5 comments about Tapestry Weaving.

1. Excellent book with detailed instructions and wonderful photos. It makes beginning your tapestry a piece of cake!



2. I have a fairly substantial library of books on weaving and textiles, and this is easily the best introduction I have encountered to tapestry weaving. The instructions are clear; techniques for a variety of special weaves for the beginner are introduced and easy to follow. The introductory pieces are reasonable for a beginner to complete-the tapestries are coarser weaves to lend themselves to teaching, while being attractive and fun to make. The photographs are excellent, and the samples of her work serve to inspire the reader to try bigger and more difficult projects. The author is an excellent designer and colorist, so much can be learned from her completed work. Highly recommended to anyone interested in understanding tapestry weaving or aching to give it a try.



3. Clear, easy to understand. Not too much information. I used it for my beginning tapestry class and it was well received.



4. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like to learn by doing. This is a workbook oriented book. Within the first few pages, you will make a simple frame loom (if you do not already have a tapestry loom), find a few easy to find materials, and you begin making your weave along sampler. Instead of having to digest a few chapters before getting hands on, you are hands on almost immediately. But the author does not skimp on illustrations, photos, or detailed instructions. After the sampler, you will move on to more progressively detailed products that you will be proud to display, rather than stuff in a drawer or box of "first attempts". After the sampler, the projects include:
   A gorgeous sun sampler that you will want to hang on your wall. This sampler goes back over what you learned in the first introductory sampler, but adds additional detail and is a little more technical, and the result is a fresh update on those somber toned tapestries of the 1970's. Next, a peruvian inspired bird tapestry with bead and feather trim; a cat and fishes tapestry; a simple beach landscape; the tree tapestry that is also the cover illustration; instructions for warp and weft variations; using bright color and shades of grey; instructions for weaving from the side; suggestions for using what you've learned to design your own tapestries; an owl sampler; a colorful sleeping dog sofa cushion; equally colorful sleeping cat and bird sofa cushions; finishing, framing and mounting techniques, and as if you haven't already had enough eye candy as you've been working along with the author, a gallery of even more inspiring work. By the time you have finished working through this book, you will be past the beginning weaver stage and into intermediate designing and weaving. Ms. Glasbrook has packed a lot of information into the 96 pages of this book. This book is not every thing you will need/want to know about tapestry weaving, but this book gives you a very solid foundation.



5. If you are new to weaving or just new to tapestry weaving Kirsten Glasbrook's Tapestry Weaving book is a great place to start. She writes in a clear easy to follow manner, and the book is filled with illustrations that further clarify each point she makes. The exercises she has included are well chosen to help a beginner understand each technique. And the photographs of complete works are an inspiration.

5 comments about The Alden Amos Big Book of Handspinning: Being a Compendium of Information, Advice, and Opinion on the Noble Art and Craft.

1. I completely disagree with 'belacane "the cashmere cat"'. This book is just unbelievable detailed with all kinds of interesting info. He even tells you how to make the soap that you wash your wool with (if you are so inclined). After having read so many reviews that said he was opinionated, well the cover of the book has the word OPINION on it, and the introduction he admits he can at times be hard headed after years and years of his way working. However the how-to's are wonderful!
   
   I was told by a local sheep farm that you can place the cleaned wool in the washing machine on the spin cycle (no agitation) and you can dry the wool fast this way. Well he even mentions it in the book and basically says 'research it and try at your own discretion' so while he clearly would never do it, he didn't even have to mention it, but he did because it's something other people may have success with.
   
   I find him a delight to read, there is no other single book with all this wonderful information in it. You can tell Alden loves his craft. I am very much enjoying reading it and I am about 40 pages in.



2. Yes, he is opinionated. But the man does have a sense of humor and can laugh at himself. This is a reference book, not necessarily easy armchair reading. I found myself with tools in hand and my nose in the book on more than one occasion and when I followed his advice step-by-step, it worked! The math, quite frankly, at first intimidated me, but again, when I was working on an actual project and needed the math guidance, I turned to this book. I'm hoping to take this book down to our local blacksmith shop (Colonial period re-enactors and a smithing guild) and see if they will make me a set of combs following Amos' directions.



3. This book should be read with a critical eye. Some of the information in it is flat-out wrong. One example (not the only one by far, but a potentially disastrous one) is that Mr. Amos recommends winding off a drop spindle by hanging it from the ceiling and then routing the yarn down to a chair and through the top rail of the back, so that the yarn pulls off the end of the spindle. Please do not do this. Every time the yarn comes off the spindle tip, a twist will be added or removed, depending on how you've wound the yarn. This is the same principle that a Great Wheel works on. On some yarns, the extra or reduced twist won't matter. On others, it can either unspin it until it drifts apart, or twist it until it starts kinking. At the very least, winding off the end is inviting tangles and frustration. Drop spindles are best wound off from the side.
   
   Besides incorrect information, there are also a number of omissions in the book. My personal favorite (again, not the only example by far) is when Mr. Amos is discussing umbrella swifts. He states that plans to build one are included later in the book. The book has no plans for any yarn swift, umbrella or otherwise.
   
   The book is poorly laid out. Information on equipment is spread between 3 or 4 places at least. Similar with discussion of twist and related properties. On the other hand, the break between chapter 4 (Determining Character of Yarn) and chapter 5 (Accurate Measurements) seems completely arbitrary. Mr. Amos also has an annoying, and perhaps unethical, habit of plugging his own products -- without noting that they are his. He also often goes out of his way to avoid mentioning a competitor by name (i.e. referring to "a certain nearly ubiquitous New Zealand manufacturer" instead of using the name Ashford), UNLESS he is criticizing said competitor. Then he'll drop the competitor's name with no trouble whatsoever. I was also less than impressed when he spent the better part of two pages complaining about specific previous customers.
   
   This is not to say that the book has no good information. It is worth reading if a spinner has enough experience or has read enough other material to be able to judge the value of each bit of information. It has the best explanation of a long draw I've seen yet, and his idea of storage bobbins is so brilliant and yet so obvious that I'm shocked it isn't standard practice. I don't think the book is worth owning, however, because of the omissions and errors. And, of course, nothing in the book should be taken at face value. See if your library has a copy, and judge for yourself before you buy a copy.



4. I was expecting a useful compendium of information to help me to become a better spinner and to be able to better evaluate the differences and limitations of various spinning wheels, however, Mr Amos seems to be more intent on patting himself on the back for his own achievements (footnotes abound) and gets so technical with the rest of his info such that only production spinners would find it useful. For example, in one paragraph he writes off all castle wheels as useless (his reason is that they are not useful for production). He also disses double treadle styles as being something of a morphodite set-up (as mentioned by another reviewer).
   
   He allows a "generous" two pages each explaining bobbin-lead vs flyer-lead and scotch tension as compared to about thirty pages extolling the virtues of the double drive system (can you guess which one he prefers). He then devotes another two chapters to the mathematics of whorls, ratios, grist and twist in relation to, of course, the double drive system (without a lick of info regarding how to keep consistency using a single drive system).
   
   All in all, though the book is full of worthy information, if and only if you have a double-drive, saxony-style wheel, the presentation was annoying and biased. I really feel that it didn't impart the knowledge that I was expecting at all. I'm glad I checked this book out from the Library, as I will NOT be purchasing it.



5. This is a wonderful, informational book. I really like that it seems (to me), to be written in a way that new spinners will understand and be able to try this wonderful art. The additional historical notes are great as well - you could just spend time reading them. Plans/drawings for making your own (or having someone make) spinning wheel, accessories, are drawn beautifully. Other spinnning books are excellent too (Mabel Ross, etc), but I have found Mr. Amos style of writing very smooth and easy flowing. I highly recommend this book to any spinner at any level.

No comments about Small Loom & Freeform Weaving: Five Ways to Weave.

5 comments about Tapestry Weaving: A Comprehensive Study Guide.

1. Beautiful book and so filled with info. I want to use it with my Navajo loom.



2. I felt this was a very comprehensive guide to the "want to be". It answered many questions I had before I decided to begin.



3. A very comprehensive and detailed guide, gives detailed drawings and clear explanation, to explain each element of tapestry weaving. With samples of each element, for the weaver to try, this study guide is a must for the beginning tapestry weaver.



4. This easy to understand and encouraging guide to tapestry weaving is like having a best friend watching over you while you learn. Anhd the projects are not boring or too chaallenging, but just right in leading you by the hand and helping you build your skills



5. As a new weaver, I am finding this book to be very informative. It covers all the basics from equipment , estimating materials, techniques for tapestry weaving, as well as patterns for projects. The photographs are lovely and an inspiration to me to design my own tapestries. Like the author, I already have many ideas and not enough time to accomplish all I can imagine. I am reading through the book now in anticipation of beginning a project.
   Tapestry Weaving is going to become a valuable reference guide to my weaving library.

No comments about Weaving It Together: Book 4.

5 comments about A Weaver's Book of 8-Shaft Patterns: From the Friends of Handwoven.

1. This is an excellent book! The patterns are beautiful, and the instructions are easy to read. I have made many nice projects from this book.



2. This is a very good compilation of 8-Shaft patterns from Handwoven magazine.



3. A must have for weavers with an 8-shaft loom.



4. This is a great book with extensive 8 shaft weaving patterns. However, I was disappointed in the size of the print type. It is difficult to read. The pictures of the designs are quite clear. The book is done in black and white. It will be helpful since I have acquired a 8 harness loom.



5. This book has become a mainstay for my weaving. I use the patterns frequently. Any one with an 8 shaft loom will be pleased. Very good value.

5 comments about Zulu Inspired Beadwork: Weaving Techniques and Projects.

1. I cannot begin to describe the appreciation I have for this book. Being an Amercian of African decent, I always appreciate learning about the culture and history of people from different parts of the motherland. I have been trying to find a how-to-book on making African beaded jewelry. From what I observed from books about African Art and culture, the jewelry is always so colorful and beautifully designed. I want to make and wear jewelry that imulates the beauty of African styles of beading. Through a perspective of a person of African decent, I would have liked to see photographic examples of jewelry made by the Africans, which the book shows, but with more of them and the instructions demonstrating how to make them. However, the author has made the jewelry shown in this book to truly represent styles and beauty of African beaded jewelry. The photographs, the jewelry and instructions in this book are fantastic as others have mentioned and plus some.



2. I love this book-have made one bracelet, and am onto a second one. The instructions are so easy to follow and there are lot's of different patterns to try.



3. Lovely book. Wonderful photos and clear instructions of various stitches used. The historical pages are very interesting. Looking forward to the next book!



4. AWESOME. This book is detailed, very easy to follow, and causes visions of projects in your mind that you JUST might be able to do now. This toom of teaching bead weaving goes above and beyond other books written about the same subject.
   
   Highly recommended for content, price, and excitement. Buy it now!!



5. I have Diane's original, self published version of this book, but having this version, with all the colored pictures, is worth the price of buying the new edition.
   
   For those who like such, there are also specific patterns using the stitches-- something I dont remember the original ook having.

5 comments about Creative Spinning.

1. Of the 'Creative . . .' series of books this is on the plus side. THe beginning is full of standard info re: wheel & hand spindle spinning, plying and even washing fleece. Not a book to actually learn how to spin, althou there is enought info there if you are really adept, just no trouble-shooting info. Arranged by color (?) There are examples of many, many different sheep breeds in the yarn section. A very pretty book to look at, there are better technical books on the subject. I think I will keep my copy, but I probably would not have bought if I had had a chance to browse it 1st.



2. This is a stunningly beautiful book, if you want to see close ups of gorgeously spun yarns. However, that's about all it is. The sparse information in the front on spinning can be obtained from most spinning websites or in pamphlets given away with the purchase of a spindle. I found very little useful information or even inspiration to copy the yarns created. My recommendation, peruse this one at a bookstore with a cup of coffee, then put it back on the shelf and instead spend your money on some yummy fiber to spin.



3. This is a beautiful book. I took it to our spinning group, Delta, Colorado, last Friday and everyone wanted my book. I think the best thing is the photos of different fibers and the mixing of fibers and seeing the wonderful combinations and results. You will be inspired by this one. Since moving to Colorado I have found many fibers to work with and this book is helping me see the fibers up close.



4. This is a very informative and easy to follow instructional book for any spinner who would like to spin creative yarns.



5. beautiful photos, love the "recipies" for the wool, and the how the yarn looks knit up. A+

5 comments about Card Weaving.

1. This is a great first book for the tablet weaver. It covers the basics in enough detail to start weaving right away. It follows a logical progression to more advanced methods and gives some simple to follow patterns.

   Pros: clearly written, short and to the point. Good examples. Gets you going quickly.
   Cons: Forgets to mention details like tangles (they do happen!), not enough info on pattern making, uses a simple threading pattern that may confuse some weavers as they research patterns (the book uses arrows to indicate threading, instead of the usual S or Z).

   All in all, a great book for the beginning weaver. Not much there for the more advanced weaver.




2. Easy to read, easy to understand, clear description - technical and basic. All you need to get started. I strongly recommend it.



3. When I bought this book I wanted to learn to card weave, it has helped me so much that I've woven strips and made them into tote bags and have sold two already. WOW!! So I rate this book the best.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
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4. I just started card weaving this past spring. I searched for books on the subject and came across this one from a recommendation from several web sites. I am so glad that it has been reprinted. This is a great book for us beginners learning card weaving. The pictures are clear, she touches on some great techniques, and her patterns are really pretty. She walks you through several techniques, and touches on some others that are available. The directions are clear and to the point. The pictures are great. She even has examples at the end of the book of some things that you can do with the bands once they are woven. I would definitely recommend this book for beginner to intermediate level weavers.



5. I get confused easily by alot of directions but this book is really geared toward making it easy to understand, especially how to string the cards up. There are several easy to follow diagrams and the information is something that you will use over and over again. I was having alot of trouble understanding how to string up and turning following a graph but not anymore, this book will clear that up.

5 comments about Pine Needle Basketry: From Forest Floor to Finished Project.

1. I love this book! I made pine needle baskets years (20) ago and just started back with this hobby again. I just wish Judy Mallow would write another book with more of her basket inspirations in it. It is the best book on the subject! Thanks to you Judy!!



2. The instructions in this book are well written and clear, but what makes "Pine Needle Basketry" worth owning are the beautiful color photographs that are liberally sprinkled throughout the book. The book starts with a discussion of the required tools and materials and pretty quickly jumps into directions on how to make a simple pine needle basket. From there the author describes additional techniques such as: the different stitches used to bind the coils, adding beads and shells for embellishment, and using a gourd for the base of a basket. Next comes the "Projects" section where you are shown a photograph of a finished basket. Beneath each photo is a list of the techniques used and the pages where the technique descriptions can be found. The projects range from the first simple and functional basket to purely decorative pieces. Next comes the truly inspiring "Gallery" section. This is pure "eye candy". There is example after example of how other artists have transformed this simple craft into an art form. If you love baskets, then this is a great book to put on your shelf.



3. I purchased this book for my daughter's home school science project. She was learning about different types of trees. She brought back home a whole bunch of pine needles to use. She loves to weave, so we decided to make a pine basket with them.
   
   First, I went on the internet and found one instruction to make a pine needle basket. It was OK, but not clear enough for a beginner like me. The site linked me to this book. I am so glad that I found this book! The instruction is very concise and easy to follow with well illustrated diagrams. Also, it has many beautiful pictures of gorgeous works by the author for your inspiration.
   I definitely recommend this book to someone who wants to start a pine basket weaving. Also, for teachers, it is the MUST to have book in the classroom.



4. This is an exquisite book worth the price. The details are very easy to follow. I highly recommend this book for the beginner and advanced.



5. This is an excellent book. It gives detailed instructions for beginners and lists all the supplies needed. Then it also has instructions for more intermediate and unusually designed baskets.