1 comments about The basic book of fingerweaving.

1. This is a hybrid based on many ancient skills and adapted to today's (1973) needs. There are a few intermediate diagrams and a lot of monochrome photos of finished products. The book seems to me more of an inspiration than a practical how-to.
   
   Table of contents:
   Working Arrangements, Materials and Tools
   How to Make and How to Start
   The Peruvian Flat Braid
   Edge-to-Edge Weaving
   Center-Edge Weaving- The Osage Indian Braid
   The Chinese Braid
   Mexican Double Weaving
   Square and Round Braids
   Widening, Narrowing, and Sharpening
   Finishing Techniques

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

2 comments about Handspun Treasures from Rare Wools: Collected Works from the Save the Sheep Exhibit.

1. Many knitted and woven garments and a woven carpet as well, all made out of wool. Accompanied by pictures of many of the endangered sheep breeds. Its mainly a picturebook, no instructions on how to do the projects. It begins with an explanation on rare breeds, then comes a short chapter on the history of spinning and some comments about the spinning of the yarn and the making of the finished piece. In the end you can find an introduction into spinning (combing, carding, handspindles, washing of yarn). 80 pictured pieces and many sheep.



2. This book highlights rare breeds of sheep and gives all kinds of fascinating information about them: where the breed is to be found, how it came about, the type of wool the sheep grow, and the status of the breed in terms of rarity.

   If that isn't interesting enough, there are pictures of projects done in various wools like Jacob, California Mutant Red, Pitt Island, Leicester Longwool and Cotswold. The projects range from knitted lace to woven rugs. If you are a handspinner, weaver or knitter who likes fine wools, this is a very interesting little book. I really enjoyed it.

No comments about Basket Weavers for the California Curio Trade: Elizabeth and Louise Hickox.

No comments about Byways in Hand Weaving.

2 comments about Spinning for Softness and Speed.

1. Paula Simmons loved to teach spinning and you can tell it with this book. She even tells you how to hold your hands and fingers, just as if she was sitting beside you.
   The pictures showing the fiber being held and drafted are great!
   Since this is an older book I thought I'd list the contents:

   1. What the one-handed method will accomplish
   2. How to spin with one hand
   3. Wool preparation and handling
   4. Wheel requirements and limitations
   5. The compleat spinner
   6. Teaching the one-handed method
   7. Projects for soft yarns

   Appendix: Tips and Reminders

   The appendix shows a picture of a "carding board" which is very interesting, as I have never seen one. It says it is a combination picker and carder. There are too many items in the appendix to list. The book is a jewel just for the pictures alone.




2. This book is great for beginners and experienced spinners alike. You'll be able to spin much faster, more even yarns in no time. BUT don't spend crazy money to get this book used. Paula Simmons sells reprints directly from her home for $20. Her phone number and address is available on the Pat Green Carders website.

No comments about The Rugs of Teec Nos Pos: Jewels of the Navajo Loom.

1 comments about Tartans: Their Art and History.

1. This is a popular-level, wide ranging book about tartan, including some historical details, some discussion of tartan design, and some (ridiculously brief) instructions on hand-weaving.

   The bulk of the book is a set of gorgeous pictures of tartan swatches, and matching thread counts, with a few historical notes. These are mostly the better-known clan tartans, with pictures (but not thread-counts, damn it!) of a few regimental, royal and district tartans.

No comments about Country Baskets: Techniques & Projects.

1 comments about Wheels and Looms: Making Equipment for Spinning and Weaving.

1. Excellent book! Everything you need to build beautiful wheels of all styles AND nifty things to go with them. The only drawback is the presumption that you should own a very large lathe. Do not let this stop you, the book is full of excellent plans and much information including the proper dressing for a distaff.