See our ordering & shipping page for more information. If you'd like, you can fill out and print the book order form [this will open a new browser window] and mail it with your order.
All books are in Swedish unless otherwise noted. However, many are nonetheless quite accessible to weavers who don't speak Swedish.
In addition to distributing hard-to-find weaving books from Swedish presses, I am republishing several important books here at Vävstuga Press. The first of these, Manual of Swedish Handweaving by Ulla Cyrus Zetterström, was released in January 2004; the second, Weave Structures the Swedish Way by Ulla Getzmann, was released in mid-October 2006. The third, The Swedish Weaving Book, will be released in summer 2008.
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The Swedish Weaving Book: Project Planning, Loom Dressing, and FinishingMariana Eriksson, Ulla Getzmann, Gunnel Gustavsson, & Kerstin Lovallius; translated by Becky Ashenden
This is a companion book to Varp och Inslag and contains bountiful information on planning and executing a woven project by the Swedish method. It covers everything one needs to know in order to plan and prepare the loom for weaving including counterbalance and countermarch looms, related weaving tools, calculations for warping, threading and tying up the treadles, as well as basic weaving skills. Clear and detailed drawings on nearly every page show the technicalities of loom dressing, weaving and fixing mistakes. A comprehensive section details more than 30 finishing techniques such as: hems, edgings, fringes, braid methods, and mounts. A large number of instructive diagrams and photographs complement the text. A necessary guidebook for anyone with a Swedish loom. Most of these methods can be used easily on any loom, making this book is an essential resource for weavers of all levels. The authors are renowned weaving teachers in Sweden. Republished here at Vävstuga Press in 2008. In English. |
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Weave Structures the Swedish WayUlla Getzmann, translated and adapted by Becky Ashenden
This classic Swedish weaving text on the theory of drafting is finally available in English! The clear and concise drafts show drawdowns, structure units, threadings, treadlings, and tie-ups. The book starts with plain weaves and twills. All the twill variations presented are seen in fabric swatches on the front cover. Swatches for the rest of the drafts are shown on the back cover of the book. These include satins and the traditional Swedish damask block weaves, each covered in its own chapter. Details of profile drafting will be found here. These are followed by other authentic Swedish block weaves such as halvdräll, overshot and crackle. Those already familiar with the crackle weave may find this approach of interest. The final chapter gives instructions on analyzing a fabric swatch to determine the structure, threading, treadling and tie-up. I find this book to be an indispensible basic manual. Republished here at Vävstuga Press in 2006. In English. |
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Åklær: Å kle ei seng, å veve et åkle(Norwegian Bedspreads: To dress a bed, to weave a bed)
This large and marvelous book has the biggest collection of skillbragd (smålandsväv) drafts that I've ever seen. Each draft is accompanied by a photograph of the original museum piece with many close-ups as well. Some use four pattern shafts, some use eight, and a few use a drawloom. There are a few pieces in monks belt and overshot as well. The method for weaving skillbragd is not discussed; however, it can be learned from my Dress Your Swedish Drawloom video even though the technique does not use a drawloom. Many of these coverlets are mounted in the traditional way on a woolly sheep skin which makes me want to curl up in the book and take a nap! The colors and patterns in this book are inspirational and could be used in many ways. The pictures and drafts outweigh the Norwegian text. |
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Åkleboka: Nye Mønstre i Gamle Teknikker(The Bedspread Book: New Patterns from Old Techniques)
Old traditional Norwegian bedspread techniques are brought to new life in this inspirational little book. Many weave structures are presented here with detailed diagrams of each pattern and stunning color photographs of the 49 woven pieces at the back of the book. Starting with weft-faced plain weave and weft rep, the book quickly progresses to techniques such as krokbragd of many types, rosepath, monk's belt, skillbragd and more. The traditional techniques combined with the more modern designs create truly captivating results, mostly in the form of beautiful wall hangings. In Norwegian. |
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Älskade Trasmattor: Att väva som förr(Beloved Rag Rugs: As woven before)
The older rag rugs from Sweden have a fantastic world of colors and patterns. The door to this world is opened wide by this wonderful book. Clear analysis of over 50 traditional designs accompanies the beautiful photographs of each rug. The colors are a distinctive feature of this book, subdued yet vibrant and rich at the same time. The pattern selections start with stripes and plaids, and continue with several block designs ingeniously combined with colors and stripes. The last several rugs in the book feature patterns in rosepath, an inlay flower border, twisted weft stripes and a double-faced block design. This book will inspire and help you to create a feeling of a Swedish home. |
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The Big Book of WeavingHandweaving in the Swedish Tradition: Techniques, Patterns, Designs and Materials
Take a thorough course in weaving in the Scandinavian tradition with this longtime Swedish favorite (see below) now finally available in English. It covers loom dressing in detail, followed by a series of projects designed to teach you new skills at each turn of the page. There is a comprehensive section at the back devoted to problem solving and fixing common mistakes. The plentiful and very clearly drawn diagrams highlight important points, making them particularly delightful to use. |
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Bockens Yarn Sample Book$20.00 [temporarily out of stock] Bockens linen, cotton and cottolin yarns from Holma-Helsinglands AB are some of the finest quality available today. Thirteen pages of yarn samples exhibit the wonderful color palette that Sweden is so well known for. This company has sold top quality linens since the late 1800s. Check the store for the linens and cottons I keep in stock. Other yarns in the book can be special ordered. |
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Borgs Yarn Sample Book$10.00 [temporarily out of stock] This book contains color printed samples (rather than actual yarn swatches). Borgs is currently one of largest yarn companies in Sweden, and has a centuries-long history of providing high-quality weaving yarns in an expansive and beautiful color palette. Check the store for the cottons and wools I keep in stock. Other yarns in the book can be special ordered. |
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Börja Väv!(Begin to Weave!)
Although this book is designed to teach children to weave, it is a real treat for adults as well. The first page of the book introduces us to a delightful little yellow bird who was weaving in Africa long before people were weaving. We learn something about the bird's weaving technique, and she returns page after page to help us learn other techniques as well. Several kinds of simple small looms are presented using such raw materials as a stick of wood with nails, a willow twig, popsicle sticks, and a small frame. A freestyle tapestry piece is woven with a rags on a hanging warp strung up between two sticks from the woods. Other sections introduce a variety of band weaving techniques using beads, flossa knots, cards and the popsicle stick loom. The last section introduces weaving on a small table loom and gives detailed instructions on dressing the loom. Projects on the table loom include a pillow made of worn-out jeans, a wool pillow and other creative ventures. There is even a little section on drafting in the back, including a bit of history. Everything about this book is absolutely charming as well as very clear and instructive. In Swedish with English supplement. |
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Damask and Opphämta with Weaving Sword or DrawloomLillemor Johansson; translation by Susan Jones
This is the textbook that goes hand in hand with the drawloom class here at Vävstuga. It covers many techniques using two sets of shafts, one set for patterning and one set for the ground weave. These techniques include opphämta, smålandsväv, and damask. It covers the shaft draw system as well as the single draw system, with exhaustive loom dressing information on each. Sword damask and an opphämta method using only one set of shafts are also covered. This book is a must for anyone interested in these weaves. In English. |
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Damast(Damask)
This booklet contains 23 different project ideas in damask for your drawloom. Most projects use 10-20 pattern shafts. Some pieces use an individual draw system. The beautiful color photos inspire the weaver to take his or her designing skills in new directions due to the variety of styles portrayed. With supplement in English. |
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Det Gamla Linneskåpet: Från tuskaft till damast(The Old Linen Closet: From plain weave to damask)
This treasure trove contains 123 wonderful projects. Doris Wiklund's out-of-print books are nearly impossible to find used, so I encourage the purchase of this book now while it is still available. The examples given are in a multitude of traditional Swedish weave structures including 18 drawloom patterns! The remainder are mainly on four shafts, with a handful of projects using eight shafts or more. Each project is accompanied by a close-up photo and a very clear draft. The rest of the instructions in Swedish are the vital statistics such as yarn, sett, number of ends, etc., making this a practical weaving book for the non-Swedish speaker. |
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En Annan Bild av Lappland(Another picture of Lappland)
A beautiful collection of pictorial weaving depicting Lappland at all seasons is the theme of this inspiring book. The woven pieces are marvelously photographed and they are accompanied by photos and paintings that show where the ideas and designs for the woven pieces came from. Tapestry techniques are prevalent, as well as other techniques such as Finnväv, dukagang and inlay. The woven pictures include lots of flowers, buildings and other outdoor scenes. This book comes from the same author as Det Gamla Linneskåpet so those of you who already have that book are familiar with her meticulous attention to detail. |
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En Rand och Några Rutor...(A Stripe and Some Plaids...)
The 38 projects in this fine volume demonstrate the possibilities of weaving simple yet elegant fabrics. This book follows in the tradition of Mera Fint att Väva by the same author. Many of the rugs, blankets and linens are plain weaves and twills on 4 shafts. These colorful patterns are classics that never seem to go out of style. In several instances, variations are given for one project to inspire further creativity. More than half of the pages are filled with superb photography accompanied by simple weaving instructions. Minimal Swedish vocabulary is used. |
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Favorite Scandinavian Projects to Weave45 Stylish Designs for the Modern Home
Now available in English, this beautiful book from the Scandinavian weaving magazine Vävmagasinet combines many unusual and effective techniques to create 45 brilliant new designs that are crisp and refreshing. Mostly 4 shafts are used, several projects use 8, and there is a beautiful 10 shaft rep rug that uses a monks belt motif. You can also learn to make a corduroy coverlet, linen curtains, square towels (with a hanger band woven right into the middle!), as well as many other elegant and useful items. The text accompanying each project provides a wealth of instruction and the plentiful and beautiful large photographs often include close-up details. This collection of rugs, blankets, towels, runners, upholstery materials, and curtains could keep any inspired weaver busy for a long time. |
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Favourite Rag RugsTina Ignell
This new book from Vävmagasinet presents detailed directions for over 40 rugs designed and woven by many different weavers. Each of the six sections focuses on a different technique, starting with the stripes and checks of classic rugs. It continues with chenille that you make yourself, lots of possibilities for rag inlay, rep rugs, rosepath, diamond twill and block weaves. The weft in these rugs does not even need to be rags, as some of the examples demonstrate. There is plenty of new inspiration to be gleaned from this beautiful new book. In English. |
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Handdukar: Väv i Lin och Bomull(Hand Towels: Weave in Linen and Cotton)
Fine cotton and linen make up this collection of exquisite hand towels. They range from very simple stripes in plain weave and 4 shaft twill variations to basic block weaves such as Ms and Os, halvdräll and damask variations. Simple instructions accompany each beautiful photograph, making this book easy to use even if you do not know Swedish. Each towel is primarily white or natural, with either blue or red patterning in the form of stripes, checks or plaids. Although a few warps call for linen, mostly they require natural cotton yarn in 16/2, 24/2 or 30/2. This is a sweet and inspirational little book that, due to the cohesive nature of its contents, inspires one to make them all! The towels look beautiful together. |
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Hemvävt: 45 inredningar(Home Woven: 45 weave plans)
This beautiful new book from Vävmagasinet combines many unusual and effective techniques to create 45 brilliant new designs that are crisp and refreshing. Mostly 4 shafts are used, several projects use 8, and there is a beautiful 10 shaft rep rug that uses a monks belt motif. You can also learn to make a corduroy coverlet, linen curtains, square towels (with a hanger band woven right into the middle!), as well as many other elegant and useful items. The minimal Swedish text is accompanied by beautiful large photographs of each project, often including close-up details. It also includes several clear diagrams for weaving and finishing techniques, all of which are a great help to the non-Swedish reader. This collection of rugs, blankets, towels, runners, upholstery materials and curtains, could keep any inspired weaver busy for a long time. |
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Kalasfina Vävar(Festive Handwovens)
This is a wonderful compilation of the more popular designs from the 2006–2009 Vävkalander years. Feast your eyes on the plentiful towels, runners, tablecloths, upholstery fabrics, curtains, blankets and rugs. Many of the warps are capable of creating more than one type of finished product. Ranging from traditional to more contemporary, every piece is so tastefully designed you'll be inspired by every page. Most projects require only 4 shafts, with a handful of 8 shaft patterns thrown in. The threading and treadling drafts are very clear, so even an English speaker can make very good use of this book. Our Swedish–English glossary will be of assistance in translating much of the basic instruction. |
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Om Fellen Kunne Fortelle: Åkletradisjon til inspirasjon(If Coverlets Could Speak: Traditional coverlets that inspire)
This book is a result of comprehensive registration of local coverlets from the past two centuries done in the '90s in one part of Norway by a local Folk Art and Craft Federation. The inspirational presentation of over 28 coverlets makes this book hard to set down. Most of the patterns are in the skillbragd (smålandsväv) technique using four pattern shafts. There are also some coverlets in monks belt, sjonbragd (dukagång) and even damask. The first half of the book is made up of outstanding full-page photos of the antique coverlets, followed by a few pages of an English summary. The latter half of the book provides clear and comprehensive drafts for each piece. The method for weaving skillbragd is not discussed; however, it can be learned from my Dress Your Swedish Drawloom video even though the technique does not use a drawloom. |
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Praktisk Vävbok: Tillägnad den idoga Svenska kvinnan(Practical Weaving Book: Dedicated to the industrious Swedish woman)
This reprint of a Swedish book of drafts from the late 1800s is a real treat. There are a few pages of Swedish text in the front and back, but the 50 pages in the middle contain threadings, treadlings and tie-ups including several 6-shaft weaves and over 150 8-shaft twill variations! A pocket in the back cover includes three folded sheets of larger drafts. This book is of historical interest in addition to being a good resource for weavers. |
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Räknade Trådar - nya vävar(Counted Threads - new weaves)
This very special book is the result of a group of 9 dedicated people who started working together in 2000 to analyze and meticulously document over 600 older Dalsland weavings from the 1700s-1940s. Inspired to keep the old patterns and style alive, this group has selected 29 projects to present to us using modern materials. They have done meticulous sampling to ensure as near likeness to the original as possible. A little bit of history accompanies each project, showing how much there is to learn from these textiles about how people used to live. These timeless designs are truly breathtaking as well as practical. The name "Räknade Trådar" or "counted threads" refers to the endless hours this group spent counting both warp and weft threads. This is a truly beautiful book, and has been well worth their effort. |
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Royal SilksUlla Cyrus-Zetterström & Gudrun Ekstrand
The Swedish Royal Armory has produced this incredible work, which includes drafts of silk fabrics for the royal family from 1560 to 1873. Dr. Ulla Cyrus-Zetterström has done an incredible job with the analysis. Each garment is nicely photographed as a whole, and there is also a close-up shot of each fabric. The sometimes quite complicated interlacements are all mapped out on graph paper in several colors for clarity and the details about materials, structure and even selvegdes are discussed in full. This is a truly fastinating book for anyone who loves weave structures and is interested in historical fabrics. |
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Så fint med trasmattor(Wonders with Rag Rugs)
This book has been reprinted due to demand. These classic Swedish rag rugs are a feast for the eyes. Plain weave predominates, but twill, open rep, rosepath, inlay, and a block weave are well represented also. Beautiful older rugs are complemented by newer designs, including one rug made of old jeans. There are also five charming rag placemats offered at the end of the book. |
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Svenska Mönster för Konstväfnader och Broderier(Swedish Patterns for Art Weaves and Embroidery)
This book is a goldmine of charted traditional patterns for several Swedish techniques including rosepath, opphämta, dukagång, rölakan, flossa, trensaflossa, halvkrabba, krabbasnår and monks belt. Originally published in 1892, this facsimile includes an English translation of the entire text. Some instruction is included for the weaving techniques and the book explains which charted patterns are appropriate for each technique. The 36 color plates are rich with beautiful colors and patterns, providing a feast for the eyes. Although mostly intended for weaving, many of these patterns could be used for embroidery as well. This book would be a good companion for Väv Skånska Allmogevävnader (Traditional Weaving Techniques of Southern Sweden), which presents detailed instruction for many of these weaves. The traditional use of these textiles is discussed in some detail, providing some fascinating turn-of-the-century reading. In English and Swedish. |
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Trasor och Tekniker: 35 nya mattor(Treasures and Techniques: 35 new rag rugs)
The generous variety of techniques presented here sets this book apart. The first section presents a variety of plainweave techniques, followed by some inlay techniques in the next section. Several kind of tapestry are covered as well as double-faced weaves and Taqueté. Then we proceed to various uses of twill as well as some other unusual techniques including rag rya. The book has many easy-to-follow diagrams to go with the detailed weaving instructions for each piece, and includes a valuable section on finishes and other weaving instructions at the back of the book. There are also details about dying and preparing the rags. The very end of the book has beautiful pictures and a description of a traditional rug washing house, a commonplace thing in bygone days. [Previously available in English as Swedish Rag Rugs: 35 new designs.] |
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Tråden den Sköra(The Fragile Thread)
A fascinating presentation of the important role weaving and textile handwork have played in Swedish life and culture during the last two centuries, as well as hopes and expectations of their role into the future. This is the story of the outstanding leadership among weavers in Sweden who are responsible for the preservation and continuation of textile craft, a craft which in times past was crucial for daily existence. Read profiles of many outstanding teachers and leaders of hand weaving education in Sweden today. The Swedish text is a very important part of this book; however, nearly every page has one or more beautiful photographs of not only weaving, but also the people who do it, and other aspects of their textile traditions. Included also is a section with 16 beautifully presented and newly designed weaving projects, inspired by traditional pieces. |
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Tvåändstickning: Grunderna(Two End Knitting: Basics)
This booklet provides a step-by-step guide for "two end knitting," which is known to be an old and almost lost Swedish technique, revived in the not too distant past. Two ends of yarn are used alternately, twisting the 2 yarns between each stitch, either a half revolution or complete revolution, always in the same direction. The resulting knitting is very dense, tight and durable. The diagrams and photographs are very good, but readers should be warned that there is a fair amount of Swedish text -- very useful as well for those who understand Swedish! |
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Tying Up the Countermarch LoomJoanne Hall
With page after page of beautifully clear drawings and explanations, this book is a necessity for any weaver with questions about the countermarch tie-up. Many other details include several methods of arranging the texsolv beam cord to the tie-on bar, bundling texsolv or string heddles for easy use and storage, assembling and hanging the shafts, and tips on threading comfortably. Many diagrams have close-up views of texsolv cord in use. Common questions about countermarch looms are addressed, such as sagging shafts or use of unbalanced threadings. The back of the book includes a section on knots, sett and sley charts, metric equivalents, and a glossary of weaving terms. This small book has a wealth of information for anyone interested in dressing and tying up a traditional style loom efficiently. In English. |
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Varp och Inslag: Bindningslära(Warp and Weft: The Study of Drafting)
Profusely illustrated with clear and close-up color photographs showing nearly 200 examples, including variations on plain weaves, twills, satins, block weaves, color effects, double weaves and lampas, as well as a variety of more unusual structures. A section on damask and drawloom weaving is included. Complete draw-downs and profile drafts are shown right next to the photos for ease of comparison. This book has very little text, which makes it an excellent choice for weavers who don't speak Swedish. The variety of materials, textures, and colors make this book an inspiration for creativity as well as an encyclopedic resource of technical information on weaves that Swedish weavers use. It includes much of the material from Varp och Inslag: Bindningslära 1, and adds a great deal more. In Swedish. |
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Varp och Väft: textilkonstnärerna och hemslöjden(Warp and Weft: Textile and Handcraft Artists)
Here is the story of the Swedish handcraft movement, as it relates to textiles from the 1850s to the present day. The author introduces us to 19 textile artists who have been integral to this movement over the last century and a half. These dedicated and talented women have worked tirelessly to perpetuate and pass on the tradition, and their beautiful handwoven compositions designs can be seen on the pages of this special little book. |
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Väv & Weave: En bok om vävning - A book on WeavingMariana Eriksson & Kerstin Lovallius
This broad-ranging new weaving book has Swedish and English side by side on each page. The projects are based on traditional styles and techniques, with a contemporary interpretation. Learn how to make your very own chenille out of rags to make a chenille rag rug! The rug chapter is followed by tableware, towels, curtains, upholstery, as well as a chapter on fabrics for clothing and accessories. The end of the book includes a section with loom dressing tips as well as valuable advice for weaving and care. The broad range of materials and structures presented by this stunning array of beautiful projects, along with the generous weaving and finishing advice for each item, make this a serious text for studious weavers. The bilingual quality of the book will be a to help anyone who owns other weaving books in Swedish. |
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Väv i Halm(Weave with Straw)
This unusual book is completely dedicated to the use of straw as weft. There are beautiful photographs of old patterned rep rugs in cotton and straw followed by 36 expertly designed pieces with weaving instructions. The warp materials used are 16/2 cotton, 12/6 cotton rug warp and cottolin (nialin) 22/2. The wide array of projects include rugs, placemats, runners, a bread cooling mat, a paint brush case and a curtain. The soothing selection of patterns and colors is inspirational. |
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Väv Som Aldrig Förr(Weave As Never Before)
If you are looking for something entirely new and different, this could be the perfect choice. Anything at all can be used as weaving materials. Examples include a canister woven with rowan berries, a bubble wrap bag, an armband of leather and copper wire, and woven leather tabletops. The many creatively designed bags, vessels, clothing and rugs, to name a few, use other materials such as willow twigs, rubber bands, pine cones, silver wire combined with more traditional materials like linen yarn, wool yarn and paper yarn. A large variety of weaving techniques are represented although no more than four shafts are ever required, in fact most of the techniques use only two. This book is a mind opener and just plain fun. |
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Vävglädje(Happy Weaving)
This gorgeous book is divided into sections beginning with tablecloths and runners followed by towels, upholstery, curtains, pillows, blankets, rugs, clothing and Christmas projects. The stellar photography includes close-ups of the many weave structures and textures presented. These stunning designs use a variety of available materials such as linens, cottons, cottolin, wools, rags and straw. The projects require 4, 6, 8 or 10 shafts and several compositions use a drawloom attachment. This book is enriching for the beginner and advanced weaver alike. |
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Vävkalender 2010: Vackert att väva för alla årstider(Weaving Calendar 2010: Beautiful weaves for all seasons)
The new 2010 Vävkalender is now in stock. It's full of new and beautiful home furnishings in the form of towels, tablecloths, pillow covers, curtains, a wool blanket, a rep rug and more. Many techniques are represented and beautiful colors abound. Let each month give you weaving inspiration. |
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Vävkistan: Vävar, tolkade och vävda på vårt sätt(The Weaving Chest: Weaves, Interpreted and Woven in Our Own Way)
An inspired collection of 26 projects. Most use only 4 shafts, making this an accessible book for the novice. Projects include a luxurious thick wool rug, cotton placemats, a steering wheel cover for your car, a silk scarf, or how about a rep runner with a charming fringe finish of little gnomes? A few pieces use six shafts, and one beautiful damask tablecloth is included. |
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Warp with a Trapeze & Dance with Your LoomKati Reeder Meek
Conquer the challenge of beaming a warp on your loom with fantastic tension all by yourself! Kati's in-depth presentation of the warping trapeze and its many variations will meticulously guide every loom owner to success. Detailed instructions on preparing a jack loom for beaming using a raddle are followed by her complete loom dressing techniques, with great attention to ergonomics every step of the way. These techniques can be applied to any loom, and Kati's plentiful photographs (often four or more per page) and enthusiastic and encouraging writing style will be a joy for everyone who owns this book. She also instructs us in using "live tension" for weaving, which provides very even and stress-free tension for delicate warps. A Q&A section at the back as well as a supplier's list, reading list, and fitness aids list provide great references. |