Swedish Art Weaves with Joanne Hall
- By Karen
- March 10, 2020
- 18 Comments
Krabbasnår (or Krabba), Rölakan, Halvkrabba, Dukagång, and Munkabälte (Monksbelt). These unique weaves have intrigued me since I first saw photos of them. Some of the designs look like hand-stitched embroidery. The Swedish Art Weaves workshop with Joanne Hall introduces the simple techniques used for weaving these traditional patterns. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to learn how to weave these beautiful designs for myself.
Joanne’s presentation to the San Antonio Handweavers Guild was enlightening. Photos of her travels to Sweden show how the rich weaving heritage there continues to thrive. That, along with Joanne’s knowledge of Swedish weaving traditions, gives context to these Swedish art weaves.
Väv 2/2013 has instructions for the art weaves. I have the magazine issue, but Joanne’s workshop brings the historical techniques to life and makes them understandable. That is exactly the prompting I needed to begin exploring these fascinating patterns on my own loom.
May something historical be your new interest.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
18 Comments
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Waiting to Cut Off the Tapestry
- By Karen
- January 21, 2020
- 4 Comments
I desperately want to unroll this tapestry so we can see the whole thing. The tapestry and its linen header are finished. But it’s not quite time to cut it off. First, I am weaving the rest of this beautiful linen warp. Not another tapestry, just a lacey rosepath weave using a tomato orange 6/1 tow linen weft.
It won’t take much time to weave this off, especially compared to the slower process of weaving the tapestry. Hemstitching, which does take time, will help keep this loosely-woven piece from unraveling when the warp is finally cut off. Soon enough, we will enjoy the full view of the completed Siblings tapestry.
Time. We all have it. And yet none of us knows how much of it we have. How many days have we been given? We don’t know. Time is temporary. Imagine a place where time isn’t measured. That’s heaven. Our short time here is but a pilgrimage to another destination. Our trust in Jesus opens heaven’s doors. In the meantime, the Grand Weaver’s warp will be woven, and not wasted, to the very end.
May you complete your pilgrimage in the time you’ve been given.
Blessings on your journey,
Karen
4 Comments
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Beth says:
Take your time and enjoy the process. The outcome will be worth the wait.
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Hi Nannette, You should see him in real life. Sugar Pie is very soft and cute.
Thanks,
Karen
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Weaving Ideas – Year in Review Video
- By Karen
- January 7, 2020
- 16 Comments
Everything starts with an idea. And some of those ideas become tangible expressions of dreams come true. Who knew that a simple idea in 2012 would lead to a seven-year exploration of weaving through The Big Book of Weaving? (See Weaving through The Big Book.) Who knew that weaving on a drawloom in 2016 at Homestead Fiber Crafts would plant the idea of weaving on a drawloom of my own? (see Quiet Friday: Day at the Drawloom.) And who knew that an idea in 2013 to write about my weaving journey, calling it Warped for Good, would bring friends like you to come and enjoy the journey with me? For these things and so much more, I am truly grateful.
Your ideas are priceless. That’s because you are priceless. You were made in God’s image, with the ability to imagine wonderful intricacies through creative thinking. In fact, you began as God’s idea. As we walk with him, we become the tangible expression of his dream come true.
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and sit here with me to reminisce over the past weaving year.
May this year bring your best ideas ever.
For you,
Karen
16 Comments
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Joyce Lowder says:
Karen: You are such an awesome servant and ambassador for God! Your comments have always captured my attention, but this one really spoke to me! I even wrote your words down to read to a friend who has a birthday today. I respect and admired your creativity and the effort you invest in sharing! It all takes time and effort, but I can see that your heart is in what you do…and your heart belongs to God. May God continue to bless you in this year of 2020! 🙂
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Hi Joyce, It’s a pleasure to be able to share what I enjoy. Thanks for your thoughtful words. I’m glad to have you along with me.
Happy weaving new year,
Karen
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It was fun to see all that you have done this past year. And I enjoyed seeing that photo of our winter drawloom class and the samplers on the drawlooms. You have done a lot of weaving already in your new home. I look forward to what you weave after our art weaves workshop next month. See you then.
Joanne-
Hi Joanne, That drawloom class was a highlight for the year. I’m thankful to be in a place and season of life that suits my weaving endeavors.
I am looking forward to the art weaves class. I still have so much to learn!
See you soon,
Karen
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Cynthia H. says:
Karen, what an amazing artist you are, beautiful work. Cant wait to see what you will be working on next. Say hi to Steve for me. Cynthia H.
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Hi, Cynthia, It’s so special to have you along on this journey. Thanks for your encouragement!
All the best,
Karen and Steve
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lanora dodson says:
This was inspiring on SO many levels! It brought a sense of peace, wonder, and excitement all at the same time. Thank you for sharing and cannot wait for the coming year to see what you’ll be creating!
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Lanora, I feel like I just received a big hug! Thank you so much.
Happy you are here,
Karen
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Karen,
Thank you for sharing!
I will need to watch the video a 4 or 8 or 10 more times to absorb everything you did in 2019.
The close ups are welcome.
Nannette-
Hi Nannette, You make me smile. Thanks for walking along with me all through the year.
Karen
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You’ve had a beautiful, productive year! You and your work are so inspiring, bringing excitement, curiosity, and clam all at the same time. I can’t wait to see the siblings completed and what’s to come in 2020.
Happy New Year, Karen!
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Hi Beth, It’s good to have a sense of accomplishment. I always enjoy seeing your beautiful woven creations on IG. We both had a year rich with weaving. I’m glad to have your friendship on this journey.
Happy New Weaving Year,
Karen
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Johanna McGuirk says:
Dear Karen
I am very keen to get the details for the electric bobbin winder as I am frustrated using the hand drill. Would it be possible to supply me with more details please? Hopefully my husband or son can put one together for me.
Kind regards
Johanna-
Hi Johanna, I am happy to share the details for the electric bobbin winder that Steve made for me.
I will send you an email with the information.
All the best,
Karen
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Karen, thank you so much for sharing your video. It was both inspiring and calming. A beautiful expression of pure creativity expressed through our traditional craft. Love your work.
Barbara-
Hi Barbara, I’m so glad the video meant something to you. It’s a treat to share these things among like-minded handcrafters.
Thank you,
Karen
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Wary Weaving
- By Karen
- November 19, 2019
- 3 Comments
Sugar Pie has been waiting in the wings. Now, his nose wriggles up to the fell line. The day that Ari and Lucia went with me to visit my neighbor, their attention went to the cute furry thing in the rabbit hutch. At first, the bunny was wary, but before long, Sugar Pie was nibbling carrot slivers from Lucia’s hand.
Now, I’m the wary one. The rabbit will make or break this tapestry. I made notes when I wove the rabbit on a narrow sample warp several weeks ago. With careful review of my notes, I am inching forward, giving attention to value contrasts that shape and define the animal. The good news is that when I reach the end of Sugar Pie’s soft, furry back, I will be at the tapestry’s finish line.
In trying times, our senses are heightened. Will we flourish, or merely squeak by? In all the confusion, where is clarity? In the chaos, where do we find calm? The Lord extends an open hand. The open hand is an invitation. Come and taste. Trust. Find deep satisfaction that reaches the soul. Courageously inch up to the greatest challenge of your life.
May you step into a worthwhile challenge.
With you,
Karen
3 Comments
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Margaret Cook says:
Thank you so much for your words of wisdom today. The lord is with us all and loves and encourages. May your day be blessed with joy.
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Most Unusual Tapestry Tool
- By Karen
- October 29, 2019
- 10 Comments
Suddenly, I am able to see the tapestry on the loom from a distant vantage point. Aha! I can see that the left shoulder of Lucia is nicely defined, and that her shoulder appears to be in front of the turquoise rabbit hutch. What I am not able to discern up close becomes crystal clear from a distance. I have an unusual tool in the basket at my loom bench that gives me this advantage. Binoculars! I use them whenever I want to get a better sense of the overall context, color, and definition of what I am weaving in the tapestry. By peering through the WRONG side of the binoculars I am able to view the tapestry as if from a great distance. It is just the help I need to keep pursuing this mystery of weaving wool butterflies on a linen warp to make a recognizable, memorable image.
May you gain the perspective you need.
Blessings,
Karen
10 Comments
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Great discovery, Karen! Who would have thought it? Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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Hi Joyce, A few years ago I saw a picture of another tapestry weaver looking at her work through a monocle, and that gave me the idea.
All the best,
Karen
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Ingenious!!
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Back in town. I met with a builder to add a 4 season sunroom to the retirement house, back in the Wisconsin woods. I could have set up the loom in the basement and woven through the winter. But why have a home on the most beautiful piece of God’s world if you can’t enjoy it.
Back to topic. Are you weaving this tapestry on the rosepath set up? If so, how are you keeping track of the pattern as you weave?
Nannette-
Hi Nannette, Your sunroom sounds delightful.
Great question. I have a very low-tech way of keeping track of my rosepath treadling sequence. I drew a small arrow with a black Sharpie on a small piece of blue painters tape. My weaving draft is hanging at the top of the beater on the right-hand side. Every time I am ready to move to the next treadle I move that little piece of tape to point to the corresponding square on the treadling draft.
All the best,
Karen
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Hi Kelly, It is satisfying to weave something like this. You’re right, it will be rewarding to finish.
Thanks,
Karen
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Copyright © 2020
Beautiful! I’m curious, how long did it take to weave this piece?
Hi Beth,
As with most weft-faced weaves, this is not fast weaving. I was happy to be able to finish this much in a 2 1/2-day workshop. I’m eager to do more of this slower-paced weaving at home.
Thanks,
Karen
Brilliant that you were able to take your loom…your beautiful loom…your piece is absolutely lovely. The colors in your top match the colors in your cloth. Fun!!!! And, lovely cloth!!!!
Hi Charlotte,
I’m fortunate to have a countermarch loom small enough to be dismantled and relocated. It was a satisfying workshop. So enjoyable to make these unique patterns in the cloth!
Thank you,
Karen
Your explanation is bright and helpful. I will shelve these weaving methods. I have been interested in the weaves and you have helped untangle the concepts as well as highlight the various groups of Swedish weave structures.
Hi Vivian, I hope you get a chance to try these interesting weaves. It’s an enjoyable way to spend time at the loom.
Thank you,
Karen
How timely, I’ve just written my deposit check this morning for a guild workshop we’ll be having with Joanne this coming fall.
Hi Cindie, I’m sure you will learn a lot. Joanne has a wealth of experience. I love learning from her.
Happy weaving,
Karen
I recently took the same class with Joanne Hall at the Eugene Textile Center in Eugene, Oregon. Lots of fun, and I learned a lot!
Is your small loom a Glimakra? What is it?
Hi Jane, I agree, this is a really fun workshop.
My little loom is made in the Swedish style. My husband built it for me. He’s pretty amazing.
Karen
Wow…it’s beautiful! How wide is it? Countermarche or counterbalance?
Jane
Jane, The loom has a 27” weaving width. It is countermarch, with 4 shafts, 6 treadles. It weaves like a dream.
Karen
I just got myself a 32 in Heddle. I’d like to make small Matt’s and runners. I live in Chilliwack B.C. Can you direct me to a class?
Hi new weaver, I am not connected with any rigid heddle loom classes. There are some good books on rigid heddle weaving. A book by Syne Mitchell, Liz Gipson, or Jane Patrick would be a great place to start.
All the best,
Karen
Ladella from Portland Oregon actually knows Joanne Hall! Also she went to college with my cousin! I highly recommend her as a weaver with considerable experience! She has a wealth of knowledge and experience! Happy Weaving! I have been weaving forever it seems!
Hi Ladella, How wonderful that you have a personal connection with Joanne. Her weaving knowledge and experience can’t be matched. What I love about Joanne is her kind and gentle manner as she patiently passes on her knowledge to her students.
Thank you for chiming in!
Happy weaving,
Karen
Facinating.. can you suggest a book but I could follow the technique …thanks in advance Arlene
Hi Arlene, Yes, I recommend Heirlooms of Skåne: Weaving Techniques, by Gunvor Johansson. Vavstuga.com carries the book. The author covers all these techniques in detail. It’s a beautiful book.
Happy weaving,
Karen