Tried and True: One Small Skein
- By Karen
- October 13, 2020
- 10 Comments
I have a single skein of colorful cotton/bamboo sock yarn that a sweet friend gave to me. I’m not a knitter. What can I do with a mere 50 grams of silky-soft yarn? My 13.5” Glimåkra Emilia rigid-heddle loom is perfect for the task. When I’m at home I weave on floor looms. When I travel I like to take Emilia along.
One skein of this yarn yields just enough to make the warp for a short scarf with fringe. I am using Xie Bamboo thread for the weft, left from the huck lace shawl I wove for myself to wear to my daughter’s wedding six years ago (See Quiet Friday: Coral Shawl for a Memorable Occasion). This thinner weft gives me a loose weave, and the color blends in a way that allows the changing color of the warp to take center stage.
Now that this scarf is finished, the only thing left to do is make sure I have a new warp ready for Emilia in time for our next travel adventure.
May you take your joys with you.
Happy travel weaving,
Karen
10 Comments
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Process Review: Fresno Canyon Small Tapestry
- By Karen
- November 26, 2019
- 19 Comments
The Park ranger had told Steve and me that if we were willing to drive six more rugged miles we would witness a spectacular overview of the Fresno Canyon that few people get to see. This is an opportunity we wouldn’t dare miss. And the park ranger was right. Oh, what a view! From this high point above the valley the view is phenomenal! I welled up with emotion as I looked over the glorious beauty of God’s creation.
The memory of that scene is in this small tapestry. Most of my small-tapestry weaving happens when we travel, where we make even more memories, which I store up in my heart. I pull from these stored treasures to weave tapestries that reawaken the fond memories.
May your memories become treasures.
Thankful for you! Happy Thanksgiving,
Karen
19 Comments
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Beth Mullins says:
This is beautiful, Karen! Such a creative way to display.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Beth-
Hi Beth, Thank you! I like the way Steve designed it so that the tapestry almost floats in the frame.
Have a great Thanksgiving,
Karen
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Lynn says:
Awesome,Karen! What a wonderful way to use the talents God has given you to display His glorious creation! And, I agree with how perfect this great way is to display it. Love your photos. How about one with your smiling face in it sometime? 🙂
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Hi Lynn! It’s fun to weave scenes like this. I’m so thankful for Steve’s constant encouragement.
Sure thing, I can put my smiling face on here. 🙂 Thanks, that’s a good request.
Love,
Karen
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Beautiful!! Good design with the gift of color. I hope your heart sings with memory every time you look at it.
Happy thanksgiving!
Nannette
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Hello Nannette, Yes, my heart sings with the pleasant memory, and it’s right where I can see it often.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours,
Karen
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Annie says:
Happy Thanksgiving, Karen to you and your family!
What a blessing that you and Steve are able to meld your talents together to create such beauty.
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Hi Annie, I’m fortunate to have someone to share interests with. It’s a blessing, indeed.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving,
Karen
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Joanna says:
Wow. What amazing textile shorthand, Karen. It’s all there, even for someone who hasn’t been there. I can almost smell the wonderful Texas blend of hot dust and baking evergreens perfuming the air and sense the vastness of the landscape. Just lovely.
Am I correct in thinking Steve’s frames make it possible to change out your tapestries? Do you rotate them to prevent sun damage?
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Hi Joanna, You sure have a great description for someone who hasn’t been there!
Steve’s frame is not made for changing it out. I’m not sure any two of my tapestries are exactly the same size. Not many been mounted or framed. This frame has a sawtooth picture hanger on the back, and just hangs on a nail on the wall. This one is hanging on a wall that doesn’t get direct sun.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Karen-
And a happy Thanksgiving to you and your family too. We have so much to be thankful for despite the crazy state the world is in.
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D'Anne says:
Very nice, Karen and Steve! You’re two very talented people. Hope you will enjoy a lovely Happy Thanksgiving!
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Linda Landry says:
Hi Karen,
I don’t know if you noticed: In the picture of your tapestry on the cement patio in front of your Casita, your tapestry seems to have a moon landscape in a dark sky. I had to take a long second look to realize that what I thought was a moon was in fact the tire to the Casita!
Great work! Your talent to recreate beautiful landscapes is definitely a blessing! You must take after our (heavenly) Father for your creative skills.
Linda-
Hi Linda, I missed the moon landscape until you pointed it out. Interesting illusion!
Thanks for your sweet compliment.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Karen
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Lucy, Kent ~ England says:
Hi Karen,
I just stumbled on your post, I’ve only recently begun weaving. I have made 2 stained glass windows for two late husbands. In Aug I put my 2nd late husband’s ashes in sea of The Hebridean Isles (his request involving a 960 mile journey by rail and sea, solo in my wheelchair!). I’d thought about combining my photos to make a stained glass window that summed up my adventure.
Having seen your lovely work I think I may well do one in glass and a second in weaving.
Thank you for the inspiration.-
Hi Lucy, I’m very honored to have a small part in your important works of remembrance. Thank you for sharing your story.
All the best,
Karen
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olly douglas says:
hello
having been a tapestry dabbler for some time have begun to weave daily during this pandemic’s lockdown today while searching the internet for ideas i came across your blog for the first time.
the little houses and other tapestry diaries are such an inspiration to me and i am encouraged to go for it and make my own.
thank you also for your christian values which clearly enhance your work.-
Hello Olly, I am very glad that you received encouragement here to delve into purposeful tapestry weaving. Making a tapestry diary is a wonderful learning experience, and has a way of drawing you in.
I am touched by your comment about my Christian values. That’s the basis for all I do.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Process Review: Casita Tapestry
- By Karen
- May 28, 2019
- 20 Comments
This little Casita travel trailer is a good symbol of the retirement phase for Steve and me. I started the tapestry a few months before our move to Texas hill country, in anticipation of our new adventures. And then, the day after Steve retired we went to Rice, Texas and drove away with our new Casita La Perlita (Little Pearl), as if to say, “Let the adventure begin!”
Enjoy the Casita tapestry review.
May your adventures come at just the right time.
Happy journeying,
Karen
20 Comments
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Petrina says:
It’s wonderful. I love the texture you’ve managed to build in. What a lovely way to remember your adventure!
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Marian says:
Love your tapestry and all the beautiful symbolism attached. What a treasure!
Thanks for sharing your dreamy retirement. -
It’s marvelous, Karen! May all of your adventures bring happiness. Thank you for sharing!
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Betsy says:
It’s just marvelous!
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Betsy G says:
Karen
You really have nice depth of field in this tapestry. It’s terrific!
Betsy -
Oh, I really love this!
Thanks for sharing it.Greatings from Marga, from The Netherlands,
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Hi Marga, I’m excited to have someone from The Netherlands pay a visit here. Thank you for leaving such a kind thought.
All the best,
Karen
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Hi Karen,
Love the clouds.
Nice…
May you have many travels in your Casita with loom at hand.Nannette
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Gail L Goodrick says:
Your tapestry is great and I love your little casita. It is so cute. What fun to explore as you are able to do with it.
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Cynthia says:
How cute. You did a great Job. Almost looks like a photograph
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En Plein Air Weaving
- By Karen
- April 9, 2019
- 14 Comments
It is delightful to weave in scenic surroundings! After two full days of hiking and exploring remote vistas in Big Bend Ranch State Park we had a leisurely do-nothing day. Time to take the loom outdoors. En plein air weaving!
We also went exploring in Big Bend National Park.
And then, I like to wind down the day with some quiet evening tapestry weaving in the Casita. And Steve pulls out his travel pouch for some leisurely woodcarving. Ah…all is well.
May you find delight in your surroundings.
Happy adventuring,
Karen
14 Comments
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Just when I think God’s world cannot possibly be more beautiful, surprise! Wow, oh wow!
Nannette
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Hi Nannette, The beauty of God’s world is all around. And He has given us so very much to explore!
All the best,
Karen
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What a treat for you! Thank you for sharing photos of this part of our country. It’s breathtaking!
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Hi Beth, It really was breathtaking to be up close to these spectacular mountains and vistas.
Karen
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Love the photos and seeing what you are doing – thanks for sharing!
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Big Bend National Park has been on my bucket list for years. I am so glad that you are adventuring there, Karen. At least I get to enjoy it vicariously.
You have a definite talent for tapestry weaving! I have yet to try that, also. Although I purchased a tapestry weaving book about a year thinking that I would like to try that,too, someday. For now I will just enjoy my bucket list vicariously with you. Keep posting, Karen!
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Hi Annie, I hope you do make it out to Big Bend! It’s definitely worth the drive.
Thank you for your encouraging words about my tapestry weaving. I don’t feel very confident in that area. I like doing it, though, so I keep trying.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Joanna says:
Hi Karen,
What a great way to retire! Exploring more of Texas is on my list. We made a trip to the hill country a couple of years ago and I thought I could surely give up my die-hard Yankee status.
May I ask what your warp and weft are, and approximate sett? Your tapestries are wonderful, don’t sell yourself short. The emotion and character of the subject/setting come through quite powerfully.
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Hi Joanna, When you make it back to the hill country, be sure to come by for a visit!
The warp is 12/6 cotton rug warp; the sett is about 10 epi. I have 16/1 linen weft that alternates with the wool pattern weft. Most of the weft is 2 or 3 strands of wool – 6/2 Tuna and 6/1 Fårö wool, but there are a few other odds and ends mixed in.
I appreciate your kind thoughts so much! My intent is to present expressive tapestry weaving, and it sounds like that is what comes across to you.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Thanks for your reply. My hubby gave me a Mirrix Big Sister and I want to be sensible about the sett.
Your portrait of your granddaughter was so loving and the funny little gecko made me laugh every time I got a glimpse.Thanks for the invitation. Same goes for you if you’re up in Colorado.
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Linda says:
Seeing your frame loom reminds me of days gone by.
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Handwoven Treasured Leftovers
- By Karen
- April 2, 2019
- 8 Comments
In my bin of handwoven fabric, most of the pieces are leftovers, like a short section from the end of a towel warp, or a colorful sampling of weft from the beginning of a warp. But a few of these woven treasures are good-sized pieces that can be used to make something. So, since I want to make a bag for my large Freja tapestry frame, I look through my selection of handwoven fabric pieces.
I find just what I need! Coming across these two significant lengths of fabric is like getting reacquainted with old friends. The meter of red and black cotton eight-shaft twill is something I wove in a Vavstuga class. And the blue cotton warp-printed yardage is fabric I wove to make a tiered skirt, a favorite garment that hangs in my closet. (See Quiet Friday: Handwoven Skirt.)
Treasures from the past come into today to bring value and meaning. Put treasures in your today that will add value to tomorrow. Everything can change in a day, so we can’t put our confidence in tomorrow. But every new day is from the Lord, who holds the future in his hands. Today is a gift. Live it fully. Who knows? Your joy today may be tomorrow’s treasure.
May you find treasures from the past.
Love,
Karen
8 Comments
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Great idea! Have a wonderful time!
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Hi Beth, We are having a great time in the mountains and desert this week at the state park.
Thanks,
Karen
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Very nice and inspiring!
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No moss is growing under your feet. Enjoy the moment. Enjoy the memories. All are a gift from God.
Nannette
PS.. The snow is leaving us and the leaves of the spring flowers are pushing through, and the squirrels ate the kale seeds I planted.
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Hi Nannette, It is always interesting to observe the changing of seasons. Here, where we are this week, we see cactus in bloom, desert bluebonnets (they will die off as soon as the temps reach 95 degrees), and red-tipped ocotillo everywhere. Dots of brilliant color on a backdrop of desert brown. The rugged and massive mountains declare the glory of God!
Love,
Karen
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I have so many scraps of my handwoven fabrics that I try to find uses for. In the process of moving now, I find there are far too many and I’ve bagged many to throw away. Sad! Enjoy Big Bend. It’s one of my favorite places.
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Hi Linda, It is sad to say goodbye to scraps of handwoven fabric. But the good thing is, you still get to enjoy the memories of all that time at the loom.
Big Bend is such a unique and remote place. At times, the terrain is such that it seems like it could be another planet. There is beauty all around, but it’s different. I’m glad to know you enjoy this place, too.
All the best,
Karen
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Copyright © 2020
Beautiful. It looks like sunshine
Hi Nannette, A lot of sunshine went into this scarf. 🙂
Thank you,
Karen
Karen, you are making the most of each opportunity! An exquisite scarf from one skein of yard…and while traveling in God’s beautiful creation! Delightful! Blessings to you, Bev
Hi Bev, It’s great to hear from you! There’s something about seeing God’s beautiful creation that prompts us to be creative in our own simple way. Such a contrast, though, between the mountainous marvels and our little handwoven threads.
Blessings to you,
Karen
That’s a great way to use a single skein, you turned it into a beautiful and useful piece! And isn’t it the perfect statement in a challenging time; find light and happiness where possible
Love, Elisabeth
Hi Elisabeth, It took me a while to decide how to use that pretty skein. I’m looking forward to wearing the scarf. There’s usually a way to light and happiness even when there seems to be no way.
Love,
Karen
Beautiful and glad you are out camping. Have fun
Hi Cynthia, It’s good to be out and about enjoying the great outdoors.
Thank you,
Karen
What a perfect project for a special skein of yarn! I can’t help but smile when I see those cheerful colors And I always love to see the difference in the cloth once it is wet finished. It’s like a bit of magic ✨
Hi Kristin, This special scarf from that special skein will always remind me of that friend that wanted me to have it. Isn’t the magic of wet finishing wonderful? This one was already soft, but really softened up even more!
Happy weaving,
Karen