Customer Reviews

Weaving Without a Loom

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My mother was a remarkable artist and craftswoman, who taught herself how to spin and weave. I often wish I'd taken the time to sit with her and watch so that I might have learned, too, but as usual with adult children, I was too busy with my own life to do that. Since inheriting my mother's spinning wheel and table loom, however, I'm inspired to learn more. I decided to start with a survey of weaving techniques, and this book, Weaving without a Loom, by Veronica Burningham, seemed like a good place to start.

I have to admit, it covers a little of everything and does so in a logical, practical style. Right from the beginning, the author has the reader working with paper weaving to familiarize with terms, procedures and end products. As many of you may recall from kindergarten and early grade school, paper weaving produced those placemats and baskets one made for Mother's Day and other similar holidays in "art" class. Beyond this, the reader also learns about "tabby" and "twill" weaving patterns and what happens with colors. In examining the book a little further, one also learns that the paper with the slots in it is a "warp," while the strips of paper (or ribbon) woven through it is a "weft." Technical terminology can't get much simpler.

After this initial exposure to weaving on its most basic level, the author introduces a variety of techniques, requiring nothing more expensive than sticks, paper forms, embroidery hoops, dinner forks, and picture frames. At each stage, the reader gets closer to weaving on a formal loom and the principles of "sheds" "heddles" and beaters. The products that the beginner is able to complete are remarkable for their individuality and beauty. The tam made on a piece of cardstock, and the carrying bag made on similar material are truly lovely and should lend themselves to individual experiments, even at the beginner level. While little hands may need some help with making weaving equipment, most of the woven work should be very easy for them to manage and should produce pleasing results. Although at times the instructions are a little confusing, the color photos show clearly what the author is trying to teach, so that anyone can enjoy the craft. Learning some of the terminology and techniques at this basic level should help the more adventurous move to more complicated forms of weaving like inkle and table or floor loom work.

I'd recommend this book to any school system, school or public library or children's room. The museum in the city where I live has a family room where children can work with some of the media that artists do. This would be a wonderful addition for such a room in any museum. It also minimizes the need for expensive equipment to teach the art. The author and publisher give express permission to reproduce designs for individual use and for charity purposes, so copyright is not an issue.

For those wanna-be weavers with limited funds, and uncertain skills, this book is definitely for you. "Weaving Without a Loom" clearly explains through written directions and close-up colored photographs, various techniques that really, truly do not require any special equipment other than yarn, scissors, dowels, and other easily acquired craft items. The author, Veronica Burningham, is a member of the Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers. In addition to general tips about choosing

colors,yarns,and designs, she has specific chapters that cover types of weaves;weaving on sticks; weaving on card; weaving on rings (such as embroidery hoops); weaving on hardboard (corrugated cardboard); and weaving on picture frames. On the downside, only about ten specific projects, suitable for adults or grade school children, are included in the book. However, if you can supply at least some of your own imagination and choices, this is an excellent way to kick-start a new hobby. In addition to personal use, the publishers allow items made from the instructions to be sold for charity without charge or special permission (great for church, scouting, or school fund-raising bazaars).

It's a fun book. I bought it to find out whether I like weaving, without buying an expensive loom (I do.) I've only made 2 of the several projects, and they're definitely doable. What I have found is that the instructions are not quite as complete as one might wish; maybe she's relying on a person's common sense (!). Also, the weaving on a card is fun - but only after you make the card with the itty-bitty cuts - very tedious and sort of annoying. And one more thing: this is NOT weaving without a loom (except for the weaving sticks). It must be the marketing division who named the book without actually reading it. It's mostly weaving on several different homemade looms, one for each project.

I don't care - it's still fun!

This book is a geat How-To-Book for beginners. Great projects that can be used; such as a shawl, hats, belts, several purses, decorative and household items. It provides really nice photographic and text instructions for paper samples, small size yarn practice samples in various weave styles and more. Very practical for the beginner and for teaching others.

What a fun book. Easy to understand. Good pictures to explain. Would recommend.

Interesting book, full of projects I'm likely to try. This one is a keeper and that comes from a weaver who has been at it for awhile