3 comments about Beginner's Guide to Beading on a Loom (Beginner's Guide to).

1. Directions are clear. The photography is excellent. It's excellent for a loom beginner.



2. I learnt at least one thing on first opening the book, so I believe it is going to be very useful



3. This book has beautiful pictures of finished products and beading demonstrations/tips. It is a good source of color schemes and patterns. It could provide more pattern guides but the ones it does show are clear and easy to follow. Great book for new ideas and projects to do.

4 comments about Interweave's Compendium of Finishing Techniques: Crochet, Embroidery, Knitting, Knotting, Weaving.

1. A very thorough review of different ways to finish your projects through stitches, trimmings, decorative braids, etc. Clear concise instructions, and easy to follow illustrations. A wonderful book!!



2. I like the book very much, however, I feel the layout and the photography could have been tighter and more artful. There's a bit of a rushed-to-put-together feel about it, which is disappointing. Nevertheless, good value for a finishing reference book because it applies to all needlework disciplines.



3. Well done you. It is a great thing to write a book, another to actually have it published, and a sheer triumph if it is a good read. Congratulations on achieving all three.



4. I'm dyslexic and left handed -- and after several decades of false starts learning to knit -- I finally got it. What I couldn't figure out from all the wonderful knitting books available now is how to get the beginnings and endings (and the errors in the middle) to work as well as the actual knits, purls, yarnovers, and slips....
   
   I borrowed one book of finishing techniques, found another at a local bookstore, and found dozens of pages on the web that all attempted to explain how to accomplish these tasks which are evidently simple to most knitters.
   
   This book, "Interweave's Compendiu7m of Finishing Techniuest..." and another Interweave book called "Knit Fix" are the only books I've found that manage to explain in such a way that I can translate their instructions into successful knitting. Both books are compact, spiral bound, and full of un-misunderstandable directions and clear, plentiful illustrations.
   
   If I can understand the writing and illustrations in these books, imagine how useful they will be for the average kntter!
   
   This book suffers greatly by not featuring the word "knitting" in its title -- in dozens of searches on Amazon, it never came up and was never associated with other books in this family -- oddly, it is associated with weaving books only. Don't let this mislead you.

5 comments about Hands on Spinning.

1. I did not find this book as helpful as I had expected to. I guess if I was using a wheel, it would be better. But the instructions for using a hand spindle were pretty sketchy, I thought.



2. I should've bought this book about a year ago or so when I first became interested in spinning. Don't know why I didn't but it really is a good starter book. It touches on a good variety of subjects and had I bought it previously, might not've made some of the choices I did.



3. The book is very educational. I learned alot about different methods of spinning. I also learned how to process yarn and storing it. The book also has many different projects you can do after you are done spinning the yarn. It is a good book to have around the house. Glad I purchased it.



4. This is an excellent book for learning to spin yarn. A lot is covered in this book, but it is not cumbersome. While taking spinning classes, I found it very helpful as added explanations to what I was learning - like my own personal tutor. This book was recommended to me and I, too, would recommend this to anyone wanting to learn to spin wool into yarn. It would also make a great reference source to someone who has learned to spin. Patterns are included to knit items with the yarn you spin.



5. This is the best spinning book I have read. I have borrowed several other books from the library, including those by Judith Mackenzie McCuin and this is the only one that I actually BOUGHT. It is definitely worth owning. I love it. Clear explanations, good pictures, and overall a wonderful spinning book.

1 comments about A Weaver's Garden: Growing Plants for Natural Dyes and Fibers.

1. I am a fanatic when it comes to dyeing and weaving my own yarn. I really enjoyed this book's dyeing techniques and the methods of extracting natural dyes from their sources. This book is great when it comes to teahing other people about hoow to make their own dyes. I even got my son into dyeing whit natural methods, my son is 14 and usually hates to take any of my advice. This showshow great this book really is!!

4 comments about Weaving in the Peruvian Highlands: Dreaming Patterns, Weaving Memories.

1. The pictures and text in this book are wonderful! First, it's a visual delight and when I went back to read the text, the background on weaving is thorough and very interesting. I highly recommend it!



2. This is a marvelous contribution to understanding the beauty and cultural importance of traditional weaving in the Andean heart of the Incan empire. The author, whose Center for Traditional Textiles in Cuzco, just opened (2007) as a museum, market, and center of learning and research,
   is superbly qualified, as the expert who is illuminating her own traditions. She has produced a stunning, accessible and fascinating work which should appeal to weavers everywhere and to anyone who is traveling to the area, or armchair travelers who wish to learn more about the vibrant traditions of the Andes. Highly recommended for artists, weavers, and travelers.



3. Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez is a Quechua weaver and scholar. She was born in Chinchero, a village in the southern highlands of Peru, was educated in the United States and in Cusco, and is the founder of Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco.
   
   "We started the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco in l996 to explore which Andean weaving traditions still exist today, how we might educate people in our culture to value and continue the Inca heritage, and how we , as a group of concerned individuals, might aid villages and families in this process.
   
   "In the Andes we depend mainly on farming to provide food for our families,but it brings little income. Like those who came before us, we still honor the earth and continue practices adapted to difficult conditions of high altitude, steep slopes and unpredictable weather. But we can no longer depend on the agricultural systems of land planning and food store-housing put in place by our Inca ancestors to assure that everyone received enough to eat in bad years. Those systems were destroyed during colonial times. Families today must find ways to supplement their income to meet their daily needs.
   
   "The work of the Center is not just to preserve and to study Peruvian textiles, their symbolism and significance, etc. Our goal also is to assist families to create a larger market for their textiles and a new economy for their communities."
   
   The works of art are beautifully reproduced in this well printed book, and the text explains much of the history and the meanings of the patterns. On a recent visit to the Center, we saw many beautiful pieces, quite different from the acrylic tourist belts and purses on offer everywhere.
   
   The book also explains some of the many difficulties using natural materials -- lack of firewood, scarcity of some plants, even practical problems -- a soft boiled egg takes either eight or nine minutes of cooking because of the high altitudes around Cusco.
   
   The book and the Center make an important statement about preserving these ancient weaving techniques. The resulting works are a feast for the eye and for the mind.
   
   Robert C. Ross 2008



4. Having traveled with Nilda to meet the weavers and observe the weaving process in most of the villages featured in the book , I can attest that the stunning color reproductions (kudos to the publisher for the choice of so many wonderful examples and for selecting a outstanding printer!) in the book accurately represent the superb work still being done under the direction of the Center for Traditional Textiles Cusco. If you are looking for "visual understanding and aesthetic appreciation" of the best of Peruvian textile weaving today, this is the book to buy! And the economical text thoughtfully complements the numerous illustrations.
   
   Eric Waples

5 comments about Navajo Weaving Way: The Path from Fleece to Rug.

1. An excellent book. I used it to build a loom and learned much about the Navajo and Native American Spirituality.



2. The only value to this [poor] attempt at giving the reader a true navajo experience, are the parts on building your own tapestry loom. There are better books!



3. What a life saver! It's difficult to get information on the Texas Gulf Coast about Navajo weaving. As an art major I had no trouble locating weaving classes (fiber arts) but no one seems to be into the Navajo style. This book singlehandedly taught me how to not only make a Navajo loom but also how to weave a rug (that turned out beautifully!). It has very easy to understand instructions that utilize contemporary easy to find materials. It also gives good resources for weaving fibers and/or tools that may not be available in your area. I haven't tried the Navajo spindle yet (to spin my own yarn) but the spindle is on order and I can't wait. Wonderful book!



4. Noel Bennett's book on Navajo Weaving is a gem. It is as much a description of her personal odyssey into the world of traditional Navajo weaving as it is a how-to book. Ms. Bennett learned from Tiana Bighorse not only the techniques of weaving but respect for the culture that created the techniques. In describing the creation of the weaving tools, the collection of dye plants, even the hand spinning of the wool Ms. Bennett shows how the creation of a rug can be a spiritual experience. Her book includes plans for a home-built Navajo loom, covers all the major weaving techniques, and includes a teaching sampler with full instructions. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain an insight into Navajo weaving.



5. Cover to cover, this book was filled with wonderful stories and excellent instructions. Where else could I have learned the wisdom, passed on from generation to genneration. I received an in-depth picture of how to warp and weave a Navajo loom and could never have proceeded without it.

5 comments about Creative Bead Weaving: A Contemporary Guide To Classic Off-Loom Stitches.

1. I love the book. It has lots of beautiful inspiring pieces. It's more of a book for intermediate and advanced beaders than beginners in my opinion, but that doesn't mean a beginner wouldn't get something out of purchasing it. I retun to the book over and over again for helpful tips and tricks and inspiration. I highly recommend it.



2. I have a bunch of beadweaving books, but THIS is the one I refer to when I forget a stitch or need some technical help with increasing or decreasing. Nice projects and instructions are written clearly. If you buy only one book on beadweaving, it should be this one!



3. GREAT!!! loved it gave great ideas to work with



4. I've only found 1 other bead weaving book as good as this one and it's also by Carol Wilcox Wells, "The Art and Elegance of Beadweaving". This one has great diagrams, guidance on what beads and colors to use, and a beautiful gallery of projects to do and ones to be inspired by. It is also a great buy in paperback. My advice is buy both of her books.



5. This book contains most of the beadweaving techniques that I've ever heard about as well as how to combine stitches. While I would call it a reference book, for the most part, it has lots of projects as well. I haven't made any of the projects to date but think the instructions are excellent. If you need to know how to switch stitches in your off-loom work.........you won't be unhappy if you purchase this book.

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.

5 comments about Finger Weaving: Indian Braiding.

1. This was okay. It was just about techniques that I already knew from when I was a little girl many many years ago. I had assumed it was new techniques therefore I was just a little disappointed in the book.



2. Excellent book and kit, easy to read and follow for beginners. Offers various techniques for Cherokee finger weaving. Will teach you to make many brightly colored and beautifully patterned belts in traditional designs. Very concise.



3. I purchased this book back in the summer when I wanted to get the basics of fingerweaving. The author explained the steps in great detail that even I could follow them and was successful at making my first handwoven sash. It does, however, require a lot of patience (and peace and quiet) to work on such an intricate project. Start off slowly with the diagonal and chevron patterns (the easiest) before tackling the others. All in all, I recommend this book.



4. When I decided to try my hand at learning how to finger weave; this was the only book I could find on the subject. Using this book I became fairly proficient at this skill. It has numerous illustrations of various finger weaving patterns and pictures of museum quality examples done by others. The book is in-expensive and I have used it successfully as a text for finger weaving classes that I have taught. Besides making headbands for my boonie-hats my intent was to teach this skill to other Boy Scouts so they could incorporate finger weaving products in their dance and ceremonial regalia. It's a great book for the beginning student. It also something that is easy to do on long airplane trips!



5. Believe it or not what you see on the cover can be done with fingerweaving, excellent directions and lots of pictures.

5 comments about In Sheep's Clothing: A Handspinner's Guide to Wool.

1. I've had this book for a number of years and I've returned to it for information concerning different types of wool. I believe that this book is supposed to help a spinner choose a fleece when purchasing either whole or partial fleeces for spinning. However, I've been disappointed that the information is too incomplete to be really helpful in that respect and the format isn't conducive to quick cross referencing or making comparisons.
   
   At the beginning of the book there is a short primer on wools, in general. There is also a short explanation of woolen vs. worsted yarn and the different types of fleece, whether fine wools, long wools, or down wools. I'm not sure why this information is being given in a book that appears to be directed at a spinner who has sufficient experience to consider purchasing an entire fleece.
   
   The authors give a very nice summary, or reference guide at the beginning of each chapter that rates the softness, elasticity, staple length luster and felting properties. I liked the chart format here. If the information for each fiber type had been summarized in this format throughout the book, it would have made it more of an "at-a-glance" type of reference and the spinner could have made comparisons between fibers.
   
   The photos show a lock of each type of fleece against a contrasting background, several sample projects from each division of fiber and now and then, a photo of an animal. The information is short and covers only the basics. There are suggestions for possible uses for each type of fiber. I appreciate that, especially considering that the authors are attempting to describe something that only a hands-on experience can confirm. To only see pictures of single locks isn't nearly enough to get a good idea of what a type of fiber is like. It's kind of like trying to describe what an orange tastes like without actually getting to taste one. To actually make this book more user friendly, I've put all of the Louet wool sample cards that I could get my hands on in with the appropriate pages. It makes the book easier to use if I can actually touch a sample of what is being described.
   
   If this book had a photo of each type of animal, both before shearing and in full fleece, along with the fiber photos, I would place a higher value on it. As it is, I use this book as a starting point and go to the internet or library to find out more information on a breed type or a fleece type. To be honest, finding detailed information about all breeds of fiber producing sheep in one single volume is impossible, so I know I'm asking a lot. To find samples of each type of fiber is an heroic task as well, so I understand how difficult it is to produce what I'm asking. However, it seems that the authors went to a lot of work to research and photograph all of these types of fiber, only to leave out about half of what they had to have learned during their research.
   
   Throughout the book, there are suggestions for specialized spinning techniques and possible uses for each type of fiber. The book ends with a short primer on hand carding, hand combing and spinning. Again, I'm confused as to why beginner information is being included in a volume that appears to target the more experienced spinner.
   
   Overall, I think this is a noble effort, but it falls short of being the spectacular volume it could have been. Including animal photos and extending the information to cover more than the bare bones would have been a wonderful addition. It would have also raised the price astronomically. Condensing the information into chart form for a spinner to use for the purposes of comparison and contrast would have been a practical addition. I use this book and I will always have it as part of my library, but it's just not the reference I was hoping for.



2. Amazing book that details the different types of sheep and the types and quality of wool that they produce. Now when I go to Maryland Sheep and Wool festival, I'll better understand what I'm looking at, and understand better what wools will satisfy my requirements.



3. In Sheep's Clothing: A Handspinner's Guide to Wool
   Absolutely essential for handspinners that are deciding on which sheep breed to buy.



4. This book is a must for the spinner who wants to spin natural wool straight from the sheep. It not only describes each variety of sheep, but has tables that make it very easy to compare the various breeds for their different characteristics. It is an invaluable reference.



5. Great book for old and new spinners. A lot great information about different breeds of sheep and the wool they produce.