TEXTILE CRAFTS

Nine discerning, handsomely illustrated articles on textile crafts: the traditionally popular ones (embroidery, crochet, knitting), the recently revived ones (weaving, macramÉ), and the ones rarely represented (spinning, sprang, bobbin lace, coiled basketry). What makes this collection especially notable is the use of experts to introduce basic techniques for adventurous, decidedly sophisticated first projects--no tacky placemats or boring stocking stitch scarves. Howard, author of the estimable Embroidery and Colour, does the embroidery chapter--history, materials, stitches, and a prime section on design. The others are equally distinguished for coverage, clarity, and choice of samples: an intricately woven park scene, a slithery macramÉ lizard, fabric knitted with strips of material instead of yarns. An ambitious enterprise, successful in its broad reach.