Scandinavian Weaving Workshop

8-shaft krokbragd

As winter ramps up, so does the Craft Guild of Iowa City Weavers. Usually late February through mid-March, our weavers have a round robin weaving workshop focusing on a given theme. This year it was Scandinavian Weaving. Our study group had focused on Scandinavian Weave Structures over the past two years. What a great way to experience and share the opportunity with the guild at large. Our workshops are geared to all levels of weavers and is sort of a finale to our beginning weaving class. Most of the new weavers have a mentor to assist them during the workshop and there is always someone else present for advice.  The best part is we prep one loom and have 22 to weave; two solid weeks of drop in and weave, share and weave, and be darn the winters winds and snow, simply get out of the house and weave. 

Rya Pin Cushion 

Each participant is given a packet which contains their fiber, the pattern draft and instructions for the workshop. They warp a loom and produce two samples before the workshop begins. The first sample is cut off and used as an example and will be archived in the weavers' library.  The second remains on the loom along with the ones that each weaver completes. These samples are cut off and returned to the original weaver, thus giving each weaver a sample book after the workshop. 

Each weaver shares their experience, their hints and cautions for success and leaves this with the loom. Definitely makes a more pleasant experience when you have a resource person. Below are just some of the exciting samples woven this year.

Opphampta

Telemarksteppe 

Telemarksteppe is a Norwegian weaving technique which uses 6 harnesses and 5 treadles. It is a three-block structure woven on a tabby ground. Traditionally woven on a linen warp with wool pattern weft, Telemarksteppe includes weft loops on the selvages. One of the pleasures of this weave is the opportunity to design at the loom.

Norse kitchen - Overshot

Summer & Winter - Wonky Blocks

Halvdrall

Vertical and Horizontal Monk's Belt

Tapestry example woven with 1/4 inch fabric strips

Tapestry can woven with fiber of any kind. This used an array of 1/4" stripes of quilting fabrics to design your image. I have seen a weaving by Daryl Lancaster using a photo printed on fabric, cut into stripes and woven to create a dynamic small expression tapestry.

Often, there are other resources noted as references in the instructions, i.e., tapestry or edging techniques can be found on YouTube, websites, and handwoven archives.

I do remember my first workshop after my beginner class, excitedly I put my pile weave on my loom. I was so proud that the sample turned out, only to find out I was weaving it backwards. Although I was a little embarrassed by my error, it bodes well to share that every one makes mistakes, and you learn from it. I can honestly say that I do know how to read from right to left today and that sample's still pretty.

 This workshop wrapped up just as our new reality hit home.  Our guild house has emptied of those looms and yet our online presence exists through this blog, our Facebook page and basically any technology we know how to use. Weaving focuses the mind, calms the soul and reminds us that we are not alone, but united in our common goal; our doors will be open again and we will recover soon. In the meantime, happy weaving.