The Textile Arts: a Handbook of Weaving, Braiding, Printing, and Other Textile Techniques Paperback – December 1, 1973

When I first looked at this book I was overwhelmed, even though I knew what the book was about. A mug of coffee and a quiet sit down later, and I was delighted at finally tracking down a copy as its exactly what the title says it is, a hand-book on off-loom and on-loom techniques that usually do not make the average weaving book. The author looks at the structure of the different woven techniques, many of which are still in use today by indigenous weavers, and being joyfully rediscovered by a new generation of experimental weavers who love a hands-on experience on their looms.Following in the footsteps of Mary M Atwater, Raoul D'Harcourt, Marla Mallett and others, Birrell examines the fabric and deconstructs it and records it, from machine made broadloom carpeting to inkle weaving, tablet weaving, backstrap weaving, bow looms and foot-powered looms. She covers the basic weaves and the ancient variations, and explains how to plot the heddle threading from drafts, and then continues by dissecting non-woven fabrics made with one strand of yarn, such as knitting, crochet, looping, and braids (aka finger weaving) and knotting including lace-making, and includes fringe-making, as many of these ancient techniques were finished off with intricately laced warp threads.This is not a simple how-to book; this is for the curious weaver who wants to find answers to "What If" questions, and wonders how ancient weavers could, and still can, make the most intricate fabrics on the most basic of looms with apparent ease. It would be wonderful if this book was reprinted, but its unlikely given printing costs, and it is not suitable for the Kindle treatment as Kindle is not weaving friendly. It is worth hunting down a copy. Printed in 1959 no copy will be pristine, but if this is the type of book you must have in your personal library, as long as you can keep the pages in order, you can rebind the book in a folder so you can refer to it. Verla Birrell has done for off-loom and ancient weaving techniques what Mary Black has done for weaving drafts and compiled an encyclopedia that will take pride of place on my bookshelf.

Verla Birell's The Textile Arts is a top reference book.Written in the 1950's, it is comprehensive. It is a treasure.Thank you amazon

Very nice book in great shape. Thanks again