5 comments about You Can Weave!: Projects for Young Weavers.

1. This book is a great resource for the development of lessons for children in the 9 - 14 age range. I used this to prepare a lesson for a home school group. The children really enjoyed the process as well as the end product. This book is full of "do-able" projects with a topic which otherwise can overburden young people with tedium. I would, however, recommend that the teacher practice the projects with the materials to be used. For instance, poster board is too thin for the activities in which a cardboard loom is used.



2. This book contains instructions for creative and enjoyable weaving projects. Instructions are clearly written and are well illustrated. Supplies required are easily available.

   The title makes it sound as if it is a children's book (YOU can weave), and in some ways it is written as a child's book. But instructions are all addressed to a teacher of children. As a result, the book suffers slightly from a mixed identity.

   Mixed in with the illustrations of completed projects done by students are photos of weavings done by knowledgeable weavers using different types of looms than those used in the book. These weavings are much more impressive in appearance than the children's weavings (logically so), but it can lead to disappointment if the reader thinks this book will enable him/her to produce items like those shown.




3. This is a lovely book, filled to the last page with wonderful ideas. I was lucky enough to have inherited my mother's table loom and am just now beginning to do a little background research on weaving before tackling the rather daunting equipment my mother left me. I found this title among those I was browsing and decided that it would be a good place to start. There are several techniques which are mentioned also in Weaving Without a Loom, another book I would recommend for beginners, but Monahoghan and Joyner's book goes several steps farther. Burningham introduces paper weaving, but these authors show visual techniques, similar to Escher's style of tricking the eye, introduce modifying frames, interwoven photos, and basket making to their repertoire. They show stick weaving, but introduce the use of straws to make the process smoother and color changes to add interest to the bands.
   
   I was particularly impressed with the depth with which they showed techniques, particularly in tapestry work with colors added to create pictures. The Japanese braid work was also interesting as was some of their beading information. I particularly enjoyed the brief discussion of plaid and undertook the weaving of a small square which I used to make a passport bag for a friend going to London this summer.



4. This book covered many types of weaving and was very informative. Great resource for those just starting to weave.



5. This is an excellent book for beginners. All the instructions are clear and concise. Every step is made known so there are no surprises or wondering what to do next.

5 comments about Yarns to Dye For: Creating Self-Patterning Yarns for Knitting.

1. I never would've imagined myself as a dyer until I read this book. Taylor's instructions are simple and detailed - you can't go wrong following her lead. For those who don't want to dye but only want to knit, Taylor's patterns are excellent. Not only are the instructions simple and down-to-earth, but the patterns fit, so even a novice knitter can experience success. In addition to these fine qualities, the book is beautifully designed. I highly recommend it!



2. I ordered this book for my daughter and I know she enjoyed this book and she has already dyed her wool of our sheep and she is knitting now and it looks lovely.Thanks for this good book



3. I got this book for the 'secret to self-patterning yarns'. Okay, this really could have been done in a much smaller book, foccusing on just the dyeing technique.
   
   the author threw in a bunch of patterns with a recipe method that will allow you to replicate their results somewhat, but I don't want to replicate their results, I want my own. For getting folks started on dyeing, this book will be just as good as any other dyeing book, but would not be my first recommendation.
   
   The patterns are also a little disappointing.



4. I checked this book out of our local Library, hoping to learn a few things... I liked it so much, I didn't want to take it back to the library, so I had to buy it!
   Once you have a little knowledge in dying, you will be able to create your own colorways with just some fairly inexpensive materials, a little time, experimentation and space. My biggest problem was finding a place to wind my 40 foot skeins.
   If you are a novice dyer, you may want to start with something a little more simple, but it won't take you long to step up to this. There are some patterns included and she also give "recipes" for the colorways shown in the book... INCLUDING the now famous on Yahoo Sock Knitters... The self patterning watermelon yarn!



5. I have been wanted to dye yarn with a pattern for some time now, and finally found a book that really helped me do so. while my first attempt came out to be striped and not patterned, my second worked well. with each successive try i know i will get better. The patterns in the book are less helpful that the detail of the techniques to use, so you can really create whatever pattern you like if you read the instructions and think a bit outside the given patterns. wonderful book.

1 comments about The Techniques of Basketry.

1. If basketry puts you off, be careful; Virgiina Havey's insight, appreciation, and knowledge might convert you into becoming a connoisseur. If you've never before woven fiber structrures, the detailed instructions, clear diagrams, and many photographs can launch you into new and enjoyable paths. Over 400 photographed examples and explicit line drawings enable even the beginner to master the steps easily.

5 comments about Spin to Knit: The Knitter's Guide to Making Yarn.

1. As a new spinner, but long-time knitter, I'm glad I bought this book. It took me from one process to the other with valuable information. I have a better understanding of how I can use my hand-spun yarn.



2. I am both a crocheter and knitter and have recently started spinning. I was rather disappointed by the fact that although the name would lead you to believe the book has a great deal of spinning instruction, the reality is that it is mostly knitting patterns worked with homespun which was produced by many different people and little to no instruction as to how to produce similar yarn yourself.



3. I've just started spinning with a drop spindle, with information I found on various websites. I got this book hoping it would add to that knowledge. I haven't found anything here that I haven't found for free, in more detail, elsewhere. I would hope that the art would be higher quality, but there were several of the knit projects that only had one photo, from one angle, with no diagrams or further explanations on how to put them together. I had much higher expectations.



4. I enjoyed this book. It gives a nice review of spinning with simple patterns for a beginnning spinner. A good quick reference book for spinners.



5. Spin to Knit: The Knitter's Guide to Making Yarn I have enjoyed this book. I am house bound so I needed something in writing and pictures that would help me with my spinning and this book filled the bill! I enjoy reading from it, then trying out the instructions. I would recommend this book to most.

5 comments about Fingerweaving Basics.

1. This book is the best book on fingerweaving I have found. It clearly explains the techniques for weaving and the illustrations are very clear.



2. 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!



3. 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



4. 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.



5. 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 comments about Mabel McKay: Weaving the Dream (Portraits of American Genius, 1).

1. I read this book for an anthropology class that i am taking, and i found it to be very good. We get a first hand account of what role Mable McKay played for the Pomo Indians as a medicine women and as a basket weaver. Everything that she did was for a purpose, even though at times she had to deal with not everyone accepting her. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in Native American ways of life



2. This is just a wonderful piece of writing, one which keeps resonating with me, even several years after first reading it. This book should have more readers, and seeing so few reviews for it, I want to argue for it as a must read on anybody's list. We all know books or speakers, writers and lecturers who could take any subject and make it worthwhile, just to spend time in their company. Greg Sarris is one of those magical presences we can be lucky enough to get to know through the medium of the page. Saying this is not intended to undercut the amazing person of Mabel Mckay, by the way. The way the past present and future weave in and out of this book, her stories, Greg's life, the future of land use in California... all of this is here, an enticing mix of POV's, passed around like a sacred pipe.
   
   A great read....



3. Mabel McKay, Weaving the Dream is a profound, poetic, and magical journey. I have read it aloud a number of times to savor its depths. If you have any desire to know Native Californians as human beings rather than museum pieces, you may want to start here. The book, which is steeped in the oral tradition inspired me to write the following poem which was published some years back through U.C. Davis.
   
   Mabel McKay (Weaving Poem) (by Norm Milstein, 7/97)
   
   Plumage of a Pomo basket
   Flame of feathers blue and black
   Strung with glistening abalone
   Rimmed with ivory disks of shell.
   
   Read her book slowly or not at all.
   She believed that stories should be heard many times
   To sink in and merge with the heart of the hearer
   To sink like pebbles in the soul of the listener
   To grow like seeds in the earth of our minds.
   
   Read her book slowly or not at all.
   Better still, read it aloud.
   Taste each word and savor the flavor
   Of willow and redbud and sedge.
   
   "I never knew nothing but the spirit," she said.
   "Only the spirit trained me.
   I only follow my Dream. That's how I learn."
   
   Plumage of a Pomo basket
   Flame of feathers blue and black
   Strung with glistening abalone
   Rimmed with ivory disks of shell.
   
   Read her book slowly or not at all.
   She believed that stories should be heard many times
   To sink in and merge with the heart of the hearer
   To sink like pebbles in the soul of the listener
   To grow like seeds in the earth of our minds.
   
   Read her book slowly or not at all.
   Better still, read it aloud.
   Taste each word and savor the flavor
   Of willow and redbud and sedge.
   
   "I never knew nothing but the spirit," she said.
   "Only the spirit trained me.
   I only follow my Dream. That's how I learn."



4. Quyanna Mabel, for your story. You found someone to share your life, and I so appreciate sitting there late at night drinking hot tea, after my husband and daughter are asleep, to spend some time with you.
   
   I will reread the book to feel closer to my elders and to feel closer to you. I am so thankful. What a blessing!



5. I read this for my book club. It was pretty good, though let's be honest... i have a very low interest in native american culture. It was pretty cool to learn about the transition from back then to modern times, and how the native american indian culture transformed to adapt. Especially here in the northern california area. Worthwhile read with amazing information.

5 comments about Time to Weave: Simply Elegant Projects to Make in Almost No Time.

1. This is a very exciting book with lots of novel ideas for weaving. The references provided are very helpful, and the beautiful photos are outstanding in detail. I cannot praise this book highly enough: a definite must for anyone interested in the relaxing art and craft of weaving.



2. Good book for getting ideas, maybe less projects than I expected, but anyway, nice book.



3. I love to weave but seldom have time to warp a loom and weave. This book has so many cool projects that can be completed quickly and satisfy my 'want to weave' urge. The projects are fun and quite useful. Many projects would be suitable for a beginner or even older children. An added bonus is that the project also make great gifts.



4. A great book covering "weaving" of various forms. All projects are clearly explained and easy to follow. Sufficient and clearly displayed photos make any of the projects contained in this book a pleasure to try. I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in the weaving arts.



5. Time To Weave has a wide variety of projects -ropes,cording can be used for tasks or made into gewelry items; woven mats from cork, twigs, bamboo; woven greeting cards; variations in weaving techniques using the same yarn and colors; woven container made from grocery shopping bag - great project for children. The photographs are a pleasure to look at and photographic instructions makes this book a master instructional manual.

2 comments about Rib Baskets.

1. Best instructional book for making ribbed baskets that I've seen. Great diagrams and picture tutorials.



2. This book started my basketry library. It jumps right in by listing the tools and materials you will need and then goes on to describe the 4 basic parts of a rib basket: hoops, ears, ribs and weavers. General directions for making a rib basket then follow. I have many basketry books and what distinguishes this book from the others is the amount of time and space it spends on beginning a basket. In beginning a basket you are making the basket's foundation and it is where your hands can get "tongue-tied". To make this process as clear as possible the author loaded this section with photos and drawn illustrations as well as clear written instructions. After you go thru the general directions, the book describes some decorative options (i.e. "woven handle"). The remainder of the book contains individual instructions and supply lists for different types of rib baskets (i.e. Scottish Yarn Basket). Sprinkled throughout the book are color photos of completed baskets. I have been making baskets for 11 years and I still use this as a reference.

5 comments about Twined Rag Rugs: Tradition in the Making.

1. I learned how to twine somewhere else, but I heard that this book had examples of how to make adjustable looms-that is the main reason why I bought the book. In the book it tells the basic way to twine and then some variations. It also tells about looms that can be made at home. It tells a little about what materials would be best to use for your rags. It has beautiful photographs of rugs twined by rag rug twiners in the USA. I did not learn the basics of twining from this book so I am not sure how helpful it would be for a beginner trying to learn strictly from the book. I would reccomend reading the whole book to get all the important hints before you start your rug.



2. This book is so excellent that I felt it was worthy of my time to review it. I am a beginning twiner. I'm so new to the craft in fact, that I didn't even know "twining" could refer to rug-making. Even so, the author lays out information on twining so effectively that it was very easy for me to pick up the craft.
   
   The book includes detailed information in the form of text, photographs and clear illustrations. Topics include materials needed, how to create looms (from inexpensive and easy-to-find materials, stories of inspirational twiners, and instructions on about 10 samplers that will teach you different methods and about 10 more designs of full-sized rugs, using the methods that you learned earlier in the book.



3. I really enjoyed this book. It gave wonderful directions and a great background of the history of this type of weaving.



4. A great book for the history and instructional aspect of twining. Author covers all aspects of the art and the images are well presented.



5. Several years ago I was visiting my sister in Alaska. Aside from spending time with her and seeing all the beautiful sights a real highlight of my visits is to go garage saling! They have great garage sales up there. At one of our last stops during this particular visit, we both spotted what appeared to be a small frame loom (2'x4'), and I being faster and more youthful :) got to it first. It had some weaving on it, and it was like nothing we'd ever seen before. The woman selling it said it had been her grandmother's and she knew nothing about it. I paid my three dollars and the two of us raced home to figure this thing out. It was so SIMPLE! Both the loom and the actual weaving. We were immediately hooked on making rugs. My sister bought some fabric and lumber and we quickly built her one, and we haven't stopped using them since! I've shown the loom and technique to a half dozen people and they've all gotten hooked as well. We never knew what this particular weaving/braiding was called and we both always felt there were lots of other things we could work into our designs.
   
   THEN I came across this book. We now had a name for what we were doing. TWINING. We were all very excited to finally have some different loom plans and options for design alterations. The book offers clear, concise instructions and diagrams with patterns and samples to work out ahead of time. It discusses fabric weights and options. Truly a valuable book if you want to get indepth direction on Twining technique
   
   Other than that, it is fun, relaxing, easy, challenging, and very satisfying - the rugs you make using this simple tecnique should last for years and years.
   
   I made a rug of multicolored corduroy strips. When my father-in-law saw me working on it, he said "And FINALLY you're making one for me!" It now sits in his lakehome, and I have another one in progress on the frame - I'm hoping I'll get to keep this one.

4 comments about A Handweaver's Pattern Book.

1. Truly, this is the book every weaver should have. Why? It contains, in a simple manner, many of the basic patterns used by every weaver. The instructions, tie-ups, draw downs - well, every aspect of this book makes the weaving of the time honored and time tested patterns a fairly easy process. So much of weaving refers to patterns that are within the cover of this book. Ms. Davison's work to preserve the ageless patterns is well worth the price. Buy it, read it, use it, and pass it on to someone you love in your will.



2. I grew up with this book, and still consider it the most important one in my collection. It contains photos, threading, tie-down and treadling for nearly every type of 4 harness weave, plus each chapter begins with valuable general information about the weaves in that chapter.
   
   It is a great book when you want a no-nonsense reference.



3. I have been using this book for over 15 years. It is easy to find the perfect pattern for a weaving project, and you only have to be able to follow a very simple diagram to do the tieup and weave. Many other books have entered and left my studio over the past 15 years....this is the only one I have kept......sw



4. This is the book no weaver should be without. It is THE foundation of a weaver's library! May it never go out of print.
   
   T. Pierson
   Weave Designer,
   Precision Trimming Corp.