Pocket Book of Weaving

Claire Gelder loves all things hand-made, hand-woven and hand-crafted. She has been crafting for relaxation and fun for over twenty years.In 2015, Claire left her career as an NHS Director to launch her new business, Wool Couture, which specializes in knitting, crocheting, weaving and macrame. She quickly got her DIY craft kits on the shelves of retail giant John Lewis and, in 2017, secured two Dragons' Den investors to help her pass on her passion of crafting to the next generation. Adding a modern twist to age-old pastimes knitting and crochet, Claire uses giant, chunky yarn and oversized knitting needles made in her own factory.As well as a successful entrepreneur, Claire is also a firm believer in the therapeutic side of craft, particularly its benefits to mental health and well-being.Claire lives in Wakefield, UK and is proud to be continuing Yorkshire’s textile tradition. Her website is www.woolcouturecompany.com.

• Hello! A little bit about me and Wool Couture 6What’s in this book? 12Getting startedWhat tools do you need for weaving? 18Essential tools 26Rectangular loomsWarping a rectangular loom 28DIY rectangular loom 31Plain stitch 34How to change colours and weave in ends 36Hem stitch 38How to remove your work 40How to embroider a chain stitch 42How to add a knot fringe 43Bronze level project: Stripy monogram bookmark 46Working with roving 54Rya knots 56Soumak knots 57Increasing and decreasing 58Interweaving 58Mounting your weaving 60Tiny felted pompoms 62Silver level project: Summertime wall hanging 64Three-stranded braid 76How to make a rya loop 78How to embroider lazy daisy stitch 80Gold level project: Pompom bag 82Circular loomsWarping a circular loom 90Plain stitch 94How to change colours and weave in ends 96How to remove your work 97Bronze level project: Stripy mug coaster 98Warping a metal or embroidery hoop 104How to make a lark’s head knot 108Silver level project: Rainbow wall hanging 110Gold level project: Flower power motif 120Weaving notes 128

‘Mindful crafting’ describes this book perfectly. Author Claire Gelder speaks to beginners who may never have tried weaving before. Claire does not assume the reader knows about the required basic materials, or how to make a cardboard weaving frame, or how to fill a round embroidery frame, and more importantly how to start and finish any piece of work however small.This little book explains all these techniques with a good balance of illustrations and text. Her descriptions of new knots or decorations are presented with great care and are followed up and developed.The book has two clear sections, one on square frames and one on circular frames. They are progressive, i.e. starting at beginner’s level and ending with compliments to the reader on their achievement as a weaving artist. Claire finds this craft relaxing, it is simple, and she enjoys playing with colour and design.Any reader who would like to do some tapestry weaving, make coasters, or decorate a bag, will find this book very useful. The author invites us to join her in her own exploration of a craft that was unfamiliar to her because she had never been exposed to a weaving loom. And now she is hooked!