I continue to explore different crafts and that search led me to “The Weaving Explorer.” Before reading the book, I knew absolutely nothing about weavI continue to explore different crafts and that search led me to “The Weaving Explorer.” Before reading the book, I knew absolutely nothing about weaving, and was hoping to learn some basic skills. The first few pages were encouraging and I felt I had chosen a book that would fulfill my expectations.
The initial project, “God’s Eye,” had instructions that were easily understandable, and authors Deborah Jarchow and Gwen W. Steege included plenty of color photographs. The dorset buttons really grabbed my attention, although I saw that my understanding had begun to slip a bit. Subsequent projects convinced me that this book was not the best for total beginners.
On the positive side, I read through the entire book and managed to pick up some knowledge, which at the very least should help me to pick out a companion book that is geared toward prospective weavers who have zero experience. I say companion book because “The Weaving Explorer” has a ton of positives that should ensure a prominent place on anyone’s crafting bookshelf.
There are well over 30 projects in this book, and each is accompanied by instructions and pictures. Not all of them are made with yarn, and the book includes items that can be made with paper or wire. It was a nice feature to spotlight numerous artists who have pushed the weaving boundaries and created new ideas. Best of all (for us beginners), there is an appendix which shows how to build items like a frame loom (thus eliminating the need to buy these items). Measuring and calculating requirements for projects and demonstrations of different weaving knots were especially helpful. A glossary of weaving terms and a list of common needles and threads round out this section.
All things considered, this is an impressive book and while it was not the beginner’s book I had originally hoped for, it is definitely a keeper. Five stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for an advance electronic copy of this book. ...more
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