Tommye McClure Scanlin

Really interesting book, with nice images. As someone who is a novice to weaving but has an interest in learning more this book was really inspiring. It explored the art through both craft and technical details.

I received this book through LibrAryThing Early Review program in exchange for a review. It is beautifully Illustrated story of an artist’s development in tapestry weaving. Full of inspiration and ideas, it is not however a how to book on weaving. There is a clear explanation of very basic tapestry technique as an appendix, but it is more useful to understand the process than as an actual how to. Wonderful to just page through and enjoy, but very readable text as well.

I found "The Nature of Things: Essays of a Tapestry Weaver" to be part memoir and part craft book and a look at a life dedicated to the craft of weaving. There were weaving instructions in the back if the reader was included to join in. It was interesting to see how the author used her artist’s eye to translate the nature around her into art and finally into a template for her craft.

ER program: As a quilter, I relate to these essays, appreciate the color photography, and empathize with the author as she discusses artistic inspiration, gaining skills, and the quiet meditation of working alone in pursuit of one's art. Color, pattern, texture, skill, and the creative process are themes common to fiber arts. I will come back to this lovely volume again.