Suggested Reading From Experienced Weavers

If you love books as much as I do and would like to add to your collection, Here are a few here that could be considered essential.

The first is Learning to Weave by Deborah Chandler.  It is available in hardcover or paperback from Interweave Press.  You can also pick it up from Amazon.com if you prefer.

Learning to Weave

Learning to Weave was originally published in 1995 and the author, Deborah Chandler, wrote this with the student in mind.  Deborah is a contributing editor to Handwoven magazine which is also published by Interweave.

Detailed explanations of tools and beginning steps help the beginner to get started quickly.  The compendium of information is a valuable reference for the experienced weaver too.  I've spotted this book frequently at guild meetings.  If you have a copy please leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments area.

Second up is a handy little book that's easy to take along to class or have nearby your loom.  The Weaver's Companion by Linda Ligon and Mary Murphy, also published by Interweave, is spiral bound and printed on sturdy stock. 

Some of the jewels included are sleying charts, formulas, and fiber identification tests.  When you just want to grab and flip to the information you need this book is concise enough to keep you on track. (I have a tendency to get sidetracked when I see pretty pictures.)

This is just one of  four books in the "Companion Series."   The other three in the series being The Spinner's Companion, The Knitter's Companion and The Crocheter's Companion. 

The third book I wanted to mention is a book that you may want to consider when you are farther along in your weaving journey.  The Handweaver's Pattern Directory: Over 600 Weaves for 4-Shaft Looms by Anne Dixon will keep you busy just choosing the first pattern you want to try.  This book is highly recommended as a reference due to the detail, color photos that are actual size or larger and the logical progression of easier weaves to more difficult patterns.

The Handweaver's Pattern Directory: Over 600 Weaves for 4-shaft Looms

This is another Interweave Press gem that is spiral bound so it will lay flat as you work.  Anne Dixon is also a contributor to Handwoven magazine, guild member of the Association of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, and a founding member of the Braid Society.

The above are just quick descriptions of the books.  If you would like to take a look at them before committing to purchasing there are many guild members that have these books in their collection and could bring them to a meeting to pass around.

If you have any other books that you would like to add to the list, feel free to email or comment.

Links to discover:

http://www.weavearealpeace.org/

http://www.wsd.org.uk/

http://www.braidsociety.com/

http://www.interweave.com/

Thanks for visiting and be sure to leave a comment!

Diana

P.S.  Don't forget the latest issue of Handwoven!

March Fiber Hour and Monthly Meeting

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 guild members met at the Hauberg Center for our first meeting on our new scheduled night.

The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease has a HeartScarves program calling for red scarves to be given to women whose lives have been touched by heard disease.  Take a look at their site and send your opinion on our participation in the comments section below.   http://www.womenheart.org/

It's a new year and we are going to need some programs planned for the coming months.  If you have a request or would like to present a technique, let us know!  Diana Kreider will be talking about our new blog you are reading now at the April 6th meeting.  Be sure to remember your show and tell items.  We will be bringing a camera to document the meetings in digital format to share on the blog.

Midwest Weavers Conference will be upon us before we know it.  The guild exhibit is going to be based on the "Aurora Borealis."  We have been throwing around ideas at the last two meetings and welcome more input.  We decided that we really need to decide what we are doing by May.

The program for the March meeting zeroed in on the importance of Electronic Media and Fiber to weavers and spinners.  Elaine gave us a chip off the iceberg to get us thinking about all the resources to be found on the web.  Websites shared include:

http://www.midwestweavers.org/
http://www.weavespindye.org/
http://www.spinoffmagazine.com/
http://www.interweave.com/
http://www.woolery.com/
http://www.yarnbarn-ks.com/
http://www.halcyonyarn.com/
http://www.phatfiber.com/
http://www.fiberwild.com/
http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/weavering
http://www.weavolution.com/
http://weavezine.com/

If you know of any other great links, put them in the comments section.  We will click on over and check it out.

Thanks for visiting and we will see you all  next month at the Hauberg House on Tuesday, April 6th.  Fiber hour starts at 6pm and the meeting will convene at 7pm.

March Madness!

The Valley Weavers and Spinners Guild welcomes you to our new adventures in blogging. We hope to share our projects, classes, activities and meetings here with you.