Shirley E. Held

This appears to be a textbook for a weaving class. Throughout the book are very nice color plates, illustrating both old and new textiles.

The first part of the book covers the history of weaving in various cultures and at different stages in history. Part two delves into the mechanics of the loom and weaving. There is a section on drafting and how to read drafts. In this section is a very nice layout for the four shaft weaver of the basic weaves and their drawdowns. From there it surveys a show more multitude of weaving techniques, hand manipulated weaves and tapestry methods. Card weaving and inkle loom weaving are touched on, but best learned from books that concentrate on these techniques.

The last parts of the book go into spinning and dyeing and the principles of design. There are several charts for yarn yards per pound and suggested setts for various yarns and weave structures.

This book is an interesting overview of the whole weaving process. show less

Shirley Held, a specialist in weaving and design, opens the book with a brief history of fabric construction... Beginning with weaving on the loom, Part II goes into the materials, tools and equipment, preparation, drafting, types of weaves, and finishing procedures. Part III looks at other construction methods -- pile weaves, simple looms, and non-loom techniques such as macramé, sprang, plaiting and braiding. Sections on spinning and coloring of yarns, and on elements of design, round out show more the information. show less

Shirley Held, a specialist in weaving and design, opens the book with a brief history of fabric construction... Beginning with weaving on the loom, Part II goes into the materials, tools and equipment, preparation, drafting, types of weaves, and finishing procedures. Part III looks at other construction methods -- pile weaves, simple looms, and non-loom techniques such as macramé, sprang, plaiting and braiding. Sections on spinning and coloring of yarns, and on elements of design, round out show more the information. show less