Member Reviews

Exquisite in its presentation of weaving as an art form this book offers inspiration, techniques, step-by-step instructions, projects,materials to use and most everything the reader could need to begin working in this medium. Also included are designers of the different types and their ideas and color photography of their works. The book is beautifully illustrated with photographs and diagrams. There is instructions on how to build your own looms and equipment. The book explores each of the different processes and techniques and includes projects from wall hangings to rugs to baskets to jewelry. This is a must have reference for anyone who wants to start weaving.

Was this review helpful?

This is an outstanding book that has inventive beginners projects for so many different kinds of weaving both with and without looms. The projects cover so many techniques and materials that anyone interested in weaving will find several projects to try. Each project is amply illustrated with clear instructions and detailed material lists.

With projects that use paper and no loom at all, the reader will even find techniques that can be done by kids. I was so excited to find in one book so many ideas for small projects that looked chic, not ugly, I went out and bought two small looms for projects in the book the day I read about them.

I have two small complaints about the book. First, the technical terms used are not always defined and this will make it hard for beginners. A glossary would be a nice addition. Second, one of the projects, but only one, is not weaving at all but a form of embroidery. It can only be called weaving because the needle goes over and under the fabric. By this definition any for of embroidery us weaving.

Even with these small problems, it's a great and inspiring book.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely fabulous book on many types to weaving techniques around all in one book. Beautifully photographed, explained and with fabulous projects for each. This is a must have for anyone interested in learning about weaving and those that want to explore further concepts.
Some of the areas covered are framed weaving, pin board, circular, woven buttons, tapestry weaving, kumihimo braids, the very old back weaving and fabric woven creations just to name a few.
I really love this book, the projects are modern, well demonstrated and practically. Great book

Was this review helpful?

The Weaving Explorer is a interesting and informative book on weaving. There are good pictures and great ideas.

Was this review helpful?

I was initially disappointed because I began to read the book on my monochrome kindle, and it looked bland and wordy. Shortly afterwards I noticed that other reviewers said the pictures were great so I downloaded it onto my phone and the difference was so dramatic! Colourful and vibrant. The moral of the story is either get this as a proper book or make sure to read it on a colour e-book reader.

As you might expect, the authors begin with the basics - history, materials, techniques, etc - and they feature quite a few well-chosen designs to highlight the methods and equipment and explain how to make them. I was surprised to find that the equipment needed for many of the basic techniques is very simple and can be made at home (at least for those of us who can manage to cut some wood and knock a few nails in, or know someone who can!) Some of the designs don't even need equipment beyond fingers, scissors and maybe a few pins.

I will try some of the more basic designs and also the kumihimo and wire work jewellery (I've had experience of these before). In summary, I enjoyed the book but still think it's a bit too wordy and more pictures would definitely be beneficial.

Thank to the publisher and NetGalley for an early ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading The Weaving Explorer. I thought it would be filled with pictures of artist work you might find in a gallery or museum, projects that would not be simple enough for the average reader. Boy, was I wrong! This book is filled with so many different types of projects that are beautiful, practical and mostly simple enough for any beginner who can read instructions. Included are step by step photos with each project and so many different techniques discussed. I was excited to see Kumihimo weaving tucked into this book as well as several jewelry projects. Materials are also varied from numerous textiles to wire and found materials from nature. With the popularity of boho design, I can see this project book being a great resource for many. I’m looking forward to starting on some woven buttons, circular weavings and rock paperweights. The author has included a detailed reference section at the back of the book which I find very helpful. Many thanks to Storey Publishing and Netgalley for this advanced reading copy for my honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Was this review helpful?

I am feeling a bit encouraged- and inspired! I can do the easy stuff at the beginning of this book. I never thought of a God's Eye as weaving! But I suppose it is.. Dorset Buttons? Yep, they are here, too Then your lead through simple projects to gain confidence and skill. Now I've had some experience with loom and shuttle work, but I am a long ways from doing anything toward the last half of the book. I'd really love to make some of the open weave items like the Free=Form Vessels. I have never had any success at making like objects, but maybe I'll figure out how to do it with this book. but I do want to try my hand at it again in the future. Who knows? On the down side, I wish there had been more photos of the projects being developed. Anyway, in time I might well produce some of these amazing projects!

Was this review helpful?

As someone with a life-long fascination and interest in looms, I couldn't wait to read this title. It does not translate well on digitally and I look forward to reading the "real" book. I was pleased to see a bit of history with each type of weaving, but most importantly, instructions!!! I can't wait to have it in my hands and start a new project!

Was this review helpful?

I have a very large box of leftover wool and scraps of yarn and fabric which I cannot throw away but don’t know what to do with!
Now I do! This is the go to book for anyone who would like to try weaving. It cover many different types of weaving and you are sure to find one that suits you. The instruction and photographs of examples are clear. There are lots of beautiful projects to have a go at. I especially found the section on knots and how to finish the edges of my work neatly extremely helpful.
This book would be enjoyed by any crafter or recycler.

Was this review helpful?

What a lovely book with beautiful, colorful pictures. This book reminded me so much of my childhood where we made these spider webs from sticks, chestnuts and yarn. In this book there are a lot of ideas to be creative with just things around you. No need for an expensive weaving loom. There is a project in it for everybody old or young.

Was this review helpful?