Learn to Weave with Anne Field A Project-Based Approach to Weaving Basics

While most beginner books describe the different weaving techniques and then give examples of how they can be used, internationally acclaimed masterweaver Anne Field's latest book takes a project-based approach, where beginners learn the techniques through actually doing a weaving project. Initial chapters discuss choosing a loom and how to set it up and then it is straight into the projects, which include table runners, table mats, wraps, scarfs, fabric for a vest and jacket, cushions, wall hangings, and rugs. Each project is described in detail, with photographs showing the finished work, as well as the various steps in getting there. The book focuses on shaft looms only, with most projects woven on four-shaft looms, using yarns such as wool, cotton, Tencel, and bamboo.

Anne Field is a spinner and weaver with nearly 50 years of experience. She is the author of The Ashford Book of Spinning, The Ashford Book of Weaving, Collapse Weave, Dévoré, The Four-Shaft Table Loom, Learn to Spin with Anne Field, Spinning Wool: Beyond the Basics, and Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom. She teaches regularly in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States, and her work has been exhibited in New Zealand.

Introduction
Part one: Learning to weave
chapter 1: what Is a Loom and how to choose the right one for you
This chapter will describe the different looms through drawings of table looms, floor looms, and methods of lifting shafts (rising shed, counter-march, counter balance). The more complex dobby and computer dobby looms will be briefly described.
These looms will be cross-referenced to photos of actual looms in an appendix.
Main suppliers in the appendix will be Schacht, Louet, Ashford. Mechia, Toika,
Leclerc, Glimakra, Harrisville, AVL.
chapter 2: how to wind a warp and thread a Loom
This chapter will be presented through small photographs describing each stage.
Basic weaving techniques and an explanation of drafts (including using computer
software to draft) will also be covered.
All the following project chapters would conform to this format:
1. Characteristics of the project, including end use.
2. Choosing the correct yarns. Characteristics and burn test.
3. Calculations, choosing sett, warp instructions (length, width, etc).
4. Winding the warp.
5. Threading the loom.
6. Weaving.
7. Finishing.
8. Variations to try.
Part two: Projects
chapter 3:
Cotton Sampler and Runner: Plain weave/ twills.
What you will learn: Plain weave/twills.
chapter 4: Scarf: Wool.
What you will learn: Twills.
chapter 5: Cocoon: Mixtures of different yarns (wool, cotton), and colors.
Twill or plain weave.
What you will learn: Mixing different yarns.
chapter 6: Table mats: Cotton.
What you will learn: How to thread and weave a pattern (rosepath).
chapter 7: Wrap: Tencel or bamboo.
What you will learn: Stripes in warp and weft.
chapter 8: Fabric for a jacket: Cotton or wool.
What you will learn: Color mixing and theory.
chapter 9: Scarf: Mohair.
What you will learn: How to weave with sticky, fluffy yarns.
chapter 10: Vest: Wool or cotton.
What you will learn: Surface weaves with novelty yarns.
chapter 11: Cushion: Cotton.
What you will learn: Double weave.
chapter 12: Wall hanging
What you will learn: Dyeing the warp.
chapter 13: Floor rug: Wool and linen.
What you will learn: Weft-face weaving in twills
chapter 14: Scarf: Tencel and colcolastic.
What you will learn: Collapse weave.