Language Notes
Text: English, German (translation)
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Buy The Reinhold book of needlecraft: embroidery, crochet, knitting, weaving, macrame, applique, patchwork, and many other handicraft techniques, old and new at Amazon
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While searching for older books on needlework I came across this title, and since there were a million copies available starting at about 75 cents, thought what the heck, why not. Mine is hardback, 296 pages. This is definately a 1970s era book (1973), but with one or two exceptions, rarely strays into the excess supergraphics and macrame nightmares you might encounter in one from that period. Instead, it adheres to a more scandinavian taste and tastefulness, with fairly simple repeat patterns and motifs for bands and border patterns.
An introduction to a variety of needle crafts, the Reinhold book doesn’t dwell on any of them in deep detail, but has solid basics, with clear instructions and diagrams, largely in black and white, some integrated color, with good photos. A guide, but not a brick, it offers a wide range of techniques, some pretty obscure, and thus of special interest. It’s not especially a project book– there are some directions for specific items, especially in the knitting, tatting and crochet sections, but mostly instructions on how to work various patterns, with photos of finished pieces, leaving specifics for the reader to invent. Advanced needleworkers might find it simplistic, but it’s a good springboard to different kinds of work. Those who prefer more patterns and instructions, depth within a section, or who prefer working on garments to household items, might look for a different book.
It would take revamping to re-release the book, as some sections, particularly quilting and applique, are quite outdated by modern techniques and emphasis. But much needlework is eternal, and here are features you don’t commonly see in more recent offerings, such as table and tapestry weaving, knitting with bobbins, boards and hobbs, and a variety of rug and pile working methods with needle weaving and crochet hooks, not just latch hook and needlepoint. Some of the scarier pieces are in the rug section, but thankfully, they just show them to you without insisting you have a pattern. But as everything old is new again, I’m actually tempted to duplicate the shaggy rya shoulderbag. It’s cool–I want to touch it.
Here’s a quick gloss over the contents (not complete). I could wish for more depth on the odder stuff. Counted thread and canvas embroideries, hardanger, assisi, and drawn thread stuff, free-style embroidery and crewel work, cutwork and socking. Crochet basics, edgings and shaping, tunisian, irish and “american” styles, loop stitched, hairpin lace, with beads and without, various stitches. Knitting basic methods and advice, joining, turning, edging, ribbing, neckbands, buttonholes, various patterns, lacy patterns and scallops, multi color variations, dropped stitches, diagonal and tubular, making up, socks, mittens, circular needles etc. Tatting tools, materials, techniques, (an unusually pretty doily and placemats, IMHO), Weaving materials, preparation, equipment, weft extensions, multicolor weaving, fabric patterns, with pick-up-stick, knotted fabric, ribbon or band weaving, tapestry. Surprisingly, no card weaving. Applique design, openwork, cutwork, layered, fabric inlay indian, oriental, split and filigree techniques. Patchwork, interesting but weak, Decorative machine stitching, tucks, fine cording and piping, bold cords, machine stitched applique, monogramming, quilting. Macrame materials, technique. Knitting with accessories, braiding, rosettes on a loom, unusual crochet techniques, interwoven stitches, rased and pile embroidery, beads, fringes, tassels, pompoms, weaving with textile materials. Finishing, ironing and cleaning instructions, knotted and woven work, some charts. The simplest knitted baby booties I have ever seen, and thank god, because my friends are all breeding suddenly. The Reinhold book is definately worth a buck– as an older book junkie, I think I’d pay up to $5-8. It inspires you to do your own thing. It instructs you, and sets you loose to learn by yourself. Have at it!