2 comments about Living With Kilims.

1. I found this book to be full of good ideas on how to decorate with kilims. There are many color illustrations of kilims used as wall hangings, tablecloths, etc., as well floor coverings, and detailed descriptions of how to hang and mount kilims. Also, there are quite a few good illustrations showing how easily kilims can complement other types of collectible textiles, folk art, and many styles of furniture from modern to antique. There are other books that give more information about buying, selling and value of kilims. This book is mainly for decorating purposes.



2. If you live in a kilim-close environ, then you can understand how they can become a compulsive obsession. Much the same as book collecting. This richly illustrated volume is a lovely addition to a library, and as well provides good practical information about how kilims in various guises can be used and displayed to their best advantage. The emphasis is on USING and LIVING with kilims, not as works of art or museum pieces. The first chapter is a useful history of the origins of kilims, the second on the materials and techniques used in making them, and the third about recognising and identifying different types of kilims, including motifs and symbols and characteristics of kilims from the main areas of production - Anatolia, The Caucasus, Persia and Afghanistan. After that follows various decorative uses - on floors, walls, and unusual forms. The book finishes with tips on care and repair and listings for those interested in collecting these lovely items.

1 comments about Weaving a Navajo Blanket.

1. The author spent 4 summers (1930-1933) living and working among the Navajos, during which time she learned the principles of weaving. In this book she takes the reader through the same process, introducing the careful details, the personalities she worked with, and the materials and methods of weaving in the Navajo style

No comments about Labor and Laborers of the Loom: Mechanization and Handloom Weavers, 1780-1840 (Studies in American Popular History and Culture).

4 comments about Handloom Weaving Technology: Revised and Updated.

1. This book covers the technical aspects of handweaving equipment and technique. The relationship between yarn and equipment design and function is detailed. The degree of detail and constructive criticism of modern handweaving equipment and technique is very beneficial and missing in other books on this topic. This book is a "Must Read" before a serious loom purchase or the decision to build one yourself, in addition to being an excellant reference regarding handweaving technique.



2. Sooner or later, every handloom weaver starts asking questions to which no one seems to know the answer, or encounters problems for which there seem to be no solutions. Or merely starts asking a lot of "whys". Why do it this way and not that way? Why isn't there a way to do this that doesn't cause that problem? The weaver asks around, but no one seems to have the answers. Well, relax! Allen Fannin rides to the rescue with Handloom Weaving Technology. In thorough and great detail, Fannin answers all your questions --and more -- regarding yarn, looms and related equipment, drafts and layouts, getting ready to weave, weaving, and fabric finishing. A new section in this edition addresses computer-aided design. The black-and-white photo illustrations are excellent. Fannin's writing style can be a bit academic, but no handweaver should be without this resource. I wish I had owned this book when I first started weaving. It would have saved me a lot of grief, as it does continually now that I own it.



3. I found this book a disappointment, probably because, in my view, this is not a book for the average weaving hobbyist such as myself. It is certainly very detailed, but I dislike its constant implied criticism of handloom weavers. I also feel that this book imparts absolutely no sense of a "love" of weaving. Its stern, academic tone seems to be telling us weavers to buck our ideas up and do things properly in future. If you want to weave professionally, however, this book may well be worth buying.



4. What a cold, lifeless book. Full of interesting info, but with no enthusiasm for the art of the craft. This author might appeal to a technologist approaching weaving.

3 comments about A Handbook of Weaves.

1. A must have book for anyone who wishes to extend his basic knowledge of weaves.



2. I was thoroughly disappointed in this book as it does not include basic draft information for the weave structures. Neither the "flap" information or descriptions of the book indicate that this is an advanced book and not a "how to" book of weave structures and drafts. Perhaps later on I will understand how to derive construction information from weave structure. When that happens this book may be useful. Until then it is of limited to no use since it does not include basic (threading, tie-up, treading) draft information for the journeyman or inexperienced weaver.



3. I use this book as a reference when creating my own patterns. Would be good for experienced weavers.

2 comments about Handwoven's Design Collection 18: A Treasury of Towels.

1. Lovely collection of towel patterns, mostly kitchen, in full color with clear instructions. They run the gamut from everyday cotton waffle weave to chenille bath towels. I can't wait for the next collection.



2. I am not into making towels, but, you can readily adapt the patterns to scarves or table runners - many fun, fun things to make!

No comments about Beads to Buckskins, Vol. 7.

1 comments about The Joy of Spinning.

1. "The Joy of Spinning" by Marilyn Kluger is a good read for spinners and non-spinners alike. Her gentle homey descriptions have you interested far more than you ever expected. Her presentation of the technical aspect of spinning is clear, concise,and extremely helpful to the new spinner. The history of spinning and the role of women in society is well presented. The history of her oun journey toward a life enriched by spinning is charming. I believe anyone interested in fiber crafts will find this book informative and enjoyable. I rate it 5 stars.

1 comments about Spinning and Weaving with Wool.

1. I originally purchased this book when I bought my spinning wheel in the early 80's. It provided me with a good information source and detailed equipment and processes for the working of fibers, in my case I was spinning collie hair and I used the diagrams to make some of my own equipment. Included are wheel makers and designs other than the traditional wheel. I'm sure some are no longer in business but you can see some of the options. If you can find this text it is well worth obtaining and gives tips and options that would be good to have before starting a spinning hobby.

2 comments about Rug Weaving Techniques: Beyond the Basics.

1. Twenty-two years after his famous "Techniqes of Rug Weaving", Collingwood produced a worthy sequel in this 1990 book, full of new ideas. Close-up photos of small samples, large detailed diagrams, and clearly-written text convey Collingwood's enthusiasm for his craft and lead the weaver through the methods needed to achieve some truly stunning effects, useful not just for rug weavers but for anyone interested in unusual handweaving methods. (Another book to seek is "Small Webs", a Danish (?) book for users of small table looms who want to create things no machine could produce.) The author's suggestions for altering and strengthening a loom struck me as sensible, especially since the loom I use was handmade by a musician friend from parts that were almost entirely "found objects" -- it includes bean poles and a post from a fallen street sign.

   Large-format hc with color dust jacket, 160pp.




2. so please to receive this classic used book in new condition...and so reasonably and quickly..