Huck Lace Weaving Patterns with Color and Weave Effects

The four major sections of the book are based on color properties: light and dark values, complementary, monochromatic, and triadic, with a short introduction of what each of these properties are and how they might affect the look of a finished cloth. Within the four sections are 144 swatches with the drafts shown beside them. This allows you as the reader to see how changes in color order in warp and weft can completely change the look of the cloth. I agreed with Tom that some of the samples are so pretty that you want to warp up your loom for your next project while other samples are only so-so. That is to be expected, and for me added to the value of the study. It also made me question why I like one swatch but not a similar one right below.

To start you on your own journey of discovery, the last section of the book contains five huck-lace with color-and-weave-effect projects including scarves, towels, a baby blanket, and mug rugs. Unlike the swatches, which were woven using only 5⁄2 cotton, the projects use a variety of types of yarns and include full drafts.

I recommend Huck Lace Weaving Patterns with Color and Weave Effects to weavers who want to expand their understanding of huck lace and color-and-weave, but I feel its value doesn’t stop there. The books shows how experimentation and trial and error are essential to one’s growth as a weaver and that is a lesson we all need to learn.– “Handwoven Magazine”

Tom Knisely is the manager of The Mannings Handweaving School and Supply Center in East Berlin, PA. He has taught weaving there for more than 30 years - everything from rag rug weaving to complex multi-harness weaving - and was named Teacher of the Year by Handwoven magazine. His work appears regularly in Handwoven and Rug Hooking magazines, and he has design collections and instructional DVDs on looms, weaving rugs, and other weaving matters.