This book is unendingly fascinating if you have any interest in history, textiles, reproductions, or any related topics. Not only is there a ton of archaeological information, there are amazing patterns for reenactors, methodology for how to get the most accurate reproductions, and so much more. I had heard of the Bog Jacket at one of the weaving seminars I attended, this book not only describes the circumstances that led to the Bog Jacket being preserved, the method from which they were created, but there is also a pattern for how to make your own with a few different variations depending on what you want to make. Whether you want to read this just for the history, to create accurate reproductions, purchase accurate reproductions, or just have a fascination with textiles then this is a great book for you. I would recommend this even if you are just getting into archaeology and anthropology so that you remember that what you think is just a rock might be a spindle whorl!

Maj

3 reviews

June 29, 2026

An interesting and fun book. I did enjoy it a lot, but I found a lot of the information to be more on the beginner side of things. As such, I feel that it would be a bit uninspiring for those who have dabbled in reenactment or historical sewing/clothing past a beginner level. Still, I greatly enjoyed it and would recommend it to those still in the beginning stages of bronze/iron age reenactment or clothing interest.

clothing crafting

Judy

143 reviews8 followers

June 5, 2026

A beautiful combo of research and stories *with patterns*. DeRushie talks about S-twist versus Z-twist in spinning, about warp-weighted looms versus tubular warped looms, about dyes, about Bronze Age stitching styles and more. I may not plan to make my own bone needles but I feel happy that I have an inkling about how to do so. What more could you ask for?