread passes over one or more warp threads. An offset is kept between rows, giving a diagonally ribbed weaved pattern. Famous denim is Twill Weaved fabric.

o Satin Weave. Satin Weave is one of the most popular weaving techniques. It is also quiet expensive due to its glistening appearance. In this type of weaving, two or more fillings float over a single warp, a technique just the opposite of the Twill Weave.

Nowadays, weaving is not only limited to fabrics, but also extends to metals, in the form of nets, fences, etc.

oThe Loom. Though hand spinning is a popular craft for weaving, the turnout quantity and the turnaround time, both are low. Weaving fast and at a large scale requires the aid of looms. A loom is a frame-like structure, used to hold the warp threads tightly at their place and the weft threads are woven over them. The important, integral components of a loom are:

o Heddle. Each thread on the loom passes through it, separating each warp thread so that the filling thread can be passed through them.

o Harness. Its role is to control the movement of heddles.

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Choosing a Weaving Loom

The process of producing textiles, fabric or cloth using two sets of threads is called weaving. And the weaving loom is the device or machine used for weaving. The term weft refers to the item to be woven.

There are three kinds of weaving: satin weaving, plain weaving and twill weaving. The designs can be a simple abstract, or complicated realistic images depending on the pattern. Weaving is one of the oldest crafts traced back many centuries ago. Although there are modernized machines being used now, the art is still based on the very basics of weaving of our ancestors.

Although weaving is a big industry producing textiles or fabrics, it can also be taken up as a hobby. There are smaller looms you can buy for personal use only. It might be confusing at first what kind of loom you will want to get. There are many different kinds of looms available. Here is a basic guide to enlighten you a little.

Firstly, it is important that you identify the main purpose for your loom. Are you going to weave products such as rugs, fabrics or tapestry? Also consider the size of your weaving projects and the space available in your work place. You must also consider the level of your skill. If it's your first time to buy a loom, you might want to consider buying the rigid type heddle loom because it is smaller and easier to use.

Basically, the width of your loom is the same as the width of your fabric. For the length, you can make it as long as you want with the use of floor looms but for heddle looms you are limited to a certain length. One of the recommended looms is the four harness table loom. This type is more affordable and easy to move from one place to another. Table looms are manually operated and may produce slow results, but this is best for beginners.

Most experienced weavers are keen on the brands they are buying. There are renowned brands that are trusted for quality. This is important as you do not want to be interrupted with broken strings or looms in the middle of your project. There are many looms available in the market coming from different manufacturers but in some cases, unfamiliar brands may not be as durable and efficient as the known brands. Read reviews and gather feedback to get an idea. And it is also wise to gather popular opinion from the more experienced weavers.

However, it is not bad to get cheaper models but make sure that it doesn't sacrifice durability, functionality and accuracy. After all, the result of your project is also largely dependent on your loom. Furthermore, the type of loom you wish to get will also depend on the type of project you want to weave. It can be a fabric, rug or tapestry.

An inkle loom is good for starters but the area of your project is limited. It can probably weave about the size of a table. Also depending on how many harnesses a loom has, the design can be more varied and intricate. A loom can have as many as sixteen harnesses. A table loom can only be used with your hands (manual operation) while a floor loom is more heavy duty and is used by most professional weavers.

Whatever weaving projects you plan to make, your loom will be your most important tool so be sure to choose the best. This will help you create great masterpieces for your collection or even as a good source of income. Besides, looms are great investments if you are really serious in the art of weaving.

For more information on Swedish Weaving and Hand Weaving please visit our website.

What Do Upholstery Fabric Weaves Mean to Me?

HOW ARE WEAVES MADE?

Fabrics are woven on a mechanical loom. The yarns are intertwined vertically and horizontally; depending on which weave is being manufactured. These are called filler yarns. The vertical yarns are called warp or filler yarns, and the horizontal yarns are called weft yarns. Changing the number of vertical and horizontal yarns creates different weave variations. When the density and size of the weave is changed, the pattern of the float is altered. Float is the portion of the filling yarn, which rides over two or more filler yarns. Large floats are responsible for the smooth texture on satin-damask fabrics.

One measure of the durability of an upholstery fabric is the tightness of the weave. The number of threads per inch measures this. An easy way to check weaves tightness is to hold the fabric up to the light. The more light that shows through, the looser the weave.

The structural strength of the backing material (if any), the types of yarns used, the methods of finishing and color will affect the durability of the fabric. Synthetic fibers are so strong that occasionally a problem, known as pilling occurs. This is simply the fiber twisting into knots instead of wearing off, as in natural fibers. Some tightly woven fabrics, (example: olefin) could be affected by pilling. Check to see how rough or smooth the texture is. This may give you a clue as to whether this fabric will pill. A little investigating on your part can save you money and problems.

Below you will find most of the basic weaves that make up the wide variety of fabrics used on today's upholstered furniture.

PLAIN WEAVE

This weave is constructed by alternately passing filling yarns over and under the vertical yarns along the full length of the fabric. Most cottons, chintz, and some olefins are woven with a plain weave. Plain weaves are constructed by alternately passing the filler yarns over and under adjacent vertical yarns (warp) along the whole length of the fabric. It is very strong and versatile in creating different fibers and blends. Plain weaves are balanced. This means that the number of vertical and filler yarns are about equal.

RIB WEAVE

This weave is a variation of the plain weave. Heavier yarns are used to attain the desired results. This is a variation of the plain weave. It produces a ribbed effect. The rib weave is achieved by using heavier filler yarns. If more filler yarns (weft) are used than vertical, a ribbed appearance occurs. This process is called cramming. This process weaves some blends of corduroy and similar appearance fabrics.

BASKET WEAVE

This particular weave is also similar to the plain weave. What sets them apart are that more filler yarns are used. The basket weave is another variation of the rib and plain weave. This is constructed of one or more filling yarns (horizontal yarns) riding together over and under two or more vertical yarns (weft). This weave is often not as strong as the rib or plain weaves because of the slippage or bunching of yarns.

Some examples of the basket weave are Haitian cotton and monk cloth. Monk's cloth is a blended fabric. It could be blends of wool, cotton, linen, silk, rayon, or with any synthetic fiber. Monk's cloth is a very durable fabric because it takes all the good points of the fibers it is blended with.

SATIN WEAVE

These are manufactured by using large surface yarns giving the characteristic of satin weaves giving them a smooth and lustrous texture. Satin weaves have vertical yarns that float over filling yarns. This shows more of the face fabric. If the yarn is smooth and lustrous, the fabric will be also. Yarns such as rayon, silk, acetate, and nylon are used for that reason. Because the float portions of this weave are not interwoven, as they are in the plain weave, satins are subject to snagging. Due to this fact, they are not suggested for heavy wear areas. Satin weaves have poor wear performance. The satin effect gives them a lustrous and eye pleasing appearance. This weave is used in the manufacture of brocade and tapestry fabrics.

PILE WEAVE

This weave uses extra vertical yarns that are made to loop up perpendicular to the surface of the base fabric. Velvet and similar fabrics are made using the pile weave. To manufacture velvets and other plush fabrics, the loops are cut. Some plush fabrics leave the loops to create a particular effect. Velour's are made by rolling flat the pile to create the desired crushed velvet effect. Corduroy, a very durable fabric, is made using the pile weave.

SPECIAL NOTE: When comparing two fabrics having the same construction and fiber content, the more durable fabric will have more densely packed fibers. The tighter the weave, the stronger the fabric.

JACQUARD WEAVE

This fabric is made on the Jacquard Loom. Fabrics made in this way can have simple patterns, pictorial scenes, or very complex designs depending on the weaver operating the loom. To create specific designs, different color yarns can be used. Some examples of fabrics that are loomed this way are brocade, damask, and tapestries.

FLOCKED FABRIC WEAVE

The process of flocking is more of a printing method than weaving. Gluing short fibers onto the fabrics backing with an adhesive makes flocked velvets. The texture of flocked velvet differs from woven velvet. The woven velvet will feel softer to the touch. Flocked fabrics can be fairly durable, but different cleaning methods must be used. Using the wrong cleaning method can cause the adhesive backing to dissolve. The cleaning technician should do the proper to see if the glue is water or solvent soluble.

COATED FABRICS

This is a manufacturing method to be careful about. This finish is a surface coating. Coated fabric finishes use a substance such as lacquer, resin, plastic, and varnish. These substances are applied in firm adhering layers to attain certain properties, such as impermeability for spot and stain resistance.

Vinyl coated fabrics vary widely in quality and cost. They are commonly used as upholstery covers. The higher quality vinyl covers can be made to look and feel like leather. This fabric is sometimes used along with real leather to keep the upholstery cost down for the consumer.

MICROFIBER WEAVE

Microfibers are NOT fabrics, but a relatively new, rapidly growing category of very small and tight fiber weave. The term: "Microfiber" is short for "Microdenier", that is the woven fibers are less than 1 denier in size. Microfibers are approximately 100 times finer than a human hair. These weaves make up what the consumer has come to know as Microfiber Fabrics.

MICROFIBERS COME IN 3 PRIMARY FIBERS

Microfiber Fabrics can be made from several different fibers, polyester, cotton, and nylon. Cotton and polyester are most common. They can be made to resemble many traditional fabrics including silk, suede, and many more. It all depends on how the fibers are combined to create the finished product.

The type of cleaning that can be performed depends on which Microfiber you choose, cotton, polyester, or nylon. Polyester and nylon can be very effectively steam cleaned with excellent results. Cotton has to be cleaned by a low moisture method because of the softer, more absorbent nap of the fabric. The nap of all 3 fibers should be properly set as it dries, by a professional cleaner at the completion of the process to ensure the new like look of the fabric.

ALL MICROSUEDES ARE MICROFIBERS, HOWEVER, NOT ALL MICROFIBERS ARE MICROSUEDES!!!

One of the first Microfiber fabrics to come on the market (1980's) was "Ultrasuede". Since that time, many companies have developed Microsuede fabrics. Microsuedes are usually 100% polyester and have a finish somewhat like true leather suede. It was sometimes very difficult, even for a trained professional, to tell a Microsuede from a true leather suede. It is crucially important to know for sure which fabric you have as the care for each is very different. The wrong method can permanently ruin that fabric or lather.

In recent years, other types of Microfiber fabrics have been developed. Some resemble silk, and others more like upholstery velvet or chenille. Be sure to read the description carefully to determine whether the fabric is appropriate for your use!

NOTE: The tag attached to the base of the sofa or chair, under the cushion is a description of what is in the body of the furniture. It is not the fabric content of the upholstery fabric you are buying.

Listed below are some of the advantages to using Microsuede:

They are soft with a luxurious hand (feel).

Due to the extremely tight weave of these fibers, they are water resistant. Staining material and water tend to run off rather than soak in immediately.

These fibers are resistant to pilling and clinging.

These fibers make the fabric lighter in weight, but stronger and more durable.

They are more breathable than similar fabrics made from traditional fibers.

Fibers have high strength (except rayon)

These fibers accept and hold dyes well, reducing fading.

Except for cotton, they are shrink resistant. (Cotton will still distort when wet).

SOME CLOSING THOUGHTS!

When choosing a weave, you might want to consider how big your pets are and the condition of their nails. Where is this furniture going to be used? Will there be a chance of a lot of spillage? Regardless of the fiber and fabric, you must understand the limitations the weave and fiber have to determine what fabric selection you will make for a particular area of your home. The educated choice of fiber and weave that you select will ensure you years of pleasure and easy maintenance for your expensive furniture.

My name is Bruce Jackson. I have been in the cleaning industry for over 35 years. This article is from a book I wrote named Consumers Guide of Fabric Selection & Care which goes much deeply into this subject. This book is available through our website listed here. My company, Jolly Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners, Inc. of Jackson, New Jersey cleans all types of carpet, fabrics and hard surfaces. Please visit our website for a wealth of information http://www.jollycarpetcleaners.com or call us at 732-367-3145 for your FREE ESTIMATE TODAY!

Weave Hairstyle Ideas

Long Hairstyles with Extensions: There is no doubt that long, flowing hair is in, although many folk who want to have long tresses are unable to obtain the right look no matter how long they let their hair grow. For this reason, many flip to hair extensions to get that look they have all the time dreamed of. Whether their hair is sparse and ethnic or curly and thin, many have discovered that they can have long hair by implants.

There are two main varieties of hair extension: wefts and strands. Strands use methods that apply 20 to 50 strands of artificial or natural hair to your own locks by clamping, heat fusing, weaving, gluing, or utilizing polymers and waxes. Hair implant wefts use wefts of hair that are sewn into a small braid of your hair that has been put across your scalp for the objective of hair re-growth.

A change of hairstyle is typically sufficient to make you look sophisticated, simply different or younger. H implants are a good concept for these who fancy some braids, dreadlocks or simply a fuller head of unique look!

Implants are one other sort of extensions and can also be made out of natural or artificial hair. There are three varieties of weaves:

* Bonded - This is the least long lasting sort of hair implant and lasts 1 month till it would need to be replaced. This sort of implant gets glued to the scalp.

* Braided - This is a two step method. The natural coiffure is braided also the middle of the scalp and then the weave gets sown into the braids. This sort of hair weave usually lasts around two months.

* Fusion - This is the most lasting sort of hair implant, since it needs be modified every three months. This process includes waxing the hair weave to the natural hair.

Both hair implants and hair extensions require appreciable maintenance. The hair need to be handled with mild respect and moisturized and cleaned every day with a good conditioner. Remember, that whereas natural coiffure gets the needed oils and moisture from your scalp, hair weaves do not! Also, relying on the type and process for your hair implants and extensions, you may also have to go to the hairdresser every six weeks to repair your hair extensions due to your natural coiffure re-growth.

If you want to know about Weave Hairstyles then feel free to visit http://www.weavehairstyles.org/.

Brazilian Hair Weaving

Brazilian hair is real human having a nice soft texture. It's not as like other ordinary human hair weaving available in retail hair shops. Actually ordinary hair weaving can't be treated as natural human hairs and thus sometimes they get out of control. But this is not the case in Brazilian Hair Weaving.

You can dryer them, straight them, style them any way or color them and even swim with them on. Then also they will remain as natural and as soft as ever before. And that's why they can be used many times then other types of weaves.

Now some Information on the Procedure:

Person's hair is braided on his own scalp either horizontally or vertically. Weave-pieces are sewed over the cornrow with thick thread. And because of thick thread, Brazilian hair weaving stays firmly for a longer period. Number of weave pieces and braided cornrows depends on how heavy hairstyle one wants to have. Brazilian Hair Weaving takes about 4 to 5 hours to put them on.

Next, your whole head is weaved by braiding all hairs and then sewing the Brazilian Weave on top of the braids. There is no need to mix your own hair with the weave hair. Rather you will only able to see the weaves and not the braids. Now, with this weaves, you can make either bangs, a parted bang on the side or layers in front and anything you wants.

Taking care of Brazilian Hairdo:

Use a good shampoo and conditioner that you use for your own natural hairs. But wash your hair only once in a week or two. Massage gently with the top of your fingers with shampoo between the rows of the Brazilian weave hair. Rinse it out with a lot of water and repeat twice. After doing shampoo, most important thing is to BLOW Dry your hair as it can smell a lot, if remains moist or wet.

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