Navajo and Hopi Weaving Techniques

navajo and hopi weaving techniques by mary pendleton 1974 ~ first edition hardcover "NAVAJO AND HOPI WEAVING TECHNIQUES provides clear, step-by-step instructions, along with illustrations, for weaving Navajo rugs and Hopi ceremonial sashes in exactly the same way as the craftsmen of these two neighboring tribes have woven them for generations. "

This is a technical how to from concept to practical. From the front flap: Navajo and Hopi Weaving Techniques provides clear, step-by-step instructions, along with illustrations, for weaving Navajo rugs and Hopi ceremonial sashes in exactly the same way as the craftsmen of these two neighboring tribes have woven them for generations. Most of the photos and illustrations are monochrome. There is a small color (eight pages) section. This section separated the two books. This book is clear enough that you need little other information to get off the ground. For people familiar with other weaving and spinning methods this will just be an adjustment. The first book or half is the Navaho weaving which includes related skills. It is introduces by Howard Gorman who is a member of the Navajo Tribal Council. The second book or half is Hopi weaving with introduction by White Bear Fredericks who is a member of Coyote Clan of the Hopi Nation. If you are just interested in the subject then no better book could adorn your library. You can put this information in perspective with "Women's Work: The First 20,000 Years - Women, Cloth, and Society in Early Times "by Elizabeth Wayland Baeber Women's Work: The First 20,000 Years : Women, Cloth, and Society in Early Times

Like weaving itself, Navajo and Hopi Weaving Techniques, published in 1974, will never go out of date. Mary Pendleton, a long-time skilled weaver who relocated to Arizona in 1958, explains both techniques in an easily understandable, step-by-step process with abundant close-up photos to illustrate the lessons. With sample patterns, Pendleton takes you, row by row, through the weaving of a rug, a belt and a sash. Like two books in one, this wonderful publication first examines and explains Navajo rug weaving with attention to yarns, spinning and dyeing, turned lock and interlock methods, design and troubleshooting. She also has instructions on building your own loom. The second part, also with details on yarn, spinning, design, troubleshooting, and loom instructions, demonstrates two separate Hopi weaving techniques, warp float weave and embroidery weave. Howard Gorman, member of the Navajo Tribal Council, introduces the first part. White Bear Fredericks, a member of Coyote Clan of the Hopi Nation, introduces the second. Eight pages of color photos display several rugs, sashes and belts woven with these methods.