Library: Weaving Off-Loom by Dona Z. Meilach and Lee Erlin Snow

I grew up on a diet that consisted mainly of peanut butter and craft books. Frequent trips to the library with my mother had me swimming in new techniques to learn and new materials to try out (though the books were mostly dated, and materials for these hand crafts were much harder to get your hands on, but I did my best). As an adult, I now have a collection of vintage craft books that continue to give me that same sense of unlimited creative expansion. Something about the majority of craft books today that feel a bit stifling and not as encouraging of exploration.

I’ve found there’s a few authors who are really go-to’s for these sort of jams. One of my favorites is Dona Z. Meilach, who’s books are a collection of her work and the work of other artists, and the works can get pretty far out. It’s a lot less “this is how you weave a floor mat” and a lot more “this is how you manifest your visualization of a human size woven nest. or floor mat!” She’s also pretty no-holds-barred with the materials she chooses to write about, her books spanning from batik to woodworking to macrame. This gem in particular is “Weaving Off-Loom” which I’m particularly drawn to, lacking a thorough understanding of how floor looms work (and already having enough creative appliances for one person.. for now.) Check it out for yourself, there’s a limited amount of color plates, but it is strong in inspiration nonetheless!

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