Creative Treadling with Overshot

"After being part of Handwoven for over a decade now, I can tell you that a weaver's favorite question is almost always ""What if?"" So man incredible designs, not only within Handwoven but throughout weaving history, started with that very question. Though she doesn't say it outright, I'm fairly certain it's this question of ""what if"" that inspired Susan Kesler-Simpson's latest book, Creative Treadling with Overshot. Kesler-Simpson showcases the many possibilities available when you take an overshot threading and tie-up and combine it with treadlings common to other structures. The book begins with a basic overview of overshot and what it means to treadle something as another weave structure. At the end of this explanation, Kesler-Simpson provides an incredible visual tour of 27 samples, showing, for example, how Star of Bethlehem looks when treadled as overshot and other structures and techniques, in some cases showing both the front and back of the cloth. Next is a brief explanation of how to create and read the profile drafts Kesler-Simpson uses throughout the rest of the book. After these brief chapter to orient the reader, the rest of the book covers in much greater detail the 20 structures and techniques briefly glimpsed in the first chapter. Each chapter begins with a description of the specific structure or technique, going into the mechanics of the weave structure and how it applies to overshot. Kesler-Simpson is very generous in her explanations, and they are very welcome; each chapter is at least partially a refresher course on the chosen structure or technique, making this a wonderful reference book. Of course, as the title promises, the book also includes 36 projects distributed throughout the last 20 chapters. The projects are gorgeous, with thoughtful color choices and beautiful patterning. Beginning weavers should be mindful that not all the projects come with detailed instructions. A few of the projects are for yardage that can be turned into something else, but it's up to the weaver to find an appropriate sewing pattern and calculate the width and length required. Overall, the book is a delightful example of what can come from the weaver's adventurous spirit. --Christina Garton ""Handwoven Magazine"""