Signed by Peggy O at Convergence in CA

Weaving For Beginners – An Illustrated Guide
Peggy Osterkamp
pages: 424
cost: $49.95

After reading this entire book – I found it to be very detailed in both written descriptions and diagrams. It is definitely a book a beginner weaver should consider adding to their library from the start especially if they are without weaving shops or classes nearby. I’d consider this book to be a “step by step – how to weave course”.

The spiral binding allows the book to remain open without damaging the binding and I found it easiest to read while open on a table instead of holding and turning the pages. My scale says it weigh 2.8#’s - so it is a heavy book.

I did a brief summary of each chapter as I read it, but would suggest actual working from chapter to chapter to gain the most working knowledge from it.

Chapter:

1. Intro

2. The Basics (pages 3-12)
Peggy discusses what is weaving and the equipment necessary for weaving.

3. Back to Front Warping: (pages 13-92)
A very detailed step-by-step process of warping the loom covering: measuring the warp, beaming the warp, threading the loom and tying on.

4. Weaving the Sampler (pages 93-136)
This section would be your “beginning weaving class”.
Equipment list, tying up the loom, weaving a header, checking for errors, fixing errors, preparing the shuttles, winding bobbins, and the weaving of the sampler including 11 structures.

5. Finishing (pages 137-148)
In Peggy’s words: “this chapter deals with just the basics – preparing the last weft, repairing errors or flaws, washing the cloth, hemming and fringes”.

6. Front to Back Warping (pages 149–194)
Intro to Chapter: Peggy believes that back to front warping is the ideal method for beginners to learn, because it is a method that you can always depend on and that it works for all kinds of projects. Front to back is not suited for all projects. Although she does state that weavers should make their own choices as to which method to use and set up the loom. She then states the pros and cons of each method.

Patricia Townsend (front to back warping expert) – is the author of this chapter.
This is Chenille Scarf project – while learning the f-b process. Equipment needed, winding the warp, loom preparation, threading the reed and heddles, tensioning the warp, beaming the warp, tying onto the front apron, treadle tie up, checking for errors and weaving the header. The weaving of the scarf and finishing is also covered. Again, this chapter is filled with diagrams explaining the process.

7. Drafting (pages 195-218)
Reading, designing and understanding drafts are covered in this chapter.

8. Computers and Weaving (pages 219-232)
Peggy has five weaving software experts contribute to this chapter.
Advantages of, WIF files, which software is right for you, endless possibilities and where to find software is covered in this chapter

9. Future Assignments (pages 233-262)
Peggy suggests the next weave structure samplers for you to try. She lists the supplies needed and the project info to get your loom set up and ready to weave.

10. Sett (epi) (pages 263-284)
What is it? Why is it important? How to determine sett. Sett chart, worksheets, how to use the McMorran Yarn Balance. Yarn sizes, counts and determining yards per pound. Wow – this is an info packed chapter on how to determine how much yarn to purchase for a project, how much to measure out and spacing in the reed to get the desired finished fabric for your project.

11. Planning a Project (pages 285-298)
Sample Worksheet to plan your project with great explanations for each line to be filled in.

12. Selvedges (pages 200-316)
How to make good selvedges and troubleshooting selvedge problems. Floating selvedges – to use or not to use them.

13. Troubleshooting (pages 317-326)
The go-to section when experiencing issues with setting up the loom, threading errors, weaving, the loom, the cloth and chenille problems. Diagrams and explanations are throughout the chapter.

14. Rigid Heddle Loom (pages 327-348)
This chapter was written by Angela Risser and is completely about Rigid Heddle Looms. Diagrams of the loom and equipment used when weaving with this loom are discussed. The process of warping the loom for the ”scarf project” is explained.
Understanding the mechanics of the Rigid Heddle loom is discussed along with how to weave on this type of loom. Removing the scarf and washing the cloth also discussed. Future projects are suggested along with how project to plan for these. Two heddle looms – when and how to use are covered. Suggested reading for rigid heddle weaving is included.

15. Knots (pages 349-356)
Exactly as the title says – the “how to’s” of making knots – complete with diagrams.

16. Appendix (pages 357-384)
Hand manipulated Weaves structures, hemstitching, chaining v-shaped stitches, Twining, Ghiordes knot, Spanish lace, Danish medallion, Leno and Sumak. Opening a skein, winding it on an umbrella swift, Peggy’s apron and Needle Book pattern.
Sett Chart, Reed Substitution Chart and a source list.

Index (pages 385-406) ( )