The focus of this issue is on needlework which was made for religious, ceremonial and spiritual purposes. There are Roman Catholic Lenten Veils, Jewish Yarmulkes and Buddists Robes. These three articles provide interesting reading about fiber arts.

Ricky Clark’s article about Julietter Hamelecourt and her tapestries and embroidered pieces show how a current artist is breathing new life into medival themes.

Spirit Warmers: Traditonal Vests of the Doukhobors gives a brief history of this sect which began in Russia in the 17th century and came to Canada. The vests worn by the women have lovely work on the front and are pleated across the back to allow the arms to move freely. They also appear to be warm -- a nice quality in the climates of Russia and Canada!

An article abouat the effigies of British royalty from Westminster Abbey describe centuries of royal fashion.

This issue contains instructions for knitted Estonian mittens, a quilted evening purse, an embroidered medieval vine, a cross stitched bread cloth and a crocheted yarmulke -- projects for everyone!

The First Dinner placemats and the horoscope weaving scarf have wonderful colors and patterns.

The huck lace baptism dress pattern is too late for my nephew’s first baby, but by the time there is another great niece or nephew in my life, this beautiful project may have found its way on and off my loom, or would the Christening cover be better -- maybe both??!

The warp painting project for beginners has directions that really do appear to be user friendly.

If Linda Heiple ever weaves the beautiful first prize ribbons pictured in her article for any show that I know about -- I’ll start working on an entry yesterday!

The one page article about welcoming new members into an established guild has good ideas for all of us.

As usual, Handwoven is a wealth of information and projects for weavers of all ability levels.