I've alluded to my growing interest in weaving (as if I needed to fall down yet another crafting rabbit hole). I spend way more time reading and fantasizing about weaving than I actually weave.
When I was visiting the Skein and Garment Show building at Maryland Sheep and Wool, there were signs announcing this new edition of Sixty Scarves for 60 Years. I had heard of this book but never seen it in person. And, of course, the Skein and Garment Show was the last place I went at the festival, before heading to the car and driving back to the man cave. But, I also noticed the signs mentioned Red Stone Glen. This is the fiber arts center set up by Tom Knisely after The Mannings closed.
From what I can tell, Sixty Scarves for 60 Years was originally published by the Weavers Guild of Greater Baltimore to celebrate their 60th anniversary in 2009. If I understand correctly, members of the guild wove scarves to exchange. They also created this book to share information about what drafts they used to create their scarves. The book was popular and sold out. Now Red Stone Glen has taken the lead to create this new edition. A few scarves have been added, bringing the total to sixty-six.
There is no theme to the book. It is just 66 drafts for different scarves. But what a smorgasbord! Most of the scarves are presented over two pages — a left page for the draft and basic information, and a right page for a beautiful photograph. The good paper quality makes paging through this book a pleasure, as every turn of the page is a new scarf. And the book is spiral bound so it lies open while you are following the draft as you thread heddles or treadle. There are nine scarves whose more elaborate drafts are continued in the appendix. A few drafts require many shafts, but most of the scarves can be worked on eight or fewer. Some can even be woven on a rigid heddle loom.
There are lots of lovely scarves woven on twill threadings. But there are also unusual weaves such as Tom Knisely's "Peruvian Inlay" on pages 26 & 27. Melanie Taylor managed to weave a scarf by making multiple inkle bands and seaming them together ("Inkle Friends & Neighbors" pp. 38-39). "Triangles and Pearls" (pp. 52-53) by Cheryl Migliarini was woven on an 18-inch triangle loom frame. Cheryl joined the triangles together and even added some little pearl beads to make the seams decorative! Adelanna (Lanna) Ray's "Felted Floats" (pp. 88-89, 141) is a 16-shaft deflected double weave that was felted, creating a complex network of interwoven layers.
Some patterns are complex. Some are simple. Some rely on color play. Some rely on complicated tie-ups and treadling. Some use unusual yarn choices. Some use supplementary warps or wefts. Wherever you are in your weaving journey, this book will provide inspiration. So much territory to explore! You can order by calling Red Stone Glen at 717-212-9022, Monday-Friday 9-4. The book with shipping costs $30-35 and is worth every penny and more.
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