Byways in Hand Weaving

byways in handweaving mary meigs atwater hardcover 1967 first edition ~ second printing an illustrated guide to rare weaving techniques Mrs. Atwater describes little-known weaving techniques from various parts of the world. Instructions are given for an amazing variety of weaves. The fabrics produced by these techniques are for the most part narrow belts, bands and borders, although some of them may be adapted to wider textiles. Chapters in the book include discussions on Card, Inkle and Twined Weaving, Braiding and Knotting, Plaiting as well as Belt Weaves and other creations from areas in the world such as Peru, Estonia, Bolivia, Guatemala, Africa and Scandinavia. Clearly drawn diagrams describe the steps involved in the various techniques, and excellent photographs, in black & white, illustrate the finished pattern. 128 pages. An essential reference book and a must for every weaver

I bought "Byways in Handweaving" by Mary Meigs Atwater, back in 1973. I was on a quest to learn old skills and I was learning to knot, spin and weave and make baskets. This wonderful book opened my eyes to indigenous fiber work from around the world and how it crossed continents...card-weaving, inkles, twined weaving, belt-weaves, braiding and knotting, plaiting. From our American indians to South America, Persia, Africa, Egypt and Scandinavia! Instructions were so thorough that I could study them and even try them out! This is one of those wonderful books, full of information, that is part of the foundation of fiber-work done today. Some of it would be totally lost and gone forever without Mary Meigs Atwater's research and perseverance in preserving it.