Every year, the first issue is usually centered on a fiber type, and 2024 will be no different. I chose the theme Bast and Friends for the Handwoven January/February 2024 issue because I’m interested in this category of fiber that was used in ancient times but continues to be popular today. It seems every time you turn around, you learn about some new type of plant fiber that is being spun and/or used in weaving either alone or mixed with another fiber. At the same time, there are the bast stalwarts such as linen, hemp, and bamboo. Those well-known bast fibers are often included in blends and some of those blends seem unlikely, making me very curious!
My goal is to fill the issue with projects woven using all sorts of plant-based fibers and blends, as well as articles about bast fiber origins, their idiosyncrasies, and their care. Let’s look at hemp, linen, cottolin, linen/silk blends, bamboo, ramie, pineapple, nettle, raffia, and the like, learn about these fibers, and have some fun while we’re doing it!
Check out the palette for the issue here.
Please note that we have changed our submission process and are using a new submission form. We base our project selections for each issue on contributor photographs. We will review the proposals and ask for additional photographs if needed, to be sent in by May 1 for this issue. After the project-selection meeting, we will contact everyone whose project is accepted and ask that it be submitted along with the project paperwork by the final submissions date listed below.
Proposals for projects and articles due: 03/13/2023.
Submissions in the form of photographs and article outlines due: 05/01/2023.
Final submissions, including projects and paperwork, due: 06/12/2023.
If you would like to get a head start on the paperwork, look here to choose the one that fits your project.
Please use our Handwoven submission form for proposals. Submission guidelines can be found here.
Please use the email address below for inquiries that won’t fit into our submission form. Please contact us and ask for a physical address to send any pieces of your proposal that cannot be emailed.
Editorial email
[email protected]
Weave well,
Susan