Alla Tiders Trasmattor

(Rag Rugs for Everyday)
Ann-Kristin Hallgren & Monika Hallén
[Hallén & Hallgren Förlag, 1999. 7" x 12", hardcover, 80pp.]
$34.00

This book presents 35 rugs in full color to inspire weavers of rag rugs. Its collection includes modern colorful rugs as well as more traditional muted ones. Designs and techniques include stripes, checks, inlay, and rosepath.

Älskade Trasmattor: Att väva som förr

(Beloved Rag Rugs: As woven before)
Ann-Kristin Hallgren, Monica Hallén
[Akantus förlag, 2006. 10.5" x 7.5", hardcover, 128pp.]
$39.00

The older rag rugs from Sweden have a fantastic world of colors and patterns. The door to this world is opened wide by this wonderful book.  Clear analysis of over 50 traditional designs accompanies the beautiful photographs of each rug. The colors are a distinctive feature of this book, subdued yet vibrant and rich at the same time. The pattern selections start with stripes and plaids, and continue with several block designs ingeniously combined with colors and stripes. The last several rugs in the book feature patterns in rosepath, an inlay flower border, twisted weft stripes and a double-faced block design. This book will inspire and help you to create a feeling of a Swedish home.

The Big Book of Flax

Christian & Johannes Zinzendorf
[Schiffer, 2011. 12.25" x 9.25", hardcover, 240pp.]
$60.00

Learn the fascinating story of the flax-to-linen process in history, legend, song, crafts, lesson plans, and recipes. With 414 images, this comprehensive book dates back thousands of years, from how flax was cultivated in the Middle East and Europe, through its beginnings in America, to its use in the twenty-first century. Guidelines provided for planting, harvesting, breaking, spinning, weaving, and other processes. If you're a collector, flax tools, spinning wheels, and flax-made antique fabrics and linen make great collectibles. Make a rope bed, a linseed oil lamp, and even bake buttermilk biscuits with flaxseed. Discover the many great uses of this plant and the role it has played throughout the world. This is a great resource for history buffs, collectors, educators, and planters.

The Big Book of Weaving

Handweaving in the Swedish Tradition: Techniques, Patterns, Designs and Materials
Laila Lundell & Elisabeth Windesjö
[Trafalgar Square Books, 2008. 8.5" x 9.5", hardcover, 272pp.]
$35.00

Take a thorough course in weaving in the Scandinavian tradition with this longtime Swedish favorite (see below) now finally available in English. It covers loom dressing in detail, followed by a series of projects designed to teach you new skills at each turn of the page. There is a comprehensive section at the back devoted to problem solving and fixing common mistakes. The plentiful and very clearly drawn diagrams highlight important points, making them particularly delightful to use.

Börja Väv!

(Begin to Weave!)
Nina Bäckman, Annika Elmqvist, Tina Ingell, Bengt Arne Ingell
[Vävmagasinet, 2005. 8.5" x 8.5", hardcover, 82pp.]
$33.00

Although this book is designed to teach children to weave, it is a real treat for adults as well. The first page of the book introduces us to a delightful little yellow bird who was weaving in Africa long before people were weaving. We learn something about the bird's weaving technique, and she returns page after page to help us learn other techniques as well. Several kinds of simple small looms are presented using such raw materials as a stick of wood with nails, a willow twig, popsicle sticks, and a small frame. A freestyle tapestry piece is woven with a rags on a hanging warp strung up between two sticks from the woods. Other sections introduce a variety of band weaving techniques using beads, flossa knots, cards and the popsicle stick loom. The last section introduces weaving on a small table loom and gives detailed instructions on dressing the loom. Projects on the table loom include a pillow made of worn-out jeans, a wool pillow and other creative ventures. There is even a little section on drafting in the back, including a bit of history. Everything about this book is absolutely charming as well as very clear and instructive. In Swedish with English supplement.

Damask and Opphämta with Weaving Sword or Drawloom

Lillemor Johansson; translation by Susan Jones
[LTs Förlag, 1982. 7" x 9", hardcover, 167pp.]
$48.00

This is the textbook that goes hand in hand with the drawloom class here at Vävstuga. It covers many techniques using two sets of shafts, one set for patterning and one set for the ground weave. These techniques include opphämta, smålandsväv, and damask. It covers the shaft draw system as well as the single draw system, with exhaustive loom dressing information on each. Sword damask and an opphämta method using only one set of shafts are also covered. This book is a must for anyone interested in these weaves. In English.

Damast

(Damask)
Lillemor Johansson, ed.
[Förlags AB Vävhästen, 1991. 8.25" x 11.75", softcover, 20pp.]
$11.00

This booklet contains 23 different project ideas in damask for your drawloom. Most projects use 10-20 pattern shafts. Some pieces use an individual draw system. The beautiful color photos inspire the weaver to take his or her designing skills in new directions due to the variety of styles portrayed. With supplement in English.

Det Gamla Linneskåpet: Från tuskaft till damast

(The Old Linen Closet: From plain weave to damask)
Doris Wiklund
[self-published, 2004. 9.75" x 7.75", hardcover, 256pp.]
$68.00

This treasure trove contains 123 wonderful projects. Doris Wiklund's out-of-print books are nearly impossible to find used, so I encourage the purchase of this book now while it is still available. The examples given are in a multitude of traditional Swedish weave structures including 18 drawloom patterns! The remainder are mainly on four shafts, with a handful of projects using eight shafts or more. Each project is accompanied by a close-up photo and a very clear draft. The rest of the instructions in Swedish are the vital statistics such as yarn, sett, number of ends, etc., making this a practical weaving book for the non-Swedish speaker.

En Annan Bild av Lappland

(Another picture of Lappland)
Doris Wiklund
[Kiruna, 1999. 7" x 10", hardcover, 160pp.]
$39.00

A beautiful collection of pictorial weaving depicting Lappland at all seasons is the theme of this inspiring book. The woven pieces are marvelously photographed and they are accompanied by photos and paintings that show where the ideas and designs for the woven pieces came from. Tapestry techniques are prevalent, as well as other techniques such as Finnväv, dukagang and inlay. The woven pictures include lots of flowers, buildings and other outdoor scenes. This book comes from the same author as Det Gamla Linneskåpet so those of you who already have that book are familiar with her meticulous attention to detail.

En Rand och Några Rutor...

(A Stripe and Some Plaids...)
Ann-Kristin Hallgren
[Akantus Edition, 2005. 8.5" x 11", hardcover, 95pp.]
$36.00

The 38 projects in this fine volume demonstrate the possibilities of weaving simple yet elegant fabrics. This book follows in the tradition of Mera Fint att Väva by the same author. Many of the rugs, blankets and linens are plain weaves and twills on 4 shafts. These colorful patterns are classics that never seem to go out of style. In several instances, variations are given for one project to inspire further creativity. More than half of the pages are filled with superb photography accompanied by simple weaving instructions. Minimal Swedish vocabulary is used.

Favorite Scandinavian Projects to Weave

45 Stylish Designs for the Modern Home
Tina Ignell, Scandinavian Weaving Magazine
[Trafalgar Square Books, 2010. 8.5" x 10.5", hardcover, 128pp.]
$25.00

Now available in English, this beautiful book from the Scandinavian weaving magazine Vävmagasinet combines many unusual and effective techniques to create 45 brilliant new designs that are crisp and refreshing. Mostly 4 shafts are used, several projects use 8, and there is a beautiful 10 shaft rep rug that uses a monks belt motif. You can also learn to make a corduroy coverlet, linen curtains, square towels (with a hanger band woven right into the middle!), as well as many other elegant and useful items. The text accompanying each project provides a wealth of instruction and the plentiful and beautiful large photographs often include close-up details. This collection of rugs, blankets, towels, runners, upholstery materials, and curtains could keep any inspired weaver busy for a long time.

Favourite Rag Rugs

Tina Ignell
[ICA Bokförlag, 2006. 8.5" x 10.5", hardcover, 128pp.]
$25.00

This new book from Vävmagasinet presents detailed directions for over 40 rugs designed and woven by many different weavers. Each of the six sections focuses on a different technique, starting with the stripes and checks of classic rugs. It continues with chenille that you make yourself, lots of possibilities for rag inlay, rep rugs, rosepath, diamond twill and block weaves. The weft in these rugs does not even need to be rags, as some of the examples demonstrate. There is plenty of new inspiration to be gleaned from this beautiful new book. In English.

Finnish American Rag Rugs: Art, Tradition and Ethnic Continuity

Yvonne R. Lockwood
[Michigan State University Press, 2010.  9" x 11.5", hardcover, 249pp.]
$30.00

This is the largest and most fascinating book about rag rug weaving that I have ever seen! It contains story after story of specific weavers living in the Finnish American communities of the Midwest, including pictures on each page of their looms, their homes and their work. These looms are fascinating to look at and the stories of the people make you want to keep turning the page. We learn how the skills of weaving and loom making get passed from one generation to the next, as well as the important role these rugs have in their lives. In addition to history, the book includes some technicalities of the weaving process, aesthetics of the designs, and modern influences on the tradition. This book is a real treasure trove of culture and inspiration. In English.

Handdukar: Väv i Lin och Bomull

(Hand Towels: Weave in Linen and Cotton)
Ann-Kristin Hallgren
[Akantus förlag, 2008. 9" x 7", hardcover, 64pp.]
$34.00

Fine cotton and linen make up this collection of exquisite hand towels. They range from very simple stripes in plain weave and 4 shaft twill variations to basic block weaves such as Ms and Os, halvdräll and damask variations. Simple instructions accompany each beautiful photograph, making this book easy to use even if you do not know Swedish. Each towel is primarily white or natural, with either blue or red patterning in the form of stripes, checks or plaids. Although a few warps call for linen, mostly they require natural cotton yarn in 16/2, 24/2 or 30/2. This is a sweet and inspirational little book that, due to the cohesive nature of its contents, inspires one to make them all! The towels look beautiful together.

Hemvävt: 45 inredningar

(Home Woven: 45 weave plans)
Tina Ignell
[ICA Bokförlag, 2008. 10" x 8.5", hardcover, 128pp.]
$46.00 sale $37.00

This beautiful new book from Vävmagasinet combines many unusual and effective techniques to create 45 brilliant new designs that are crisp and refreshing. Mostly 4 shafts are used, several projects use 8, and there is a beautiful 10 shaft rep rug that uses a monks belt motif. You can also learn to make a corduroy coverlet, linen curtains, square towels (with a hanger band woven right into the middle!), as well as many other elegant and useful items. The minimal Swedish text is accompanied by beautiful large photographs of each project, often including close-up details. It also includes several clear diagrams for weaving and finishing techniques, all of which are a great help to the non-Swedish reader. This collection of rugs, blankets, towels, runners, upholstery materials and curtains, could keep any inspired weaver busy for a long time.

Kalasfina Vävar

(Festive Handwovens)
Ann-Kristin Hallgren
[Akantus, 2009. 10" x 8.5", hardcover, 96pp.]
$39.00

This is a wonderful compilation of the more popular designs from the 2006–2009 Vävkalander years. Feast your eyes on the plentiful towels, runners, tablecloths, upholstery fabrics, curtains, blankets and rugs. Many of the warps are capable of creating more than one type of finished product. Ranging from traditional to more contemporary, every piece is so tastefully designed you'll be inspired by every page. Most projects require only 4 shafts, with a handful of 8 shaft patterns thrown in. The threading and treadling drafts are very clear, so even an English speaker can make very good use of this book. Our Swedish–English glossary will be of assistance in translating much of the basic instruction.

Linen: From Flax Seed to Woven Cloth

Linda Heinrich
[Schiffer, 2010.  9" x 11.5", hardcover, 232pp.]
$50.00

If there is anything you want or need to know about flax and linen, it is in this book. From growing through the various stages of processing flax to spinning linen thread and weaving cloth, you will find it in the first 100 or so pages. A little past this the author gives us a number of patterns for contemporary weavings of linen, from napkins to clothing to art pieces for the wall. My favorite part of the whole book, however, is the section in the back with reminiscences of people who grew up in the communities where flax was grown and processed. This makes the whole book a treasure. In English.

Norwegian Tapestry Weaving

Maria Brekke Koppen, translated by Christine Spangler
[Eikeskog Press, 2006. 8" x 10", hardcover, 132pp.]
$49.00

This exhaustive study of Norwegian tapestry techniques was first published in Norwegian in 1974 with later editions in 1978 and 1988. The author (Professor Maria Brekke Koppen, 1916-1992) was known as Norway's leading expert in tapestry. Her experience in weaving, teaching and researching older Norwegian tapestries becomes apparent in this detailed description of techniques. The dovetailing technique is particularly stressed due to its common use in Norway. There are plentiful clear diagrams of how the yarns interlock in the various techniques and a photo to go with each diagram woven in black and white yarn. The last part of the book contains detailed descriptions of finishing techniques.  Several photos of older tapestries are included as well. A beautiful book and a must for any tapestry weaver. We are lucky to have this gem available in English.

Östgötadräll: Vävda sängtäcken från Östergötland

(Woven coverlets from Östergötland)
Ann-Sofie Svansbo, Östergötlands läns Hemslöjdföreningen
[Centraltryackeriet Linköping AB, 2010. 8.5" x 11", hardcover, 88 pp.]
$42.00

This book presents a glorious collection of Östergötland's woven bedcovers from the 1800s which kept people warm both in beds and in open sleighs. The rich colors and distinctive block damask patterns define the weaving tradition from this area. The main part of the book contains photograph after photograph of either the whole coverlet or a close-up of the woven side. The backsides of the coverlets are equally intriguing and are beautifully photographed to show the wide variety of exquisite quilting patterns and their borders. Although this book does not go into depth with the weaving drafts, profile drawdowns clearly show how the blocks are arranged, and the weave structures used are usually four shaft twill or broken twill, though five shaft satin is found as well. We refer you to page 19-21 of Weave Structures the Swedish Way to find instructions for threading, treadling, and tie-up for the coverlets presented in this wonderful book.

Praktisk Vävbok: Tillägnad den idoga Svenska kvinnan

(Practical Weaving Book: Dedicated to the industrious Swedish woman)
Nina V. Engeström
[Bokförlaget Rediviva Facsimileförlaget, 1896. 5" x 9.75", hardcover, 82 pp.]
$40.00

This reprint of a Swedish book of drafts from the late 1800s is a real treat. There are a few pages of Swedish text in the front and back, but the 50 pages in the middle contain threadings, treadlings and tie-ups including several 6-shaft weaves and over 150 8-shaft twill variations! A pocket in the back cover includes three folded sheets of larger drafts. This book is of historical interest in addition to being a good resource for weavers.

Reflections from a Flaxen Past: For Love of Lithuanian Weaving

Kati Reeder Meek
[Penannular Press International, 2001. 11.5" x 8.5", hardcover, 202 pp.]
$48.00     Proceeds from the sale of this book are donated to the Vävstuga Scholarship Fund.

This beautiful book covers an unusually broad scope of topics relative to the intensely rich heritage of Lithuanian weaving. After a fascinating introduction to Kati's involvement in the Lithuanian culture, we get to meet numerous Lithuanian individuals who have carried on the weaving tradition from centuries past, through personal interviews and plentiful photographs, of the people and extensive details of the textiles they create for their pattern-rich national costumes. The book includes a treasure trove of rescued old photographs from the early 1900s showing all processes of turning flax into fabric. The back section of the book includes charted weaving designs as well as detailed instructions for growing, processing and weaving with your own flax. This book contains wonderful reading, in addition to its instructional value.

Rep Weaves

Laila Lundell
[Trafalgar Square Books, 2010. 9.5" x 7", hardcover, 112 pp.]
watch our Book Preview on YouTube
$28.00

It is truly wonderful to have this very popular book on rep available once again. The beginning of the book is dedicated to simple patterns with very detailed instructions and explanations about every aspect of the technique. The book builds upon this knowledge as it progresses through page after page of absolutely beautiful contemporary as well as traditional patterns. Many of the patterns use just 4 shafts, but several 8 shaft patterns are included at the back of the book using a variety of inspiring color schemes. Projects include a valence, runners, rugs, upholstery material, a belt, placemats and wall hangings. This thorough study of rep weave is a must for any serious weaving library.

Royal Silks

Ulla Cyrus-Zetterström & Gudrun Ekstrand
[Livrustkammaren, 2004. 9.5" x 11", softcover, 112 pp.]
$42.00

The Swedish Royal Armory has produced this incredible work, which includes drafts of silk fabrics for the royal family from 1560 to 1873.  Dr. Ulla Cyrus-Zetterström has done an incredible job with the analysis. Each garment is nicely photographed as a whole, and there is also a close-up shot of each fabric.  The sometimes quite complicated interlacements are all mapped out on graph paper in several colors for clarity and the details about materials, structure and even selvegdes are discussed in full.  This is a truly fastinating book for anyone who loves weave structures and is interested in historical fabrics.

Så fint med trasmattor

(Wonders with Rag Rugs)
Ann-Kristin Hallgren & Monika Hallén
[Akantus Edition, 1995. 7" x 9.5", hardcover, 94pp.]
$38.00

This book has been reprinted due to demand. These classic Swedish rag rugs are a feast for the eyes. Plain weave predominates, but twill, open rep, rosepath, inlay, and a block weave are well represented also. Beautiful older rugs are complemented by newer designs, including one rug made of old jeans. There are also five charming rag placemats offered at the end of the book.

Svenska Mönster för Konstväfnader och Broderier

(Swedish Patterns for Art Weaves and Embroidery)
Jakob Kulle
[Rediviva Publishing House, 2008. 9" x 6", paperback, 97pp.]
$35.00

This book is a goldmine of charted traditional patterns for several Swedish techniques including rosepath, opphämta, dukagång, rölakan, flossa, trensaflossa, halvkrabba, krabbasnår and monks belt. Originally published in 1892, this facsimile includes an English translation of the entire text. Some instruction is included for the weaving techniques and the book explains which charted patterns are appropriate for each technique. The 36 color plates are rich with beautiful colors and patterns, providing a feast for the eyes. Although mostly intended for weaving, many of these patterns could be used for embroidery as well. This book would be a good companion for Väv Skånska Allmogevävnader (Traditional Weaving Techniques of Southern Sweden), which presents detailed instruction for many of these weaves. The traditional use of these textiles is discussed in some detail, providing some fascinating turn-of-the-century reading. In English and Swedish.

Swedish Swatches: Yellow, Blue, Red and Green Series in Color Photos

Malin Selander
[Unicorn Books for Craftsmen, 1990. 11.5" x 9.5", hardcover, 64pp.]
$20.00

This book is a collection of swatches from four different collections that were published from 1962 through 1978. Each of those original books was organized by predominant color. This book, like the four individual ones, is organized by predominant color: yellow, red, blue, green. Concise information concerning materials, sett, and structure are included with each piece. As in any collection, some are interesting, some are "curious," and others are downright fascinating and should be woven by everyone. There are a number of patterns that ask for yarns that may be difficult to find, encouraging your creativity to take over at that point. If you feel like splurging on an unusual weaving book, this one is worth it.

Trasor och Tekniker: 35 nya mattor

(Treasures and Techniques: 35 new rag rugs)
Lillemor Johansson
[Förlags Vävhästen, 2004, 11.5" x 9", hardcover, 95pp.]
$28.00

The generous variety of techniques presented here sets this book apart. The first section presents a variety of plainweave techniques, followed by some inlay techniques in the next section. Several kind of tapestry are covered as well as double-faced weaves and Taqueté. Then we proceed to various uses of twill as well as some other unusual techniques including rag rya. The book has many easy-to-follow diagrams to go with the detailed weaving instructions for each piece, and includes a valuable section on finishes and other weaving instructions at the back of the book. There are also details about dying and preparing the rags. The very end of the book has beautiful pictures and a description of a traditional rug washing house, a commonplace thing in bygone days. [Previously available in English as Swedish Rag Rugs: 35 new designs.]

Tvåändstickning: Grunderna

(Two End Knitting: Basics)
Berit Westman
[Sätergläntan Hemslöjdensgård, 2004. 8" x 11.5", softcover, black and white, 22pp.]
$22.00

This booklet provides a step-by-step guide for "two end knitting," which is known to be an old and almost lost Swedish technique, revived in the not too distant past. Two ends of yarn are used alternately, twisting the 2 yarns between each stitch, either a half revolution or complete revolution, always in the same direction. The resulting knitting is very dense, tight and durable. The diagrams and photographs are very good, but readers should be warned that there is a fair amount of Swedish text -- very useful as well for those who understand Swedish!

Tying Up the Countermarch Loom

Joanne Hall
[Elkhorn Mountains Weaving Studio, 2004. 8.5" x 11", softcover, 34pp.]
$18.50

With page after page of beautifully clear drawings and explanations, this book is a necessity for any weaver with questions about the countermarch tie-up. Many other details include several methods of arranging the texsolv beam cord to the tie-on bar, bundling texsolv or string heddles for easy use and storage, assembling and hanging the shafts, and tips on threading comfortably. Many diagrams have close-up views of texsolv cord in use. Common questions about countermarch looms are addressed, such as sagging shafts or use of unbalanced threadings. The back of the book includes a section on knots, sett and sley charts, metric equivalents, and a glossary of weaving terms. This small book has a wealth of information for anyone interested in dressing and tying up a traditional style loom efficiently. In English.

Varp och Inslag: Bindningslära

(Warp and Weft: The Study of Drafting)
Mariana Eriksson, Gunnel Gustavsson, & Kerstin Lovallius
[Natur och Kultur / LTs Förlag, 2008. 7" x 9.75", hardcover, 187pp.]
watch our Book Preview on YouTube
$55.00

Profusely illustrated with clear and close-up color photographs showing nearly 200 examples, including variations on plain weaves, twills, satins, block weaves, color effects, double weaves and lampas, as well as a variety of more unusual structures. A section on damask and drawloom weaving is included. Complete draw-downs and profile drafts are shown right next to the photos for ease of comparison. This book has very little text, which makes it an excellent choice for weavers who don't speak Swedish. The variety of materials, textures, and colors make this book an inspiration for creativity as well as an encyclopedic resource of technical information on weaves that Swedish weavers use. It includes much of the material from Varp och Inslag: Bindningslära 1, and adds a great deal more. In Swedish.

Varp och Väft: textilkonstnärerna och hemslöjden

(Warp and Weft: Textile and Handcraft Artists)
Gunilla Lundahl
[DB tryck Örebro 1994, 9" x 8", paperback, 78pp.]
$28.00

Here is the story of the Swedish handcraft movement, as it relates to textiles from the 1850s to the present day. The author introduces us to 19 textile artists who have been integral to this movement over the last century and a half. These dedicated and talented women have worked tirelessly to perpetuate and pass on the tradition, and their beautiful handwoven compositions designs can be seen on the pages of this special little book.

Väv & Weave: En bok om vävning - A book on Weaving

Mariana Eriksson & Kerstin Lovallius
[VÄVD FORM 2008, 11" x 7", hardcover, 108pp.]
$45.00

This broad-ranging new weaving book has Swedish and English side by side on each page. The projects are based on traditional styles and techniques, with a contemporary interpretation. Learn how to make your very own chenille out of rags to make a chenille rag rug! The rug chapter is followed by tableware, towels, curtains, upholstery, as well as a chapter on fabrics for clothing and accessories. The end of the book includes a section with loom dressing tips as well as valuable advice for weaving and care. The broad range of materials and structures presented by this stunning array of beautiful projects, along with the generous weaving and finishing advice for each item, make this a serious text for studious weavers. The bilingual quality of the book will be a to help anyone who owns other weaving books in Swedish.

Väv i Halm

(Weave with Straw)
Ylva Kongbäck & Barbro Wingstrand
[1999. 7" x 9.5", hardcover, 112 pp.]
$29.00

This unusual book is completely dedicated to the use of straw as weft. There are beautiful photographs of old patterned rep rugs in cotton and straw followed by 36 expertly designed pieces with weaving instructions. The warp materials used are 16/2 cotton, 12/6 cotton rug warp and cottolin (nialin) 22/2. The wide array of projects include rugs, placemats, runners, a bread cooling mat, a paint brush case and a curtain. The soothing selection of patterns and colors is inspirational.

Väv Skånska Allmogevävnader:  "Drättar, agedynor, & jynnen"

(Traditional Weaving Techniques of Southern Sweden)
Gunvor Johansson
[Stiftelsen Skånsk Hemslöjd, 2005. 11.5" x 8", wire binding, 60pp.]
$30.00

This informative instruction manual provides a stunning array of beautiful weaving techniques from southern Sweden such as dukagång, rölakan, halvkrabba, krabbasnår, monks belt, and trensaflossa, to name a few. The first section of the book has plentiful detailed drafts and diagrams of weaving techniques and equipment, as well as many patterns. There are even close-up photos of the backsides of some techniques to show you how the finishing is done. The second section of the book presents color plate after color plate of beautiful older textiles that demonstrate how these techniques are combined together, often into one breathtaking piece. This book goes hand-in-hand with Svenska Mönster för Konstväfnader och Broderier (Swedish Patterns for Art Weaves and Embroidery), which has multiple charted patterns for these same techniques.

Väv Som Aldrig Förr

(Weave As Never Before)
Mariana Eriksson
[Natur och Kultur, 2005. 7" x 11", hardcover, 112pp.]
$28.00

If you are looking for something entirely new and different, this could be the perfect choice. Anything at all can be used as weaving materials. Examples include a canister woven with rowan berries, a bubble wrap bag, an armband of leather and copper wire, and woven leather tabletops. The many creatively designed bags, vessels, clothing and rugs, to name a few, use other materials such as willow twigs, rubber bands, pine cones, silver wire combined with more traditional materials like linen yarn, wool yarn and paper yarn. A large variety of weaving techniques are represented although no more than four shafts are ever required, in fact most of the techniques use only two. This book is a mind opener and just plain fun.

Väv Som Vi!

(Weave Like Us!)
Mariana Eriksson & Kerstin Lovallius
[Morgongåva, 2011. 7" x 10", hardcover, 118pp.]
$44.00

This is an innovative little book using a large variety of weave structures in new and innovative ways. Each project in this book inspires us to take a traditional structure to a whole new level of imagination and creativity. Many of these projects are on the small side, making them accessible to those of us eager to expand the possibilities without demanding a substantial time commitment. A wide variety of materials are introduced, and this book is clearly a stepping stone for the reader to take his or her own liberties in choosing materials and methods. This book will be an inspiration for anyone seeking something new and different from many known weaving techniques.

Vävglädje

(Happy Weaving)
Lillemor Johansson & Charlotta Bosson, eds.
[Förlags AB Vävhästen, 2004. 9" x 11.5", hardcover, 95pp.]
$39.00

This gorgeous book is divided into sections beginning with tablecloths and runners followed by towels, upholstery, curtains, pillows, blankets, rugs, clothing and Christmas projects. The stellar photography includes close-ups of the many weave structures and textures presented. These stunning designs use a variety of available materials such as linens, cottons, cottolin, wools, rags and straw. The projects require 4, 6, 8 or 10 shafts and several compositions use a drawloom attachment. This book is enriching for the beginner and advanced weaver alike.

Vävkalender 2010: Vackert att väva för alla årstider

(Weaving Calendar 2010: Beautiful weaves for all seasons)
[Akantus Edition, 2009. 8.5" x 11.5", softcover.]
$22.00 sale $16.50, plus $2.50 media shipping if ordering only this item

The new 2010 Vävkalender is now in stock. It's full of new and beautiful home furnishings in the form of towels, tablecloths, pillow covers, curtains, a wool blanket, a rep rug and more. Many techniques are represented and beautiful colors abound. Let each month give you weaving inspiration.

So sorry, but the 2011 Vävkalender is not available.  Hopefully one will be made for 2012.

Vävkistan: Vävar, tolkade och vävda på vårt sätt

(The Weaving Chest: Weaves, Interpreted and Woven in Our Own Way)
Lisbeth Granberg & Marie-Anne Hagge
[Warp & Weft AB, 2002. 8.25" x 9", softcover, 60pp.]
$28.00

An inspired collection of 26 projects. Most use only 4 shafts, making this an accessible book for the novice. Projects include a luxurious thick wool rug, cotton placemats, a steering wheel cover for your car, a silk scarf, or how about a rep runner with a charming fringe finish of little gnomes? A few pieces use six shafts, and one beautiful damask tablecloth is included.

Warp and Weft: Lessons in Drafting for Handweaving

Mariana Eriksson, Gunnel Gustavsson, & Kerstin Lovallius; translated by Carol Rhodes, technical editing by Becky Ashenden
[Trafalgar Square, 2011. 9 3/4" x 6 3/4", hardcover, 187pp.]
$30.00

This remarkable drafting book, now available in English, is a perfect mate to The Swedish Weaving Book. The same three authors present us an extensive collection of weave structures complete with full drawdowns and profile drafts. A close-up photograph of the woven fabric is shown in adjacent each drawdown, and the text goes into detail about each structure in a straightforward understandable manner. After the multitudinous variations of plain weave, twill, and satin, come the whole family of block weaves (including block damask, halvdräll, overshot, and crackle). Another chapter includes honeycomb, cord, corduroy, lace weaves, liseré, waffle weaves, crepe and piqué. Still more chapters describe double, shadow and corkscrew weaves, color effects, lampas variations. Drawloom techniques are included at the back of the book, offering several weave structures to choose from. Every serious weaver will benefit from this fabulous book which will be returned to as a resource time and time again.

Warp with a Trapeze & Dance with Your Loom

Kati Reeder Meek
[Penannular Press International, 2005. 11" x 8", softcover, black and white, 48pp.]
$19.00

Conquer the challenge of beaming a warp on your loom with fantastic tension all by yourself! Kati's in-depth presentation of the warping trapeze and its many variations will meticulously guide every loom owner to success. Detailed instructions on preparing a jack loom for beaming using a raddle are followed by her complete loom dressing techniques, with great attention to ergonomics every step of the way. These techniques can be applied to any loom, and Kati's plentiful photographs (often four or more per page) and enthusiastic and encouraging writing style will be a joy for everyone who owns this book. She also instructs us in using "live tension" for weaving, which provides very even and stress-free tension for delicate warps.  A Q&A section at the back as well as a supplier's list, reading list, and fitness aids list provide great references.