Over 350 color photos illustrate the American spinning wheel from 1775-1900, with substantial sections on fancy European wheels and accessories. Sections on Shaker wheels, patent wheels, famous makers, chair wheels, Irish castle wheels, double flyer wheels, and an appendix of 1000 makers and their marks. The pictured items are from important private collections that have never been seen before.

Almost everyone agrees that America's urban schools are a mess. But while this agreement has fostered widespread support for aggressive reform, Frederick Hess argues that much of what ails urban education is actually the result of continuous or fragmentary reform. Hess explains that political incentives drive school superintendents to promote reforms--to demonstrate that they are "making a difference." Superintendents have to do this quickly, both because their tenure is usually three years or less and because urban communities are anxious to see educational improvement. However, the nature of urban school districts makes it very difficult to demonstrate concrete short-term improvement. The result is what he terms "policy churn," which distracts teachers and principals from efforts to refine classroom teaching while seldom resulting in successful long-term changes. Hess argues that policymakers have misallocated resources by pursuing the "right" structure or the "best" pedagogy while paying insufficient attention to the more mundane--and more important--questions of how to implement, refine, and sustain a particular approach in their particular district. Hess explains that previous research on high-performing schools suggests that the best schools are characterized by focus and by an ability to develop expertise in specific approaches to teaching and learning. To help educators and policymakers adopt and nurture a focused agenda, he recommends institutional changes that increase the effectiveness of performance outcomes and reduce the incentives to emphasize symbolic reform.

Written for beginner through expert level rigid heddle weavers, this groundbreaking book presents interviews with 8 nationally and internationally known fiber artists to inspire personal expression. Included are experts in fiber sculpture, continuous strand weaving, surface design, knitting, hand dyeing, crochet, floor loom weaving, and eco-fashion. With 16 original patterns, the weaver will find novel ways to achieve new heights in their work.

Up for a challenge? 51 Yarns is a fun, detailed list of spinning adventures every spinner should embark on. Packed for the long haul with vital information, tips, tricks, and trivia, it¿s an essential travel companion for your fiber trek across a lush topography of breeds, techniques, materials, and approaches. Map your trail or just ride along ¿ 51 Yarns is the journey; being a happy, well-rounded spinner is the destination!At 5.5 x 8.5 inches, it¿s big enough to contain 51 formidable feats but small enough to throw in your spinning basket. And we¿ve printed it on paper hearty enough to withstand trips to spinning circles and guild meetings, transcontinental hikes, vine swings, late-night spelunks, or to just sit in your library awaiting the next endeavor.

There is a lot to learn about weaving! As a new weaver, you might wonder what the next steps are to grow your skills. Next Steps in Weaving has the answers you're looking for. In this beautiful book by Pattie Graver, former Managing Editor of Handwoven magazine, you'll be explore a variety of weave structures and concepts in depth and detail including twill, color-and-weave, overshot, summer and winter, and lace. This is not just a book of weaving patterns. Each topic is explained and supplemented with instructions for weaving a sampler and a project in order to solidify the concepts and enable you to design your own projects. In addition, the book offers troubleshooting tips in order to expand your weaving expertise. Whether you're new to weaving, have the basics down, or are looking to improve your foundation skills, this book will be an asset to your weaving library. So what are you waiting for? Take the Next Steps in Weaving!