The author, Marguerite Porter Davison, an experienced and gifted handweaver, has researched and photographed this extensive collection of traditional handweaving patterns. She presents them in this compendium with pattern instructions and clear black and white photos of each weave pattern. The book includes an introduction; a discussion and chart of comparative yarn sizes; a section entitled, "A Few Suggestions from Old Weavers; and 21 chapters covering pattern groups and individual designs. These Twill Treadlings; Bird's Eye and Rose Path (15 types); Modified Twills (25 types); Twill Combinations (30); Grouped Warp Threads (24); M's and O's (21); Canvas-Weaves (14); Texture Weaves (22); Huck-a-Back Weaves (11); Barley Corn (26); Swedish Lace Weave (15); Monk's Belt (15); Thousand Flowers (14); Block Designs (19); Diamonds (18); Rose Designs (17); Overshot Novelties (22); Large Overshot (22); Squares with Border (14); Summer and Winter (12); Crackle Weave 21). Self-published by Marguerite Porter Davison, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, (1971), 9th printing - revised edition. 217 pp, 4to (11 1/4" H), hard cover in dust jacket.
Marguerite Porter Davison began her career at Berea College under the guidance of Mrs. Anna Ernberg, who was encouraging the mountain people to bring forth their traditional colonial weaving patterns. As Mrs. Ernberg's assistant, Mrs. Davison became thoroughly familiar with these well-established and long-loved patterns.
Despite the cares of raising a family and of time generously given to numerous worthy causes, Mrs. Davison engaged extensively in weaving, teaching and lecturing. In later years much of her efforts were devoted to writing and publishing. She was an active member of the Associated Hand Weavers and of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen.
Today her published works live on, ensuring that her weaving patterns remain in the hearts and hands of those who carry on the tradition.