I just picked up a copy of Finnish American Rag Rugs: Art, Tradition & Ethnic Continuity by Yvonne Lockwood (2009). Whether you like rag rugs, traditional weaving, Scandinavian weaving, handmade looms, or are interested in the immigrant experience or Finns in the US, this is an enjoyable read. It focuses on the Finnish rag rug tradition of the MI Upper Peninsula, but the accounts ring true with the stories I have heard from my husband's Finnish family in Massachusetts, Maine, and Wisconsin. The author is a university folklorist who has clearly worked carefully with weavers to have a book that also functions as a weaving text. It is a beautiful, thick hardcover with color pictures for a very reasonable price.
<http://www.amazon.com/Finnish-American-Rag-Rugs-Continuity/dp/0870138642/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269350835&sr=8-1>
Happy Weaving,
Laurie Autio
Another new (actually reprinted) book: Hand Spinning and Hand-Weaving: A list of references in the New York Public Library edited by William Burt Gamble. Originally printed May, 1922, reprinted 2009? by University of MI Library (and others). 41 pp, softcover. It is available through Amazon.
If you are interested in old design and pattern books from the 1700's-early 1900's. old techniques and equipment, etc. this is a great volume to start or continue your literature search. Books and articles mentioned may be available through interlibrary loan. These references include French and German books, among other languages and reference handwoven/handspun textiles from all over the world. Some have useful annotations.
Happy Weaving,
Laurie Autio
