I have fallen in love with the original weaving periodicals, Weaver's Journal, Weaver's Magazine and have a few of it's predecessor Prairie Wool Companion. I've read a bit of the history of the transition from PWC to Weaver's Magazine, but I'd love to learn more information on the history of these periodicals, and possibly more that I haven't even heard of yet!

Thank you to anyone willing to share their memories and knowledge of these periodicals.

Happy weaving,

Erica

Comments

Tue, 03/08/2016 - 23:16

Queezle

I recently dug out my old copies of Weavers - as a beginner it was quite over my head, and even still stretches me.  I would like to learn more, too, and also the history of Handwoven.  It seems as if these days, it shows projects as a way to sell kits (that seem quite expensive).  My sense is that it is not what it used to be.

Wed, 03/09/2016 - 00:18

Joanne Hall

Yes, the older magazines had more articles on a variety of subjects.  But at that time, knitters had pattern books and they were in color.  I think it is good that Handwoven has an emphasis on projects.  Sometimes one learns a better understanding of a technique by actually weaving it.  And it helps beginners to weave something they like if they can see a photo of it first.  As we progress, we can find other sources of information and inspiration, based on our interests.

In the 70s, most magazines and books were black and white, with perhaps a color cover.  Guild libraries often had some Swedish books, which had projects and photos in colors, but American books, Davison, Mary Black, Tidball, Thorpe, etc. were more like textbooks.

I thinkit is much easier for beginners to get a start today than in the past.  And even those who have woven for a while enjoy seeing the finished projects.

Plus we now have this backlog of magazines we can collect to get those articles.

Joanne

Wed, 03/09/2016 - 18:24

Erica J

I agree with you both on a number of points.

Queezle I was just reading through Weaver's #2 and found myself making some very perplexed faces. I got there in the end, and the article on lampas has really helped me understand lampas, which has until now been a bit of a nearly solved mystery to me. It's definitely more my speed these days.

JoAnne, I agree the projects in handwoven are great for beginners. Though with places like Weavolution I'm not sure magazines need to rely on them so much. I am not sure about keeping my Handwoven subscription, I mainly keep it up to help spread the cost for those who really enjoy it. I could do with more articles discussing design and pushing the boundaries of weaving.

I absolutely adore Weaver's Journal. The articles are very concise and clear. I find them a great resource for learning new ot me techniques.

Thu, 03/10/2016 - 02:02

RepWeaver (not verified)

Vav is my favorite weaving magazine. Every issue is filled with a wide range of interesting history, technique, innovation, places and people involved in the entire weaving process. If you like projects, you will find those as well. Several years ago Vav began offering English editions of the magazine. I could not be happier and greet every new issue with excitement and interest.

I am afraid the same cannot be said of Handwoven Magazine which seems to have become a publication mostly for beginners. Therefore it has its place but every year it is getting harder for me to renew.

Weavers' Magazine was great and I treasure my collection. They are interesting, informative and inspirational.

Just my two cents . . . 

RepWeaver

Thu, 03/10/2016 - 03:47

Queezle

I love all things scandanavian - but its a bit hard for me to rationalize the price. Is there a way to subscribe and pay US$ - it gets even pricier if you have to pay the credit card premium for charges in other currencies.

And I agree that I have probably outgrown handwoven.  There is not much to learn in it anymore, but I do enjoy looking at the photos - the photography is typically very nice.  And I also want to support the weaving community.

Have any of you tried the new epub - heddle(something)?  Maybe there is hope for something of substance, I purchased a subscription.  I do not care for the format, though, and so have not really read it carefully yet.

Fri, 03/11/2016 - 00:04

Queezle

OK, now to find the $$.  But I think I would enjoy vav.  Thanks so much Susan!

Fri, 03/11/2016 - 00:06

Yvonne K

I thought the first issue of Heddlecraft, the new weaving e-publication, was very good and particularly useful as a base for study. Robyn Spady's notes and illustrations are clear and infomative. The content for each issue will not be broad, but it's early days and, I think, well worth supporting.

Fri, 03/11/2016 - 05:27

Queezle

I looked at the heddlecraft web site - and was so glad to see that Robyn was converting to an only pdf format.  I couldn't get the on-line version to work properly, and so was not able to read my first issue.  But I did purchase a full one-year subscription, and look forward to getting a pdf for this next issue.  The site says everyone should have gotten a pdf for issue 1, and so I should follow up with Robyn to get my pdf version. 

And - my guild was donated 10 years worth of Vav, so I get to see how much I might like it before I commit the funds.  Its photographs are amazing.

Fri, 03/11/2016 - 18:02

Erica J

Thanks for reminding me about VAV too! I am renewing my subscription, it's a bit less for me with shipping to the UK being less expensive. Having shipped things from the UK to Sweden, I can vouch for the fact that shipping costs are quite high. 

I agree the photography in VAV is amazing and the content well worth it.

Sat, 03/12/2016 - 00:20

Diane in Oregon

Hi Queezle - GlimakraUSA also does subscriptions to VAV - http://glimakrausa.com/glimakra-products/books-dvds-and-vav-magazine/

I can also note that there are a lot of credit cards available that do not charge a foreign transaction fee.  Worth pursuing if you're planning to travel out of the country - http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/top-credit-cards/no-foreign-transaction-fee-credit-card/

No affilliation with either! (Though I am a happy customer of GlimakraUSA).

Sat, 03/12/2016 - 00:20

Diane in Oregon

Hi Queezle - GlimakraUSA also does subscriptions to VAV - http://glimakrausa.com/glimakra-products/books-dvds-and-vav-magazine/

I can also note that there are a lot of credit cards available that do not charge a foreign transaction fee.  Worth pursuing if you're planning to travel out of the country - http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/top-credit-cards/no-foreign-transaction-fee-credit-card/

No affilliation with either! (Though I am a happy customer of GlimakraUSA).

Wed, 03/16/2016 - 22:24

beaverly

What one gets with VAV, in addition to a superbly planned, written, photographed and published magazine ...that one does not get in any other publication - book or magazine about weaving ... is exposure to true "design" and an outlook on the world that those of us, at least in NA, need to restore our souls.  Take note of the quality of the exhibitions, the clean and simple but sometimes very technically complex solutions to design projects featured in VAV, and the support of the younger generation of weavers, textile education programs, textile artists as well as the artisan and industrial businesses featured. Note how well the weavings respond to and complement the natural landscape of Scandinavia and surrounds, its light and colors and textures.  Note the contentment of the people featured.  Note the wide range of technical expertise and technology employed - the experimental energy of those involved in fiber. It is as though there is no limit to the possibilites allowed by weaving.  VAV is such a huge dose of refreshment to receive each quarter!  My household submerges itself for hours and hours reading it front to back and back to front and all over again.  It is well worth its subscription cost!

Beaverly, who has no connection to VAV other than be an enthusiastic subscriber.