Written to help early 19th century beginners enter the American cottage weaving industry, this book is invaluable to anyone interested in historical weaving. It is divided into two parts: weaving,which includes explanations and drafts; and dyeing which includes numerous, rather complicated recipes for cotton and wool.

The forward explains how to interpret the drafts and also gives a glossary of the old weaving terms used in the book. Also included is a chart of common and chemical names for dye stuffs mentioned in the recipes.

It is from this collection of drafts, that Mary Meigs Atwater included a section of Spot Bronson weaves in her own Shuttle-Craft book.

Though modern natural dye recipes would be simpler to use, the historical weaver could still use the threading color order charts and drafts to reproduce early 19th century fabrics.

Sections in the back of the book include a "Description of Dye-Woods and Drugs," and also "Useful Receipts" for such things as : removing iron molds from cotton or linen, a method to take oil stains from paper, how to stain horn to imitate tortoiseshell, preparation of inks, and how to restore spoiled wine.

9.95