Navajo Weaving Way: The Path from Fleece to Rug

Rating:
Summary: Navajo Weaving Way
Review: An excellent book. I used it to build a loom and learned much about the Navajo and Native American Spirituality.

Rating:
Summary: a good book of how-to and folk-lore
Review: I recently bought this book in hopes of understanding how a Navajo rug/blanket was woven. I was not diasppointed at all; I believe I could do it with just this book--and that includes building my own loom! The authors include Navajo dyeing plants and proceedures, wool carding and spinning, and, of course, the weaving process. There are also a couple of patterns that beginners might try. In addition to the process, the author inserts quotes from Navajo women about the traditions and folk-traditions of the craft--such as the dangers in not completing the weaving in a timely manner, how spirits of the dead may work the loom when the weaver is away, etc. I like the book, but I cannot say that it has answered all of my questions.

Rating:
Summary: Written with respect
Review: Noel Bennett's book on Navajo Weaving is a gem. It is as much a description of her personal odyssey into the world of traditional Navajo weaving as it is a how-to book. Ms. Bennett learned from Tiana Bighorse not only the techniques of weaving but respect for the culture that created the techniques. In describing the creation of the weaving tools, the collection of dye plants, even the hand spinning of the wool Ms. Bennett shows how the creation of a rug can be a spiritual experience. Her book includes plans for a home-built Navajo loom, covers all the major weaving techniques, and includes a teaching sampler with full instructions. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain an insight into Navajo weaving.

Rating:
Summary: Only buy it to build a tapestry loom, thats the only reason!
Review: The only value to this [poor] attempt at giving the reader a true navajo experience, are the parts on building your own tapestry loom. There are better books!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: What a life saver! It's difficult to get information on the Texas Gulf Coast about Navajo weaving. As an art major I had no trouble locating weaving classes (fiber arts) but no one seems to be into the Navajo style. This book singlehandedly taught me how to not only make a Navajo loom but also how to weave a rug (that turned out beautifully!). It has very easy to understand instructions that utilize contemporary easy to find materials. It also gives good resources for weaving fibers and/or tools that may not be available in your area. I haven't tried the Navajo spindle yet (to spin my own yarn) but the spindle is on order and I can't wait. Wonderful book!