Weaving Within Reach Book Review

A copy of the book was provided for review by the publisher.

Weaving Within Reach is a beautiful new craft book from Anne Weil, author of Knitting Without Needles and blogger behind Flax & Twine. Much like her first title, Weaving Within Reach brings makers innovative, beautifully-styled projects to accessorize you and your home. The nicest thing about this book is that Anne designed projects that can be woven by hand, DIY loom, or purchased loom, making them accessible to first-time weavers. Let’s take a look at a few of my favorite projects from Weaving Within Reach.

I’m always a sucker for stripes, so this Lined Zipper Pouch immediately caught my eye. (The photo styled with embroidery supplies probably didn’t hurt.

) This one requires a frame loom and a little bit of sewing to make, but it’s a project you’ll definitely put to good, practical use.

Long time readers of Hands Occupied might be familiar with one of my first-ever knitting patterns, the Faux Woven Cowl. If you’re curious to your hands at a similar cowl that’s actually woven, Anne’s Twill Cowl is perfect! And it’s a great way to use up some chunkier single-ply from your stash too.

Anne’s designs, whether on her blog or in her books, inevitably have an elegant subtlety to them, and the Velvet Ribbon Bolster is a prime example. It uses velvet ribbon and a traditional cane-weaving pattern for a fun finished project that’s decadent and classic at the same time. This is exactly the kind of project I see and can immediately picture the girl who might even take up crafting just to make it. (What I’m saying here is: When it comes time for gifting, think of the Millennial in your life who is sometimes-crafty and loves a good, trendy pink thing.)

For crafters more like you & me, who will give a craft project a go no matter what, the Twill Tape Bento Bag is a great place to start. This bag looks fun to make and functional to use, and it doesn’t even require a loom to make!

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Those are just four of my favorites from Anne Weil’s Weaving Within Reach, but the book includes over two dozen patterns, as well as a highly instructive All About Weaving section to get you started in no time. Congratulations, Anne, on another wonderful craft book!

A copy of the book was provided for review by the publisher.