Reviews (2)

Wonderful!
A wonderful resource for beginners and experienced spinners alike.
Great for a beginner (like me)
Although my mother has been spinning since I was a little kid, I had never really had the urge to try it until recently.I purchased a spindle and some fibre, but have not yet worked up the courage to try it.The instructions in Spin to Knit are very clearly written and accompanied by step-by-step photos--just what I needed to help me really visualize the process!I am already looking forward to learning to use a wheel as well!
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns    7. Spinning    8. Weaving    9. Yarn    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Weaving   

Reviews (12)

Not what I was looking for.
Needed a basics book and this was not it.Very indepth on using floor looms.

If you can only have one book.....
Make it this one.I am an "ok" weaver and I refer to this book over and over again.For me, everything a new weaver needs to know is in here and you can find it easily which makes this a real must have for anyone wanting to learn how to weave or if you are thinking you might want to learn how, please start with this book.

Terrific
This is a terrific book for someone who wants to learn to weave. It starts off with a very brief introduction to looms and ancillary tools needed by the weaver.It then provides a very detailed discussion, complete with many pictures, of how to warp the loom.The book then leads the reader through a home-study course starting off with a simple weave sample, a good explanation of reading drafts, and an interesting as well as comprehensible explanation of various twills.My favorite chapter was that on reading drafts----I had looked at a couple of weaving magazines previously and was completely puzzled by them. The author's explanations were so delightfully clear that after reading the chapter once I was able to understand all the patterns I had looked at in the magazines.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hand weaving    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Weaving    6. Spinning & weaving   

Reviews (1)

Gorgeous book
There are lots of beautiful things to make and good explanations of twill from simple to complex ones. (Full disclosure) I haven't had a chance to actually weave any of them yet. My fingers are itching to get those threads on the loom, but more urgent matters pull me away. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Weaving    5. Crafts & Hobbies / Weaving    6. Needlework & fabric crafts    7. Spinning & weaving   

Reviews (7)

loved it
The photographs in this book are wonderful.The instructions are clear, easy to understand and thorough.If you are interested in this craft and are just starting out, this is an excellent buy.

All You Need to Learn to Coil
This is an absolutely wonderful book that does exactly what it says: You will be able to complete a basket the first time you sit down to make one.I learned everything I needed to know about pine needle coiling from this book, and have made over 50 beautiful baskets in the last two years.
A Great Starter Book
A top-notch book for beginners, and a great inspiration for those who have already mastered the basics.If you're a beginner, the clear instructions, line drawings,and excellent photography will help you out immensely. The book begins with a simple project, with step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.You'll be so proud of your results, you'll want to continue, and the book won't let you down on providing finer points on stitching, shaping, center variations, etc.The photos of superb baskets, especially those by Lee Sipe, show you what master artisans can do with the basic techniques.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Basket making    2. Baskets    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Nature craft    7. Pine needle crafts    8. Weaving    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Baskets    10. JUVY-WORKBOOKS - JUV WORKBOOKS    11. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (3)

Learning to Spin
Excellent instructions for preparing the roving for spinning. Up until reading this book I was unable to get the roving to separate and allow the fibers to slip past each other. Great job.

Wonderfull!
As I ventured into the world of spinning there were a many books but none interested me as much as this one. The beautifull color pictures and easy to fallow instructions are the best. even the projects in the back have meaning to the beginner spinner. The best part is that there is instructions on how to make your own spindle!

Spin It: Making Yarn from Scratch
Clear, concise instructions that I could follow. Also includes step-by-step photos of the process that make it a perfect beginners tool & instructions on making your own drop spindles! As a beginning spinner, this is wonderful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hand spinning    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Spindle-whorls    9. Weaving    10. Yarn    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    12. Spinning & weaving    13. Textile arts   

Reviews (21)

Great book on shawls
Love this book !!The author is a lovely model, and I appreciate the beautiful shawls in the book.There's a bit of history as well.Easy to complicated projects.I love that there are photos of every single project.

Folk Shawls
I have read this book cover to cover, and can't hardly wait to start a project from it.The shawls are beautiful and unique.If you don't like samo, samo patterns this is the book for you.

My current favorite
I love this book! Each pattern has a short history of the country the pattern comes from. All the shawls are modeled by the author. It helps give a perspective of sizes and lengths. A wide variety of patterns and yarns really fascinate me. Informative and fun! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Fashion    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns    7. Shawls    8. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games   

Editorial Review

Go beyond simply stringing beads together--learn to weave them into beautiful textural patterns to create jewelry, bowls, baskets, purses, and even sculpture. With the step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams in this guide, the seven stitches (peyote, brick, square, right angle, African helix, netting, and chevron chain) and their variations aren't terribly difficult to learn. Although they may take patience and some time to master, even the beginner can produce simple, attractive pieces. Beaders with more experience will be inspired to new heights of invention upon viewing the full-color gallery of spectacular bead weaving creations contributed by various artists to this attractive book. Read more

Reviews (27)

Creative Bead Weaving....
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.

Another winner from Carol Wilcox Wells
I bought this book after finding The Art and Elegance of beadweaving. Carol Wilcox Wells blesses us again with her prolific creativity and clear step by step instructions.

Great Book
I was new to bead weaving and I kept renewing this book from the library because it was so helpful. That's when I decided to buy my own and I'm so glad I did. It's very easy to follow. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - General    6. Weaving    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Weaving    8. STUDY NOTES - SparkNotes    9. Spinning & weaving   

Reviews (7)

Outstanding tutorial
Clean, easy-to-understand illustrations make this book perfect for those who want to learn to tie these beautiful knots.

Awesome How-to's
This book is written by a member of the International Guild of Knot Tiers and is quite extensive. Not only does it give the basics of knot tieing but it moves into the the more advanced portions in later parts of the book. Very good images make tieing the knots very easy, but as always skill comes with practice. Excellent book for the beginner.

A timeless resource
This is the first book I reach for when I begin a rope working project. If you are a dedicated seaman, this should be one of your collection of books on knot tying. If you are just a hobbyist, this is the only book you will need. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knots and splices    6. Reference    7. Ropework    8. Weaving    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Reference    10. Reference works    11. Spinning & weaving    12. Textile arts   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    5. Weaving    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Weaving    7. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    8. Spinning & weaving    9. Textile arts   

Reviews (4)

Rag Rug Handbook: Revised Edition by Janet Meany et al
This book is an ABSOLUTE MUST for a rag rug weaver.It is the best book I've found yet that describes not only the art of weaving rag rugs but also tries to give an historical account of looms that were made.I used this book as a reference when I bought an used loom.Since the labeling was missing on the loom, the previous owner could not identify what kind of loom she was selling.I was able to not only identify the loom, but I knew from this book that the type of loom I bought was appropriate for rag rug weaving. If you want to learn rag rug weaving, this is the book to get!

Excellent for beginner to advanced!
Paula and Janet did well with this book. I am a novice rug weaver and found the directions to be easy to follow and the results pleasing. Definitely buy this book if you're looking for something on weaving rag rugs!

The One Book A Weaver Should Own
I am definitely a novice weaver.This book spells everything out very clearly, from A to Z.Plus, short history of many of the manufacturers.The patterns included will take you from simple to challenging.I have other weaving books, but this one is the one I refer to the most.If you only buy one rag rug handbook, I recommend Janet Meany and Paula Pfaff'sbook. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Hand weaving    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Rag rugs    5. Rugs    6. Rug & carpetmaking    7. Spinning & weaving   

Reviews (2)

Excellent primer for beginners, but does have mistakes
In the beginning, she cites all the features required for an inkle loom. I used this list to search for mine, and have been delighted with the loom I got. She also has great instructions for getting set up, and for weaving.
An EXCELLENT "how-to" book in clearly written instructions!
I am an artist who works in a very wide variety of artistic mediums.I am usually able to decipher "how-to" instructional books after going over the instructions several times, but I learn much more quickly byseeing the craft-in-question demonstrated in person.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Inkle weaving    5. Weaving   

Reviews (8)

A bit overwhelming for a beginner...
I just started into Chinese knotting. Though this book has beautiful photos/ideas, the projects are more advanced so the instruction photos/directions were insufficient for me to grasp how to create the beautiful projects. If you're a novice, look elsewhere. I returned mine. Gave it 4 stars just because it isn't for everyone.

First time knotter
First, I haven't actually tried the knots in the book.But I have enjoyed reading the history of Chinese Knotting.And the diagrams and instructions look clear and easy to follow.Some of the photos are clearly from the 80's, but the basic knots are timeless.

Good For Beginners and Experts
Lydia Chen has written a book that shows detailed, easy to read instructions.The book has interesting historical information.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Weaving    6. China    7. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (9)

Awesome!!!!!
Sometimes I just want to pick up a knitting book just to drool over the designs, colors, textures rather than attempt something. The patterns appear rather well written and easy to follow-it's just that I am a basic, basic, basic knitter and have not reached this "Zen" level of knitting. This book TOTALLY inspired me to keep going. I WANT to be able to knit like this and use these yarns. I saw one review that said she couldn't find the yarn. Concidentally, the other day I was in AC Moore craft store and picked up a magazine titled Interweave Knits. Almost every one of the yarns were listed in this magazine! I will always reach for this book for inspiration.

Lavish with Some Practical Problems
This book is beautiful beyond belief. The photographs are beautiful and it's interesting to compare and contrast the different views of handpainting yarn and design sensibilities presented here. I also liked the insights provided into running small yarn companies coupled with the sense of craft in different parts of the US. The big pages can inspire dreams about knitting and the book is a great spur to the imagination.Some of the designs are not to my taste but there are many tastes presented here and I'm sure most readers would find plenty of things they like. Need inspiration?read this book!
As a handspinner, I'm always curious about what other spinners and dyers are doing.Handpaint Country was impossible to put down.The photos are beautiful and I was enchanted by the stories of the women who spin and dye in the book.Their yarns are gorgeous!i thought some of the projects in the book were a little odd, but other than that, it's a great book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dyes and dyeing    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Patterns    8. United States    9. Yarn    10. Spinning & weaving   

Reviews (4)

The best of its kind....
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....
Hooray for Crochet
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.

Good all-around reference book
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. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clothing Construction    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fancy work    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework    7. Needlework - General    8. Quilts & Quilting    9. Textile Arts    10. Textile crafts    11. Weaving    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Weaving    13. Needlework & fabric crafts    14. Spinning & weaving   

Reviews (18)

Wonderful, a delight to read!
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!
Informative and Interesting
I am a beginning spinner, trying to learn how to work the wheel to get the different kinds of yarn I want.Admittedly, much of Amos's book is technical, with mathematical equations that are more daunting than anything else, but there is an astounding array of knowledge, that, while not directly helpful to my goals is fascinating, nonetheless.So far (I'm up to chapter 5) I've learned a few techniques that have helped to craft my spinning into something more advanced than bumbling, but more than that, the book has sparked my further interest into the world of spinning.For example, I don't plan on growing, harvesting and preparing flax for spinnng, but I was fascinated with learning about the process.
The Alden Amos Big Book of Handspinning
I bought this book on spinning because it is so comprehensive, but written in an entertaining manner. As a beginning spinner, who is also working to become a Master Spinner, I find this book can answer all my questions about any facet of spinning. It covers different fibers and their preparation.types of spinning wheels and spindles and all the other equipment needed for all levels of spinning. It is a book that a beginner can start with and still find useful as they progress in their spinning abilities. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hand spinning    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Textile Arts - General    7. Weaving    8. Spinning & weaving   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Double weaving    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Patterns    6. Weaving    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Weaving    8. Spinning & weaving   

Reviews (1)

Beautiful and Inspiring
The Art of the Loom is really inspirational for a beginning weaver like myself. There are beautiful color and black and white photographs of stunning pieces from around the world and throughout time, and people weaving on many different types of traditional looms. There are also illustrations explaining how much of the weaving is done, although many of them were difficult for me to digest as I am brand new at weaving. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in traditional and multi-cultural weaving. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Dyes and dyeing    3. Hand spinning    4. Hand weaving    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Spinning    7. Weaving    8. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (7)

Simple and to the point
This book is very simple and to the point. It has great diagrams to show how to do the braiding. Very easy to understand. I am very glad to have found it. Thanks

As Good As It Gets
This is pretty much as good as leather braiding instruction books get for people who want to make authentic, impressive, usable things, right now.
Good Inexpensive Alternative
Bought this at a Tandy store many years ago and had to replace it recently (made the "mistake" of loaning it out). I bought this instead of Encyclopedia of Rawhide and Leather Braiding. by Bruce Grant. While the other book may be good, the price tag made me balk and not being able to actually flip through it first made me wonder about if it was worth the money.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Leathercraft    5. Weaving    6. Handicrafts   

Reviews (4)

good for beginners and veterans
This is a great book for both beginner and advanced loomers.It has great instructions and pictures and is easy to follow.
Great starter book
I bought this book based on a mention in a beading magazine. The patterns are very beautiful and the instructions are clear. It's a good buy for someone starting to loom (like me).

this is a beautiful book!
There is something for everyone in this book. If you just want to look at the pictures, it is interesting, and has information on how to finish the projects. I was not disappointed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies / Weaving    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Beadwork    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Handlooms    7. Patterns    8. Weaving   

Reviews (4)

Learning to Weave & Weaver's Companion
Both of these books are excellent references for weaving! The Learning book by Deborah Chandler covers everything from your decision to become a weaver of fabrics to becoming a professional who does custom fabric designs; all in a simple easy-to-understand classroom language, with beautiful illustrations. My weaving instructor reccommended this book for me and I'm certainly glad she did!
great little book
Great book, esp. for beginner weavers. It has just about every little fast fact needed for weaving in case you forget steps along the way.

Nice reference
I'm a beginning weaver.This book has all the loom parts and the information a beginner needs.It also has some information that more advanced weavers may appreciate (but I don't yet understand). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Hand weaving    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Weaving    5. Crafts & Hobbies / Weaving    6. Spinning & weaving