The Basic Book of Finger Weaving
Dendel
1974
Another craptastic craft book for your consideration. The copy I happened to see was pretty beat up. That said, all I had to do was note the quasi “harvest gold” palette of colors to determine that this book was straight out of the 1970s. Looking at the crafts, you can see this is related to the macrame books of the same era. Everyone knew about macrame, but I never heard the term finger weaving used.
Of course we have some perennial 1970s looks: ponchos, vests, and a decorative collar. I believe I have seen a similar example of an afghan on every couch when I was a kid.
This is a weeder. The dirt on the book and a somewhat broken binding qualifies it for the recycle pile. Retro crafts can be something fun, but how about a book from this century?
I think I am ready for some Brady Bunch re-runs after looking at this gem.
Mary
Psst…..”palette,” not “palate.”
Thanks for the catch! All fixed. 🙂
Mary
Little Kappie has much more coordination and patience at six or so than I do as an adult. I would not be able to weave properly, much less hold the stupid knots with my toes at the same time.
Isn’t that just… weaving?
As someone who remembers those days, let me assure the young’uns that people wouldn’t have been caught dead in some of those even in 1974.
At least the afghan would still be useful — you could put it in the dog’s bed, doggo won’t care about the design.
I have an afghan from this era, but it was knitted and it’s black and red so no hideous colors.
> Isn’t that just… weaving?
Fingerweaving is actually a type of elaborate braiding. Fingerweaving doesn’t have a warp and a weft like traditionally woven fabric. It has a really unique texture, and lots of traditional techniques that make various patterns.
That being said, it is as slow and as tedious as anything.
These techniques are very cool and fun to do; they also have the advantage of mostly requiring equipment you have at home or can get at the local hardware store. I agree, though, that there are better, newer books on the topic. This one can go away.
I really like that afghan pattern. While the colors are classic 70s (there at least 3 blankets with that same brown and yellow on my parent’s couch) the pattern is a little different then your classic chevron striped crochet. With a little color update, it would fit right in with a book titled “Retro Crafts Revisted!” (I’d probably buy that book too!)