Customer Reviews

The Braided Rug Book: Creating Your Own American Folk Art

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When I read Norma's first edition in 2000, hers was the only instructional 'manual' to come around in a very long time. In grandmotherly supportive speech, Norma presents an excellent book for the beginner.

Norma focuses on three common shapes: round, oval and heart. High quality photographs accompany directions. Norma's butting instruction (joining the braid's head and tail so that ends are interwoven and invisibly seamed) make this initially difficult task much easier to learn via step by step pictures.

There are many photos of rugs --by home crafters as well as professional rug makers--in both continuous spiral and fully butted designs. Some examples inspiring.

While there is nothing "new" for intermediate to advanced braiders, and I personally prefer an oval center to contain an equal number of braids on both sides of the first laced row (Norma's doesn't), this book tops my list for basic overall clarity in instruction.

This book starts with the history of the braided rug in the USA then goes on to provides details on planning, tools, and techniques. There are many pages of color pictures of existing rugs along with a color chart to follow. Many of the rugs are innovative in design and colors, but there is a good choice of more conservative designs, too. I found this book to be so useful, that, after checking it out of the local library 3 times, I've finally put in an order to buy my own copy.

I picked this book up along with several others to introduce myself to the art of rug braiding. This one had the best instructions, the best step-by-step illustrations, and a truly lovely and inspiring gallery of photographs of different styles and colors of rugs that really made me want to leap right in so I could make stuff that gorgeous, too.

Shortcomings: she doesn't encourage experimenting with cotton strip, which I am finding much less intimidating than wool, which is harder to get and more expensive since i have to order it online. She also stresses perfection---understandable in a craftsman, for sure, but intimidating to a beginner.

Best things: She makes you want to start braiding with her lovely photos, and you can get ideas for color arrangements you'd like to try.

I did pick up and start braiding a rug after reading the book, though, and that's probably the best thing you can say about a craft book.

I found this book to be very helpful in teaching me the art of braided rugs. Very well illustrated and clear explanations in the how-to of the art.

First, I want to be clear. I have never made a braided rug, and in all likelihood, never will. I purchased this book because, while not interested in making a braided rug myself, I do collect (and at times, sell) this form of American Folk Art. To do this well requires a acertain amount of knowledge and I did receive just what I wanted from this particular book, i.e. knowledge that I most certainly needed. The book I am reviewing here is the revised edition, 2006. The authors have given us a great overview of this craft, starting with a nicely done history. They include techniques, materials, tools and patterns. For the crafter, the directions, while a bit intimidating, are never-the-less quite precise and include color schemes, measurements and again, variations of techniques. The photographs of the various patterns are wonderful (in my case I found this to be most useful), very clear, very precise. I appreciate the author's insistence on prefection as this is one of those things I am interested in and need to know it, i.e. high quality, when I see it. I also appreciated the section on care and cleaning of these wonderful items. One page (124) gives a very nice list of the qualities of a well made rug. Again, this was most useful for my situation. I cannot see how you could go wrong with this one. After reading the instructions I feel, If I were so inclined, that even I, with no craft talent for working in fabrics what so ever, could actually creat one of these things. Overall, highly recommend this one.

I originally checked this book out of the local library (along with some others that were not so good). It has the best illustrated instructions and there are many other colorful photos and project examples. Now I'm putting it on my wish list. I'd like my own copy to be able to refer to!

I am so glad I came across this book! I've looked through most of the books available on rug braiding. This one is the absolute best on the subject!

The new edition contains additional braiding techniques, nice photos, great illustrations. A must-have purchase.

This is a great book for first-timers. Clear instruction on the basics and beyond and the encouragement to be your own artist. Lots of helpful tips about materials, time consumption, braiding techniques, colorations and care of your rugs.

Although this book is very attractive, I was disappointed, as I often am with "how to" books, in that the authors are so expert and know their subject so well they cannot or do not put themselves in the position of the neophyte. If you already know how to create a braided rug but need more expert guidance, this is a good book for you. Otherwise, it is too difficult.

The Braided Rug Book: Creating Your Own American Folk Art