The Weaving Explorer

September 16, 2019
Dedicated and newbie weavers will find their dream projects in this lushly photographed primer on using everything from yarn and paper to wire and more to create unique and creative projects. Jarchow, a debut author, and Steege (The Knitter’s Life List), who has written or edited a wide range of craft books, view practically anything as a possible material in the weaver’s hand, and the diversity of their project list reflects that open-mindedness, with products ranging from a parachute-cord bag to elegant tapestries made from worsted weight yarn. They provide easy-to-understand directions to create such projects as beaded necklaces and bracelets and paper baskets, and, for those interested in making their own loom, an explanation of how to assemble a simple frame one. However, the authors don’t limit crafters to the loom, explaining how to make floor mats with a braiding tool known as a lucet, and how to weave “on, or with, some everyday materials: stones, paper, and ribbon.” Instructions for calculating yarn requirements, tips for success in different mediums, a glossary of weaving terms, and a list of commonly used materials round out this robust guide. Ideal for hobbyists and artists alike, Jarchow and Steege’s smart and beautiful volume will find its way to the keeper shelves of many craft aficionados.

Starred review from October 1, 2019
No looms, heddles, or any fancy kind of weaving equipment needed here (for the most part). Weaver-authors Jarchow and Steege count on the basics?even just yarns and sticks?to create polished, professional-looking pieces. Each of the 40-plus projects features step-by-step photographs, tips for success, and a design notebook explaining what an author did to create/finish the pattern in addition to the project instructions. Ten artists share their interpretations of the weaving craft through brief biographies and a few samples of their work, while sidebars point out intricacies of weaving a yarn butterfly or using Dorset buttons on a handmade garment. The 360-degree diversity of weaving outcomes, though, isn't fully appreciated until projects are revealed: God's eyes, 16-cord Kunihimo braid, parachute cord mat, leno scarf, wire necklaces, and Danish stars and wreaths, to name a few. Here, it's easy to see why a 25,000-year-old craft has survived and thrived. Appendixes include how to build a simple frame loom, how to make a heddle cradle, how to make a band lock, how to measure a warp, six knots for weavers, commonly used materials, yarn sizes, glossary, and metric conversion chart.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)