Customer Reviews

Small Loom & Freeform Weaving: Five Ways to Weave

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

 

 

I repeat what another reviewer said: this book is NOT for beginners. Unless you know absolutely how to weave, do not waste your money because there are no pictorial directions and the directions/explanations fall woefully short of being helpful. A big dissapointment... The front and back covers are all that's inside, folks. I'll be returning this book. Originally I read the reviews and thought I would keep it no matter what, but now that I've seen it, no way.

The book is well illustrated, but the projects are nothing special. The longest portion of the book is spent on a specific brand of lap loom and the rest of the projects are kind of thrown in. I was disappointed and if I had seen the book beforehand, I would not have purchased it.

This is a fun book for people who enjoy turning unusual things into looms. It's great for getting ideas for coming up with your own funky weaving projects. It's not really for beginners. Beautiful pictures and great for inspiring creativity.

I was a bit so-so about this book until I got it and started looking through the various projects and techniques the author uses. She's definitely a woman after my own heart! Many of these techniques were written about in the 70's, but the books were either speaking to experienced textile students, or written for primary school classes, and so missed the rest of us.
Barbara Mathieson has taken the rather sparse and boring instructions from the 70s, dusted them off, and turned them right around so that they are bright, interesting, imaginative, innovative and gentle on the pocket. You can of course run out and purchase a rigid heddle loom to try these techniques out, but you could also get duct tape, cardboard and a comb to work just as well!
If you are into DYI, or on a strict budget, or just want to see if you could enjoy weaving, this is the book for you! If, like me, you like the challenge of using small looms for big results, you are not forgotten either. Its great to know how to make a custom loom for a particular project, and enjoy the freedom that this form of weaving gives you, without the restrictions of heddles and harnesses. And the possibilities for mixed media projects are endless.
Read, experiment and have fun!

I am disappointed with this book. It is primarily a supplement when you have purchased the looms it uses. These is a pin-weaving writeup and a rather poorly designed frame loom. Also, the lack of using actual weaving terminology makes this book a poor learning tool.

Weaving can be a solitary craft. The small looms in this book allow you to join the knitters and crocheters and weave in public. The instructions for each loom are very clear, and the projects are great starting off points. If you want to explore weaving and have little space for a loom, this book is for you. If you have a potholder loom and wonder if you can make more than potholders, this book will tell you how. If you have an old small loom and can't figure out how to use it, this book may have the answers for you.

I am learning weaving and got several weaving books from the library before deciding which ones to purchase to have as references at home. I enjoyed reading this book, but I will not be buying a copy of it to have at home.

I enjoyed reading this book because it had many ideas of how to use regular household items and use them for weaving (for example, several ways of making your own loom or using a hair comb for beating). I might use some of the ideas as I purchased some but not all weaving tools.

I also enjoyed it because it gave me several ideas that I want to use in my own projects.
(1) how to make different knots for the fringe
(2) different fringe ideas including beading (and how to use masking tape to hold the edge in place)
(3) project for making eye glasses case
(4) project for making a sash/belt
(5) funky shaped purse

There are a few sections useful for a beginner, such as troubleshooting and making knots, but no instructional text that will take would take you step by step through dressing the loop or first weaving steps.

The bottom line is that I found this book interesting to read, but not a book that I will be coming back to again and again.

This is an interesting book containing 30 projects and five ways to weave. I actually purchased the book for the information on weavette looms. But am amazed to find out what you can do with a comb. Even though the projects are intriguing they could stand a little better description.

I set up several rigid heddle looms for others but sort of bypassed them for myself. Yet I am still interested in patterns, and other people's projects. I do not think I will try Pin weaving but it was interesting to read about.

For the price you cannot go wrong by adding this book to your library and some new skills to your repertoire.

Overshot is Hot!: The Best of Weaver's (Best of Weaver's series)

I am so happy with this book. Finally a modern weaving big with many frreform options and also has a good descriptions of looms to consider. It has many projects as well. I cant wait to try the Weavette Looms and the Wheel Looms! Fun, fun, fun!

The book gave me some new ideas on weaving. I have a loom and I am just getting started. Unable to find someone to help me I have figured weaving out and I love it. A good book.