On the Loom: A Modern Weaver's Guide

by Maryanne Moodie

In On the Loom , textile artist Maryanne Moodie brings the ancient art of weaving to the modern day in a comprehensive guide packed with step-by-step tutorials and beautiful photography.

Learn the basics of this simple and beautiful craft with valuable information on basic stitches, tools needed, and even how to make your own looms. Split by loom type—circular, rectangular, and even found objects—24 lush, bohemian, and uniquely modern projects for the home and to wear draw deeply on the nostalgic quality of vintage textiles.

In addition to the how-to, this is the ultimate resource for finding your own creativity and style through this medium, from learning which materials to use for different effects to discovering how to use color to create vintage-inspired projects with a modern twist.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Crafts, Reference

144 pages, Hardcover

First published September 20, 2016

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

On the Loom was disappointing. Based on the book’s cover and title and my understanding of Maryanne Moodie’s work, I expected the book to include lots of photos of different wall hangings to inspire creativity. There are only 3 wall hangings in the book and most of the rest of the projects are just an odd mix of non-weaving crafts (like a lampshade wrapped in yarn or a rug sewn into a handbag), super unattractive wearable weavings, (like a giant rag scarf that looks so heavy and bulky it seems the wearer would fall over from its weight and a hair weaving that a very limited number of people could/would wear), or projects that seem like children's arts and crafts projects (like ornaments made from cardboard and string, a bicycle basket threaded with yarn, a tiny twig weaving, and a fort made from branches wrapped in ribbons). None of the projects, except one of the wall hangings, even remotely resembles any of the hundreds of weavings posted on Maryann’s Instagram and elsewhere on the web. As an advanced beginner weaver interested in wall hangings, I found nothing in the book to inspire. And as a fan of Maryanne Moodie’s work, I found the book confusing – it just didn’t seem to represent her, or at least the persona she’s created on social media.

[Zendegi · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you really like the image on the cover, you might like the rest of the projects in this book. If not, this is probably not worth your time. The intro gives a decent overview of weaving and materials used. However, when it gets into instructions for basic weaving techniques, the pictures used are taken so far away from the weaving that you can't really see what is being done and the color choice doesn't make it easier to see. The instructions for the projects are mostly written description without photos to show the techniques, so there would be a lot of wading through description for beginners.

"On the Loom" is also a bit of a misleading title as many of the projects do not involve a loom. While it is neat that there is a wide range of types of projects, many of them are pretty simple (and ugly IMO) and could be done by any 6 year old without developed skill. I had not known of Maryanne Moodie's work before reading this book, so didn't have much expectation for what the projects would be like. Another reviewer commented that the projects do not reflect her work displayed on her Instagram so I checked out her work. Whoa, that reviewer is totally right! Don't expect to learn how to make gorgeous projects like she shows on her social media from her book.

[Megan Bzoch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say I was ecstatic when I found out the famous Maryanne Moodie was publishing a Weaver's Guide. I immediately pre-ordered "On the Loom" through Amazon. I do love that she incorporated lots of different ways to use your woven works in other creative ways other than just wall hangings. Though I was definitely still expecting to see a lot more wall hanging tutorials as well, there were only 3 included. I also noticed that quiet a few of the projects in the book were not even "Weaving/ Woven" projects at all. I would have greatly appreciated this book a lot more if it had included step by step photos showing you how to complete the tutorials. Overall, I'm still happy to have the book & look forward to creating some of the projects! Thanks Maryanne!!

[Mack · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an inspirational read because I have always been interested in weaving. I may have to join a workshop to get started on the basics of weaving but it did teach me a few skills and techniques to start me on my journey.

[B. Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

Since this was a how-to book, I read the first part of it- the introductions etc., and then scanned through the how-to steps & the projects that it offered. }
There are some interesting techniques that I want to try in this, but my general thought is that for a how-to book this offers very little in the way of pictures. There's maybe one or two for each project, despite the many steps involved. As I'm a visual learner, the idea of trying to decipher what words mean & how to translate them into physical steps is an exhausting prospect.
I think this would work better in print versus on a screen.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not the best book for a beginner unless you are really into the author’s particular style and equipment choices. The author primarily uses a tapestry loom and needle, or unusually shaped looms such as circles or found objects to make decorative pieces. Her aesthetic is very different than mine so I found most of the projects unappealing and I had some trouble deciding on a rating. I do appreciate how the author offers low-cost ways of making looms such as cardboard looms or using straws to make a very long, narrow piece without needing a giant loom. If the cover photo inspires you, you will probably love this book as the author’s niche aesthetic is pretty consistent.

[Belinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really quite disappointing. Most of the information was available online, and many of the projects are barely even weaving, per se. I was hoping to get more guidance on techniques and styles, but there wasn't a huge amount. The photographs of the techniques that were there were disappointing. I sent my copy back for a refund, which I very rarely do.
I really fail to see how a lampshade wrapped in yarn and a storebought rug sewn into a tote bag really counts as weaving. She does tell you how to weave the rug yourself, but then recommends buying a storebought one on the next page.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love how Maryanne Moodie could have told us all how to make something just like her the work on her Instagram, but instead, she took a broader view of weaving and encouraged everybody to try some nuttier stuff. Reminds me of those 70s handwritten craft books that I love in attitude, but with modern-style actual complete project directions.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the projects are very....let us say, bohemian. It goes over the basics of weaving, and creating your own looms, and there's lots of pictures! I don't really understand fiber craft instructions when they're written out, but with the pictures, I can figure out what's going on, so props for all the pictures.

[Jaime Lyerly · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I didn't already know how to weave, this book would be a bad start to it. It says very little about stitches, finishing, and if the person doesn't know how to weave in ends, you'll get no help from this book. It didn't even talk about the front cover weaving, which is why I bought it. I gave it an extra star for having some cute upcycling and off the loom ideas.

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a better beginner's guide with clear stitch tutorials than Moodie's second book (which makes sense). I also liked the range of relatively simple, desirable projects here (the rag rug and holiday ornament are examples). Still need a video to nail the soumak stitch though. I cannot figure it out from pictures and text alone...le sigh!

[Jina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was really lacking any guts. It's very very minimal, except when it comes to the projects - which are a not really my cup of tea. I'm glad this wasn't the only book at my library on learning to use a lap loom.

[Sharon Shoemaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Loom is not your average weaving book. There are many creative projects in this book. The looms used are non-traditional, and sometimes created out of household items. I really want to try the projects on this book

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for beginners. I like that she included circle and non-traditional looms as well.

[Daphné Goens · Rating 1 out of 5]

Eigen mening en bevindingen worden besproken, veel tekst met weinig uitlegggende foto's, en als er dan al een foto is met uitleg totaal niet duidelijk

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was nice to learn some basics on how to weave.

[Jillybb · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is probably a good book, but not for beginners.

[julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro section

[Elizabeth Veillette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Maryanne's work, but was a bit underwhelmed by this book. Would love to see a coffee table book documenting her compendium of work from start to finish instead.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a lot of great ideas from this book!

[Shelby Nower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trying to research weaving, and nearly all the digital library books on the subject are checked out. So that's who is using the website, huh?

I like that Maryanne shows how you can really make a loom out of anything. She has tips that open weaving up for everyone, and I think that's one of the best thing craft books can do. She has instructions for cardboard and Hula Hoop looms that anyone could create with very little cost. I particularly like the weird looms, like the sticks and the teepee. Would love to weave on even stranger objects.

Her scarf design is stunning. I think that's my favorite. May have to give that one a try. And the sticks, obviously. Or even the cardboard loom. All of them are cool.

[S Eyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent primer on modern weaving, as long as you aren't looking to focus solely on wall hangings. Moodie opens with a brief personal history as a textile artist, then moves into a chapter detailing the basics: materials, tools, introductory weaving stitches, and even how to build your own loom. Further chapters are divided by loom type: rectangular, circular, and non- traditional, with projects under each sub-type (there are 24 projects in total). While I wouldn't make every project here, the diversity shown certainly helps the reader to consider less common objects as potential looms, and are welcome additions.

Overall, a lovely addition to the craft library and recommended for crafters interesting in modern weaving at the beginner level; definitely not for intermediate weavers, but very pretty to look at (the photographs are gorgeous) and would make a terrific gift.

[Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful tool for getting started. And pretty.

[Keishua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book. Very electric mix of projects. I was only interested in a few (I just have small rectangle looms). Good instructions.

[Alix]

Good: very basic overview of tool names, fibers, and basic weaving stitches. It's presented in a way that's not overwhelming at all, so that's nice. Also the encouragement to be creative with looms was appreciated.

Bad: The Kindle formatting. Tiny pictures are tiny and you're not at all sure which direction they're illustrating without some mental gymnastics.

Ugly: Many of the patterns. Especially the appropriative ones. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯