Book Review: The Weaver's Idea Book

By Sandy Amazeen Sep 5, 2010, 18:32 GMT

New and experienced weavers alike are always on the lookout for new weave-structure patterns. The Weaver\'s Idea Book presents a wide variety of patterns for the simple rigid-heddle loom, accompanied by harness drafts for multishaft looms. The techniques include leno, Brooks bouquet, soumak, and embroidery on fabric. Each chapter contains weaving patterns along with swatches illustrating the techniques, accompanied by step-by-step photography.The book is arranged by structure or type of ...more

Many weavers begin with a simple rigid heddle loom and quickly move on to a multiple harness loom discounting the former as being too basic. With this comprehensive guide, Patrick has challenged that misconception by demonstrating the versatility of this humble loom. Starting with the design possibilities of tabby, Patrick then goes on to explore finger-controlled weaves, pick-up stick techniques and by using a second heddle, doubleweave. Covering everything from cut pile, leno lace and honeycomb to krokbragd, the variety covered by these techniques is quite simply amazing.

Although there are some excellent samplers that facilitate the learning process, this is not a project book but instead, provides all the instruction necessary to confidently execute your own designs. Hardcover with a spiral binding, the pages to stay put which is a boon to anyone who has ever struggled to keep their place while trying to follow a treadling pattern. Jam-packed with tips, clear photos demonstrating the warping process and so much more, weavers will find themselves frequently consulting this outstanding reference guide.