Creative Weaving

by Sarah Howard, Elisabeth Kendrick

The timeless craft of weaving is experiencing a resurgence of interest—and this colorful guide, featuring 30 spectacular fabric designs, shows just how easy it is to learn and how enjoyable it can be to do. Follow a thorough tutorial in the basics, complete with beautiful hand-drawn illustrations that lay out how to work with a table loom. Then try a variety of weaving styles, from traditional to playful, from subtle variations in color to bold experiments with form. Work with traditional fibers or play with unusual materials such as recycled fabrics, feathers, foil, and even plastic bags. A gallery showcases how 12 weaves can be transformed into functional objects, including throws, cushions, shawls, and scarves.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts

111 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2007

Reviews

[Sasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The introductory chapters have value, but after that the "project" chapters are basically like "Red! Weave something in red! Red is great!" with pretty pictures and fancy names for the colors; each chapter is a different color. That's about it. Also annoying presentation--large and dramatic fonts on pictorial backgrounds so that the whole thing is very hard to actually read. A dud.

[Lobug · Rating 4 out of 5]

The patterns are very simple and basic- just runners and such, but quite lovely. The best part of the book, though, is the clear, step-by-step instructions on how to warp a rigid heddle loom and the basics of weaving. Since I am clueless, this is just the kind of book I was looking for.

[Cal · Rating 1 out of 5]

I look does this up thinking that it would nudge me to pick up my frame loom. Imagine my disappointment when all instructions are aimed at a rigid heddle, making it completely useless to me. I scanned the cover and description for some clue that it wouldn't be suitable for all, but all it says is that you need a portable loom - which mine is.
I skipped pages of instruction that didn't apply to my loom, and was heartened to see peg loom set up explained. I have one of those, so maybe this would be useful after all. All patterns are laid out for rigid heddle looms, which made that a baffling inclusion

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful gallery of woven fabric, too little instruction of technique. Basic weaving instruction at beginning of the book including how to warp a riddle heddle loom, basics of plain weave with minimal info on maintaining selvages , as well as to me, insufficient instructions for pick up sticks, peg looms, and embellishments.
Gorgeous gallery but falls flat.

[Grayson · Rating 2 out of 5]

It had some pretty fabrics, but didn't really teach me anything.

[Elie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I looked at this book on the internet and decided against purchasing. Found it in my library and am so glad I didn't buy it. The book is fun to flip through. But there is not a lot in it. Mostly just color photos of yarns.
That being said, its really interesting to see the yarn combinations she uses and the resulting cloth.

[Catherine Stickann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the set up of this book. Good instruction in the first of the book and creative ideas in the main body of the book. I found the interesting use of color and texture inspiring. The one thing missing is pictures of the finished projects. This makes a huge difference in the way I rated the book. I would love to see the picture that are missing. The lack of pictures makes the reader feel as if they were cheated.

[Kami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures but I doubt I could learn to weave by reading a book. I would need to apprentice with an experienced weaver for a while.

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

lovely pictures - inspiring rather than informative