2 comments about The Weaver's Idea Book: Creative Cloth on a Rigid Heddle Loom.

1. I'm rarely moved to submit a review, but this book has certainly done so. The presentation is gorgeous, as well as very clear. And, the content is equally amazing. Starting from basic weave, it quickly moves into variations and more complex techniques and projects. A must for anyone with a rigid heddle loom, and a good reason to go out and buy one!



2. Anyone who thinks that rigid heddle looms are only for plain weave needs to think again! This is the book that rigid heddlers have been waiting for, not that its only for people with some experience of weaving. Jane Patrick starts at the beginning and take you on a journey that not only covers lace weaving, pick-up and simple bronson, but krokbragd, and 3/1 twills with 2 heddles, double weave, honeycomb, block weave, two layer work and more. This pushes the boundaries of what you can do with a rigid heddle loom back further than ever before, and its done with clear instructions, excellent colour photos of the woven cloth, and even instructions for those with 4 shaft looms who don't want to be left out.
   Newbies should not be put off by the advanced rigid heddling techniques inside this book. The author starts with a comprehensive description of the rigid heddle loom, and you will find a step by step guide for direct warping at the back of the book. Indirect warping is covered where direct warping is no longer suitable. There are a couple of projects, but this is not a project book as such. If you follow the descriptions of the different techniques and their variations, you will be weaving samplers that will stand you in good stead for future projects. A weaving record sheet is also provided for you to make notes.
   If you only ever purchase one book on rigid heddling techniques, this should be it. Its a book of techniques, not projects, and will be referred to time and time again and so deserves a place beside your loom.

1 comments about The Weaver's Studio: Doubleweave.

1. I expected more from this book but it is ok to understand the method , nevertheless there are few projects

5 comments about Learning to Weave.

1. I've purchased this book years ago when i bought a loom. It helped to simplify the often scary project of calculating, warping, and weaving a project. Recently, I pulled it out again when my daughter wanted to learn to weave a blanket for her nephew. What a pleasure to have a book make re-learning all those how-to's so easy. Don't let the calculations and descriptions of warping discourage you. Just follow Ms. Chandler's clear instructions and you'll be snuggling up with that project before you know it!



2. Sorry I've taken so long to write this review. I received the book and have been reading and playing with it since. I am very very happy with my purchase. Delivery was promt, especially for overseas shipping.I was kept well informed throughout the process and felt pleased with my decision to buy online from start to finish. I mention this because this is my first ever time purchasing online and overseas. Yes I know this is 2010 but some of us take a little longer to come out of the cave than others. Anyway thanks again and I would recommend this way of doing business to any first timers like myself.



3. I purchased Learning to Weave to help me set up and use my grandmother's old table top loom. While this book deals with more complicated set ups, it still explains the basics. I hope to someday get one of the more complicated looms so this book will be a good reference guide. The one reason it didn't get 5 stars from me is it does tend to get wordy when giving instructions.
   The explanations given with each step are fine but when one is reading while doing it would be much easier if a step-action instruction were given instead of long paragraphs of prose.
   Another help would be more diagrams.
   
   But for its small faults, this is one of the better books on beginning to weave that I've seen.



4. This book is considered the modern bible of how to learn to weave on a multi-shaft loom. It sits in my book-case, and I do often refer to it because its handy for helping newbies, BUT.............it is very lightweight in content compared to the older out-of-print text books you can still find in libraries and second hand stores, despite their obvious handicaps of a lot of text and not enough illustrations.
   It gets ticks for being set out as a series of lessons; visually the pages are not over-cluttered; the tutorials cover the material presented in that lesson; the charts are easy to understand. The text is on the whole easy to read and understand. The price is right, too!
   All essential requirements for a basic text-book of any sort.
   However, it is not the only weaving book that you will ever need, as it only goes so far in content, and gets you through the beginner stage. The patterns and drafts discussed are limited in range, and at some point you will be purchasing further books to further your skills in basic drafts let alone learn intermediate skills and special interest areas of weaving. You can rarely look up something new in the hope that you will find it mentioned, let alone covered.
   That said, it does have its place in a weaving library and as a learning tool, particularly if you purchase an old classic like (New) Key to Weaving to go with it. That gives you the best of both worlds.



5. As a beginning weaver, I find the book very informative. Each of the techniques described are approached from different directions, allowing you to determine what works best for you. Not only are the how's given by the why's also, so there is a complete understanding of the entire process. It also includes a clear trouble shooting guide, that I have found helpful.

5 comments about Laura McCabe's Embellished Beadweaving: Jewelry Lavished with Fringe, Fronds, Lacework & More (Beadweaving Master Class (Lark Books)).

1. I love Laura McCabe's work and this is the second book of hers that I own. Clear instructions, excellent illustrations, great photos. It is a gem!



2. Great book with exciting ideas/designs. Good for experienced and intermediate beaders and great inspiration for beginners. Really easy to read and understand directions and uses easy stitches.



3. This book draws the reader in instantly. Just one glimpse of the fabulous necklace on the cover will lead to the delightful realization that a master of jewelry design is at work. Laura McCabe is famous for her beadweaving, and rightly so. The reader can clearly see the whole intention of a piece of jewelry which she has designed, through her beadweaving skills. At the same time it is obvious how her choice of embellishments specific to each piece add a sort of remarkable brilliance and depth to her designs. If you are new to beadweaving, have no qualms. The book begins with an introduction which explains the point of embellishment. The author knows that if you embellish your beadwork with further beads, you reach another level. Beads are empowering in more ways than one, and she notes many of the purposes of wearing or carrying beads. Then the question is asked, "How do we use these beads to their best advantage, to make ourselves beautiful and add fanciful details to our world?" She answers her own question by revealing the point of this book: to "provide the knowledge and inspiration to take your beadwork to the next level by embellishing beads with yet more beads..." I particularly like the freedom this book imparts in the introduction by Ms.McCabe.
   As she says, "Although I give you step by step instructions, don't feel you have to reproduce the projects in this book exactly; instead, use them as basic building blocks for your own embellished forms. I genuinely hope you'll take what you learn here and apply it liberally to your own creative endeavors." This quote marks an exciting and challenging beginning to what is a super fun and educational journey into the world of embellished beadweaving. Chapter One is a succinct commentary on beads through history. The beautiful photographs of both antique and vintage beaded items such as purses and Victorian beaded wrist warmers counterpoint the author's own modern offerings. She seems to possess an ability to soar in her designs the way the master painters do in their paintings. It adds a third dimension to appreciation of art within jewelry design, to my mind.
   Chapter Two contains a nicely laid out list of items required for the basic beader's kit. If you want to make this sort of jewelry, this is what you need to have at the ready. I found this very illuminating, as the author took the time to explain why she chooses certain products over others.
   Chapter Three is devoted to the basic stitches and techniques. This is great! I assure you that all is well explained, and here you will garner the understanding of the stitches which you will need to build your embellishments upon. This chapter contains nice clear graphics which are easy to grasp, even for a beginner.
   Chapter Four is a Comprehensive Guide to Embellishments. This is really fun! The author's intention is to take the reader, step by step,through organically inspired embellishment forms. She exudes a femininity and sensuality in her work which is hers alone. The reader will sense this, viewing how to make basic buds, berry clusters, and basic beaded leaves, among other embellishments.
   Then get your socks knocked off by her phenomenally creative and unique creation, "Eyeball Creature". It is great to see a fantastic piece like this to encourage your own creativity.
   I want something like this for myself! So, how to obtain this sort of creation? Keep on learning, using this book, Embellished Beadweaving, as your mentor and guide.
   The designs which are shown in this chapter may make you say "Wow!" out loud. I am certain you will not be frightened off by the loveliness and ingenuity of Ms. McCabe's well photographed pieces. Quite the opposite. With the solid graphic drawings and explanations backing you up, you will be eager to continue learning.
   Chapter Five is entitled Approaching Color and Design. Early on, in this lovely book, it is clear that one of Ms. McCabe's finest talents is her appreciation of the beauty of color and its balance within a design. She discusses where her inspiration comes from: items such as weeds and berries from nature, items from the past, and even old National Geographic Magazines. She explains why woven beadwork holds such an appeal to her in this chapter. For one thing, she states that she wishes to "channel the feel or emotions conveyed by the object [which she has been inspired by] to create a fantasy world version of the real-world piece.
   I cannot think of a more wonderful way of approaching jewelry design!
   Chapter 6 is called The Projects. Here is where you beadweave and embellish, utilizing your newly found knowledge. There are delightful earrings offered, a Rosebud Ring I particularly love, and a fabulous matching Rosebud Bracelet which almost made me faint with delight when I got to that page. There are necklaces such as the Cherry Blossom Pendant Necklace, an unexpected surprise in a colorway of teals and gold, employing peyote stitch, beaded beads, Czech glass spacer beads, and pearls with Ndeble; well worth the effort, I have to say, if you try it! There is a great Eyeflower Pendant Necklace for you to try. All the projects are wonderful.
   I enjoy the fact that she beads her own toggles with great frequency. It is a wonderful added uniting touch to this sort of embellished beadweaving. When I got to the gallery, my breath was taken away. Nothing but the best from her friends. An awe inspiring collection to finish an awe inspiring yet easy to use book, by a truly great teacher who honestly and openly displays to her readers her true love of beads on every page. If you love beads too, owning this book, Embellished Beadweaving by Laura McCabe, will be well worth the investment.



4. I like most of Laura's beadwork(not into the eyeballs) and her crystal book, but if you are already familiar with her body of work there is really nothing new here, even for eye candy. You can figure out the embellishing techniques by looking at the photos you've already seen.



5. First, I must qualify that I'm a true die-hard Laura McCabe fan. As a beginner to low-intermediate beader, I had the incredible good fortune to be able to take her Keshi Pearl Necklace class a year or two ago. I learned so much in that one class that I have been hooked for good on beading, and when I completed that necklace I definitely improved my skills to a higher level. Don't be afraid to try something new and more challenging - that's how we get better.
   
   I think Laura has wonderful talent, skills, and knowledge. She's also very good at writing explanations and training. She inspires me to attempt new things and to 'think out of the box'. If you make one of her designs, you will definitely get notice when others see it!
   
   Even if you don't want to make/wear personally some of the pieces in this book, the skills you learn studying these techniques can be applied to other beading projects you attempt. Besides the techniques and projects, I especially like seeing how she looks at things around her to get ideas and colors. And even though I've already been dabbling at beading for several years and have completed many of her projects, I still learned some new techniques in this book. The instructions for the various components can be generalized to fit your own projects and ideas. And, of course, the gallery of works from other master artists was wonderful!
   
   Like some of the other reviewers, I'd say this is generally intermediate to advanced level. But don't let that scare you - it's a wonderful book.

No comments about Summer and Winter Plus: The Best of Weaver's (Best of Weaver's series).

5 comments about Respect the Spindle: Spin Infinite Yarns with One Amazing Tool.

1. This book was an automatic choice for me, when I bought my first spindle. As Abby is well respected in the field of spinning, I expected this book to be good. I was not disappointed. It is nice and clearly written, with good instructions.



2. In a departure for Interweave, this is a spinning book that is actually chock-full of information. Not since Alden Amos' Big Book of Handspinning has there been so much excellent reference material in one place, and refreshingly, this book is devoted entirely to the humble spindle. Abby Franquemont draws on a lifetime of experience and appreciation for the simple tool that brought fabric to civilization in this deceptively slim volume. Page after page is packed with science, art, and practical advice. The photos are clear and informative and purely decorative photos are limited to the beginning of each chapter, which is a relief. Ms Franquemont writes with clear and informative language without being overly prosy or pretentious. It's so easy to read you barely know how much you're learning!
   
   If you are interested in becoming a better spinner, in the history of the hand spindle, or in the science behind spinning, this book is for you. I am sure I will return to it time and time again as I seek to become a more accomplished spinner with a variety of tools.



3. I found this book very useful. The pictures were very clear and the wording very understandable. I learned so much in the world of spinning and I would highly recommend this book for a beginner. Excellent!



4. As some one who has been playing with and using drop spindles for over 35 years, going to sheep and wool fests and using fiber just about every day of my life, I can say that this is a fine book, not a GREAT book, but a fine one...for beginners and those who love them. I have somewhat managed to teach my husband the art of drop spinning, although there should be a written credo to marriage...find a teacher to teach your spouse and children and the rest will follow. Read this book in pieces, digest what it says and read some more...have this book in your library as a reference book. I do have hundreds of other that at one time were raved about, including In Sheep's Clothing, which I find horribly lacking, and yet I hold onto that book. There is a time and a place for everything, and for this book too there will be a time and a place! Truly loved and valued books are chewed on, dog eared and wretched in their appearance, but there in lies the beauty of them; someone thought of them to be worthy of their praise! Talk to people about spinning, watch, pick up tips, get old Spin-off Magazines, Betty Hockberg books, Alden Amous, and other authors, and beef up your library with this one. I call it library ballast!



5. I had just made my first drop spindle when I got this book and was trying to teach myself to spin. This book was very clear and full of super great info and very helpful. I would very much recommend this book to anyone starting out with spinning.

5 comments about Leather Braiding.

1. This is a good book for someone who wants to learn how to braid leather.



2. Small hard bound book is well written and illustrated. A very essential book to have in your hobby reference wall shelf to pull down for a special project. The illustrations of braiding are valid for more than just leather. Much of the old talents of the master braiders would be lost without documents like this.



3. It is a very good book that came to me in 'good' condition, the glue in the binding is extremely weak and a couple of pages have "popped" out but that's ok, I just photocopied the pages I needed, so I wouldn't completely ruin the book.



4. Although this book appears to be well written with good illustrations, I feel it is for the more advanced braider, not for beginners. If you have a base of braiding experience, it should be a good resource.



5. Leather Braiding is a shortened version of Bruce Grant's Encyclopedia of Rawhide and Leather Braiding and is excellent for learning a variety of braiding techniques. His step-by-step written and drawn instructions are invaluable.
   
   I strongly recommend this book.

5 comments about 200 Braids to Twist, Knot, Loop, or Weave.

1. If you want to make some marvellous braids, this book is made for you !
   
   The book is divided into 2 parts : technique and patterns.
   
   Technique : you will find 87 pages of explanation for "twisting", "knotting", "interlooping", "weaving", "braiding" and "ply-split darning" techniques, and explanation for beginning and stopping your braid, and use beads.
   All techniques are well illustrated to help us understanding explanation !
   
   In the second part, you will find 200 patterns, classified by technique.
   
   To sum up : a book full of technique and patterns !



2. Let me preface my review by stating that I am a professional artist. I am always looking to expand my creative vocabulary and decided to explore the art of braiding.
   
   This is a beautifully designed, well written guide to braiding for the novice. The step by step photos and clear instructions had me knocking out braids left and right. It's a real page turner. So imagine my dismay when I turned page 107 to discover that I had finished Section One and the new technique tutorials were over. I counted approximately 25 braiding techniques plus finishing instructions.
   
   Section Two - "The Braid and Trim Collection" is just that; a gallery of examples of each of the previously taught techniques. Each of these images includes a list or diagram of the materials used so that you can replicate the braid. I was expecting another 125 NEW braiding techniques instead of more than 125 pages of variations on a theme. Hence the disappointment.
   
   I was not looking for a pattern book. As inspiring as the braids in Section Two are, I feel that a much smaller sampling of what can be achieved by varying materials would have sufficed.



3. The book is packed with beautiful color illustrations showing step-by-step how to perform a particular feat. The only thing that has a down-fall with this product is the binding. The pages take a little effort to turn correctly.



4. I bought this book originally when I was looking for kumihimo books. Although it really isn't a kumihino book, I have found it to be a great resource. It's filled with examples of braids that can be created using a variety of techniques - weaving, macrame (knotting), twisting, and looping to name a few - and the photos are terrific.
   
   In addition to a fairly extensive section that provides an overview of the techniques covered and includes a lot of step-by-step photos, there are pages and pages of glorious color photos of a large number of cords created using the various techniques discussed. Another plus - a section on including beads in the cord and a section on finishing techniques.
   
   I highly recommend this book - it has endless uses are a reference.



5. Fantastic clear instructions for all of the basic ways to do the braids, twists, knots, loops and weaves. Then you can create the 200 examples, in total, that the author shows you. The information includes how the techniques look using different materials. The book is a very good reference for making all sorts of cords for interior decorating, jewelry, sewing and all forms of handiwork. All instructions and work are shown in color. Also the book is spiral bound in order to stay flat for easy use.

5 comments about Start Spinning: Everything You Need to Know to Make Great Yarn.

1. I placed my order, and it came right away, and was in good condition and was just what I ordered.



2. This book has a lot of valuable information. It is by no means the be-all, end-all of spinning books.
   
   Some things are glossed over, like how to pre-draft fiber, and its importance. I would suggest using this book in conjunction with another book or have someone show you the basics if you are absolutely clueless about spinning.



3. It is what it says everything one needs to know, from this one can go on to more things with yarn. Well worth the price. This came highly recommend from spinners to get started. Recommend that one read the complete book before you start to spin. Author knows how to get the information across.



4. I am a beginning spinner...been spinning a bit every day for over a month now. I checked out every book that I could find and "Start Spinning" is the best by far: comfortable writing style, clear directions for everything, loads of clear photo illustrations, instruction on all the stages of preparation, spinning on a drop spindle or wheel, and finishing techniques. Enjoyable and comprehensive and a huge help. I have the good fortune to have some excellent instructors and still found this book invaluable.



5. This is a superior book for the experienced spinner who never had hands-on lessons, or any other instruction. I've been spinning for 24 years and finally understand how and why to draft a certain way, how to control the type and size yarn I want to make, and improved methods of plying. There is a science to all of this, and it's nice to have this excellent reference for getting the job done. I've always wanted to make the yarn for the garment, rather than finding a garment for the yarn I made. Now I believe I can! This book also had less wasted space on drop spindles and types of fibers. Good detailed explanation on the differences in woolen and worsted methods as well as combinations of methods. Very good information on the why and how of plying. Excellent photographs showing close-up detail of drawing methods, manipulating fibers with hands, and .... everything. Lots of excellent photos. As direct result of the two books I purchased at the same time, I bought a McMorran yarn balance to better determine my yardage. This will be my go-to book when spinning, with the other as a back-up.

5 comments about Beaded Colorways: Freeform Beadweaving Projects and Palettes.

1. I agree with J.C.Taylor's review. This book would be useful for someone who is not familiar with the use of colors. If you don't fit this category, I don't think the book is that helpful.



2. I have never really looked at colour in-depth before and this book sure was an eye-opener. A must have item for all bookshelves.



3. I had the good fortune to take a recent workshop from the author, who is a delightful teacher. As she does in her class, she offers a great perspective for the thinking that goes into a project (color and materials choices) in addition to providing clear direction. I'm not experienced with beading (beyond simple stringing) but the project I'm working on is turning out great!



4. This book really does explain the color theory and how it works. It is a basic book that you can learn much from .
   It has several freeform projects but you can really get an idea how you can combine colors and get the achieved look you need.



5. I live near the beach where I collect sea glass, drift wood, and shells. Inside the book are several ideas to create a pendant, 2 necklace's, very unique lariat, and earrings from natural materials such as stones, shells and sea glass along with various sizes of seed beads. Many of the other ideas within the book also allow for materials already on hand to create unique "earthy" pieces of art.
   This book is not for the person who likes everything to be perfect and symetrically balanced. Instead, the book appeals to your artistic side. In other words, the pictures generate the ideas and in not a step by step to use the exact beads as shown. Therefore, it will be impossible to create items exactly as they appear.