5 comments about Zapotec Weavers of Teotitlan.

1. I have lived and worked in Oaxaca, Mexico for over 30 years. My parents and I went there for the first time in 1965. They stayed and built a life there. Over the years I financed my many trips to see them with import and export between the two countires. During those times of importing rugs from Teotitlan, woven goods from Mitla, pottery and wooden animals from various villages, I built strong relationships with the Zapotec Indians. I still visit and see them several time per year. Imagine my delight when I opened up Ms. Stanton's fine book and saw familiar faces, patterns of tapestries and rugs that I had been a part of, and an in depth exploration of the Zapotec reality in a changing world. This is a well written book, with a deep cultural understanding, and a fine display and history of those wonderful rugs that the Zapotecs of Teotitlan del Valle continue to produce. If you are going to buy one book that is high in quality and gives a real glimpse into the lives of the Oaxacan Indians....this it it.



2. I enjoyed this book a great deal, and will no doubt go back to it again and again. The photos of both historic and modern weavings are gorgeous, and I especially appreciated the detailed description (and photos) of the laborious process of washing, carding, spinning, and dyeing the wool before weaving can begin. The photo of a man rinsing cochineal-dyed skeins in a stream is especially evocative, showing clouds of the red dye blooming in blue water. My only complaint is that the author occassionally seems as if she's selling the town and its inhabitants in the same way she sells their crafts. I think we need to ban the word "magical" from all descriptions of indigenous/low tech comunities until we acknowledge the "magic" of our voodoo market economy and the hard materialism present in even idyllic-seeming villages. But that's a relatively minor flaw in a very good book.



3. This is an excellent book with gorgeous photos of Zapotec rugs and weavings. I recently returned from a trip to Oaxaca where I had the opportunity to visit the village of Teotitlan and purchase some rugs from one of the families featured in the book. I just wish I had read the book before I went so that I could appreciate the beautiful examples that I saw even more. Besides the information on the laborious process of making the rugs, the book tells the differences and qualities that make some "works of art" and some imitations. And in telling the story of the weavings, the friendliness and pride of the weaving families must be told. I will treasure the book as well as my memories of the village of Teotitlan and her people.



4. This book is well-written as well as thoughtfully and lavishly illustrated, giving one a true insight into the famous Zapotec weavers of this lovely and traditional Oaxacan community. Zapotec precolumbian traditions are mentioned, and the illustrations show many steps in creating dies, yarns and weavings ranging from the traditionally inspired to the most avant garde, from natural dies to the use of anilines and naturally colored churro wools.

   As one who has spent time learning to appreciate the arts of weaving and embroidery from weavers through Mexico and Guatemala, including a hospitable and skilled family in Teotitlán, I heartily recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the topic covered.




5. .... informative, educational and very interesting - especially when you have purchased some of these beautiful works of art.

No comments about Living Fabric: Weaving Among The Nomads Of Ladakh Himalaya.

No comments about Four-harness huck.

5 comments about Handspun Revolution.

1. This book has wonderful insperation and ideas. If you want something more structured look for something else. Boeger makes the reader use their own creativity and knowlage.



2. Okay, the content of the book is great, but I'm not sure it is worth the $40 retail price tag. I'm very glad it is discounted here on Amazon, or I might feel rather upset about the book.
   
   First off, the book is about the size of a trade paperback and only has 63 pages. Do NOT expect a big book for your money here.
   
   Now, to the 'good stuff' There are great techniques and inspiration in the book, so it is definitely worth having, but I would not suggest paying full price for it, unless you've got the money to be throwing around.



3. What an incredible book! Inspirational, lovely, fun, and energetic!!! This is a great book for those who know how to spin and who are ready to challenge themselves to think "outside the box". Lexi Boeger features not only interesting techniques, but gorgeous pictures that you will want to look at again and again. She self-publishes this book, therefore, the cost is higher, but worth every penny! This is by far my favorite fiber-related book in my collection!!!



4. I am so happy about finding this book. Great innovative ideas. Wonderful for the spinner that wants to make artsy and unconventional homespun yarn.
   Thank you so much Alexis!



5. This book inspired me to start spinning.
   I bought this book and then bought a wheel.
   it is a great inspirational book and perfect if you want to make funky novelty yarn.

1 comments about To Weave for the Sun: Ancient Andean Textiles in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

1. This is a 1992 exhibition catalogue from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The museum has an a very diverse collection of pre-Columbian and colonial textiles from Peru.

   The catalouge is well presented with a number of essays on these ancient textiles, their method of construction and meaning at the front - followed by a colour listing and description of each textile on show in the second half of the book.

   The photography is beautiful in this book and we are shown textiles ranging from 500Bc to the 18th century. There are also a few pieces of featherwork thrown in.

   My only dissapointment with this book was the lack of secondary textile objects such as featherwork head ornaments or fans. But you can't have everything.

   A good book to buy if you are into pre-colubmian textiles or art work.

1 comments about Spiders' Games: A Book for Beginning Weavers.

1. I found this book to be extreamly easy to follow and understand, wereas other books took it for granted that everyone was just born with a loom in hand. I haven't tried weaving before, but this book was not only helpful, but also inspirational as well. It's full of color pictures of weavings & weavers from all over the world. It gives the little details that many others overlook. No matter how you weave, this book will help. It includes the patterns for many types of cloth, and shows how to make your own loom, even a cardboard one!

1 comments about Shaker Baskets & Poplarware: A Field Guide (Field Guides to Collecting Shaker Antiques, Vol 3).

1. of Shaker work, philosophy and history. A good book to have in your library as a Seller or Collecter. I do wish there were more examples of their work shown.

No comments about International Basketry: For Weavers and Collectors.

1 comments about Ideas in Weaving.

1. The book came in the condition promised. Delivered in the time frame promised. I'm most satisfied with the service.

No comments about Three Weavers.