Weaving has always fascinated me. Think about it--so many of our fabrics are created by weaving! Perhaps it is the sewer and quilter in me and my love of fabrics that makes me so intrigued. I always wonder about the patterns in woven works. Now with that said the only looms we have are ones for kids. Therefore, I was interested in Weaving Big on a Little Loom by Fiona Daly.
From the Publisher:
For intermediate and advanced crafters, these eight illustrated loom weaving projects help you create sustainable, attractive, and useful textile pieces for your home and wardrobe—or to give as gifts. This step-by-step guide to weaving large projects on a little loom is packed with over 200 color photographs.Use your frame loom to create eight large, impactful weaving projects, including an oversized scarf, a snood, a shoulder bag, a mesh shopping bag, a bathroom mat, a table runner, and two types of cushions. With straightforward instructions, weave patterns, and vivid color photography, this helpful how-to guide leads you through each step of these inspired projects.
First, choose your materials, focusing on finding the best, most sustainable textiles and yarns for your project. Next, learn about a special type of frame loom with a detachable top and bottom bar that will enable you to create pieces up to six and a half feet in length. Learn how to create 8 different weave structures, then, try your hand at each of the eight creative large-scale loom projects that are sure to impress family and friends. Once you're finished, you can proudly wear, carry, or display your contemporary weave work anywhere. You can also learn how to make your own frame loom for large projects using a simple guide.
From Me:
Sadly, my children's looms do not work for most of these projects, and I will admit Hazel had them in her mess of a room until recently. Therefore, I did not try any of the projects for myself. However, I love how the book is set up. It begins with choosing the materials or fibers you will use to weave. It goes through different options as well as repurposing yarn from other things like an old sweater or old project.
Next it goes into tools that you will need. This is the chapter that made me realize my simple loom was not the kind she was talking about. This chapter teaches you the names of all the different parts of a loom and how to use them! It goes through the basics to weave with a pattern and shares different options of what and how to do things. The photographs are amazing!!
I think my favorite part is the Weave Directory. It shows eight different weave patterns including vertical houndstooth, vertical herringbone, waffle weave, pinwheel, log cabin, plain houndstooth, 1/1 color, and check. I think my goal will be to learn how to make at least one of these patterns. I love the log cabin one!
After all the techniques and basics come the projects! There are eight projects in the book. They include pillows, bags, scarves and more! The instructions are so clear and include everything from dressing the loom to the actual weaving and making sure you are getting the pattern as well as variations and then finishing the project. It is so detailed.
There is even a tutorial to make a frame loom as well as lessons about grafting and different knots. The book is very complete and is perfect for someone who wants to go beyond the beginning weaving skills. You can see the details of the projects with the next two photographs. They are several of the pages of the infinity scarf but not the complete tutorial.
So, if you are ready to take the next step in your weaving, be sure to check out this great book!
