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!!

3 comments about 33 Contemporary Swedish Weaving Patterns for Monk's Cloth.

1. This book is diverse within types of patterns from Southwestern to tummbling teddybears to a gentle lilac, one can imangine the softness and feel of these through the pictures. Ideas on color and finishing are very clear and opportuninites for different projects just make laundy, grocery shopping, cleaning and those special cleaning projects just seem less important in the long run. With results of lovely peices to grace that favorite easy chair, or over the back of sofa along with matching pillows. Such a quiet lovely hobby, not difficult, and I am convinced could help to woman keep her sanity in todays instant paced world. A good take along project while waiting for summer trains, planes and endless swimming lessons, baseball practices and the constant parade of "things" that keep us on the run. Now I can take my own piece of mind around with me these projects, a walkman and a diet coke! Let's here it for woman's survival!



2. This book is diverse within types of patterns from Southwestern to tummbling teddybears to a gentle lilac, one can imangine the softness and feel of these through the pictures. Ideas on color and finishing are very clear and opportuninites for different projects just make laundy, grocery shopping, cleaning and those special cleaning projects just seem less important in the long run. With results of lovely peices to grace that favorite easy chair, or over the back of sofa along with matching pillows. Such a quiet lovely hobby, not difficult, and I am convinced could help to woman keep her sanity in todays instant paced world. A good take along project while waiting for summer trains, planes and endless swimming lessons, baseball practices and the constant parade of "things" that keep us on the run. Now I can take my own piece of mind around with me these projects, a walkman and a diet coke! Let's here it for woman's survival!



3. 
   Women in our park meet weekly to make the beautiful afghans that are in the book, Avery Hill's 33 Contemporary Swedish Weave Patterns for Monk's Cloth written by: Jeanne Tams and Nan Duffin. Once a year we display the afghans that have been done that season. It never fails to amaze me how many there are. This book has such a wonderful variety of patterns, all with very descriptive directions, diagrams and color grafts that are so helpful in reading the patterns. The hardest part about making these afghans is choosing which pattern to make.33 Contemporary Swedish Weaving Patterns for Monk's Cloth

4 comments about The Magic of Handweaving.

1. While many go ga-ga over the Chandler book, my teacher recommended this one to me and I have found it heaven sent and covers everything that a novice weaver could possibly need to know including the triangle, weavette & hand looms to the 4 and 8 shaft varieties. Sigrid gives lots of examples and by the end shows you how to take apart a design and recreate it. Wonderful book and cannot praise it highly enough.



2. I found this book in a brick and mortar store and thought it would be helpful as an introduction to weaving. While the illustrations are beautiful and the coverage appears to be broad, I disliked the organization of the book. It is not well organized for a beginner. It would have made learning easier to introduce the technical terms more slowly and then providing an illustrated glossary at the back. I found that the book went into too much technical detail too quickly. Teach a person to weave with a lap loom and those terms first until comfort with the vocabulary is established. Instead the author launches into a detailed explanation of floor looms, etc., in the second chapter! I believe this book is a good resource and I may turn to it later on, but this books is not for beginners.



3. As a very new weaver without much confidence in what I am doing, I found Sigrid Piroch's book Magic of Handweaving to be a Godsend!
   It tells in wonderful detail and fantastic pictures exactly what I need to know to begin weaving.
   I would recommend this book to any new weaver.



4. The subtitle of the book "The Basics and Beyond" is a good description of the contents. There are many beautiful photos. There is great design inspiration in the book. It is perhaps more comprehensive than the beginner can digest.
   
   This is not a great book from which to learn to weave. That basic information is spread throughout the book, but there can be an overwhelming amount of advanced concepts, for which the beginner brain is not ready, along with the basics.
   
   Although it contains a large amount of useful information for all weavers, it is also not a book that makes it easy to find that bit of information you need that you know is in there.

5 comments about Fingerweaving Basics.

1. Fingerweaving Basics is another fine contribution by the folks at Crazy Crow to fingerweaving knowledge. Gerald Findley presents diagrams, photos, and descriptions that de-mystify a lot the subtle nuances of fingerweaving for the beginner. This is an excellent reference for any library (personal or otherwise) and much needed to keep this magnificent craft alive. Highly recommended!



2. This book provides a wealth of information to supplement and/or go beyond the excellent booklet on finger weaving by Turner. Many weaving patterns are presented, the illustrations are unbelievable detailed and clear, and the photography is wonderful. I especially appreciate the helpful tips included in the text, the many variations on the basic patterns given, the information on incorporating beads, the details about the interesting topic of openface weaving, and the information on finishing the weaving tails. Great job, Mr. Findley! Your drawings are excellent and must have taken a tremendous amount of time.Finger Weaving: Indian Braiding



3. I have seen other fingerweaving books and have liked this one the best. the color illustrations make it so easy to learn. I have already recommended this book to some of my friends who want to learn this type of weaving.



4. I had run out of my primary text on Finger Weaving; so in the process of ordering some additional copies; I ran across this book and decided to order a copy. I was interested in how the author approached the subject as I teach finger weaving and the cost got me over the free shipping threshold. First off let me advise you that this book can be a bit intimidating; but after I got past that and really drilled down into its content and presentation of these skills I found that it would easily assist the beginner in learning them. Basically I allowed my prejudices to cloud my judgment. This book has been written by a fellow Scout with the same intent that I have; make this skill available to other Boy Scouts to help improve their dance and ceremonial regalia. This doesn't mean that you have to be a Scout to enjoy this skill and in reality I have taught finger weaving to more non-Scouts than Scouts. This book is profusely illustrated and quite detailed in its presentation; much more so than some "how to" books that assume that the reader knows a little about the subject; this book makes no such assumptions. This detail does come at cost however; some patterns that I personally happen to like are not included. This in no way distracts from the book and its usefulness to the beginning finger weaver. Finger weaving is a great way to make long airplane travel shorter.



5. The main strength of this book is the number and clarity of the diagrams used to explain the techniques of fingerweaving. They will certainly give confidence to anyone trying to learn this fascinating craft. The book offers a very wide range of braid designs and also shows how these designs can be embellished by the inclusion of beads.

5 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. excellent book, well presented would have like more crochet button ideas but this is an excellent product

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 Spinning Designer Yarns.

1. Great book I was looking for... Well written with step by step instructions and illustrations. I like this book!



2. I love this book. It has tons of stuff in there that I've never even thought of doing. The instructions are clear enough, and the little illustrations are helpful. I just wish that the pictures at the beginning of the different sections were more clear. There's a picture of a number of skeins of yarn and the opposite page has a "key" to the opposing picture, telling you which yarn was made using what technique. It's a little confusing at times and I wish there were some more in depth pix. But other than that the info is great, and amazon has a great price! I'm not giving up my copy any time soon! =0)



3. This book covered a lot of ground, but some parts were very frustrating. The full color images are great, but the little numbered captions are not easy to understand at all -- it is hard to tell which yarn is described by which number.
   
   Some instructions just seem to need editing. For one yarn, instead of saying "you'll need mohair for this" in the beginning, she ends with something like "if you don't use mohair it won't work well."
   
   It was an interesting book to read, but borrow it from a friend or the library first to see whether you want to own it.



4. A lot of good information, attractively presented. I learned about a few specialty yarn constructions and overall the book was easy to read.
   
   When I took it out of the envelope, I was a little disappointed by the size of the book. It's pretty thin. A lot was covered, but it didn't really seem like it was covered in depth. I was hoping to hear MORE about fibers, MORE about twist, etc.
   
   To be fair, my main reference up to this point has been the Alden Amos Book of Handspinning, and that's a tome, so that might have affected my perspective. Still, this book just seems a bit "broad brushstrokes" for me.



5. I bought this book after having borrowed it a number of times and everytime I read a section, I learn something new. I love to experiment with spinning fibre and this book hepled me gain confidence in trying different methods of creating fibre. Great for all spinners who wish to branch out and try creating their own special yarns. A good first book in designing yarn from spinning.

5 comments about Out On A Loom : Instructions and 15 Patterns for Loom Bead Weaving.

1. Incredible! I have made many of these twice...I have misplaced my book so am ordering it again, along with Beading her Image. So excited hope they get here SOON!



2. Being new to bead weaving I found the off loom tutorial invaluable, step by step pictures and instructions were easy to follow and along with the patterns provided this made my journey into this aspect of seed beading a great adventure.



3. This book was exactly as advertised. Wonderful patterns and easy to follow instruction...with room for creativity with regards to color switches and fringes. Awsome!



4. When I first got the book I was doubtful because it was so slim. I'm VERY happy I got it. The first 9 pages are a wealth of looming infomation on how to: increase, decrease the warp and weft and last but not least on how to tye-off the warp threads.
   
   Most books tell you to just tape them behind the pieces and mount on cloth--screw that, it looks like crap! The author explains how to weave into the piece and hide the warp threads or make fringe out of them.
   
   It also has a small section on how to add large beads into the middle of a loomed pieces and add decorative edging.
   
   I would say this book is great for beginners as well as intermediate users. For simple patterns for new loomers it's easy to google some free loom patterns if you want to start off with something easy and small as this book has a lot of patterns that are huge and you're Bead Loom Starter Kit- won't be a big enough loom to do them.
   
   If you live next to a Lowe's you can build your own bigger loom to accomodate this book or buy one for $20-$30.



5. It is a good book for beginning loomers. I like the instructions. It is also a nice sturdy book and the patterns are nice too.
   Thanks

5 comments about Hands on Rigid Heddle Weaving (Hands on).

1. When it comes to rigid heddle weaving, this is the only reference there is, unless you want to turn to a video. The author is complete and communicates clearly through the text. The illustrations are a bit confusing until you actually go through the steps and then it all becomes clear. The color photographs are beautiful. I've had only this book to teach me to use my loom and it's been more than enough. I would like to see more books on rigid heddle weaving, but I suppose it's not in fashion, so we'll all have to wait until it becomes popular.
   
   The projects in the book go through a logical progression from simple to difficult and the results are lovely. Each and every project turns out just as the pictures show if you follow the directions. My selvage edges are certainly not as even as the author's but that's a matter of practice and experience. I've been waiting for three years for Ms. Davenport to come out with a second volume, but so far, it looks like this is going to be it.



2. wanted it as a Christmas present, arrived late. Receipent was very happy with descriptions and pictures.



3. This is a great book for anyone who is curious about rigid heddle weaving. From beginning to end the book is very direct in explaining exactly what rigid heddle weaving is all about and I recommend this book to anyone considering buying a rigid heddle loom, or for someone who has one and doesn't know what to do with it.



4. [[ASIN:0934026254 Hands on Rigid Heddle Weaving (Hands on)]An excellent book for the beginner with fine instructions and illustrations.



5. This is a great book to get anyone started to use their rigid heddle loom. It is a beginner book so you won't find any fancy patterns but a lot of very useful info that you will refer back to this book again and again.

2 comments about Favorite Rag Rugs.

1. This book is inspirational. The variety of rugs illustrated is enough to keep me going back to it over and over again. It not only gives clear directions for making the illustrated rugs, but it inspires me to design my own.



2. This book has very nice photographs. I cannot write about the instructions as an experienced person. But, as an inexperience person,new to this field, I haven't the slightest clue on how to comprehend the instructions provided in this book. The instructions are worded with a small graphs at the bottom of the pages. There are no visual, step-by-step instructions in this book. I gave three stars for the photographs and the assumption that the instructions can be appreciated by the experienced weaver and that is to whom this book is marketed to.